CheapShark API vs iTunes
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
CheapShark API vs iTunes: common questions
Which is more reliable, CheapShark API or iTunes?
On our scheduled checks, CheapShark API leads on measured uptime — CheapShark API at 99.02% versus iTunes at 68.6% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.
Which is faster, CheapShark API or iTunes?
iTunes has the lower median latency in our checks — CheapShark API responds in 804 ms versus iTunes at 578 ms (P50). Tail latency (P95) is in the table above; for most workloads the median is the number that shapes how the API feels.
Do CheapShark API and iTunes need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — CheapShark API is callable with no signup, and iTunes is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call CheapShark API and iTunes from the browser?
Neither sends browser-friendly CORS headers reliably, so call CheapShark API and iTunes from a server or proxy rather than client-side. The CORS and HTTPS rows above show exactly what we detected for each.
Are CheapShark API and iTunes free for commercial use?
CheapShark API has unclear commercial terms, and iTunes has unclear commercial terms. We track service terms and the data license as separate fields — see the Commercial use and Data license rows above, and confirm both before shipping either in a paid product.