CheapShark API vs Lookup.im API

Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d99.02%99.02%
Uptime · 30d98.3%100%
P50 · ms8041158
P95 · ms24833581
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSnono
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree tier — API key required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

CheapShark API vs Lookup.im API: common questions

Which is more reliable, CheapShark API or Lookup.im API?

Both are neck-and-neck — CheapShark API and Lookup.im API each measure 99.02% uptime over 90 days on our probe schedule. Reliability here is verified from our own scheduled checks; use the 30-day bars above to see which has been steadier lately.

Which is faster, CheapShark API or Lookup.im API?

CheapShark API has the lower median latency in our checks — CheapShark API responds in 804 ms versus Lookup.im API at 1158 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 Lookup.im API need an API key?

CheapShark API needs no key, while Lookup.im API requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for CheapShark API first.

Can I call CheapShark API and Lookup.im API from the browser?

Neither sends browser-friendly CORS headers reliably, so call CheapShark API and Lookup.im API 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 Lookup.im API free for commercial use?

CheapShark API has unclear commercial terms, and Lookup.im API 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.