CheapShark API vs NewsCatcher

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms
P95 · ms
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 NewsCatcher: common questions

Which is more reliable, CheapShark API or NewsCatcher?

On our scheduled checks, NewsCatcher leads on measured uptime — CheapShark API at —% versus NewsCatcher at —% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

Do CheapShark API and NewsCatcher need an API key?

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

Can I call CheapShark API and NewsCatcher from the browser?

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

CheapShark API has unclear commercial terms, and NewsCatcher 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.