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CheapShark API vs Photon API

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

APICheapShark APIHEALTHY93Photon APIHEALTHY87
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d98.9%97.8%
Uptime · 30d100%95.0%
P50 · ms415768
P95 · ms24833603
Authnonenone
CORSnoyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

CheapShark API vs Photon API: common questions

Which is more reliable, CheapShark API or Photon API?

On our scheduled checks, CheapShark API leads on measured uptime — CheapShark API at 98.9% versus Photon API at 97.8% 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 Photon API?

CheapShark API has the lower median latency in our checks — CheapShark API responds in 415 ms versus Photon API at 768 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 Photon API need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — CheapShark API is callable with no signup, and Photon API is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call CheapShark API and Photon API from the browser?

Only Photon API is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. CheapShark API needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are CheapShark API and Photon API free for commercial use?

CheapShark API has unclear commercial terms, and Photon 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.