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CheapShark API vs Photon API

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

APICheapShark APIHEALTHY88Photon APIHEALTHY91
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d99.02%99.02%
Uptime · 30d98.3%98.3%
P50 · ms804710
P95 · ms24831598
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?

Both are neck-and-neck — CheapShark API and Photon 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 Photon API?

Photon API has the lower median latency in our checks — CheapShark API responds in 804 ms versus Photon API at 710 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.