CheapShark API vs Shields
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
CheapShark API vs Shields: common questions
Which is more reliable, CheapShark API or Shields?
On our scheduled checks, Shields leads on measured uptime — CheapShark API at 99.02% versus Shields at 100% 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 Shields?
Shields has the lower median latency in our checks — CheapShark API responds in 804 ms versus Shields at 30 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 Shields need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — CheapShark API is callable with no signup, and Shields is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call CheapShark API and Shields from the browser?
Only Shields 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 Shields free for commercial use?
CheapShark API has unclear commercial terms, and Shields 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.