CheapShark API vs SnapshotAPI

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d99.02%6.9%
Uptime · 30d98.3%0.0%
P50 · ms804396
P95 · ms2483547
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 SnapshotAPI: common questions

Which is more reliable, CheapShark API or SnapshotAPI?

On our scheduled checks, CheapShark API leads on measured uptime — CheapShark API at 99.02% versus SnapshotAPI at 6.9% 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 SnapshotAPI?

SnapshotAPI has the lower median latency in our checks — CheapShark API responds in 804 ms versus SnapshotAPI at 396 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 SnapshotAPI need an API key?

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

Can I call CheapShark API and SnapshotAPI from the browser?

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

CheapShark API has unclear commercial terms, and SnapshotAPI 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.