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CheapShark API vs The Guardian

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

APICheapShark APINEW—The GuardianNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSnoyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree developer key — registration required
Rate limitUnpublished5000 calls/day (developer tier)
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

CheapShark API vs The Guardian: common questions

Which is more reliable, CheapShark API or The Guardian?

On our scheduled checks, The Guardian leads on measured uptime — CheapShark API at —% versus The Guardian 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 The Guardian need an API key?

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

Can I call CheapShark API and The Guardian from the browser?

Only The Guardian 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 The Guardian free for commercial use?

CheapShark API has unclear commercial terms, and The Guardian 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.