CheapShark vs Cross Universe
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
CheapShark vs Cross Universe: common questions
Which is more reliable, CheapShark or Cross Universe?
On our scheduled checks, Cross Universe leads on measured uptime — CheapShark at —% versus Cross Universe 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 and Cross Universe need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — CheapShark is callable with no signup, and Cross Universe is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call CheapShark and Cross Universe from the browser?
Yes — both CheapShark and Cross Universe send CORS headers over HTTPS, so front-end code can fetch either directly with no backend proxy. That makes them easy to swap in a client-side app while you compare responses.
Are CheapShark and Cross Universe free for commercial use?
CheapShark has unclear commercial terms, and Cross Universe 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.