CheapShark vs Raider
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
CheapShark vs Raider: common questions
Which is more reliable, CheapShark or Raider?
On our scheduled checks, Raider leads on measured uptime — CheapShark at 95.1% versus Raider 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 or Raider?
Raider has the lower median latency in our checks — CheapShark responds in 1975 ms versus Raider at 223 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 and Raider need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — CheapShark is callable with no signup, and Raider is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call CheapShark and Raider from the browser?
Yes — both CheapShark and Raider 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 Raider free for commercial use?
CheapShark has unclear commercial terms, and Raider 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.