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CheapShark vs SpaceTradersAPI

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

APICheapSharkNEW—SpaceTradersAPINEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — no keyFree tier — key may be required
Rate limitUnpublishedRetry-After: 1s
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

CheapShark vs SpaceTradersAPI: common questions

Which is more reliable, CheapShark or SpaceTradersAPI?

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

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

Can I call CheapShark and SpaceTradersAPI from the browser?

Yes — both CheapShark and SpaceTradersAPI 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 SpaceTradersAPI free for commercial use?

CheapShark has unclear commercial terms, and SpaceTradersAPI 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.