CheapShark vs TCGdex

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms
P95 · ms
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — no keyFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

CheapShark vs TCGdex: common questions

Which is more reliable, CheapShark or TCGdex?

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

Neither needs a paid key — CheapShark is callable with no signup, and TCGdex is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call CheapShark and TCGdex from the browser?

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

CheapShark has unclear commercial terms, and TCGdex 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.