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