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CheapShark vs XIVAPI

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

APICheapSharkNEW—XIVAPINEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified; game content © Square Enix
Free tierFree — no keyFree; optional free key raises limits
Rate limitUnpublishedRate-limited; higher limits with a free key (see docs)
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

CheapShark vs XIVAPI: common questions

Which is more reliable, CheapShark or XIVAPI?

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

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

Can I call CheapShark and XIVAPI from the browser?

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

CheapShark has unclear commercial terms, and XIVAPI 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.