CheapShark vs Zelda
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
CheapShark vs Zelda: common questions
Which is more reliable, CheapShark or Zelda?
On our scheduled checks, Zelda leads on measured uptime — CheapShark at 95.1% versus Zelda 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 Zelda?
Zelda has the lower median latency in our checks — CheapShark responds in 1975 ms versus Zelda at 903 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 Zelda need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — CheapShark is callable with no signup, and Zelda is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call CheapShark and Zelda from the browser?
Yes — both CheapShark and Zelda 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 Zelda free for commercial use?
CheapShark has unclear commercial terms, and Zelda 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.