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ColorfulClouds vs openSenseMap

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

APIColorfulCloudsREACHABLE—openSenseMapNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthapiKeynone
CORSnoyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedOpen data (license set per senseBox; often public domain)
Free tierFree tier — API key requiredFree (open-source citizen-science platform)
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

ColorfulClouds vs openSenseMap: common questions

Which is more reliable, ColorfulClouds or openSenseMap?

On our scheduled checks, openSenseMap leads on measured uptime — ColorfulClouds at —% versus openSenseMap 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 ColorfulClouds and openSenseMap need an API key?

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

Can I call ColorfulClouds and openSenseMap from the browser?

Only openSenseMap is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. ColorfulClouds needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are ColorfulClouds and openSenseMap free for commercial use?

ColorfulClouds has unclear commercial terms, and openSenseMap 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.