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ColorMagic vs Simkl

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

APIColorMagicNEW—SimklNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedSimkl terms — user-contributed data
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree read routes; client_id for search
Rate limitUnpublished1 req/s documented
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

ColorMagic vs Simkl: common questions

Which is more reliable, ColorMagic or Simkl?

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

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

Can I call ColorMagic and Simkl from the browser?

Yes — both ColorMagic and Simkl 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 ColorMagic and Simkl free for commercial use?

ColorMagic has unclear commercial terms, and Simkl 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.