ColorMagic vs TVDB

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%100%
Uptime · 30d100%100%
P50 · ms399306
P95 · ms29201549
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedTVDB terms — user-contributed data
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree personal API key
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

ColorMagic vs TVDB: common questions

Which is more reliable, ColorMagic or TVDB?

Both are neck-and-neck — ColorMagic and TVDB each measure 100% uptime over 90 days on our probe schedule. Reliability here is verified from our own scheduled checks; use the 30-day bars above to see which has been steadier lately.

Which is faster, ColorMagic or TVDB?

TVDB has the lower median latency in our checks — ColorMagic responds in 399 ms versus TVDB at 306 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 ColorMagic and TVDB need an API key?

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

Can I call ColorMagic and TVDB from the browser?

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

ColorMagic has unclear commercial terms, and TVDB 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.