D&D 5e API vs Scryfall

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms
P95 · ms
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedCard data free to use; MTG content © Wizards of the Coast (see docs)
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree, no API key required
Rate limit100 req/window · 99 remaining · resets 1783515667~10 requests/second; docs ask for 50-100 ms between requests
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

D&D 5e API vs Scryfall: common questions

Which is more reliable, D&D 5e API or Scryfall?

On our scheduled checks, Scryfall leads on measured uptime — D&D 5e API at —% versus Scryfall 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 D&D 5e API and Scryfall need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — D&D 5e API is callable with no signup, and Scryfall is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call D&D 5e API and Scryfall from the browser?

Yes — both D&D 5e API and Scryfall 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 D&D 5e API and Scryfall free for commercial use?

D&D 5e API has unclear commercial terms, and Scryfall 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.