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D&D 5e API vs xkcd

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

APID&D 5e APIHEALTHY85xkcdHEALTHY99
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d99.44%100%
Uptime · 30d98.3%100%
P50 · ms528199
P95 · ms1661881
Authnonenone
CORSyesno
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearno
Data licenseUnverifiedCC BY-NC 2.5
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree, no API key
Rate limit100 req/window · 99 remaining · resets 1783515667Unpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

D&D 5e API vs xkcd: common questions

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

On our scheduled checks, xkcd leads on measured uptime — D&D 5e API at 99.44% versus xkcd 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, D&D 5e API or xkcd?

xkcd has the lower median latency in our checks — D&D 5e API responds in 528 ms versus xkcd at 199 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 D&D 5e API and xkcd need an API key?

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

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

Only D&D 5e API is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. xkcd needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are D&D 5e API and xkcd free for commercial use?

D&D 5e API has unclear commercial terms, and xkcd is personal/non-commercial only. 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.