shipapis
StarSubmit an APISubmit API

Data Dragon API vs openFDA

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

APIData Dragon APINEW—openFDANEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Data Dragon API vs openFDA: common questions

Which is more reliable, Data Dragon API or openFDA?

On our scheduled checks, openFDA leads on measured uptime — Data Dragon API at —% versus openFDA 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 Data Dragon API and openFDA need an API key?

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

Can I call Data Dragon API and openFDA from the browser?

Yes — both Data Dragon API and openFDA 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 Data Dragon API and openFDA free for commercial use?

Data Dragon API has unclear commercial terms, and openFDA 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.