shipapis
StarSubmit an APISubmit API

Datamuse vs Photon API

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

APIDatamuseHEALTHY94Photon APIHEALTHY91
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d92.2%99.02%
Uptime · 30d86.7%98.3%
P50 · ms180710
P95 · ms9261598
Authnonenone
CORSnoyes
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

Datamuse vs Photon API: common questions

Which is more reliable, Datamuse or Photon API?

On our scheduled checks, Photon API leads on measured uptime — Datamuse at 92.2% versus Photon API at 99.02% 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, Datamuse or Photon API?

Datamuse has the lower median latency in our checks — Datamuse responds in 180 ms versus Photon API at 710 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 Datamuse and Photon API need an API key?

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

Can I call Datamuse and Photon API from the browser?

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

Are Datamuse and Photon API free for commercial use?

Datamuse has unclear commercial terms, and Photon API 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.