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DFlight API vs NDBC Buoy Data API

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

APIDFlight APIDEAD0NDBC Buoy Data APIDEAD0
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d23.0%32.2%
Uptime · 30d70.7%0.0%
P50 · ms182576
P95 · ms5221054
Authnonenone
CORSyesno
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

DFlight API vs NDBC Buoy Data API: common questions

Which is more reliable, DFlight API or NDBC Buoy Data API?

On our scheduled checks, NDBC Buoy Data API leads on measured uptime — DFlight API at 23.0% versus NDBC Buoy Data API at 32.2% 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, DFlight API or NDBC Buoy Data API?

DFlight API has the lower median latency in our checks — DFlight API responds in 182 ms versus NDBC Buoy Data API at 576 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 DFlight API and NDBC Buoy Data API need an API key?

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

Can I call DFlight API and NDBC Buoy Data API from the browser?

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

Are DFlight API and NDBC Buoy Data API free for commercial use?

DFlight API has unclear commercial terms, and NDBC Buoy Data 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.