shipapis
StarSubmit an APISubmit API

Diffbot API vs GBIF

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

APIDiffbot APIHEALTHY80GBIFHEALTHY90
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%100%
Uptime · 30d100%100%
P50 · ms1144737
P95 · ms48851691
AuthapiKeynone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree tier — API key may be required for productionFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Diffbot API vs GBIF: common questions

Which is more reliable, Diffbot API or GBIF?

Both are neck-and-neck — Diffbot API and GBIF each measure 100% uptime over 90 days on our probe schedule. Reliability here is verified from our own scheduled checks; use the 30-day bars above to see which has been steadier lately.

Which is faster, Diffbot API or GBIF?

GBIF has the lower median latency in our checks — Diffbot API responds in 1144 ms versus GBIF at 737 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 Diffbot API and GBIF need an API key?

GBIF needs no key, while Diffbot API requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for GBIF first.

Can I call Diffbot API and GBIF from the browser?

Yes — both Diffbot API and GBIF 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 Diffbot API and GBIF free for commercial use?

Diffbot API has unclear commercial terms, and GBIF 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.