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Diffbot API vs OpenAlex

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

APIDiffbot APINEW—OpenAlexNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthapiKeynone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearyes
Data licenseUnverifiedCC0
Free tierFree tier — API key may be required for productionFree tier (~$1/day of usage); free API key available for more
Rate limitUnpublishedUsage-metered free tier (~$1/day per docs)
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Diffbot API vs OpenAlex: common questions

Which is more reliable, Diffbot API or OpenAlex?

On our scheduled checks, OpenAlex leads on measured uptime — Diffbot API at —% versus OpenAlex 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 Diffbot API and OpenAlex need an API key?

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

Can I call Diffbot API and OpenAlex from the browser?

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

Diffbot API has unclear commercial terms, and OpenAlex allows commercial use on its free tier. 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.