eLife Sciences API vs Kroki
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
eLife Sciences API vs Kroki: common questions
Which is more reliable, eLife Sciences API or Kroki?
Both are neck-and-neck — eLife Sciences API and Kroki 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, eLife Sciences API or Kroki?
eLife Sciences API has the lower median latency in our checks — eLife Sciences API responds in 409 ms versus Kroki at 633 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 eLife Sciences API and Kroki need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — eLife Sciences API is callable with no signup, and Kroki is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call eLife Sciences API and Kroki from the browser?
Yes — both eLife Sciences API and Kroki 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 eLife Sciences API and Kroki free for commercial use?
eLife Sciences API has unclear commercial terms, and Kroki 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.