Exchange Rates API vs Marketstack

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%100%
Uptime · 30d100%100%
P50 · ms810470
P95 · ms41624068
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesno
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree tier — key may be required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Exchange Rates API vs Marketstack: common questions

Which is more reliable, Exchange Rates API or Marketstack?

Both are neck-and-neck — Exchange Rates API and Marketstack 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, Exchange Rates API or Marketstack?

Marketstack has the lower median latency in our checks — Exchange Rates API responds in 810 ms versus Marketstack at 470 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 Exchange Rates API and Marketstack need an API key?

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

Can I call Exchange Rates API and Marketstack from the browser?

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

Are Exchange Rates API and Marketstack free for commercial use?

Exchange Rates API has unclear commercial terms, and Marketstack 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.