F1 API vs LAPIS

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d45.1%100%
Uptime · 30d50.0%100%
P50 · ms4909524
P95 · ms4999846
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedOpen sequence data (GenBank/Nextstrain-derived); Unverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree — no key (open instance)
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

F1 API vs LAPIS: common questions

Which is more reliable, F1 API or LAPIS?

On our scheduled checks, LAPIS leads on measured uptime — F1 API at 45.1% versus LAPIS at 100% 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, F1 API or LAPIS?

LAPIS has the lower median latency in our checks — F1 API responds in 4909 ms versus LAPIS at 524 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 F1 API and LAPIS need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — F1 API is callable with no signup, and LAPIS is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call F1 API and LAPIS from the browser?

Yes — both F1 API and LAPIS 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 F1 API and LAPIS free for commercial use?

F1 API has unclear commercial terms, and LAPIS 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.