Finnhub vs Plaid API

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms
P95 · ms
AuthapiKeyapiKey
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree tier — API key requiredFree tier — API key required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Finnhub vs Plaid API: common questions

Which is more reliable, Finnhub or Plaid API?

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

Both ask you to authenticate — Finnhub uses an API key and Plaid API uses an API key. Each key is free to obtain; the Auth and Card-required rows above spell out the signup terms.

Can I call Finnhub and Plaid API from the browser?

Yes — both Finnhub and Plaid API 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 Finnhub and Plaid API free for commercial use?

Finnhub has unclear commercial terms, and Plaid API 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.