FIRST News API vs Micro User Service

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms
P95 · ms
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesyes
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

FIRST News API vs Micro User Service: common questions

Which is more reliable, FIRST News API or Micro User Service?

On our scheduled checks, Micro User Service leads on measured uptime — FIRST News API at —% versus Micro User Service 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 FIRST News API and Micro User Service need an API key?

FIRST News API needs no key, while Micro User Service requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for FIRST News API first.

Can I call FIRST News API and Micro User Service from the browser?

Yes — both FIRST News API and Micro User Service 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 FIRST News API and Micro User Service free for commercial use?

FIRST News API has unclear commercial terms, and Micro User Service 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.