Free Dictionary API vs Universities List

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms
P95 · ms
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesno
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Free Dictionary API vs Universities List: common questions

Which is more reliable, Free Dictionary API or Universities List?

On our scheduled checks, Universities List leads on measured uptime — Free Dictionary API at —% versus Universities List 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 Free Dictionary API and Universities List need an API key?

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

Can I call Free Dictionary API and Universities List from the browser?

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

Are Free Dictionary API and Universities List free for commercial use?

Free Dictionary API has unclear commercial terms, and Universities List 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.