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FreeIPAPI vs Postcodes.io

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

APIFreeIPAPINEW—Postcodes.ioNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
Authnonenone
CORSnoyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedService MIT-licensed; postcode data license unverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree — no key required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished (no key; fair use)
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

FreeIPAPI vs Postcodes.io: common questions

Which is more reliable, FreeIPAPI or Postcodes.io?

On our scheduled checks, Postcodes.io leads on measured uptime — FreeIPAPI at —% versus Postcodes.io 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 FreeIPAPI and Postcodes.io need an API key?

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

Can I call FreeIPAPI and Postcodes.io from the browser?

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

Are FreeIPAPI and Postcodes.io free for commercial use?

FreeIPAPI has unclear commercial terms, and Postcodes.io 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.