GBIF vs GoldBean
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
GBIF vs GoldBean: common questions
Which is more reliable, GBIF or GoldBean?
Both are neck-and-neck — GBIF and GoldBean each measure 100% uptime over 90 days on our probe schedule. Reliability here is verified from our own scheduled checks; use the 30-day bars above to see which has been steadier lately.
Which is faster, GBIF or GoldBean?
GBIF has the lower median latency in our checks — GBIF responds in 737 ms versus GoldBean at 875 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 GBIF and GoldBean need an API key?
GBIF needs no key, while GoldBean requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for GBIF first.
Can I call GBIF and GoldBean from the browser?
Yes — both GBIF and GoldBean 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 GBIF and GoldBean free for commercial use?
GBIF has unclear commercial terms, and GoldBean 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.