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GBIF vs Keen IO

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

APIGBIFNEW—Keen IONEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesno
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

GBIF vs Keen IO: common questions

Which is more reliable, GBIF or Keen IO?

On our scheduled checks, Keen IO leads on measured uptime — GBIF at —% versus Keen 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 GBIF and Keen IO need an API key?

GBIF needs no key, while Keen IO requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for GBIF first.

Can I call GBIF and Keen IO from the browser?

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

Are GBIF and Keen IO free for commercial use?

GBIF has unclear commercial terms, and Keen 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.