GBIF vs Newton
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
GBIF vs Newton: common questions
Which is more reliable, GBIF or Newton?
On our scheduled checks, Newton leads on measured uptime — GBIF at —% versus Newton 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 Newton need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — GBIF is callable with no signup, and Newton is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call GBIF and Newton from the browser?
Yes — both GBIF and Newton 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 Newton free for commercial use?
GBIF has unclear commercial terms, and Newton 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.