shipapis
StarSubmit an APISubmit API

Genius vs iTunes Search

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

APIGeniusDEAD0iTunes SearchDYING43
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d0.0%5.9%
Uptime · 30d0.0%5.0%
P50 · ms—233
P95 · ms—293
AuthapiKeynone
CORSyesno
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree tier — API key requiredFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedRetry-After: 29s
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Genius vs iTunes Search: common questions

Which is more reliable, Genius or iTunes Search?

On our scheduled checks, iTunes Search leads on measured uptime — Genius at 0.0% versus iTunes Search at 5.9% 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 Genius and iTunes Search need an API key?

iTunes Search needs no key, while Genius requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for iTunes Search first.

Can I call Genius and iTunes Search from the browser?

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

Are Genius and iTunes Search free for commercial use?

Genius has unclear commercial terms, and iTunes Search 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.