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GeoIP-db vs What3Words

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

APIGeoIP-dbNEW—What3WordsNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesno
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierUnlimited, no key, no credit cardFree tier — key may be required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

GeoIP-db vs What3Words: common questions

Which is more reliable, GeoIP-db or What3Words?

On our scheduled checks, What3Words leads on measured uptime — GeoIP-db at —% versus What3Words 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 GeoIP-db and What3Words need an API key?

GeoIP-db needs no key, while What3Words requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for GeoIP-db first.

Can I call GeoIP-db and What3Words from the browser?

Only GeoIP-db is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. What3Words needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are GeoIP-db and What3Words free for commercial use?

GeoIP-db has unclear commercial terms, and What3Words 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.