Global Shark Attack API vs ItsThisForThat

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%100%
Uptime · 30d100%100%
P50 · ms719242
P95 · ms1794555
Authnonenone
CORSyesno
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished (docs ask you not to hammer it)
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Global Shark Attack API vs ItsThisForThat: common questions

Which is more reliable, Global Shark Attack API or ItsThisForThat?

Both are neck-and-neck — Global Shark Attack API and ItsThisForThat 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, Global Shark Attack API or ItsThisForThat?

ItsThisForThat has the lower median latency in our checks — Global Shark Attack API responds in 719 ms versus ItsThisForThat at 242 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 Global Shark Attack API and ItsThisForThat need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — Global Shark Attack API is callable with no signup, and ItsThisForThat is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call Global Shark Attack API and ItsThisForThat from the browser?

Only Global Shark Attack API is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. ItsThisForThat needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are Global Shark Attack API and ItsThisForThat free for commercial use?

Global Shark Attack API has unclear commercial terms, and ItsThisForThat 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.