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GoldBean vs OpenAlex

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

APIGoldBeanNEW—OpenAlexNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthapiKeynone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearyes
Data licenseUnverifiedCC0
Free tierFree tier — key may be requiredFree tier (~$1/day of usage); free API key available for more
Rate limitUnpublishedUsage-metered free tier (~$1/day per docs)
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

GoldBean vs OpenAlex: common questions

Which is more reliable, GoldBean or OpenAlex?

On our scheduled checks, OpenAlex leads on measured uptime — GoldBean at —% versus OpenAlex 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 GoldBean and OpenAlex need an API key?

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

Can I call GoldBean and OpenAlex from the browser?

Yes — both GoldBean and OpenAlex 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 GoldBean and OpenAlex free for commercial use?

GoldBean has unclear commercial terms, and OpenAlex allows commercial use on its free tier. 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.