HackerNews vs Public Time API
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
HackerNews vs Public Time API: common questions
Which is more reliable, HackerNews or Public Time API?
Both are neck-and-neck — HackerNews and Public Time API 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, HackerNews or Public Time API?
Public Time API has the lower median latency in our checks — HackerNews responds in 380 ms versus Public Time API 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 HackerNews and Public Time API need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — HackerNews is callable with no signup, and Public Time API is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call HackerNews and Public Time API from the browser?
Only HackerNews is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. Public Time API needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.
Are HackerNews and Public Time API free for commercial use?
HackerNews has unclear commercial terms, and Public Time API 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.