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?
On our scheduled checks, HackerNews leads on measured uptime — HackerNews at 100% versus Public Time API at 99.44% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.
Which is faster, HackerNews or Public Time API?
HackerNews has the lower median latency in our checks — HackerNews responds in 214 ms versus Public Time API at 311 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.