HackerNews vs The SMS Works API
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
HackerNews vs The SMS Works API: common questions
Which is more reliable, HackerNews or The SMS Works API?
Both are neck-and-neck — HackerNews and The SMS Works 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 The SMS Works API?
HackerNews has the lower median latency in our checks — HackerNews responds in 380 ms versus The SMS Works API at 518 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 The SMS Works API need an API key?
HackerNews needs no key, while The SMS Works API requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for HackerNews first.
Can I call HackerNews and The SMS Works API from the browser?
Yes — both HackerNews and The SMS Works API 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 HackerNews and The SMS Works API free for commercial use?
HackerNews has unclear commercial terms, and The SMS Works 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.