shipapis
StarSubmit an APISubmit API

IBM X-Force Exchange API vs Photon API

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

APIIBM X-Force Exchange APIHEALTHY96Photon APIHEALTHY91
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d98.0%99.02%
Uptime · 30d98.3%98.3%
P50 · ms238710
P95 · ms8681598
AuthapiKeynone
CORSnoyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree tier — API key requiredFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

IBM X-Force Exchange API vs Photon API: common questions

Which is more reliable, IBM X-Force Exchange API or Photon API?

On our scheduled checks, Photon API leads on measured uptime — IBM X-Force Exchange API at 98.0% versus Photon API at 99.02% 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, IBM X-Force Exchange API or Photon API?

IBM X-Force Exchange API has the lower median latency in our checks — IBM X-Force Exchange API responds in 238 ms versus Photon API at 710 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 IBM X-Force Exchange API and Photon API need an API key?

Photon API needs no key, while IBM X-Force Exchange API requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for Photon API first.

Can I call IBM X-Force Exchange API and Photon API from the browser?

Only Photon API is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. IBM X-Force Exchange API needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are IBM X-Force Exchange API and Photon API free for commercial use?

IBM X-Force Exchange API has unclear commercial terms, and Photon 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.