iDigBio vs TLE
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
iDigBio vs TLE: common questions
Which is more reliable, iDigBio or TLE?
On our scheduled checks, iDigBio leads on measured uptime — iDigBio at 92.2% versus TLE at 88.2% 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, iDigBio or TLE?
TLE has the lower median latency in our checks — iDigBio responds in 1700 ms versus TLE at 1090 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 iDigBio and TLE need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — iDigBio is callable with no signup, and TLE is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call iDigBio and TLE from the browser?
Yes — both iDigBio and TLE 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 iDigBio and TLE free for commercial use?
iDigBio has unclear commercial terms, and TLE 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.