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IMDbOT vs Simkl

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

APIIMDbOTDEAD0SimklDEAD0
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d25.5%0.0%
Uptime · 30d0.0%0.0%
P50 · ms1208—
P95 · ms1739—
Authnonenone
CORSnoyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedSimkl terms — user-contributed data
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree read routes; client_id for search
Rate limitUnpublished1 req/s documented
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

IMDbOT vs Simkl: common questions

Which is more reliable, IMDbOT or Simkl?

On our scheduled checks, IMDbOT leads on measured uptime — IMDbOT at 25.5% versus Simkl at 0.0% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

Do IMDbOT and Simkl need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — IMDbOT is callable with no signup, and Simkl is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call IMDbOT and Simkl from the browser?

Only Simkl is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. IMDbOT needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are IMDbOT and Simkl free for commercial use?

IMDbOT has unclear commercial terms, and Simkl 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.