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IP Address API vs positionstack

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

APIIP Address APIHEALTHY93positionstackHEALTHY93
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%100%
Uptime · 30d100%100%
P50 · ms513455
P95 · ms37363328
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesno
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree tier — key may be required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

IP Address API vs positionstack: common questions

Which is more reliable, IP Address API or positionstack?

Both are neck-and-neck — IP Address API and positionstack 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, IP Address API or positionstack?

positionstack has the lower median latency in our checks — IP Address API responds in 513 ms versus positionstack at 455 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 IP Address API and positionstack need an API key?

IP Address API needs no key, while positionstack requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for IP Address API first.

Can I call IP Address API and positionstack from the browser?

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

Are IP Address API and positionstack free for commercial use?

IP Address API has unclear commercial terms, and positionstack 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.