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IP Geolocation API vs Photon API

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

APIIP Geolocation APIHEALTHY95Photon APIHEALTHY91
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d94.1%99.02%
Uptime · 30d90.0%98.3%
P50 · ms257710
P95 · ms6541598
Authnonenone
CORSnoyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

IP Geolocation API vs Photon API: common questions

Which is more reliable, IP Geolocation API or Photon API?

On our scheduled checks, Photon API leads on measured uptime — IP Geolocation API at 94.1% 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, IP Geolocation API or Photon API?

IP Geolocation API has the lower median latency in our checks — IP Geolocation API responds in 257 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 IP Geolocation API and Photon API need an API key?

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

Can I call IP Geolocation API and Photon API from the browser?

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

Are IP Geolocation API and Photon API free for commercial use?

IP Geolocation 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.