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IP2Location vs Postcodes.io

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

APIIP2LocationREACHABLE100Postcodes.ioHEALTHY100
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%100%
Uptime · 30d100%100%
P50 · ms13133
P95 · ms677328
AuthapiKeynone
CORSnoyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedService MIT-licensed; postcode data license unverified
Free tierFree tier — API key requiredFree — no key required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished (no key; fair use)
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

IP2Location vs Postcodes.io: common questions

Which is more reliable, IP2Location or Postcodes.io?

Both are neck-and-neck — IP2Location and Postcodes.io 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, IP2Location or Postcodes.io?

Postcodes.io has the lower median latency in our checks — IP2Location responds in 131 ms versus Postcodes.io at 33 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 IP2Location and Postcodes.io need an API key?

Postcodes.io needs no key, while IP2Location requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for Postcodes.io first.

Can I call IP2Location and Postcodes.io from the browser?

Only Postcodes.io is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. IP2Location needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are IP2Location and Postcodes.io free for commercial use?

IP2Location has unclear commercial terms, and Postcodes.io 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.