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IPWhois vs Open-Elevation API

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

APIIPWhoisHEALTHY100Open-Elevation APIHEALTHY86
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%92.2%
Uptime · 30d100%88.3%
P50 · ms23739
P95 · ms5984287
AuthapiKeynone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSnoyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree tier — API key may be required for productionFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

IPWhois vs Open-Elevation API: common questions

Which is more reliable, IPWhois or Open-Elevation API?

On our scheduled checks, IPWhois leads on measured uptime — IPWhois at 100% versus Open-Elevation API at 92.2% 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, IPWhois or Open-Elevation API?

IPWhois has the lower median latency in our checks — IPWhois responds in 23 ms versus Open-Elevation API at 739 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 IPWhois and Open-Elevation API need an API key?

Open-Elevation API needs no key, while IPWhois requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for Open-Elevation API first.

Can I call IPWhois and Open-Elevation API from the browser?

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

Are IPWhois and Open-Elevation API free for commercial use?

IPWhois has unclear commercial terms, and Open-Elevation 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.