ISO 3166-2 API vs What3Words

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms
P95 · ms
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSnono
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

ISO 3166-2 API vs What3Words: common questions

Which is more reliable, ISO 3166-2 API or What3Words?

On our scheduled checks, What3Words leads on measured uptime — ISO 3166-2 API at —% versus What3Words at —% 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 ISO 3166-2 API and What3Words need an API key?

ISO 3166-2 API needs no key, while What3Words requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for ISO 3166-2 API first.

Can I call ISO 3166-2 API and What3Words from the browser?

Neither sends browser-friendly CORS headers reliably, so call ISO 3166-2 API and What3Words from a server or proxy rather than client-side. The CORS and HTTPS rows above show exactly what we detected for each.

Are ISO 3166-2 API and What3Words free for commercial use?

ISO 3166-2 API has unclear commercial terms, and What3Words 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.