iTunes Search vs MediaCaption API
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
iTunes Search vs MediaCaption API: common questions
Which is more reliable, iTunes Search or MediaCaption API?
On our scheduled checks, MediaCaption API leads on measured uptime — iTunes Search at 6.8% versus MediaCaption API at 100% 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, iTunes Search or MediaCaption API?
iTunes Search has the lower median latency in our checks — iTunes Search responds in 103 ms versus MediaCaption API at 1277 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 iTunes Search and MediaCaption API need an API key?
iTunes Search needs no key, while MediaCaption API requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for iTunes Search first.
Can I call iTunes Search and MediaCaption API from the browser?
Only MediaCaption API is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. iTunes Search needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.
Are iTunes Search and MediaCaption API free for commercial use?
iTunes Search has unclear commercial terms, and MediaCaption API allows commercial use on its free tier. 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.