iTunes Search vs TheAudioDB
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
iTunes Search vs TheAudioDB: common questions
Which is more reliable, iTunes Search or TheAudioDB?
On our scheduled checks, TheAudioDB leads on measured uptime — iTunes Search at 6.0% versus TheAudioDB 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 TheAudioDB?
TheAudioDB has the lower median latency in our checks — iTunes Search responds in 233 ms versus TheAudioDB at 195 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 TheAudioDB need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — iTunes Search is callable with no signup, and TheAudioDB is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call iTunes Search and TheAudioDB from the browser?
Only TheAudioDB 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 TheAudioDB free for commercial use?
iTunes Search has unclear commercial terms, and TheAudioDB 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.