iTunes Search vs TMDb
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
iTunes Search vs TMDb: common questions
Which is more reliable, iTunes Search or TMDb?
On our scheduled checks, TMDb leads on measured uptime — iTunes Search at 5.9% versus TMDb 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 TMDb?
iTunes Search has the lower median latency in our checks — iTunes Search responds in 233 ms versus TMDb at 352 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 TMDb need an API key?
iTunes Search needs no key, while TMDb requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for iTunes Search first.
Can I call iTunes Search and TMDb from the browser?
Only TMDb 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 TMDb free for commercial use?
iTunes Search has unclear commercial terms, and TMDb is personal/non-commercial only. 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.