iTunes Search vs TVDB
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
iTunes Search vs TVDB: common questions
Which is more reliable, iTunes Search or TVDB?
On our scheduled checks, TVDB leads on measured uptime — iTunes Search at 5.9% versus TVDB 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 TVDB?
iTunes Search has the lower median latency in our checks — iTunes Search responds in 233 ms versus TVDB at 306 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 TVDB need an API key?
iTunes Search needs no key, while TVDB requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for iTunes Search first.
Can I call iTunes Search and TVDB from the browser?
Only TVDB 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 TVDB free for commercial use?
iTunes Search has unclear commercial terms, and TVDB 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.