iTunes Search vs TVMaze
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
iTunes Search vs TVMaze: common questions
Which is more reliable, iTunes Search or TVMaze?
On our scheduled checks, TVMaze leads on measured uptime — iTunes Search at 5.9% versus TVMaze 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 TVMaze?
iTunes Search has the lower median latency in our checks — iTunes Search responds in 233 ms versus TVMaze at 479 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 TVMaze need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — iTunes Search is callable with no signup, and TVMaze is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call iTunes Search and TVMaze from the browser?
Only TVMaze 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 TVMaze free for commercial use?
iTunes Search has unclear commercial terms, and TVMaze 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.