LAPIS vs TheCocktailDB

Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%100%
Uptime · 30d100%100%
P50 · ms524300
P95 · ms846562
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseOpen sequence data (GenBank/Nextstrain-derived); UnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — no key (open instance)Free — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

LAPIS vs TheCocktailDB: common questions

Which is more reliable, LAPIS or TheCocktailDB?

Both are neck-and-neck — LAPIS and TheCocktailDB each measure 100% uptime over 90 days on our probe schedule. Reliability here is verified from our own scheduled checks; use the 30-day bars above to see which has been steadier lately.

Which is faster, LAPIS or TheCocktailDB?

TheCocktailDB has the lower median latency in our checks — LAPIS responds in 524 ms versus TheCocktailDB at 300 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 LAPIS and TheCocktailDB need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — LAPIS is callable with no signup, and TheCocktailDB is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call LAPIS and TheCocktailDB from the browser?

Yes — both LAPIS and TheCocktailDB send CORS headers over HTTPS, so front-end code can fetch either directly with no backend proxy. That makes them easy to swap in a client-side app while you compare responses.

Are LAPIS and TheCocktailDB free for commercial use?

LAPIS has unclear commercial terms, and TheCocktailDB 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.