Lichess vs CheapShark
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
Lichess vs CheapShark: common questions
Which is more reliable, Lichess or CheapShark?
On our scheduled checks, CheapShark leads on measured uptime — Lichess at —% versus CheapShark at —% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.
Do Lichess and CheapShark need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — Lichess is callable with no signup, and CheapShark is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call Lichess and CheapShark from the browser?
Yes — both Lichess and CheapShark 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 Lichess and CheapShark free for commercial use?
Lichess has unclear commercial terms, and CheapShark 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.