Lichess vs RAWG.io
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
Lichess vs RAWG.io: common questions
Which is more reliable, Lichess or RAWG.io?
On our scheduled checks, RAWG.io leads on measured uptime — Lichess at —% versus RAWG.io 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 RAWG.io need an API key?
Lichess needs no key, while RAWG.io requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for Lichess first.
Can I call Lichess and RAWG.io from the browser?
Only Lichess is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. RAWG.io needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.
Are Lichess and RAWG.io free for commercial use?
Lichess has unclear commercial terms, and RAWG.io 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.