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Lobsters vs mailboxlayer

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

APILobstersNEW—mailboxlayerNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSnono
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree tier — key may be required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Lobsters vs mailboxlayer: common questions

Which is more reliable, Lobsters or mailboxlayer?

On our scheduled checks, mailboxlayer leads on measured uptime — Lobsters at —% versus mailboxlayer 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 Lobsters and mailboxlayer need an API key?

Lobsters needs no key, while mailboxlayer requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for Lobsters first.

Can I call Lobsters and mailboxlayer from the browser?

Neither sends browser-friendly CORS headers reliably, so call Lobsters and mailboxlayer from a server or proxy rather than client-side. The CORS and HTTPS rows above show exactly what we detected for each.

Are Lobsters and mailboxlayer free for commercial use?

Lobsters has unclear commercial terms, and mailboxlayer 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.