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Lobsters vs The SMS Works API

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

APILobstersNEW—The SMS Works APINEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSnoyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree tier — API key required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Lobsters vs The SMS Works API: common questions

Which is more reliable, Lobsters or The SMS Works API?

On our scheduled checks, The SMS Works API leads on measured uptime — Lobsters at —% versus The SMS Works API 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 The SMS Works API need an API key?

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

Can I call Lobsters and The SMS Works API from the browser?

Only The SMS Works API is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. Lobsters needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are Lobsters and The SMS Works API free for commercial use?

Lobsters has unclear commercial terms, and The SMS Works API 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.