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MediaCaption API vs Screenshotlayer

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

APIMediaCaption APIDOCS OK100ScreenshotlayerNEW92
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%100%
Uptime · 30d100%100%
P50 · ms1062618
P95 · ms10621056
AuthapiKeynone
CORSyesno
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useyesunclear
Data licenseUnverified
Free tier10 credits when you sign upFree — limits not published
Rate limit60 req/minUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-182026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

MediaCaption API vs Screenshotlayer: common questions

Which is more reliable, MediaCaption API or Screenshotlayer?

Both are neck-and-neck — MediaCaption API and Screenshotlayer 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, MediaCaption API or Screenshotlayer?

Screenshotlayer has the lower median latency in our checks — MediaCaption API responds in 1062 ms versus Screenshotlayer at 618 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 MediaCaption API and Screenshotlayer need an API key?

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

Can I call MediaCaption API and Screenshotlayer from the browser?

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

Are MediaCaption API and Screenshotlayer free for commercial use?

MediaCaption API allows commercial use on its free tier, and Screenshotlayer 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.