NDBC Buoy Data API vs Open-Meteo
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
NDBC Buoy Data API vs Open-Meteo: common questions
Which is more reliable, NDBC Buoy Data API or Open-Meteo?
On our scheduled checks, Open-Meteo leads on measured uptime — NDBC Buoy Data API at 32.2% versus Open-Meteo at 96.6% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.
Which is faster, NDBC Buoy Data API or Open-Meteo?
Open-Meteo has the lower median latency in our checks — NDBC Buoy Data API responds in 576 ms versus Open-Meteo at 274 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 NDBC Buoy Data API and Open-Meteo need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — NDBC Buoy Data API is callable with no signup, and Open-Meteo is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call NDBC Buoy Data API and Open-Meteo from the browser?
Only Open-Meteo is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. NDBC Buoy Data API needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.
Are NDBC Buoy Data API and Open-Meteo free for commercial use?
NDBC Buoy Data API has unclear commercial terms, and Open-Meteo is personal/non-commercial only. 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.