NDBC Buoy Data API vs RainViewer
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
NDBC Buoy Data API vs RainViewer: common questions
Which is more reliable, NDBC Buoy Data API or RainViewer?
On our scheduled checks, RainViewer leads on measured uptime — NDBC Buoy Data API at 84.3% versus RainViewer at 100% 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 RainViewer?
RainViewer has the lower median latency in our checks — NDBC Buoy Data API responds in 575 ms versus RainViewer at 551 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 RainViewer need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — NDBC Buoy Data API is callable with no signup, and RainViewer is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call NDBC Buoy Data API and RainViewer from the browser?
Only RainViewer 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 RainViewer free for commercial use?
NDBC Buoy Data API has unclear commercial terms, and RainViewer 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.