NDBC Buoy Data API vs Weather Underground API
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
NDBC Buoy Data API vs Weather Underground API: common questions
Which is more reliable, NDBC Buoy Data API or Weather Underground API?
On our scheduled checks, Weather Underground API leads on measured uptime — NDBC Buoy Data API at 84.3% versus Weather Underground API 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 Weather Underground API?
Weather Underground API has the lower median latency in our checks — NDBC Buoy Data API responds in 575 ms versus Weather Underground API at 104 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 Weather Underground API need an API key?
NDBC Buoy Data API needs no key, while Weather Underground API requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for NDBC Buoy Data API first.
Can I call NDBC Buoy Data API and Weather Underground API from the browser?
Only Weather Underground API 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 Weather Underground API free for commercial use?
NDBC Buoy Data API has unclear commercial terms, and Weather Underground 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.