NewsData vs Shields
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
NewsData vs Shields: common questions
Which is more reliable, NewsData or Shields?
On our scheduled checks, Shields leads on measured uptime — NewsData at —% versus Shields 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 NewsData and Shields need an API key?
Shields needs no key, while NewsData requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for Shields first.
Can I call NewsData and Shields from the browser?
Yes — both NewsData and Shields send CORS headers over HTTPS, so front-end code can fetch either directly with no backend proxy. That makes them easy to swap in a client-side app while you compare responses.
Are NewsData and Shields free for commercial use?
NewsData has unclear commercial terms, and Shields 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.