Official Joke API vs Zen Quotes

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%90.2%
Uptime · 30d100%86.7%
P50 · ms4391657
P95 · ms13234714
Authnonenone
CORSyesno
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree — no key
Rate limitUnpublishedRate-limited on the free tier (see zenquotes.io)
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Official Joke API vs Zen Quotes: common questions

Which is more reliable, Official Joke API or Zen Quotes?

On our scheduled checks, Official Joke API leads on measured uptime — Official Joke API at 100% versus Zen Quotes at 90.2% 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, Official Joke API or Zen Quotes?

Official Joke API has the lower median latency in our checks — Official Joke API responds in 439 ms versus Zen Quotes at 1657 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 Official Joke API and Zen Quotes need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — Official Joke API is callable with no signup, and Zen Quotes is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call Official Joke API and Zen Quotes from the browser?

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

Are Official Joke API and Zen Quotes free for commercial use?

Official Joke API has unclear commercial terms, and Zen Quotes 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.