Open-Elevation API vs Postcodes.io

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d92.2%100%
Uptime · 30d88.3%100%
P50 · ms73933
P95 · ms4287328
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedService MIT-licensed; postcode data license unverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree — no key required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished (no key; fair use)
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Open-Elevation API vs Postcodes.io: common questions

Which is more reliable, Open-Elevation API or Postcodes.io?

On our scheduled checks, Postcodes.io leads on measured uptime — Open-Elevation API at 92.2% versus Postcodes.io 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, Open-Elevation API or Postcodes.io?

Postcodes.io has the lower median latency in our checks — Open-Elevation API responds in 739 ms versus Postcodes.io at 33 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 Open-Elevation API and Postcodes.io need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — Open-Elevation API is callable with no signup, and Postcodes.io is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call Open-Elevation API and Postcodes.io from the browser?

Yes — both Open-Elevation API and Postcodes.io 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 Open-Elevation API and Postcodes.io free for commercial use?

Open-Elevation API has unclear commercial terms, and Postcodes.io 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.