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Open-Elevation API vs Postcodes.io

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

APIOpen-Elevation APINEW—Postcodes.ioNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
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 —% versus Postcodes.io 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 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.