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Open Library vs OpenSanctions

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

APIOpen LibraryHEALTHY—OpenSanctionsNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseMixed — mostly openUnverified
Free tierUnlimited within courtesy limitsFree — limits not published
Rate limitSoft — identified UA appreciatedUnpublished
In directory since2026-05-022026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Open Library vs OpenSanctions: common questions

Which is more reliable, Open Library or OpenSanctions?

On our scheduled checks, OpenSanctions leads on measured uptime — Open Library at —% versus OpenSanctions 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 Library and OpenSanctions need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — Open Library is callable with no signup, and OpenSanctions is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call Open Library and OpenSanctions from the browser?

Yes — both Open Library and OpenSanctions 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 Library and OpenSanctions free for commercial use?

Open Library has unclear commercial terms, and OpenSanctions 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.