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Open Topo Data vs positionstack

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

APIOpen Topo DataNEW—positionstackNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSnono
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree tier — key may be required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Open Topo Data vs positionstack: common questions

Which is more reliable, Open Topo Data or positionstack?

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

Open Topo Data needs no key, while positionstack requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for Open Topo Data first.

Can I call Open Topo Data and positionstack from the browser?

Neither sends browser-friendly CORS headers reliably, so call Open Topo Data and positionstack from a server or proxy rather than client-side. The CORS and HTTPS rows above show exactly what we detected for each.

Are Open Topo Data and positionstack free for commercial use?

Open Topo Data has unclear commercial terms, and positionstack 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.