Open Topo Data vs PostalCodes

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d93.1%99.02%
Uptime · 30d88.3%98.3%
P50 · ms2851030
P95 · ms5732594
Authnonenone
CORSnono
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Open Topo Data vs PostalCodes: common questions

Which is more reliable, Open Topo Data or PostalCodes?

On our scheduled checks, PostalCodes leads on measured uptime — Open Topo Data at 93.1% versus PostalCodes at 99.02% 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 Topo Data or PostalCodes?

Open Topo Data has the lower median latency in our checks — Open Topo Data responds in 285 ms versus PostalCodes at 1030 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 Topo Data and PostalCodes need an API key?

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

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

Neither sends browser-friendly CORS headers reliably, so call Open Topo Data and PostalCodes 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 PostalCodes free for commercial use?

Open Topo Data has unclear commercial terms, and PostalCodes 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.