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openAFRICA vs Photon API

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

APIopenAFRICADEAD0Photon APIHEALTHY91
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d1.0%99.02%
Uptime · 30d1.7%98.3%
P50 · ms177710
P95 · ms1771598
Authnonenone
CORSnoyes
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

openAFRICA vs Photon API: common questions

Which is more reliable, openAFRICA or Photon API?

On our scheduled checks, Photon API leads on measured uptime — openAFRICA at 1.0% versus Photon API 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, openAFRICA or Photon API?

openAFRICA has the lower median latency in our checks — openAFRICA responds in 177 ms versus Photon API at 710 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 openAFRICA and Photon API need an API key?

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

Can I call openAFRICA and Photon API from the browser?

Only Photon API is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. openAFRICA needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are openAFRICA and Photon API free for commercial use?

openAFRICA has unclear commercial terms, and Photon API 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.