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OpenAlex vs Perplexity AI API

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

APIOpenAlexNEW—Perplexity AI APINEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useyesunclear
Data licenseCC0Unverified
Free tierFree tier (~$1/day of usage); free API key available for moreFree tier — API key required
Rate limitUsage-metered free tier (~$1/day per docs)Unpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

OpenAlex vs Perplexity AI API: common questions

Which is more reliable, OpenAlex or Perplexity AI API?

On our scheduled checks, Perplexity AI API leads on measured uptime — OpenAlex at —% versus Perplexity AI API 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 OpenAlex and Perplexity AI API need an API key?

OpenAlex needs no key, while Perplexity AI API requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for OpenAlex first.

Can I call OpenAlex and Perplexity AI API from the browser?

Yes — both OpenAlex and Perplexity AI API 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 OpenAlex and Perplexity AI API free for commercial use?

OpenAlex allows commercial use on its free tier, and Perplexity AI 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.