OpenF1 vs TheMealDB

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d47.1%100%
Uptime · 30d41.7%100%
P50 · ms747198
P95 · ms3525696
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree & open (historical); real-time may require a free accountFree — limits not published
Rate limitRetry-After: 60sUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

OpenF1 vs TheMealDB: common questions

Which is more reliable, OpenF1 or TheMealDB?

On our scheduled checks, TheMealDB leads on measured uptime — OpenF1 at 47.1% versus TheMealDB at 100% 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, OpenF1 or TheMealDB?

TheMealDB has the lower median latency in our checks — OpenF1 responds in 747 ms versus TheMealDB at 198 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 OpenF1 and TheMealDB need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — OpenF1 is callable with no signup, and TheMealDB is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call OpenF1 and TheMealDB from the browser?

Yes — both OpenF1 and TheMealDB 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 OpenF1 and TheMealDB free for commercial use?

OpenF1 has unclear commercial terms, and TheMealDB 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.