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openFDA API vs SharpAPI

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

APIopenFDA APINEW—SharpAPINEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSnoyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree tier — API key required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

openFDA API vs SharpAPI: common questions

Which is more reliable, openFDA API or SharpAPI?

On our scheduled checks, SharpAPI leads on measured uptime — openFDA API at —% versus SharpAPI 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 openFDA API and SharpAPI need an API key?

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

Can I call openFDA API and SharpAPI from the browser?

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

Are openFDA API and SharpAPI free for commercial use?

openFDA API has unclear commercial terms, and SharpAPI 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.