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Photon API vs SnapshotAPI

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

APIPhoton APIHEALTHY87SnapshotAPIDEAD0
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d97.8%0.0%
Uptime · 30d95.0%0.0%
P50 · ms768—
P95 · ms3603—
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesno
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

Photon API vs SnapshotAPI: common questions

Which is more reliable, Photon API or SnapshotAPI?

On our scheduled checks, Photon API leads on measured uptime — Photon API at 97.8% versus SnapshotAPI at 0.0% 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 Photon API and SnapshotAPI need an API key?

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

Can I call Photon API and SnapshotAPI from the browser?

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

Are Photon API and SnapshotAPI free for commercial use?

Photon API has unclear commercial terms, and SnapshotAPI 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.