shipapis
StarSubmit an APISubmit API

Photon API vs Universities List

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

APIPhoton APINEW—Universities ListNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesno
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

Photon API vs Universities List: common questions

Which is more reliable, Photon API or Universities List?

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

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

Can I call Photon API and Universities List from the browser?

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

Are Photon API and Universities List free for commercial use?

Photon API has unclear commercial terms, and Universities List 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.