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Photon API vs Wikidata

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

APIPhoton APIHEALTHY91WikidataHEALTHY90
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d99.02%100%
Uptime · 30d98.3%100%
P50 · ms710585
P95 · ms15983283
Authnonenone
CORSyesno
HTTPSyesyes
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 Wikidata: common questions

Which is more reliable, Photon API or Wikidata?

On our scheduled checks, Wikidata leads on measured uptime — Photon API at 99.02% versus Wikidata 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, Photon API or Wikidata?

Wikidata has the lower median latency in our checks — Photon API responds in 710 ms versus Wikidata at 585 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 Photon API and Wikidata need an API key?

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

Can I call Photon API and Wikidata from the browser?

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

Are Photon API and Wikidata free for commercial use?

Photon API has unclear commercial terms, and Wikidata 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.