Photon API vs Wikipedia REST
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
Photon API vs Wikipedia REST: common questions
Which is more reliable, Photon API or Wikipedia REST?
On our scheduled checks, Wikipedia REST leads on measured uptime — Photon API at 99.02% versus Wikipedia REST 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 Wikipedia REST?
Wikipedia REST has the lower median latency in our checks — Photon API responds in 710 ms versus Wikipedia REST at 98 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 Wikipedia REST need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — Photon API is callable with no signup, and Wikipedia REST is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call Photon API and Wikipedia REST from the browser?
Yes — both Photon API and Wikipedia REST 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 Photon API and Wikipedia REST free for commercial use?
Photon API has unclear commercial terms, and Wikipedia REST allows commercial use on its free tier. 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.