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Photon API vs Yelp

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

APIPhoton APINEW—YelpNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
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 Yelp: common questions

Which is more reliable, Photon API or Yelp?

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

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

Can I call Photon API and Yelp from the browser?

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

Are Photon API and Yelp free for commercial use?

Photon API has unclear commercial terms, and Yelp 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.