shipapis
StarSubmit an APISubmit API

Photon API vs Zenodo

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

APIPhoton APIHEALTHY91ZenodoHEALTHY59
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d99.02%99.02%
Uptime · 30d98.3%100%
P50 · ms7101698
P95 · ms15984935
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublished30 req/window · 29 remaining · resets 1783516620
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Photon API vs Zenodo: common questions

Which is more reliable, Photon API or Zenodo?

Both are neck-and-neck — Photon API and Zenodo each measure 99.02% uptime over 90 days on our probe schedule. Reliability here is verified from our own scheduled checks; use the 30-day bars above to see which has been steadier lately.

Which is faster, Photon API or Zenodo?

Photon API has the lower median latency in our checks — Photon API responds in 710 ms versus Zenodo at 1698 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 Zenodo need an API key?

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

Can I call Photon API and Zenodo from the browser?

Yes — both Photon API and Zenodo 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 Zenodo free for commercial use?

Photon API has unclear commercial terms, and Zenodo 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.