PlayerDB vs SpaceTradersAPI

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%100%
Uptime · 30d100%100%
P50 · ms41946
P95 · ms3521972
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree, no API keyFree tier — key may be required
Rate limitUnpublishedRetry-After: 1s
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

PlayerDB vs SpaceTradersAPI: common questions

Which is more reliable, PlayerDB or SpaceTradersAPI?

Both are neck-and-neck — PlayerDB and SpaceTradersAPI each measure 100% 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, PlayerDB or SpaceTradersAPI?

PlayerDB has the lower median latency in our checks — PlayerDB responds in 41 ms versus SpaceTradersAPI at 946 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 PlayerDB and SpaceTradersAPI need an API key?

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

Can I call PlayerDB and SpaceTradersAPI from the browser?

Yes — both PlayerDB and SpaceTradersAPI 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 PlayerDB and SpaceTradersAPI free for commercial use?

PlayerDB has unclear commercial terms, and SpaceTradersAPI 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.