shipapis
StarSubmit an APISubmit API

PokéAPI vs Pokémon TCG

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

APIPokéAPIHEALTHY100Pokémon TCGDYING32
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%17.6%
Uptime · 30d100%15.0%
P50 · ms61797
P95 · ms21934419
Authnonenone
CORSyesno
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial usenounclear
Data licenseFair-use fan dataUnverified (Pokémon IP)
Free tierUnlimited (be reasonable)Free; no key ~1,000 req/day & 30/min, free key ~20,000 req/day (documented)
Rate limitNone — locally cache pleaseWithout key: ~30 req/min, 1,000 req/day (documented)
In directory since2026-05-022026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

PokéAPI vs Pokémon TCG: common questions

Which is more reliable, PokéAPI or Pokémon TCG?

On our scheduled checks, PokéAPI leads on measured uptime — PokéAPI at 100% versus Pokémon TCG at 17.6% 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, PokéAPI or Pokémon TCG?

PokéAPI has the lower median latency in our checks — PokéAPI responds in 61 ms versus Pokémon TCG at 797 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 PokéAPI and Pokémon TCG need an API key?

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

Can I call PokéAPI and Pokémon TCG from the browser?

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

Are PokéAPI and Pokémon TCG free for commercial use?

PokéAPI is personal/non-commercial only, and Pokémon TCG 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.