Public Time API vs The SMS Works API
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
Public Time API vs The SMS Works API: common questions
Which is more reliable, Public Time API or The SMS Works API?
On our scheduled checks, The SMS Works API leads on measured uptime — Public Time API at 99.44% versus The SMS Works API 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, Public Time API or The SMS Works API?
The SMS Works API has the lower median latency in our checks — Public Time API responds in 311 ms versus The SMS Works API at 108 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 Public Time API and The SMS Works API need an API key?
Public Time API needs no key, while The SMS Works API requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for Public Time API first.
Can I call Public Time API and The SMS Works API from the browser?
Only The SMS Works API is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. Public Time API needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.
Are Public Time API and The SMS Works API free for commercial use?
Public Time API has unclear commercial terms, and The SMS Works API 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.