QuickChart vs Shotstack

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%100%
Uptime · 30d100%100%
P50 · ms3181167
P95 · ms35982832
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSnoyes
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

QuickChart vs Shotstack: common questions

Which is more reliable, QuickChart or Shotstack?

Both are neck-and-neck — QuickChart and Shotstack 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, QuickChart or Shotstack?

QuickChart has the lower median latency in our checks — QuickChart responds in 318 ms versus Shotstack at 1167 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 QuickChart and Shotstack need an API key?

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

Can I call QuickChart and Shotstack from the browser?

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

Are QuickChart and Shotstack free for commercial use?

QuickChart has unclear commercial terms, and Shotstack 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.