Raider vs xkcd
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
Raider vs xkcd: common questions
Which is more reliable, Raider or xkcd?
On our scheduled checks, xkcd leads on measured uptime — Raider at 98.9% versus xkcd 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, Raider or xkcd?
Raider has the lower median latency in our checks — Raider responds in 140 ms versus xkcd at 199 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 Raider and xkcd need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — Raider is callable with no signup, and xkcd is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call Raider and xkcd from the browser?
Only Raider is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. xkcd needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.
Are Raider and xkcd free for commercial use?
Raider has unclear commercial terms, and xkcd is personal/non-commercial only. 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.