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Shields vs SnapshotAPI

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

APIShieldsHEALTHY100SnapshotAPIDEAD0
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%0.0%
Uptime · 30d100%0.0%
P50 · ms28—
P95 · ms925—
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesno
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

Shields vs SnapshotAPI: common questions

Which is more reliable, Shields or SnapshotAPI?

On our scheduled checks, Shields leads on measured uptime — Shields at 100% versus SnapshotAPI at 0.0% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

Do Shields and SnapshotAPI need an API key?

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

Can I call Shields and SnapshotAPI from the browser?

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

Are Shields and SnapshotAPI free for commercial use?

Shields has unclear commercial terms, and SnapshotAPI 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.