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Shields vs Urlbox API

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

APIShieldsNEW—Urlbox APINEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
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 Urlbox API: common questions

Which is more reliable, Shields or Urlbox API?

On our scheduled checks, Urlbox API leads on measured uptime — Shields at —% versus Urlbox API at —% 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 Urlbox API need an API key?

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

Can I call Shields and Urlbox API from the browser?

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

Are Shields and Urlbox API free for commercial use?

Shields has unclear commercial terms, and Urlbox 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.