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Simkl vs SWAPI

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

APISimklNEW—SWAPINEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseSimkl terms — user-contributed dataUnverified
Free tierFree read routes; client_id for searchFree — limits not published
Rate limit1 req/s documented100 req/window · 99 remaining · resets 1783512035
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Simkl vs SWAPI: common questions

Which is more reliable, Simkl or SWAPI?

On our scheduled checks, SWAPI leads on measured uptime — Simkl at —% versus SWAPI 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 Simkl and SWAPI need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — Simkl is callable with no signup, and SWAPI is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call Simkl and SWAPI from the browser?

Yes — both Simkl and SWAPI send CORS headers over HTTPS, so front-end code can fetch either directly with no backend proxy. That makes them easy to swap in a client-side app while you compare responses.

Are Simkl and SWAPI free for commercial use?

Simkl has unclear commercial terms, and SWAPI 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.