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Simkl vs TVDB

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

APISimklNEW—TVDBREACHABLE—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseSimkl terms — user-contributed dataTVDB terms — user-contributed data
Free tierFree read routes; client_id for searchFree personal API key
Rate limit1 req/s documentedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Simkl vs TVDB: common questions

Which is more reliable, Simkl or TVDB?

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

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

Can I call Simkl and TVDB from the browser?

Yes — both Simkl and TVDB 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 TVDB free for commercial use?

Simkl has unclear commercial terms, and TVDB 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.