shipapis
StarSubmit an APISubmit API

TCGApi vs xkcd

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

APITCGApiHEALTHY100xkcdHEALTHY98
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%100%
Uptime · 30d100%100%
P50 · ms66164
P95 · ms2431070
AuthapiKeynone
CORSyesno
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearno
Data licenseUnverifiedCC BY-NC 2.5
Free tierFree tier — API key may be required for productionFree, no API key
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

TCGApi vs xkcd: common questions

Which is more reliable, TCGApi or xkcd?

Both are neck-and-neck — TCGApi and xkcd each measure 100% uptime over 90 days on our probe schedule. Reliability here is verified from our own scheduled checks; use the 30-day bars above to see which has been steadier lately.

Which is faster, TCGApi or xkcd?

TCGApi has the lower median latency in our checks — TCGApi responds in 66 ms versus xkcd at 164 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 TCGApi and xkcd need an API key?

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

Can I call TCGApi and xkcd from the browser?

Only TCGApi 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 TCGApi and xkcd free for commercial use?

TCGApi 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.