The Guardian vs WhatIsMyIP API

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d50.6%100%
Uptime · 30d0.0%100%
P50 · ms517194
P95 · ms2726611
AuthapiKeynone
CORSnoyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree developer key — registration requiredFree — limits not published
Rate limit5000 calls/day (developer tier)Unpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

The Guardian vs WhatIsMyIP API: common questions

Which is more reliable, The Guardian or WhatIsMyIP API?

On our scheduled checks, WhatIsMyIP API leads on measured uptime — The Guardian at 50.6% versus WhatIsMyIP API at 100% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

Which is faster, The Guardian or WhatIsMyIP API?

WhatIsMyIP API has the lower median latency in our checks — The Guardian responds in 517 ms versus WhatIsMyIP API at 194 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 The Guardian and WhatIsMyIP API need an API key?

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

Can I call The Guardian and WhatIsMyIP API from the browser?

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

Are The Guardian and WhatIsMyIP API free for commercial use?

The Guardian has unclear commercial terms, and WhatIsMyIP 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.