The SMS Works API vs Tumblr
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
The SMS Works API vs Tumblr: common questions
Which is more reliable, The SMS Works API or Tumblr?
Both are neck-and-neck — The SMS Works API and Tumblr 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, The SMS Works API or Tumblr?
Tumblr has the lower median latency in our checks — The SMS Works API responds in 518 ms versus Tumblr at 208 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 SMS Works API and Tumblr need an API key?
Both ask you to authenticate — The SMS Works API uses an API key and Tumblr uses OAuth. Each key is free to obtain; the Auth and Card-required rows above spell out the signup terms.
Can I call The SMS Works API and Tumblr from the browser?
Yes — both The SMS Works API and Tumblr 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 The SMS Works API and Tumblr free for commercial use?
The SMS Works API has unclear commercial terms, and Tumblr 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.