The SMS Works API vs Vonage (Nexmo) API

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%100%
Uptime · 30d100%100%
P50 · ms518507
P95 · ms11011019
AuthapiKeyapiKey
CORSyesno
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree tier — API key requiredFree tier — API key required
Rate limitUnpublished10, 120;w=60;name="crd|generic_key^nexmo-gloo.sanity-service-remote-address-120-rpm|remote_address", 10;w=1;name="crd|generic_key^nexmo-gloo.sanity-service-remote-address-10-rps|remote_address" req/window · 9 remaining · resets 1
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

The SMS Works API vs Vonage (Nexmo) API: common questions

Which is more reliable, The SMS Works API or Vonage (Nexmo) API?

Both are neck-and-neck — The SMS Works API and Vonage (Nexmo) API 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 Vonage (Nexmo) API?

Vonage (Nexmo) API has the lower median latency in our checks — The SMS Works API responds in 518 ms versus Vonage (Nexmo) API at 507 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 Vonage (Nexmo) API need an API key?

Both ask you to authenticate — The SMS Works API uses an API key and Vonage (Nexmo) API uses an API key. 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 Vonage (Nexmo) API from the browser?

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

Are The SMS Works API and Vonage (Nexmo) API free for commercial use?

The SMS Works API has unclear commercial terms, and Vonage (Nexmo) 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.