XIVAPI vs CheapShark

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms
P95 · ms
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverified; game content © Square EnixUnverified
Free tierFree; optional free key raises limitsFree — no key
Rate limitRate-limited; higher limits with a free key (see docs)Unpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

XIVAPI vs CheapShark: common questions

Which is more reliable, XIVAPI or CheapShark?

On our scheduled checks, CheapShark leads on measured uptime — XIVAPI at —% versus CheapShark 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 XIVAPI and CheapShark need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — XIVAPI is callable with no signup, and CheapShark is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call XIVAPI and CheapShark from the browser?

Yes — both XIVAPI and CheapShark 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 XIVAPI and CheapShark free for commercial use?

XIVAPI has unclear commercial terms, and CheapShark 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.