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CoinCap API vs CoinGecko API

Two free Cryptocurrency APIs compared on access, reliability and developer ratings, using data from our daily health checks.

The verdict

  • Choose CoinCap API for its data: Real time Cryptocurrency prices through a RESTful API.
  • Choose CoinGecko API if you want to call it from browser JavaScript.

Side by side

CoinCap APICoinGecko API
What it doesReal time Cryptocurrency prices through a RESTful API.Cryptocurrency Price, Market, and Developer/Social Data.
ProviderCoinCap API Managercoingecko.com
API keyNot neededNot needed
HTTPSYesYes
CORS (browser calls)UnknownYes
Status todayOnline · 1260 msOnline · 1261 ms
Uptime (30 days)UpUp
Developer ratingNot rated yetNot rated yet
PriceFree / free tierFree / free tier
CoinCap docs ↗CoinGecko docs ↗

About each API

CoinCap logoCoinCap API

Real time Cryptocurrency prices through a RESTful API.

CoinCap API — real-time cryptocurrency prices, market caps, and exchange data. Supports accountless x402 payment protocol for agent access: create a prepaid API key with POST /v3/prepaid/create (100 free credits, refill with USDC on Base). OpenAPI spec: https://rest.coincap.io/api-docs.json

Strengths

  • No API key needed
  • HTTPS

Ratings, reviews and FAQ →

CoinGecko logoCoinGecko API

Cryptocurrency Price, Market, and Developer/Social Data.

Strengths

  • No API key needed
  • Callable from the browser (CORS)
  • HTTPS

Ratings, reviews and FAQ →

How to choose between them

  • Prototyping or a tutorial? Pick the one that needs no API key (both qualify).
  • Calling from a web page? You need CORS. Otherwise route requests through your own server or a serverless function.
  • Going to production? Favour HTTPS, a strong uptime record and a provider with clear rate limits and terms. Check each API's docs before you commit.
  • Still unsure? Both are free to try: send one request to each and compare the data you get back.

CoinCap vs CoinGecko FAQ

Do CoinCap API and CoinGecko API need an API key?

Neither needs an API key; you can call both straight away.

Which can I call from the browser?

CoinGecko API supports CORS, so front-end JavaScript can call it directly. Call the other from a server.

More comparisons

CoinCap API alternatives · CoinGecko API alternatives · best Cryptocurrency APIs