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CoinCap API vs CoinMarketCap API

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

The verdict

  • Choose CoinCap API if you want to start without an API key.
  • Choose CoinMarketCap API if you want faster responses.

Side by side

CoinCap APICoinMarketCap API
What it doesReal time Cryptocurrency prices through a RESTful API.Use CoinMarketCap's crypto API to get the best, most accurate real-time, historical cryptocurrency, DEX and exchange trade data for Bitcoin, Ethereum and more.
ProviderCoinCap API Managercoinmarketcap.com
API keyNot neededRequired
HTTPSYesYes
CORS (browser calls)UnknownUnknown
Status todayOnline · 1260 msOnline · 712 ms
Uptime (30 days)UpUp
Developer ratingNot rated yetNot rated yet
PriceFree / free tierFree / free tier
CoinCap docs ↗CoinMarketCap 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 →

CoinMarketCap logoCoinMarketCap API

Use CoinMarketCap's crypto API to get the best, most accurate real-time, historical cryptocurrency, DEX and exchange trade data for Bitcoin, Ethereum and more.

Use CoinMarketCap's crypto API to get the best, most accurate real-time, historical cryptocurrency, DEX and exchange trade data for Bitcoin, Ethereum and more.

Strengths

  • HTTPS

Ratings, reviews and FAQ →

How to choose between them

  • Prototyping or a tutorial? Pick the one that needs no API key.
  • 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 CoinMarketCap FAQ

Which needs an API key, CoinCap API or CoinMarketCap API?

CoinMarketCap API requires an API key; CoinCap API doesn't, so CoinCap API is quicker to try.

More comparisons

CoinCap API alternatives · CoinMarketCap API alternatives · best Cryptocurrency APIs