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CoinGecko 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 CoinGecko API if you want to start without an API key, to call it from browser JavaScript.
  • Choose CoinMarketCap API if you want faster responses.

Side by side

CoinGecko APICoinMarketCap API
What it doesCryptocurrency Price, Market, and Developer/Social Data.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.
Providercoingecko.comcoinmarketcap.com
API keyNot neededRequired
HTTPSYesYes
CORS (browser calls)YesUnknown
Status todayOnline · 1261 msOnline · 712 ms
Uptime (30 days)UpUp
Developer ratingNot rated yetNot rated yet
PriceFree / free tierFree / free tier

About each API

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 →

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.

CoinGecko vs CoinMarketCap FAQ

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

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

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

CoinGecko API alternatives · CoinMarketCap API alternatives · best Cryptocurrency APIs