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CurrencyBeacon API vs Currencylayer API

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

The verdict

  • Choose CurrencyBeacon API if you want to call it from browser JavaScript.
  • Choose Currencylayer API for its data: Exchange rates and currency conversion.

Side by side

CurrencyBeacon APICurrencylayer API
What it doesReal-time and historical currency exchange rates with free tier.Exchange rates and currency conversion.
ProviderCurrencyBeaconCurrencylayer
API keyRequiredRequired
HTTPSYesYes
CORS (browser calls)YesUnknown
Status todayOnline · 947 msOnline · 1175 ms
Uptime (30 days)UpUp
Developer ratingNot rated yetNot rated yet
PriceFree / free tierFree / free tier
CurrencyBeacon docs ↗Currencylayer docs ↗

About each API

CurrencyBeacon API

Real-time and historical currency exchange rates with free tier.

CurrencyBeacon is a developer-friendly currency rates REST API with code samples, SDK-ready JSON responses, and an MCP server for AI agents.

Strengths

  • Callable from the browser (CORS)
  • HTTPS

Ratings, reviews and FAQ →

Currencylayer logoCurrencylayer API

Exchange rates and currency conversion.

Free and startup-friendly currency converter JSON API for real-time and historical exchange rates - reliable and accurate, supporting 168 world currencies.

Strengths

  • HTTPS

Ratings, reviews and FAQ →

How to choose between them

  • Prototyping or a tutorial? Pick the one that needs no API key (neither does, so compare their free tiers).
  • 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.

CurrencyBeacon vs Currencylayer FAQ

Do CurrencyBeacon API and Currencylayer API need an API key?

Both require authentication (apiKey and apiKey).

Which can I call from the browser?

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

More comparisons

CurrencyBeacon API alternatives · Currencylayer API alternatives · best Currency Exchange APIs