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Currencylayer API vs ExchangeRate-API

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

The verdict

  • Choose Currencylayer API for its data: Exchange rates and currency conversion.
  • Choose ExchangeRate-API if you want to call it from browser JavaScript, faster responses.

Side by side

Currencylayer APIExchangeRate-API
What it doesExchange rates and currency conversion.Accurate & reliable Exchange Rates API trusted by tens of thousands of developers since 2010.
ProviderCurrencylayerExchangeRate-API
API keyRequiredRequired
HTTPSYesYes
CORS (browser calls)UnknownYes
Status todayOnline · 1175 msOnline · 247 ms
Uptime (30 days)UpUp
Developer ratingNot rated yetNot rated yet
PriceFree / free tierFree / free tier
Currencylayer docs ↗ExchangeRate-API docs ↗

About each API

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 →

ExchangeRate-API logoExchangeRate-API

Accurate & reliable Exchange Rates API trusted by tens of thousands of developers since 2010.

Accurate & reliable Exchange Rates API trusted by tens of thousands of developers since 2010. Free access, all world currencies, helpful support & easy to integrate JSON API.

Strengths

  • Fast: 247 ms response
  • 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 (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.

Currencylayer vs ExchangeRate-API FAQ

Do Currencylayer API and ExchangeRate-API need an API key?

Both require authentication (apiKey and apiKey).

Which can I call from the browser?

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

More comparisons

Currencylayer API alternatives · ExchangeRate-API alternatives · best Currency Exchange APIs