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Currencylayer API vs Frankfurter 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 Frankfurter API if you want to start without an API key, to call it from browser JavaScript.

Side by side

Currencylayer APIFrankfurter API
What it doesExchange rates and currency conversion.Exchange rates, currency conversion and time series.
ProviderCurrencylayerFrankfurter
API keyRequiredNot needed
HTTPSYesYes
CORS (browser calls)UnknownYes
Status todayOnline · 1175 msOnline · 1501 ms
Uptime (30 days)UpUp
Developer ratingNot rated yetNot rated yet
PriceFree / free tierFree / free tier
Currencylayer docs ↗Frankfurter 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 →

Frankfurter logoFrankfurter API

Exchange rates, currency conversion and time series.

Free, open-source exchange rates API for 223 currencies. Current and historical rates from 105 central banks and official sources. No API key required.

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.
  • 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 Frankfurter FAQ

Which needs an API key, Currencylayer API or Frankfurter API?

Currencylayer API requires an API key; Frankfurter API doesn't, so Frankfurter API is quicker to try.

Which can I call from the browser?

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

More comparisons

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