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CycleCalcs API vs iNaturalist API

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

The verdict

  • Choose CycleCalcs API if you want faster responses.
  • Choose iNaturalist API if its data fits your use case better; on access and reliability it's level with CycleCalcs API.

Side by side

CycleCalcs APIiNaturalist API
What it doesInterpreted astronomy: sun and moon times, moon phases, planets, eclipses, seasons.Citizen-science wildlife observations with species identification and mapping.
ProviderCycleCalcsiNaturalist API
API keyNot neededNot needed
HTTPSYesYes
CORS (browser calls)YesYes
Status todayOnline · 714 msOnline · 1121 ms
Uptime (30 days)UpUp
Developer ratingNot rated yetNot rated yet
PriceFree / free tierFree / free tier
CycleCalcs docs ↗iNaturalist docs ↗

About each API

CycleCalcs logoCycleCalcs API

Interpreted astronomy: sun and moon times, moon phases, planets, eclipses, seasons.

Interpreted astronomy over HTTP: ask for the Moon and get 'Waning Gibbous, 95% lit, sets at 06:14', with every number behind it one field away. Version 2 is 31 endpoints, free and computed live; version 1 stays frozen.

Strengths

  • No API key needed
  • Callable from the browser (CORS)
  • HTTPS

Ratings, reviews and FAQ →

iNaturalist logoiNaturalist API

Citizen-science wildlife observations with species identification and mapping.

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 (both qualify).
  • 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.

CycleCalcs vs iNaturalist FAQ

Do CycleCalcs API and iNaturalist API need an API key?

Neither needs an API key; you can call both straight away.

More comparisons

CycleCalcs API alternatives · iNaturalist API alternatives · best Science & Math APIs