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ip-api vs IPstack API

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

The verdict

  • Choose ip-api if you want to start without an API key, faster responses.
  • Choose IPstack API if you want HTTPS.

Side by side

ip-apiIPstack API
What it doesFind location with IP address or domain.Locate and identify website visitors by IP address.
ProviderIP-API.comIPstack
API keyNot neededRequired
HTTPSNoYes
CORS (browser calls)UnknownUnknown
Status todayOnline · 1042 msOnline · 1604 ms
Uptime (30 days)UpUp
Developer ratingNot rated yetNot rated yet
PriceFree / free tierFree / free tier

About each API

ip-api logoip-api

Find location with IP address or domain.

Free IP Geolocation API - lookup any IP address

Strengths

  • No API key needed

Ratings, reviews and FAQ →

IPstack logoIPstack API

Locate and identify website visitors by IP address.

Accurate, real-time IP geolocation trusted by developers worldwide. Get country, city, and coordinates via a simple REST API. Free to start.

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.

ip-api vs IPstack FAQ

Which needs an API key, ip-api or IPstack API?

IPstack API requires an API key; ip-api doesn't, so ip-api is quicker to try.

More comparisons

ip-api alternatives · IPstack API alternatives · best Geocoding APIs