ipto vs IP-API.com

IP-API.com has run a free, no-signup geolocation API since 2012, and it shows in the polish — sub-50ms responses, five output formats, and a built-in data-correction endpoint. Where it falls short is threat data: it flags hosting and proxy IPs only, with nothing for VPN, Tor, or scored abuse.

Feature	ipto	IP-API.com
API key required	Never	No (free tier)
Free tier rate limit	None for normal use	45 requests/minute
VPN detection	Yes	No
Tor detection	Yes	No
Abuse scoring	1–10 score + risk tier	No
Output formats	JSON, CSV, text, XML, YAML	JSON, XML, CSV, Newline, PHP-serialized
Bulk lookup	100 IPs/request (Pro/Enterprise)	Yes, dedicated batch endpoint
Reverse DNS endpoint	Single PTR lookup	Yes, dedicated DNS endpoint
Data-correction feedback loop	Not yet	Yes, built in
User-Agent / device parsing	Yes — GET /v1/ua, browser/OS/device/bot detection, also on the account dashboard	No dedicated UA-parsing product found

When IP-API.com might fit better

You specifically need PHP-serialized or newline-delimited output without converting it yourself.
You want a dedicated reverse-DNS endpoint and a public "report bad data" mechanism bundled in.
You've been running on it since 2012 and it already does what you need — there's no reason to migrate a working integration.

When ipto fits better

You want VPN, Tor, and a scored abuse signal without upgrading to a commercial plan — IP-API doesn't offer any of these at any tier.
You don't want a 45-requests-per-minute ceiling on free use.

FAQ

Is IP-API.com really free?

Yes, with no API key for non-commercial use — but capped at 45 requests per minute. ipto's free tier has no rate cap for normal use, key-free, including commercial-scale traffic.

Does IP-API detect VPNs or Tor exit nodes?

No. It flags hosting and proxy IPs only. ipto adds VPN, Tor, and a 1–10 abuse score with risk tier in the same free response.

Try it: curl https://ipto.to/v1/ip/8.8.8.8 · full API reference · all alternatives