Compare
Pick the right tool. Even if it isn't us.
There are four common ways to get IP context into an application. Here is how they differ, and an honest list of when IPAPI.GR is — and isn't — the better fit.
Comparison table
| Criterion | IPAPI.GR | Downloadable IP database | Single-source IP API | Bot-management service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Integration | One HTTPS GET with an API key | Download files, keep them updated, read them in-process | One HTTPS GET with an API key | Usually a proxy, CDN or edge integration |
| Where answers come from | 11 independent providers, merged per uncached lookup | One vendor's database | One vendor's data | The vendor's own traffic signals |
| Bot signals | AI, crawler and scanner flags from operator-published ranges, feeds and verified reverse DNS | Typically not included | Varies by vendor | Behavioural and fingerprint scoring, usually proprietary |
| Can you see what is covered? | Yes: 143 sources listed publicly | Not applicable | Varies by vendor | Typically not |
| Latency | A network call; repeat lookups are served from cache | No network call | A network call | Inline, before the request reaches you |
| Acts on traffic for you | No: returns data, you decide | No | No | Yes: challenges or blocks |
| Getting started | Free tier, 1,000 requests / day | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Columns other than IPAPI.GR describe typical products in each category, not any specific vendor. Check the vendor's documentation before you choose.
Fit
When to choose what.
IPAPI.GR is a good fit when…
- You want location, network and bot signals from one call, in one JSON shape.
- You need to explain why an address was flagged: every flag traces to an operator publication.
- You make your own decisions in code: block, tag, rate limit or log.
- You want a free tier to build on, and a predictable monthly price for more.
Choose something else when…
- You need lookups with no network call at all — a downloadable database will be faster on the hot path.
- You need automatic challenges, CAPTCHAs or blocking in front of your site — a bot-management or WAF service does that; this API only returns data.
- You need VPN, proxy or Tor detection — IPAPI.GR doesn't return those signals.
- You need to send many IPs in one request — the API takes one IP or domain per request.
- You need a contractual uptime SLA — IPAPI.GR doesn't publish one.
Try it on your own traffic.
Free keys include 1,000 requests a day. See exactly which bots are covered or browse use cases.