Head-to-head · IP Address Intelligence Software
IP-API vs ipstack
IP-API leads on 0 checks, ipstack on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreIP-API · 8.4/10
- Free planboth
IP-API scores higher on our rubric for ip address intelligence software: 8.4 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.
On data refresh, ipstack gives you Daily where IP-API offers Real-time.
IP-API is the better fit for affordable general-purpose IP lookup. ipstack is the better fit for budget-conscious apps needing IP enrichment.
- IP-API fits best
Affordable general-purpose IP lookup
- ipstack fits best
Budget-conscious apps needing IP enrichment
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Side by side
| Feature | IP-API 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | ipstack 8.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 8.2 |
| Ranking | #6 in IP Address Intelligence Software | #7 in IP Address Intelligence Software |
| Best for | Affordable general-purpose IP lookup | Budget-conscious apps needing IP enrichment |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | $12.99/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Support | Email · 24/7 | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features IP-API 3/3 · ipstack 3/3 | ||
| Threat detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Proxy/VPN detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| API access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Geolocation data | Coordinates | Coordinates |
| Free lookups | Not checked yet | 100 lookups/mo |
| Data refresh | Real-time | Daily |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | IP-API provides IP geolocation and network intelligence through an API and web interface. It is aimed at developers and teams that need to look up IPv4 or IPv6 addresses and domain names, from solo projects to mid-market use. Results can… Read the review → |
ipstack is a cloud-based IP intelligence service for developers and businesses that need to locate and identify website visitors. Its HTTP API accepts GET requests and returns structured JSON, with support for IPv4 and IPv6. Core location… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
IP-API — where it wins
- Looks up IPv4, IPv6, and domains with location and network details
- Detects proxy, VPN, Tor, and hosting indicators
- Supports batch queries and JSON, XML, CSV, newline, and PHP formats
Where it doesn't
- Free plan is restricted to non-commercial use
- Free lookups are limited to 45 requests per minute
- HTTPS and unlimited requests require the Pro plan
ipstack — where it wins
- Free tier with location data and SSL encryption
- Geolocation, timezone, currency, ISP, ASN, and connection details
- Professional+ adds bulk lookup plus proxy, VPN, and threat detection
Where it doesn't
- Free plan is limited to 100 requests per month
- Bulk lookup is available only on Professional+
- Security module starts at the $99.99 monthly Professional+ plan
- IP-API8.4/10 · Free plan
Flexible IP and domain lookups with network details and proxy detection.
Visit IP-APIFull verdict → - ipstack8.2/10 · Free plan
Affordable IP enrichment with geolocation, network details, and higher-tier security tools.
Visit ipstackFull verdict →
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All IP address intelligence software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update


