Quick answer
ExchangeRate-API - ExchangeRate-API wins for most builders because its free tier is truly no-card and easier to keep using, while CurrencyBeacon wins only if you need more requests or fresher rates.
How the free tiers compare
These two APIs overlap on the basics: currency conversion, historical data, HTTPS, and commercial use. The difference is in how much breathing room the free tier gives you and how fast the product becomes useful for a production workflow. CurrencyBeacon is the larger free allowance, with 5,000 requests and hourly updates, so it is better if you need more headroom before paying. ExchangeRate-API is smaller at 1.5K requests and daily updates, but it stands out because no credit card is required and the paid ladder is simpler and cheaper to enter. If you are prototyping, evaluating, or want to stay free as long as possible, ExchangeRate-API is the safer default. If you expect heavier testing or more frequent pulls, CurrencyBeacon is the better free-tier fit.
CurrencyBeacon vs ExchangeRate-API free tier, side by side
| CurrencyBeaconFTV 45 | ExchangeRate-APIFTV 52 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free API requestsCurrencyBeacon gives over 3x the free request volume. | 5,000/month | 1.5K/month |
| Update frequencyCurrencyBeacon refreshes more often on the free tier. | Hourly | Once per day |
| Historical data | Included | Included |
| Commercial useOnly claim what is listed in the input. | Allowed | Not explicitly stated in provided free-tier items |
| Credit card requiredUsing the tri-state fields exactly as provided. | False / card required | True / no card required |
After you outgrow the free tier
Both products use flat monthly pricing for their first paid tiers. CurrencyBeacon starts at Basic for $10/month, then jumps to Startup at $99/month and Professional at $599/month, so costs rise sharply once you need much higher request limits or faster updates. ExchangeRate-API also starts at $10/month, but its ladder is smaller and more gradual, with Pro at 30k requests and Business at $30/month for 125k requests. For typical small-team usage, ExchangeRate-API is cheaper to adopt beyond free because it offers a lower-friction no-card free tier and a less expensive mid-tier.
Cost at real usage
| Usage | CurrencyBeacon | ExchangeRate-API |
|---|---|---|
| 30k API requests/moCurrencyBeacon's free tier is 5,000 requests, so 30k exceeds free. | est. free tier insufficient; next plan is $10/mo for 50,000 requests | $10/mo |
| 50k API requests/moExchangeRate-API's Pro includes 30k requests, so 50k requires upgrading. | $10/mo | est. above Pro tier; Business is $30/mo for 125k requests |
| 125k API requests/moCurrencyBeacon needs Startup for 500,000 requests; ExchangeRate-API's Business tier includes 125k. | $99/mo | $30/mo |
Estimates, not quotes. Usage-based rates change - verify with the vendor's pricing page before committing.
When to pick each one
Pick CurrencyBeacon when…
- You need 5,000 requests per month instead of 1.5K for a small app or internal tool.
- You want hourly updates on the free tier rather than once per day.
- You are testing a rates sync job that will make a few thousand calls before launch.
- You need a bigger free cushion before deciding whether to pay.
Pick ExchangeRate-API when…
- You want to start without entering a credit card.
- You are building a lightweight converter or prototype with low monthly request volume.
- You care more about predictable keep-using-free access than the largest free quota.
- You want the cheaper first paid step at $10/month with 30k requests included.
Bottom line
For the most common builder case, ExchangeRate-API is the better pick because it is easier to try free, requires no credit card, and has a straightforward paid path once you outgrow 1.5K requests. CurrencyBeacon is the stronger free tier on raw allowance and update frequency, so it makes sense when you expect to exceed a light prototype quickly. If your priority is staying unblocked and minimizing setup friction, pick ExchangeRate-API. If your priority is more free usage before paying, pick CurrencyBeacon.
Read the full listings: CurrencyBeacon and ExchangeRate-API. Scores use the FTV methodology at /ftv. Browse more head-to-heads on /compare, or see the top-ranked free tiers on /top.