Quick answer
The IP API - For most builders, The IP API wins because its free tier has a much higher monthly request cap and is easier to size for real production traffic, while Free IP API is the better pick only if you need uncapped per-minute bursts and are fine with a Europe-only free setup.
How the free tiers compare
These two free tiers solve the same basic problem, but they are shaped differently. Free IP API is quotaed by rate: 60 requests per minute, which is useful when you want predictable burst control and only need a modest stream of lookups. It also includes bulk lookups, whitelisting, and commercial use, with no card required. The IP API is quotaed by volume: 1,000 requests per day, which is easier to reason about for apps with steady traffic and is much more generous over a month. It also includes ASN and company data plus daily updates, but no email support on the free tier. If you are prototyping, either works. If you expect real usage growth, The IP API gives you more breathing room before you hit the wall.
Free IP API vs The IP API free tier, side by side
| Free IP APIFTV 54 | The IP APIFTV 58 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free allowanceA is rate-limited, B is volume-limited. | 60 requests per minute | 1,000 requests per day |
| Geolocation data | Included | Included |
| IPv4 and IPv6 support | Included | Included |
| Bulk lookups | Included, up to 50 IPs per request | Not listed on free tier |
| Email supportB explicitly says no email support on free. | Included | Not included |
| Server location on free tier | Europe only | Not specified |
| Commercial use | Allowed | Allowed |
After you outgrow the free tier
Both products use flat monthly pricing after the free tier, so the cost jump is simple rather than usage-metered. Free IP API starts at €9.90/month for Unlimited, or €99/year, and then moves to custom Enterprise pricing. The IP API starts at $19/month for Beginner, then $49/month and $99/month for larger fixed request bundles. For small teams, Free IP API is cheaper at the first paid step. The IP API becomes more expensive only if its larger request quotas or US/EU edge choice matter to your deployment.
Cost at real usage
| Usage | Free IP API | The IP API |
|---|---|---|
| ~600,000 requests/monthB’s Beginner plan explicitly includes 600,000 requests/month. | €9.90/mo | $19/mo |
| ~3,000,000 requests/monthB’s Standard plan explicitly includes 3,000,000 requests/month. | €9.90/mo | $49/mo |
| ~15,000,000 requests/monthB’s Premium plan explicitly includes 15,000,000 requests/month. | €9.90/mo | $99/mo |
Estimates, not quotes. Usage-based rates change - verify with the vendor's pricing page before committing.
When to pick each one
Pick Free IP API when…
- You need bursty lookups and care more about requests per minute than monthly volume.
- You want bulk IP lookup support up to 50 IPs per request on the free tier.
- You are okay with servers in Europe only for the free plan.
- You want email support included without paying.
- You need API keys and domain or IP whitelisting on the free tier.
Pick The IP API when…
- You want a free tier that is easier to plan around for steady daily traffic.
- You need ASN and company information in the response.
- You want daily data updates on the free plan.
- You expect to outgrow a small trial quickly and want a larger free monthly allowance.
- You do not need free email support and can live without it until you pay.
Bottom line
If you are choosing a free IP geolocation tier for a typical builder project, The IP API is the safer default because its 1,000 requests per day gives you more room to test, ship, and gather real usage before paying. Free IP API is the better fit when your traffic comes in bursts, when bulk lookups matter, or when you want free email support and whitelisting. Both are usable free tiers, but The IP API has the cleaner path for steady growth, while Free IP API has the tighter rate-limit model.
Read the full listings: Free IP API and The IP API. Scores use the FTV methodology at /ftv. Browse more head-to-heads on /compare, or see the top-ranked free tiers on /top.