Quick answer
IPLocate.io - IPLocate.io wins for most builders who want the richest free tier, because it keeps the full paid data set and support path open at no cost, while The IP API is better only if you want a simpler geolocation-focused product with clear flat-price upgrades.
How the free tiers compare
These two free tiers look similar on paper because both give 1,000 requests per day and require no credit card, but they diverge in what you can do with that allowance and what happens when you grow. IPLocate.io is the broader product: its free plan includes geolocation plus threat and privacy detection, hosting detection, company lookup, and network/ASN data, with the same endpoints and accuracy as paid plans. The IP API is narrower and more operationally simple: geolocation, ASN, company data, commercial use, and daily updates, but no email support on free. The upgrade path also differs. IPLocate.io starts with usage-based access from 100,000 requests per month and then fixed quota or credits options, while The IP API uses simple flat monthly plans at $19, $49, and $99. So the choice is mostly between breadth and pricing clarity.
IPLocate.io vs The IP API free tier, side by side
| IPLocate.ioFTV 77 | The IP APIFTV 58 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free requestsBoth free tiers use a daily request cap. | 1,000/day | 1,000/day |
| Geolocation dataBoth cover core IP location fields. | Included | Included |
| Threat / privacy detectionIPLocate adds proxy, VPN, Tor, relay, and hosting detection. | Included | Not listed |
| Company informationBoth include company or organization-style data. | Included | Included |
| Network / ASN dataBoth include ASN-related lookup data. | Included | Included |
| Credit card required for free tierBoth input records explicitly say no credit card required. | No | No |
After you outgrow the free tier
IPLocate.io uses usage-based and quote-based pricing after free. Its first meaningful paid path starts at 100,000 requests per month, with volume and annual discounts available, plus a 300,000/month quota plan and bulk credits. The IP API uses simple flat monthly plans: $19, $49, and $99. For small teams, The IP API is easier to budget for. Once you get into higher or less predictable usage, IPLocate.io may fit better because it offers usage-based scaling and bulk credits instead of forcing you into a fixed tier immediately.
Cost at real usage
| Usage | IPLocate.io | The IP API |
|---|---|---|
| 100k requests/moIPLocate.io says pay as you go starts from 100,000/month but gives no public dollar rate. | Contact sales / varies by usage | $19/mo |
| 300k requests/moIPLocate.io has a 300,000/month quota plan, but no public monthly price was provided. | Contact sales / varies by usage | $19/mo |
| 600k requests/moThe IP API Beginner plan includes 600,000 requests/month. | Contact sales / varies by usage | $19/mo |
| 3M requests/moThe IP API Standard plan includes 3,000,000 requests/month. | Contact sales / varies by usage | $49/mo |
Estimates, not quotes. Usage-based rates change - verify with the vendor's pricing page before committing.
When to pick each one
Pick IPLocate.io when…
- You need proxy, VPN, Tor, relay, or hosting detection in the free tier
- You want company and network intelligence beyond basic geolocation
- You expect to test the same API endpoints on free that you will keep using on paid
- You are likely to scale beyond hobby use and want usage-based or quota-based expansion options
Pick The IP API when…
- You only need core IP geolocation, ASN, and company fields
- You want a straightforward paid ladder with public flat prices
- You care about commercial use on the free plan and do not need support yet
- You expect to land in the 600k to 15M requests/month range and want predictable monthly bills
Bottom line
For most builders, IPLocate.io is the better free-tier pick because the free plan is closer to a full product trial, not a limited teaser. You get more data types, the same endpoints as paid users, and no card requirement. Choose The IP API if your needs are mostly geolocation and you want a simple, predictable flat-price upgrade path. If you expect to stay small, IPLocate.io gives more room before you have to pay.
Read the full listings: IPLocate.io 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.