We Checked 1,600+ Free APIs. 254 Were Already Dead.

Description and use

Developers often rely on free APIs that may suddenly become unavailable. AKCLNT Free APIs implemented weekly automated checks of 1,600+ APIs, identifying 254 dead and 82 live services. It publishes status history, response times, and health data, along with a checklist for selecting reliable APIs.

Problem

Developers rely on free APIs that may become unavailable without notice, leading to broken integrations.

Outcome

Out of 1,600+ free APIs, 254 were found dead, 82 verified live, and 4 currently down. The system provides transparent, weekly status updates, enabling developers to choose reliable APIs.

Workflow

• Curate core list of 111 APIs and perform a real GET request to a documented endpoint with one retry, capturing status, response time, and body.
• For the wider catalog of 1,600+ APIs, perform a link check: the official site must return 2xx/3xx or a login page; otherwise mark as dead.
• Run the checks weekly to maintain up-to-date status history and health scores.
• Publish results publicly per API, including raw JSON, CSV, and watch feeds for status changes.
• Provide a checklist for developers to evaluate APIs: current response, status history, break handling, and keyless access.
• Offer a live badge for API maintainers to display current status on README files.
• Invite community to report missing or dead APIs for future checks.

Evidence

We actually checked.

Source

254 dead links refused entry since tracking began.

Source

82 APIs verified live with real endpoint requests at the latest check, and 4 down right now — shown, not hidden.

Source

The whole catalog is open: Browse it: freeapis.akclnt.com

Source