Before copying a CORSPROXY request, replace the API-key placeholder with your account key and register the browser app’s domain. Free is for browser requests; server-side use needs a paid plan, and conversion, extraction, or custom caching needs Production. Follow the first-request guide for setup and error diagnosis.
What is CORS.SH?
CORS.SH (available at proxy.cors.sh) emerged as a free alternative after CORS Anywhere restricted its public demo. Created by the Grida team, the service aims to provide “cors-anywhere-for-everyone” without the rate limits that plagued the original.
The service accepts target URLs and returns responses with proper CORS headers, enabling browser JavaScript to access cross-origin resources.
CORS.SH Usage
// CORS.SH usage
const response = await fetch(
`https://proxy.cors.sh/${targetUrl}`
);
const data = await response.json();CORS.SH vs CorsProxy.io
While both solve CORS bypass, they differ significantly in reliability and features:
Infrastructure: CORS.SH operates on limited infrastructure with no published SLA. CorsProxy.io uses a global edge network with 300+ locations and provides 99.99% uptime.
Sustainability: Free services without revenue models often disappear. CorsProxy.io has a sustainable business model with free and paid tiers.
Performance: CORS.SH response times depend on their single infrastructure. CorsProxy.io delivers sub-50ms globally through edge caching.
// CORS.SH
const url = `https://proxy.cors.sh/${targetUrl}`;
// CorsProxy.io
const url = `https://corsproxy.io/?key=YOUR_API_KEY&url=${encodeURIComponent(targetUrl)}`;Reliability Comparison
| Aspect | CORS.SH | CorsProxy.io |
|---|---|---|
| Uptime | None | 99.99% |
| Global CDN | No | 300+ locations |
| Response Time | Variable | <50ms |
| Rate Limits | ”None” (unverified) | Clear limits |
| Business Model | Donation-based | Freemium |
The Free Service Problem
Free CORS proxy services face common challenges:
- Abuse: Without authentication, services get abused
- Scaling: Traffic spikes crash limited infrastructure
- Sustainability: No revenue means eventual shutdown
- Support: No resources for user assistance
CORS Anywhere faced these issues and had to restrict access. CORS.SH may encounter similar problems as usage grows.
When to Use Each
Consider CORS.SH if:
- You’re in early development only
- Zero budget is mandatory
- You accept potential downtime
- You’ll migrate before production
Choose CorsProxy.io if:
- You need production reliability
- Consistent performance matters
- You want support options
- You’re building real applications