Compare / LookupLab vs ipapi
LookupLab vs ipapi
IP geolocation API with a generous free tier, aimed at developers who need country and city for an IP. Here is how it lines up against LookupLab on coverage, price and billing.
Disclosure: LookupLab is our product. Price review: 2026-10-12. Public pricing checked; taxes, add-ons and billing intervals vary. Vendor pricing source.
| LookupLab | ipapi | |
|---|---|---|
| Phone validation with live carrier data | Yes | No |
| Email checks | Syntax, MX and disposable-domain checks; mailbox verification is not guaranteed | No |
| IP geolocation and anonymity flags | Yes | Yes |
| DNS checks (MX, SPF, DMARC, DKIM) | Yes | No |
| Starting price | $99 for 20,000 credits; see current pricing for billing interval | $15/month for 60,000 requests; $144/year option |
| Free option | 1,000 signup credits; see signup terms | Trial advertised at 1,000/day; contact vendor |
| Billing model | Base phone: 1-3 credits; caller name: 3-5. Other current checks: 1 credit. See pricing for details. | See vendor pricing |
| One credit pool across data types | Yes | Check vendor plan |
| MCP server for AI agents | Yes | Check vendor documentation |
| Contract | None, cancel any time | See vendor terms |
Where ipapi wins
- Big free tier
- No key needed for basic use
- Fast
Where LookupLab fits
- Phone validation with carrier, line type and porting data, which ipapi does not offer.
- Email syntax, domain and disposable-provider checks under the same key.
- Credit-based billing with charged credits returned in the response.
- An MCP server so agents can call the same tools.
What to check before choosing
- Compare the exact response fields, coverage and billing unit with your use case.
- Check plan-specific features and retention terms before migrating.
Test LookupLab against ipapi
Run a sample of your real data through both. 1,000 free credits, no card required.
Start free Read the docsQuestions
Is LookupLab cheaper than ipapi?
Compare the same fields and workload. LookupLab prices credits, and a phone lookup can use more than one credit. $15/month for 60,000 requests; $144/year option Billing intervals and capabilities differ.
Can LookupLab replace ipapi?
Run a representative sample against the exact fields your application requires. LookupLab email checks do not guarantee mailbox existence; phone checks do not prove ownership, consent or delivery. Specialized fraud and identity products may require another provider.
How do I migrate from ipapi?
Map your existing fields to LookupLab's response, retain record IDs and handle HTTP errors separately from invalid results. Test a small sample before switching production traffic.