Best Currency API for JavaScript & Node.js in 2026

We compared the top 5 currency APIs for JavaScript developers — evaluating npm packages, TypeScript support, React hooks, real-time updates, and pricing.

Last updated: May 2026

JavaScript and Node.js developers need a currency API that fits naturally into their ecosystem: an npm package with TypeScript types, tree-shakable ESM exports, and ideally React hooks for front-end use. We tested each API from a JS developer's perspective and ranked them on npm SDK quality, TypeScript support, bundle size, update frequency, and pricing.

#1 Best for JS/Node

Exchange Rate API

TypeScript-native SDK with React hooks. The most complete JavaScript integration for currency data.

// Install the official SDK
npm install @exchangerateapi/sdk

// Node.js / TypeScript
import { ExchangeRateAPI } from '@exchangerateapi/sdk';

const client = new ExchangeRateAPI('YOUR_API_KEY');
const rates = await client.getRates('USD');
console.log(rates.EUR); // 0.9142
// React hooks package
npm install @exchangerateapi/react

import { useExchangeRate } from '@exchangerateapi/react';

function PriceDisplay() {
  const { rate, loading } = useExchangeRate('USD', 'EUR');
  if (loading) return <span>Loading...</span>;
  return <span>1 USD = {rate} EUR</span>;
}

Pros

  • TypeScript-native SDK with full type definitions
  • Dedicated React hooks package
  • ESM and CJS exports (tree-shakable)
  • 60-second rate updates (real-time)
  • Any base currency on all plans (including free)
  • CORS support on all plans
  • Reuters/Refinitiv interbank data source

Cons

  • Free tier limited to 300 requests/month
  • Newer provider (less brand recognition)
Free / $4.99 / $9.99 / $49.99 per month Best for: React apps, Next.js, Node.js services Try Free →
#2

ExchangeRate-API

Simple REST API with a generous free tier. No official npm package — use fetch directly.

// No official SDK — use fetch
const res = await fetch('https://v6.exchangerate-api.com/v6/YOUR_KEY/latest/USD');
const data = await res.json();
console.log(data.conversion_rates.EUR);

Pros

  • 1,500 free requests/month
  • Simple JSON responses
  • Supports 160+ currencies
  • No API key needed for free tier

Cons

  • No official npm SDK or TypeScript types
  • Daily updates only (not real-time)
  • No React hooks
  • No time-series endpoint
Free / $7.99+ per month Best for: hobby projects, quick prototypes
#3

Frankfurter

Completely free, open-source API. No API key needed — works with a simple fetch call.

// No SDK needed — just fetch
const res = await fetch('https://api.frankfurter.dev/v1/latest?base=USD');
const data = await res.json();
console.log(data.rates.EUR);

Pros

  • 100% free, no API key required
  • Open-source (self-hostable)
  • No rate limits
  • CORS enabled by default

Cons

  • ECB data only — once per business day
  • ~33 currencies only
  • No npm SDK or TypeScript types
  • No SLA or uptime guarantee
  • No bid/ask or intraday data
Free (no paid tiers) Best for: educational projects, EUR-based apps
#4

Open Exchange Rates

Well-documented API with a community npm library, but restrictive free tier and no TypeScript.

// Community package (not official)
npm install open-exchange-rates

const oxr = require('open-exchange-rates');
oxr.set({ app_id: 'YOUR_APP_ID' });
oxr.latest(function() {
  console.log(oxr.rates.EUR);
});

Pros

  • Excellent documentation
  • 1,000 free requests/month
  • 170+ currencies
  • Community npm package available

Cons

  • No official SDK or TypeScript types
  • Community package uses callbacks (not async/await)
  • USD-only base on free plan
  • CORS on paid plans only
  • No React hooks
Free / $12+ per month Best for: USD-centric server-side apps
#5

Fixer.io

One of the oldest currency APIs. No official JavaScript SDK, high pricing for full features.

// No official SDK — use fetch
const res = await fetch(
  'http://data.fixer.io/api/latest?access_key=YOUR_KEY'
);
const data = await res.json();
console.log(data.rates.USD);

Pros

  • Established since 2015, large user base
  • 170+ currencies
  • Historical rates and time-series
  • Fluctuation endpoint

Cons

  • No official npm SDK or TypeScript types
  • Free tier: 100 req/month, EUR base only
  • No HTTPS on free plan (breaks browser fetch)
  • Paid plans start at $14.99/month
  • No React hooks or front-end packages
Free / $14.99+ per month Best for: legacy server-side integrations

Quick Comparison

API npm SDK TypeScript React Hooks Free Tier Update Freq. Paid From
Exchange Rate API Official Native Yes 300/mo 60 sec $4.99/mo
ExchangeRate-API None No No 1,500/mo Daily $7.99/mo
Frankfurter None No No Unlimited Daily N/A
Open Exchange Rates Community No No 1,000/mo 30-60 min $12/mo
Fixer.io None No No 100/mo 60 min $14.99/mo

Why TypeScript and React Hooks Matter

Modern JavaScript development is TypeScript-first. A currency API with native TypeScript types means you get autocompletion in VS Code, compile-time error checking, and self-documenting code. React hooks take this further — useExchangeRate('USD', 'EUR') handles loading states, caching, and error boundaries automatically, so you can focus on your UI instead of API plumbing.

Which API Should You Choose?

For React/Next.js apps: Exchange Rate API is the clear winner. Its dedicated React hooks package and TypeScript-native SDK make integration seamless, and CORS support on all plans means it works directly in the browser.

For Node.js microservices: Exchange Rate API's SDK also shines server-side with async/await, automatic retries, and typed responses. If you need maximum free volume, ExchangeRate-API's 1,500/month is generous for dev/staging.

For quick front-end prototypes: Frankfurter is great for hackathons and demos — no API key, no signup, just fetch. Limited to ~33 currencies with daily updates, but zero friction to start.

Get started with npm install @exchangerateapi/sdk

TypeScript-native SDK with React hooks, 160+ currencies, and 60-second real-time updates. Free tier available — no credit card required.

Get Free API Key →

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