Best Currency API for JavaScript & Node.js in 2026

Ranked comparison of the best currency exchange rate APIs with JavaScript/Node.js SDKs. npm packages, code examples, pricing, and pros/cons.

Building a JavaScript app that needs exchange rates? Whether it's a Node.js backend, a React dashboard, or a Next.js SaaS, you want an API with a proper npm package — not raw fetch() calls everywhere. Here's how the top providers compare for JS/TS developers.

Quick Comparison

1. AllRatesToday

AllRatesToday ships an official TypeScript SDK on npm with full type definitions, auto-completion, and a dedicated React hook package. Rates are mid-market from Reuters/Refinitiv, updated every 60 seconds. Zero dependencies beyond the SDK itself.

npm install @allratestoday/sdk

import { ExchangeRateAPI } from '@allratestoday/sdk';

const client = new ExchangeRateAPI('art_live_your_key');

// Current rate
const { rate } = await client.getRate('USD', 'EUR');
console.log(`1 USD = ${rate} EUR`);

// Historical rates (last 30 days)
const history = await client.getHistoricalRates('USD', 'EUR', '30d');
history.data.forEach(p => console.log(`${p.date}: ${p.rate}`));

React developers also get a dedicated package:

npm install @allratestoday/react

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

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

2. ExchangeRate-API

Generous free tier at 1,500 requests/month. No official npm package — you use fetch() directly. Rates update daily on the free plan. Straightforward JSON responses.

const resp = await fetch('https://v6.exchangerate-api.com/v6/YOUR_KEY/latest/USD');
const data = await resp.json();
console.log(`USD to EUR: ${data.conversion_rates.EUR}`);

3. Frankfurter

Open-source, free, no API key. Only 33 currencies (ECB reference rates). Great for prototypes and EU-focused apps that don't need exotic pairs.

const resp = await fetch('https://api.frankfurter.dev/v1/latest?base=USD&symbols=EUR,GBP');
const data = await resp.json();
console.log(data.rates);

4. Open Exchange Rates

Established provider with hourly updates on paid plans. A community oxr npm package exists but is not officially maintained. USD-only base on free plan.

5. Fixer

Part of Apilayer. Only 100 free requests/month. HTTPS requires a paid plan. No npm SDK.

Our Verdict

AllRatesToday wins for JavaScript/TypeScript developers. It's the only provider with an official npm SDK, native TypeScript types, a React hooks package, and real-time data. If you just need a quick prototype with major currencies, Frankfurter is free and keyless.

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