eBay Browse API vs Etsy Open API for AI agents
eBay Browse API is eBay's Buy API for searching live eBay listings by keyword or category and fetching item details. Etsy Open API is Etsy's REST API for listings, shops, inventory and orders on the Etsy marketplace.
The short answer
- eBay Browse API: Approved eBay partners who want live new and used eBay listings with affiliate tracking.
- Etsy Open API: Searching handmade, vintage and craft listings from independent Etsy sellers.
Side by side
| eBay Browse API | Etsy Open API | |
|---|---|---|
| Searches | Live eBay listings by keyword and category (plus image search in some markets), and item details by item ID. | All active Etsy listings (findAllListingsActive, with keyword search), plus shops and shop listings. |
| Returns | A subset of item details per search hit (more with the EXTENDED field group); full details come from getItem using the item ID. | Listing records including title, price and the full URL of the listing page on Etsy. |
| Before the first call | An eBay developer account (sandbox is open to anyone); production use of the Buy APIs is for eBay partners and needs an application through the eBay Partner Network, approved by business model. | A registered app with an API keystring and shared secret; apps used beyond your own shop go through review (Personal App), and wider use needs a separately approved Commercial Access request. Searching active listings needs only the API key, not OAuth. |
| Acting on a result | Affiliate links through the eBay Partner Network (production apps must implement affiliate tracking); eBay member checkout via the separate checkout_session resource needs extra approval. | Buy link: each listing has its Etsy page URL; buying happens on Etsy. |
| Coverage | 16 eBay marketplaces: AT, AU, BE, CA, CH, DE, ES, FR, GB, HK, IE, IT, NL, PL, SG and US (image search only in US, DE, UK and AU). | The Etsy marketplace (sellers worldwide). |
| MCP server | No official server listed | Etsy Dev MCP server at https://mcp.api.etsycloud.com/mcp, but it only teaches an assistant the API docs and schemas; it does not call the Etsy API or return listings. |
Where Openpath fits
Openpath has no products listed yet. Sellers can list a product on Openpath today, free, and agents will find it through the same search as jobs and businesses. Get listed.
Questions people ask
What do I need before I can use eBay Browse API?
An eBay developer account (sandbox is open to anyone); production use of the Buy APIs is for eBay partners and needs an application through the eBay Partner Network, approved by business model.
Is eBay Browse API free?
Its pages listed no free use when we read them on October 15, 2026.
What do I need before I can use Etsy Open API?
A registered app with an API keystring and shared secret; apps used beyond your own shop go through review (Personal App), and wider use needs a separately approved Commercial Access request. Searching active listings needs only the API key, not OAuth.
Is Etsy Open API free?
Its pages listed no free use when we read them on October 15, 2026.
Sources
Every line about another company comes from its own pages. Prices and terms change, so check the source before you rely on one.
eBay Browse API, read on October 15, 2026:
- developer.ebay.com/api-docs/buy/static/api-browse.html: “Using the Browse API, you can create a rich selection of items for your buyers to browse with keyword and category searches.”
- developer.ebay.com/api-docs/buy/static/api-browse.html: “For each item found, a subset of the item details is returned.”
- developer.ebay.com/api-docs/buy/static/buy-requirements.html: “The use of eBay’s Buy APIs in production is intended for eBay partners only.”
- developer.ebay.com/api-docs/buy/static/buy-requirements.html: “You must apply for production access through the eBay Partner Network.”
- developer.ebay.com/api-docs/buy/static/buy-requirements.html: “Acceptance of applications is based on the proposed business model”
- developer.ebay.com/api-docs/buy/static/buy-requirements.html: “Application must implement affiliate tracking details (needed for revenue share capability)”
- developer.ebay.com/api-docs/buy/static/buy-requirements.html: “To use the checkout_session resource, which supports eBay member checkout, you need approval.”
Etsy Open API, read on October 15, 2026:
- developer.etsy.com/documentation: “a REST API that extends support for inventory, sales orders, and shop management on the Etsy platform”
- developer.etsy.com/documentation: “Registering an app creates an Etsy App API keystring and a shared secret.”
- developer.etsy.com/documentation: “Personal Apps go through a deeper review process than Seller Apps.”
- developer.etsy.com/documentation: “You must have an approved Personal App before you can request Commercial Access.”
- etsy.com/openapi/generated/oas/3.0.0.json: “A list of all active listings on Etsy paginated by their creation date.”
- etsy.com/openapi/generated/oas/3.0.0.json: “The full URL to the listing's page on Etsy.”
- developer.etsy.com/documentation/essentials/rate-limits: “You can see your application's current rate limits in the”
- developer.etsy.com/documentation/mcp_server/devmcpserver: “Use the Etsy Dev MCP server to teach your AI assistant how to use the Etsy Open API.”
- developer.etsy.com/documentation/mcp_server/devmcpserver: “It does not call the Etsy API directly.”