Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) vs ScrapingBee: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) and ScrapingBee comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: ScrapingBee is our overall pick for API tools workflows. Pick Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) if you need data & databases.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)
Scale web data collection with diverse proxies and AI-powered scraping
Best for you if:
- • You need data & databases features specifically
- • Offers a full suite of proxies (residential, mobile, datacenter) and scraping APIs with anti-block technology.
- • Includes AI-focused tools like AI Parser, MCP server, and n8n integration for building intelligent data pipelines.
ScrapingBee
The best web scraping API to avoid getting blocked, with AI-powered data extraction and headless browser management.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need API tools features specifically
- • Handles headless browsers and rotates proxies to avoid being blocked.
- • Offers AI-powered data extraction by describing data in plain English.
| At a Glance |  Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) |  ScrapingBee |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.02/moDatacenter proxies | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Data & Databases | API Tools |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.8/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) or ScrapingBee?
Choose Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) if
Scale web data collection with diverse proxies and AI-powered scraping
- Large IP pool of 125M+ IPs across 195+ countries ensures broad geo-coverage.
- AI-native integrations (AI Parser, MCP server, n8n) reduce setup time for machine learning pipelines.
- High uptime (99.99%) and fast response times for reliable data collection.
- Your work is data & databases-shaped, not API tools-shaped
Choose ScrapingBee if
The best web scraping API to avoid getting blocked, with AI-powered data extraction and headless browser management.
- Web scraping API
- Good proxy rotation
- JavaScript rendering
- Your work is API tools-shaped, not data & databases-shaped
| Feature | Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) | ScrapingBee |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 687 reviews | ★4.8/5 118 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesDeveloper Tools | API ToolsDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)
Scale web data collection with diverse proxies and AI-powered scraping
Strengths
- +Large IP pool of 125M+ IPs across 195+ countries ensures broad geo-coverage.
- +AI-native integrations (AI Parser, MCP server, n8n) reduce setup time for machine learning pipelines.
- +High uptime (99.99%) and fast response times for reliable data collection.
Weaknesses
- -Free tier is limited to specific products (AI Parser, MCP server) requiring paid plans for full proxy and API access.
- -Advanced features like city/ASN targeting may require technical knowledge to configure effectively.
Key features
Value 78/100. Decodo's pricing is competitive for usage-based proxy and scraping services, but can add up quickly for high-volume users.
Watch out: Overage fees apply beyond base plan limits
ScrapingBee
The best web scraping API to avoid getting blocked, with AI-powered data extraction and headless browser management.
Strengths
- +Web scraping API
- +Good proxy rotation
- +JavaScript rendering
- +Fair pricing
- +Good documentation
Weaknesses
- -Credit-based
- -Expensive at scale
- -Rate limits
- -Better alternatives exist
- -Learning curve
Key features
Value 85/100. ScrapingBee's pricing is quite competitive, especially for its lower tiers.
Watch out: Potential overage fees for exceeding API credits
Pricing: Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) vs ScrapingBee
| Plan | Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) | ScrapingBee |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | from $2/GB Residential proxies | Free Free Trial |
| Tier 2 | from $0.27/IP Static residential proxies | $49 Freelance |
| Tier 3 | from $2.25/GB Mobile proxies | $99 Startup |
| Tier 4 | from $0.020/IP Datacenter proxies | $249 Business |
| Tier 5 | from $0.95/1K req Site Unblocker | N/A |
| Tier 6 | from $0.09/1K req Web Scraping API | N/A |
| Tier 7 | from $0.4/1K req Fast Search API | N/A |
| Tier 8 | from $0.08/GB Video Downloader | N/A |
| Tier 9 | free AI Parser | N/A |
| Tier 10 | free MCP server | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) pricing and ScrapingBee pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
ScrapingBee has a free tier. Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is paid only.
Go with: ScrapingBee
Want the highest-rated option?
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy): 4.6/5 (687 reviews). ScrapingBee: 4.8/5 (118 reviews).
Go with: ScrapingBee
Value user reviews?
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy): 687 reviews (4.6/5). ScrapingBee: 118 reviews (4.8/5).
Go with: Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is paid. ScrapingBee is freemium. ScrapingBee lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is a data & databases tool. ScrapingBee is in API tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
ScrapingBee is rated higher: 4.8/5 vs 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
ScrapingBee
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.6/5
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)
- Larger review base (687 reviews)
- Better fit for data & databases
The Bottom Line
ScrapingBee is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) or ScrapingBee better?
ScrapingBee is rated in our evaluation. Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is paid and ScrapingBee is freemium.
What are Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) and ScrapingBee used for?
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy): Scale web data collection with diverse proxies and AI-powered scraping. ScrapingBee: The best web scraping API to avoid getting blocked, with AI-powered data extraction and headless browser management..
What does Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) cost vs ScrapingBee?
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is a paid tool. ScrapingBee is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.