Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) vs Zyte: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) and Zyte 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: Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is our overall pick for data & databases workflows. Pick Zyte if you need API tools.
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.
Zyte
Access the web's data, clean, ready, and at scale, with an all-in-one web scraping API.
Best for you if:
- • You need API tools features specifically
- • All-in-one Web Scraping API for data extraction, unblocking, and rendering.
- • Managed Data services to build and maintain custom web data feeds.
| At a Glance |  Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) |  Zyte |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.02/moDatacenter proxies | $0.06/mo$500 Minimum Commitment (HTTP response body) |
Best For | Data & Databases | API Tools |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.3/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) or Zyte?
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 Zyte if
Access the web's data, clean, ready, and at scale, with an all-in-one web scraping API.
- Comprehensive solution for both self-service API and fully managed data extraction.
- Strong emphasis on legal compliance and ethical scraping practices.
- Utilizes advanced AI and automation for efficiency and quality.
- Your work is API tools-shaped, not data & databases-shaped
| Feature | Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) | Zyte |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 687 reviews | ★4.3/5 139 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesDeveloper Tools | API ToolsData & Databases |
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
Zyte
Access the web's data, clean, ready, and at scale, with an all-in-one web scraping API.
Strengths
- +Comprehensive solution for both self-service API and fully managed data extraction.
- +Strong emphasis on legal compliance and ethical scraping practices.
- +Utilizes advanced AI and automation for efficiency and quality.
- +Supports a wide variety of data types and use cases.
- +Offers advanced features like IP rotation, Captcha solving, and JS rendering.
Weaknesses
- -Pricing can be complex with tiered structures and minimum commitments.
- -Some advanced features may incur additional usage-based costs.
- -Managed data services start at a higher price point.
Key features
Value 75/100. Zyte's pricing model is complex but offers significant value for high-volume users, especially with the minimum commitment tiers.
Watch out: Higher costs for browser-rendered content.
Pricing: Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) vs Zyte
| Plan | Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) | Zyte |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | from $2/GB Residential proxies | From $0.13 to $1.27 per 1,000 responses Pay as you go (HTTP response body) |
| Tier 2 | from $0.27/IP Static residential proxies | From $1.01 to $16.08 per 1,000 responses Pay as you go (Browser rendered) |
| Tier 3 | from $2.25/GB Mobile proxies | From $0.10 to $0.95 per 1,000 responses $100 Minimum Commitment (HTTP response body) |
| Tier 4 | from $0.020/IP Datacenter proxies | From $0.75 to $12.00 per 1,000 responses $100 Minimum Commitment (Browser rendered) |
| Tier 5 | from $0.95/1K req Site Unblocker | From $0.08 to $0.76 per 1,000 responses $200 Minimum Commitment (HTTP response body) |
| Tier 6 | from $0.09/1K req Web Scraping API | From $0.60 to $9.60 per 1,000 responses $200 Minimum Commitment (Browser rendered) |
| Tier 7 | from $0.4/1K req Fast Search API | From $0.06 to $0.61 per 1,000 responses $500 Minimum Commitment (HTTP response body) |
| Tier 8 | from $0.08/GB Video Downloader | From $0.48 to $7.68 per 1,000 responses $500 Minimum Commitment (Browser rendered) |
| Tier 9 | free AI Parser | Contact us Enterprise |
| 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 Zyte pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)
Want the highest-rated option?
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy): 4.6/5 (687 reviews). Zyte: 4.3/5 (139 reviews).
Go with: Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)
Value user reviews?
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy): 687 reviews (4.6/5). Zyte: 139 reviews (4.3/5).
Go with: Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is a data & databases tool. Zyte is in API tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (687 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Zyte
- Better fit for API tools
The Bottom Line
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) or Zyte better?
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) and Zyte used for?
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy): Scale web data collection with diverse proxies and AI-powered scraping. Zyte: Access the web's data, clean, ready, and at scale, with an all-in-one web scraping API..
What does Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) cost vs Zyte?
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is a paid tool. Zyte is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.