exa vs Apify: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between exa and Apify 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
exa
Modern replacement for ls
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.3/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
Apify
Web scraping platform
Best for you if:
| At a Glance |  Apify | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Developer Tools | Developer Tools |
Rating | 73/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | exa | Apify |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 73 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | ★★★★★3.7 |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 489 |
| Categories | Developer Tools | Developer ToolsAI & Automation |
Understanding the Differences
Both exa and Apify solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.exa positions itself as "modern replacement for ls" while Apifyfocuses on "web scraping platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose exa
exa makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 73/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Apify
Apify is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, exa lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: exa
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. exa handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: exa
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: exa
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? exa is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated exa higher (73/100). But the community has upvoted Apify more (489 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What exa Does Better
- Higher overall score (73/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Apify If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with exa (73/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. exa scores higher in our analysis, but Apify might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is exa or Apify better?
Based on our analysis, exa scores higher with 73/100. exa isfree while Apify is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from exa to Apify easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do exa and Apify offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. exa is completely free.Apify is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.