Mermaid vs Apify: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Mermaid 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:
Mermaid
Diagram as code
Best for you if:
- • 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 | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Mermaid | Apify |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | ★★★★★3.9 | ★★★★★3.7 |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 323 | 489 |
| Categories | Developer ToolsProductivity | Developer ToolsAI & Automation |
Understanding the Differences
Both Mermaid and Apify solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Mermaid positions itself as "diagram as code" while Apifyfocuses on "web scraping platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Mermaid
Mermaid makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution.
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, Mermaid lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Mermaid
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Apify is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Apify
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: Mermaid
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Mermaid 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 Mermaid higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Apify more (489 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Mermaid Does Better
- 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 Mermaid. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Mermaid 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 Mermaid or Apify better?
Based on our analysis, Mermaid scores higher with high/100. Mermaid 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 Mermaid 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 Mermaid and Apify offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Mermaid is completely free.Apify is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.