ScrapingBee vs Apify: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between ScrapingBee 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.
Bottom line: Apify is our overall pick for developer tools workflows. Pick ScrapingBee if you need API tools.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
ScrapingBee
The best web scraping API to avoid getting blocked, with AI-powered data extraction and headless browser management.
Best for you if:
- • 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.
Apify
Build, run, and scale web scraping and automation workflows
Best for you if:
- • You need developer tools features specifically
- • Web scraping platform
- • Scale data extraction
| At a Glance |  ScrapingBee |  Apify |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $49/moFreelance | 39/moStarter |
Best For | API Tools | Developer Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Choose ScrapingBee or Apify?
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 developer tools-shaped
Choose Apify if
Build, run, and scale web scraping and automation workflows
- Good web scraping platform
- Actor marketplace
- Proxy management
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not API tools-shaped
| Feature | ScrapingBee | Apify |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.8/5 118 reviews | ★4.7/5 419 reviews |
| Categories | API ToolsDeveloper Tools | Developer ToolsData & Databases |
In-Depth Analysis
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
Apify
Build, run, and scale web scraping and automation workflows
Strengths
- +Good web scraping platform
- +Actor marketplace
- +Proxy management
- +Scheduled runs
- +Good documentation
Weaknesses
- -Expensive at scale
- -Compute pricing complex
- -Learning curve
- -Rate limits
- -Some actors low quality
Key features
Pricing: ScrapingBee vs Apify
| Plan | ScrapingBee | Apify |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free Trial | 0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $49 Freelance | 39 Starter |
| Tier 3 | $99 Startup | 199 Team |
| Tier 4 | $249 Business | 999 Business |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on ScrapingBee pricing and Apify pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: ScrapingBee
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: ScrapingBee
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Apify
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
ScrapingBee is a API tools tool. Apify is in developer tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Apify
- Larger review base (419 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
ScrapingBee
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.7/5
- Better fit for API tools
The Bottom Line
Apify is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ScrapingBee or Apify better?
Apify is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are ScrapingBee and Apify used for?
ScrapingBee: The best web scraping API to avoid getting blocked, with AI-powered data extraction and headless browser management.. Apify: Build, run, and scale web scraping and automation workflows.
What does ScrapingBee cost vs Apify?
ScrapingBee is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Apify is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.