ScrapingBee vs Decodo (formerly Smartproxy): Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between ScrapingBee and Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) 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:
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.
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.
| At a Glance |  ScrapingBee |  Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $0.02/moDatacenter proxies |
Best For | API Tools | Data & Databases |
Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose ScrapingBee or Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)?
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
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
| Feature | ScrapingBee | Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.8/5 118 reviews | ★4.6/5 687 reviews |
| Categories | API ToolsDeveloper Tools | Data & DatabasesDeveloper Tools |
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
Value 85/100. ScrapingBee's pricing is quite competitive, especially for its lower tiers.
Watch out: Potential overage fees for exceeding API credits
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
Pricing: ScrapingBee vs Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)
| Plan | ScrapingBee | Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free Trial | from $2/GB Residential proxies |
| Tier 2 | $49 Freelance | from $0.27/IP Static residential proxies |
| Tier 3 | $99 Startup | from $2.25/GB Mobile proxies |
| Tier 4 | $249 Business | from $0.020/IP Datacenter proxies |
| Tier 5 | N/A | from $0.95/1K req Site Unblocker |
| Tier 6 | N/A | from $0.09/1K req Web Scraping API |
| Tier 7 | N/A | from $0.4/1K req Fast Search API |
| Tier 8 | N/A | from $0.08/GB Video Downloader |
| Tier 9 | N/A | free AI Parser |
| Tier 10 | N/A | free MCP server |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on ScrapingBee pricing and Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) 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?
ScrapingBee: 4.8/5 (118 reviews). Decodo (formerly Smartproxy): 4.6/5 (687 reviews).
Go with: ScrapingBee
Value user reviews?
ScrapingBee: 118 reviews (4.8/5). Decodo (formerly Smartproxy): 687 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
ScrapingBee is freemium. Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is paid. ScrapingBee lets you start free.
What's your use case?
ScrapingBee is a API tools tool. Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is in data & databases. 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 ScrapingBee or Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) better?
ScrapingBee is rated in our evaluation. ScrapingBee is freemium and Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is paid.
What are ScrapingBee and Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) used for?
ScrapingBee: The best web scraping API to avoid getting blocked, with AI-powered data extraction and headless browser management.. Decodo (formerly Smartproxy): Scale web data collection with diverse proxies and AI-powered scraping.
What does ScrapingBee cost vs Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)?
ScrapingBee is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.