Steel vs Apify: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Steel 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:
Steel
Open-source headless browser API for controlling cloud-based browser fleets.
Best for you if:
- • Open-source headless browser API for cloud-based browser automation.
- • Enables building AI agents, web scrapers, and RPA with robust browser control.
Apify
Build, run, and scale web scraping and automation workflows
Best for you if:
- • Web scraping platform
- • Scale data extraction
| At a Glance |  Steel |  Apify |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $29/moStarter | 39/moStarter |
Best For | Developer Tools | Developer Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Steel or Apify?
Choose Steel if
Open-source headless browser API for controlling cloud-based browser fleets.
- Simplifies complex browser automation tasks
- High performance with fast session start times
- Built-in features like CAPTCHA solving and bot detection avoidance
Choose Apify if
Build, run, and scale web scraping and automation workflows
- Good web scraping platform
- Actor marketplace
- Proxy management
| Feature | Steel | Apify |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 419 reviews |
| Categories | Developer ToolsAutomation | Developer ToolsData & Databases |
In-Depth Analysis
Steel
Open-source headless browser API for controlling cloud-based browser fleets.
Strengths
- +Simplifies complex browser automation tasks
- +High performance with fast session start times
- +Built-in features like CAPTCHA solving and bot detection avoidance
- +Flexible session duration for various use cases
- +Ability to maintain and reuse browser state
Weaknesses
- -Requires development knowledge to implement
- -Reliance on cloud infrastructure for browser fleets
- -Specific pricing details are not explicitly listed on the main page, only a 'Start For Free' button
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: Steel vs Apify
| Plan | Steel | Apify |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Hobby | 0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $29 Starter | 39 Starter |
| Tier 3 | $99 Developers | 199 Team |
| Tier 4 | $499 Startups | 999 Business |
| Tier 5 | Custom Pricing Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Steel pricing and Apify pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Steel
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Steel
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?
Both are developer tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Apify
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Steel
- Choose if you want open-source headless browser API for controlling cloud-based browser fleets
The Bottom Line
Apify is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Steel or Apify better?
Apify is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Steel and Apify used for?
Steel: Open-source headless browser API for controlling cloud-based browser fleets.. Apify: Build, run, and scale web scraping and automation workflows.
What does Steel cost vs Apify?
Steel is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Apify is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.