Web scraping is almost as old as the web itself. Today, it's a widespread automated method of web data extraction. It's no longer an outlier but part of the technological stack of all kinds of companies, both large and small.

Data is the axis upon which these worlds turn: real estate, e-commerce, marketing and media, research and education, AI and machine learning. How do people in these industries acquire data? Web scraping tools!

But what do we mean by 'tools'? That's a little harder to answer than it might seem. It could mean anything from libraries and frameworks that only developers can use to no-code tools that anyone can work with. In this article, we won't cover the former. After all, any developer can use free and open-source libraries like Scrapy or Crawlee to build scrapers and deploy them to the cloud, so frameworks and platforms are not mutually exclusive. Instead, we'll cover only web scraping APIs, platforms, and no-code or low-code tools.

What to look for in a web scraping tool

Let's make one thing clear. Despite the title of this article, there's no such thing as 'the best web scraping tool'; only the best tool for the job at hand. That being said, there's much more to consider than choosing the right features for the target website or for your workflow. Each of the tools in our list meets at least one of the following five criteria:

• Ease of use
• Cost
• Performance
• Versatility
• Customer support

Other considerations, such as web scraping software, storage, proxies, integrations, and anti-blocking features, depend on the scale and scope of your project, the kind of data you need, and what you want to do with it. We'll also refer to these considerations in our list, which is based on our survey of the web scraping landscape and user reviews.

Best web scraping tools in 2024

1. Apify

Apify, rated no.1 in the web scraping software category on Capterra in 2024 based on 145 reviews, is a powerful web scraping tool and platform that lets you develop and host your own data scraping tools in the cloud and build scalable web crawlers.

Best for

Developers seeking a comprehensive tool for scraping data at scale and browser automation.

Features

• JavaScript rendering
• Proxies
• API access
• Cloud data storage
• Scheduling and integrations for scraping automation

Pros

• Versatility ✅

Apify offers a wide range of automation tools beyond scraping, providing a comprehensive platform for web automation.

• Performance ✅

Apify provides smart proxy rotation and anti-blocking to make your web scrapers performant and fast while keeping costs to a minimum.

• Customer support ✅

Apify offers solid customer support, including email, chat, and phone assistance, to help users when needed. It also provides comprehensive guides, API documentation, and a community forum where developers can exchange ideas and best practices.

Cons

• The broad range of features and capabilities can be overwhelming for beginners.

Pricing

Paid plans start at just $49 per month, but there's no time limit on the free plan, which gives you $5 worth of credit every month. This makes Apify one of the most affordable web scraping tools for starting out on small projects.

#1. Library of pre-built web scraping tools

While Apify is a versatile and scalable platform for developers, it's also a good option for the less technical. Its library of pre-built web scrapers (the Actors in Apify Store) is a collection of scraping tools created by developers that you can use and configure for your use case with a user-friendly UI.

#2. Integration capabilities

Apify provides extensive options for data integration, including support for various output formats and cloud delivery options, which can significantly ease the process of integrating scraped data into business workflows​.

#3. Fully-managed custom enterprise solutions

For organizations requiring tailored solutions that cater to specific business needs, Apify handles the end-to-end management of projects, from the initial consultation and custom software development to ongoing support and maintenance.

2. Import.io

Import.io provides users with intuitive tools and powerful APIs to gather and manage web data efficiently. Its point-and-click tools make it a go-to solution for businesses aiming to utilize web data for market intelligence and to improve customer understanding.

Best for

Businesses and analysts who need data extraction without coding.

Features

• Point and click interface
• Integration with popular data analytics platforms
• Real-time data extraction
• API access

Pros

• Ease of use ✅

Import.io is known for its user-friendly interface that makes web scraping accessible even to those without deep technical expertise.

• Customer support ✅

The platform provides solid customer support, including email, chat, and phone assistance, to help users when needed.

Cons

• Pricing can be prohibitive for small-scale users.
• Limited customization for complex scraping needs.

Pricing

Paid plans begin at $399 per month for the Starter package, which covers basic extraction needs. The 14-day free trial includes 500 queries.

#1. Web data integration across industries

With its flexible data extraction capabilities, Import.io serves a wide range of industries, helping businesses use accurate and timely market intelligence regardless of their specific market segment.

#2. Managed custom solutions

For enterprises with specific and complex requirements, Import.io offers custom solutions and managed services. This includes everything from initial setup to ongoing management.

3. Bright Data

Bright Data is acclaimed for its sophisticated proxy network and comprehensive data collection capabilities. It caters to diverse industries, including market research, brand protection, and digital marketing. It emphasizes speed, reliability, and extensive geographic and network coverage.

Best for

Businesses in need of advanced proxy solutions and large-scale data extraction, especially those dealing with highly secure or difficult-to-scrape websites.

Features

• Extensive proxy networks
• Advanced data collection tools
• High success rate with bypassing CAPTCHAs and geo-restrictions
• Comprehensive API support and integration with major platforms

Pros

• Performance ✅

Bright Data's extensive and speedy proxy network ensures reliable and efficient data collection across diverse internet landscapes. It's designed to handle large-scale operations and complex data gathering at high speeds​.

• Customer support ✅

Bright Data offers excellent customer support, available 24/7 with a range of support options including live chat, phone, and a detailed knowledge base.

Cons

• Pricing can be complicated and potentially expensive.
• Advanced proxy management and the necessity to handle various types of proxies may require a deeper technical understanding or resources that not all users possess​.

Pricing

Bright Data offers various pricing plans. The Web Scraper IDE plan begins at $499 per month, but there are also micro-packages from $10 per month and pay-as-you-go options for its IDE, SERP API, Web Unlocker, and Scraping Browser.

#1. Anti-blocking

Bright Data's Web Unlocker tool is designed to tackle site-blocking challenges effectively.

#2. Flexible and scalable

Bright Data's pricing and services are flexible, allowing businesses of all sizes to scale their data collection efforts as needed.

4. ParseHub

ParseHub is a user-friendly web scraping tool designed to handle the complexities of extracting data from dynamic and JavaScript-heavy websites without requiring coding skills. ParseHub allows users to navigate through forms, dropdowns, infinite scroll pages, and more to turn web content into structured data.

Best for

Users with limited technical skills needing to scrape data from websites using JavaScript.

Features

• Visual editor for selecting data
• Support for AJAX and JavaScript-heavy websites
• Scheduled scraping
• API for integration

Pros

• Ease of use ✅

ParseHub offers a visual interface that allows users to point and click to select data, making it simple to set up and run scraping projects without any programming knowledge.

• Performance ✅

Capable of handling complex websites that utilize AJAX and JavaScript, ParseHub can manage data extraction tasks that involve navigating through multiple layers of content.

Cons

• Limited scalability for very large data sets.
• Steep learning curve for advanced features.

Pricing

• Paid plans start from $189 per month. A free plan is available with limitations.

#1. Platform compatibility

ParseHub is available as a desktop application for both Windows and Mac, meaning a broad range of users can access its functionality without compatibility issues​​.

#2. Advanced features for higher plans

While the basic plan offers a good start, advanced features like unlimited pages per run and priority support are reserved for higher-tier plans, which might be necessary for users handling large-scale data extraction projects​.

5. Diffbot

Diffbot is a cutting-edge web scraping and data management platform that utilizes advanced artificial intelligence to transform unstructured web data into structured, actionable information. It's known for its ability to automatically crawl, analyze, and parse vast amounts of web data using its AI-driven tools.

Best for

Developers and businesses needing turnkey data extraction using natural language processing.

Features

• Automatic site structure analysis
• Uses machine learning to extract data
• API access
• Integration with several databases and platforms

Pros

• Performance ✅

Diffbot excels in extracting data with high accuracy due to its sophisticated AI algorithms that can intelligently navigate and interpret a wide array of web formats and structures.

Cons

• Higher cost compared to simpler tools.
• May require data post-processing.

Pricing

• Plans start from $299 per month. A quick-start free plan is available for personal or budget-conscious projects.

#1. API-first approach

Diffbot provides an API-centric service, which is great for developers looking to integrate web data directly into their applications or services. However, this might require some technical knowledge to implement effectively, which could be a consideration for teams without dedicated development resources.

#2. Cost and scalability

While offering powerful tools, Diffbot's pricing structure is based on the volume of queries and the level of API access required. Potential users should consider their budget and the scale of their data needs when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of the platform for their specific use cases.

6. Octoparse

Octoparse is a web scraping tool designed to simplify the process of data extraction from websites for users of all skill levels, particularly beginners. With its intuitive user interface and no-code approach, Octoparse allows users to quickly set up and execute data scraping tasks without any programming knowledge.

Best for

Non-programmers and businesses that require data extraction from complex websites without coding.

Features

• Point-and-click interface
• Automatic IP rotation
• Cloud-based or local execution
• Export data to various formats

Pros

• Ease of use ✅

Octoparse is known for its easy-to-use interface that guides users through the process of creating data extraction tasks using simple point-and-click techniques.

• Customer support ✅

Octoparse provides excellent customer support, with resources such as tutorials, a comprehensive knowledge base, and responsive support staff.

Cons

• Limited capabilities in handling very complex sites.
• Some processes can be slow.

Pricing

• Paid plans start from $75 per month. A free plan for small, simple projects is available.

#1. Platform compatibility

While Octoparse is highly effective on Windows, it's worth noting that there is limited support for other operating systems, which could be a drawback for users on macOS or Linux​.

#2. Learning curve for advanced features

Although Octoparse is user-friendly, using some of its more advanced features might require a steeper learning curve. New users should be prepared to spend some time learning the tool to exploit its capabilities fully​.

7. ScrapingBee

ScrapingBee is a powerful web scraping API that manages the complexities of headless browsers, proxies, and CAPTCHAs, simplifying the data extraction process for its users. This tool is designed to handle both simple and complex websites efficiently, making it ideal for developers needing reliable data extraction without investing in extensive infrastructure.

Best for

Developers needing straightforward API for scraping websites that require rendering JavaScript.

Features

• Handles JavaScript-heavy sites
• API-driven approach
• Proxy management
• Google SERP scraping

Pros

• Performance ✅

ScrapingBee is favored for its straightforward API that facilitates easy integration and rapid setup. The platform also offers efficient proxy management that rotates IPs to avoid detection and provide high success rates in data extraction.

Cons

• API may be limiting for highly customized needs.
• Pricing can escalate with scale.

Pricing

• Plans start from $49 per month. This scales up based on the number of API credits and features required.

#1. Learning curve

Although ScrapingBee is designed to be straightforward, new users, especially those who are less familiar with web scraping technologies, may need to invest time in learning the platform's features and best practices.

#2. Documentation and tutorials

To help with the learning curve, the platform provides extensive documentation and tutorials to assist users in the learning process​.

8. ScraperAPI

ScraperAPI is a versatile tool designed to streamline web scraping by efficiently handling complexities like proxies, browsers, and CAPTCHAs. ScraperAPI's infrastructure facilitates efficient data extraction from various websites, enabling users to fetch HTML content through a straightforward API call.

Best for

Developers looking for an API to handle web scraping complexities such as proxies, browsers, and CAPTCHAs.

Features

• Geolocation targeting
• API-driven approach
• JavaScript rendering
• Structured data endpoints

Pros

• Performance ✅

With features like smart proxy rotation and automatic retries, Scraper API excels in managing proxies effectively. This capability ensures high success rates in scraping activities.

• Cost ✅

ScraperAPI offers a range of pricing plans starting and a generous free plan, which can accommodate small projects. However, users should consider their volume of data and specific requirements to choose the most cost-effective plan​.

Cons

• API may be limiting for highly customized needs.
• Pricing can escalate with scale.

Pricing

• Paid plans start from $49 per month, and with a free plan providing 1,000 free API credits, ScraperAPI is one of the cheapest starter options on our list.

#1. Geolocation targeting limitations

Geolocation targeting is restricted to the US and EU for all ScraperAPI plans except the business plan. The business plan gives full access to geolocation targeting.

#2. API playground and DataPipeline

A couple of new helpful features are currently in beta. API Playground is a visual API request builder that offers a much more user-friendly way to build and test custom API requests before integrating them into your code. With DataPipeline, users can schedule pre-configured jobs for both custom URLs and structured data endpoints.

9. Webscraper.io

Webscraper.io is a versatile web scraping extension designed for Chrome and Firefox that simplifies the data extraction process directly within your browser. This tool is particularly effective for handling dynamic web pages and sites with complex navigation structures. Its point-and-click interface makes it accessible to users without any coding expertise.

Best for

Individuals and small to medium-sized businesses that need an easy-to-use tool for extracting data directly from the browser without requiring programming knowledge.

Features

• Point-and-click interface
• Dynamic website extraction
• JavaScript execution
• Data customization with sitemaps​

Pros

• Ease of use ✅

Webscraper.io's intuitive interface allows even non-technical users to configure and run scrapers effectively, making web scraping accessible to a broader audience.

Cons

• Doesn't offer built-in proxy integration.
• Might struggle with very large data sets or complex multi-page scraping tasks.
• Support is primarily community-based, which may not be reliable for urgent or complex scraping issues.

Pricing

• Pricing for cloud-based features starts at $50 per month. It also offers a free browser extension for local use only.

#1. Integrations

While Webscraper.io offers integration with services like Google Sheets and Amazon S3, setting up these integrations might require some technical understanding, especially for automated workflows.

#2. Technical limitations

Although Webscraper.io is capable of handling a variety of websites, it may not perform optimally on sites with highly complex structures or heavy use of JavaScript that requires advanced rendering.

10. Zyte

Zyte is a sophisticated web scraping and data extraction platform that utilizes machine learning to automate and enhance the scraping process. It offers features like automatic proxy rotation, smart ban detection, and scriptable browser support. This makes it a popular choice for complex and large-scale scraping tasks.

Best for

Large enterprises and developers who need a powerful tool to automate and manage web data extraction at scale.

Features

• AI-driven data extraction
• Automatic proxy rotation and retries
• Smart ban detection
• Geolocation targeting
• Extensive API functionalities

Pros

• Performance ✅

Zyte's use of AI and advanced technologies ensures efficient and accurate data extraction, even under challenging conditions.

• Versatility ✅

Zyte provides a comprehensive platform for web scraping automation.

Cons

• The broad range of features and capabilities can be overwhelming for beginners.
• Zyte's pricing can be a barrier for smaller businesses or projects with limited budgets.

Pricing

• Zyte offers various pricing plans, starting from $100 per month for standard services. It also offers a pay-as-you-go option.

#1. Integration capabilities

Zyte provides extensive options for data integration, including support for various output formats and cloud delivery options, which can significantly ease the process of integrating scraped data into business workflows​.

#2. Maintenance and updates

Zyte's platform involves complex systems that require regular updates and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and security. Potential users should consider the frequency of updates and how these might affect their scraping activities.

11. Oxylabs

Oxylabs is a leading provider of proxy services and web scraping solutions designed to support large-scale data extraction needs across various industries. It is highly regarded for its extensive pool of over 100 million residential proxies and powerful web intelligence capabilities.

Best for

Large enterprises and professionals who require reliable, scalable web scraping solutions and extensive proxy management to handle complex data collection at scale.​

Features

• Extensive proxy pool with over 100 million IPs
• Advanced proxy rotation and management
• Automated unblocking and CAPTCHA bypass
• SERP scraper and e-commerce APIs

Pros

• Performance ✅

With features like the SERP Scraper, Web Scraper, and E-commerce Scraper APIs, Oxylabs allows for efficient scraping of complex and dynamic websites.

• Customer support ✅

Oxylabs provides 24/7 support with access to live representatives, which is a significant advantage for businesses that rely on continuous data access and need immediate assistance.

Cons

• Oxylabs' services can be expensive for smaller businesses or individuals, as the platform is geared towards large-scale corporate needs.
• The advanced features and capabilities might require a steeper learning curve, especially for users not familiar with web scraping technologies​.

Pricing

• Oxylabs offers various pricing tiers for its web scraping APIs, starting at $49 per month for its micro package. This includes up to 17,500 results per month and a rate limit of 10 requests per second. There's a 7-day free trial period.

#1. Integration requirements

While Oxylabs provides powerful web scraping APIs, integrating these tools into existing systems or workflows might require significant technical effort. Businesses need to assess their current infrastructure and possibly invest in additional software or expertise to utilize Oxylabs' capabilities fully.

#2. Long-term scalability and cost management

Oxylabs' pricing model, based on usage and features, necessitates careful planning for businesses that anticipate scaling their data extraction needs. As usage grows, costs can increase substantially, so it's important for users to monitor their data usage closely and choose the right plan to maintain cost-effectiveness.

That was a lot to take in! So, before we recap, let's boil it down with a comparison table.

Top web scraping tools compared

This table compares 11 web scraping tools across five criteria: ease of use, cost, performance, versatility, and customer support.

The best web scraping tool?

Keep in mind that the purpose of this review isn't to pick a winner. Not all of these tools are alike and can be combined for different types of tasks. While developers might prefer full-stack platforms like Apify or Zyte to build and deploy scrapers or easy-to-use APIs like ScrapingBee or Scraper API, others may prefer easy point-and-click tools without advanced features and integrations. So, choose whatever tools meet the requirements of your projects and tasks.

That being said, let's recap what these tools offer in terms of our five main criteria:

1. Apify = Performance, Versatility, Customer support ⭐️⭐️⭐️
2. Import.io = Ease of use, Customer support ⭐️⭐️
3. Bright Data = Performance, Customer support ⭐️⭐️
4. ParseHub = Ease of use, Performance ⭐️⭐️
5. Diffbot = Performance ⭐️
6. Octoparse = Ease of use, Customer support ⭐️⭐️
7. ScrapingBee = Performance ⭐️
8. ScraperAPI = Cost ⭐️
9. Webscraper.io = Ease of use ⭐️
10. Zyte = Performance, Versatility ⭐️⭐️
11. Oxylabs = Performance, Customer support ⭐️⭐️