Best ScrapingBee alternatives

ScrapingBee, a prominent player in the field of web scraping, offers an easy-to-use API that handles headless browsers and proxy management. But like any other tool, it comes with its disadvantages as well as advantages. You can read a detailed ScrapingBee review here, but let's provide a quick rundown of ScrapingBee's pros and cons.

Advantages of ScrapingBee

• High success rate: strong reliability in data scraping tasks.
• Exceptional customer support: highly responsive and helpful, with users praising the immediate problem resolution.
• Supports JavaScript rendering and headless browsers efficiently: vital for modern web applications.
• Offers a large proxy pool for effective IP rotation: reduces the likelihood of being blocked.

The best feature of ScrapingBee is the exhaustive documentation combined with countless tutorials on their blog. This makes using the software incredibly straightforward, even for beginners at web scraping.

-- Capterra review

Disadvantages of ScrapingBee

• Some users face limitations in scraping specific sites, pointing to potential restrictions in the tool's scraping capabilities.
• Concurrency limits can be restrictive on lower-tier plans, which might affect throughput for some users.
• Pricing is considered high compared to some competitors or for more extensive usage requirements.

It is quite expensive and for some of the complex websites it fails for the post method requests.

-- Capterra review

What are the best ScrapingBee alternatives?

Several other APIs and web scraping services offer competitive features and benefits. So, we explored ten leading ScrapingBee alternatives with detailed insights to help you choose the best tool for your scraping needs. This list is based on our survey of customer reviews on software discovery platforms such as Capterra and G2.

1. Apify
2. ScrapingFish
3. ScrapingAnt
4. Scrapfly
5. ZenRows
6. Zyte API
7. Oxylabs Web Scraping API
8. Bright Data Web Scraping API
9. ScraperAPI
10. NetNut

1. Apify

Apify is more than just a scraping tool; it's a comprehensive cloud-based platform that provides a suite of web automation and data extraction tools. It allows users to build, run, and manage web scraping and automation tasks at scale. With its integrated store offering various Actors to perform different tasks, Apify provides a versatile environment for web scraping, automation, and data integration.

Apify is easy to understand, easy to use and integrates well with my cloud solution (Google Sheets and Google Apps Script). I also think the marketplace is fantastic.

-- Capterra review

Key features

• Extensive library of Actors that can be run programmatically via the Apify API for various automation and scraping tasks.
• Cloud infrastructure and scalable solutions that grow with your business needs.
• Super proxy, storage, integrations, and scheduling for web scraping automation.
• Strong community support and extensive documentation.
• Lets you host your own APIs and Actors and monetize them.

Apify did a great job at building a user-friendly platform for web scraping and automation, allowing non-tech users to scrape and integrate multiple services. Developers can build their own solutions and easily publish on Apify store. The support is pretty good for both users and developers.

-- G2 review

Apify vs. ScrapingBee

Advantages

• Versatility: Apify offers a wide array of automation tools beyond scraping, providing a more comprehensive platform for web automation.
• Serverless execution: The Apify API abstracts the underlying infrastructure, so developers can focus on writing their code without worrying about server management or scaling issues.
• Scalability: The serverless approach also means you can scale automatically based on the workload, which provides both flexibility and cost-efficiency.
• Integrations: The Apify platform and API facilitate easy integration with other services and systems, so developers can embed web scraping and automation capabilities into their applications.
• Documentation and community support: The platform offers comprehensive guides, API documentation, and a community forum where developers can exchange ideas and best practices.

Apify's pricing is very fair and flexible. Especially compared to other automation companies, Apify constantly releases helpful new features tailored to developers. Apify's web scraping academy is the single best education course from a brand I've ever seen, and it seems like every time I log onto Apify, there's something new to appreciate. I consider Apify the best automation option for small - mid-sized companies.

-- G2 review

Disadvantages

• Complexity: The broad range of features and capabilities might overwhelm users who prefer a more focused or straightforward tool. On the other hand, the pre-built Actors in Apify Store make up for that problem.
• Pricing: Depending on the usage, Apify's pricing model can be more expensive for users who only need basic scraping functionalities.

One could argue that the learning curve is a bit steep, but that's because Apify offers a rich set of features designed to tackle complex problems. The investment in learning pays off as you become proficient in automating even the most intricate tasks.

-- G2 review

2. ScrapingFish

ScrapingFish focuses on delivering a high-performance scraping experience with minimal overhead. Its API is engineered to handle large-scale data extraction tasks efficiently, providing users with fast and reliable access to web data. ScrapingFish stands out for its focus on speed and efficiency, which makes it a handy option for users who need rapid data extraction.

The price is cheaper than ScrapingBee, and the data extraction is more complete.

-- Capterra review

Key features

• High-speed data extraction for time-sensitive scraping tasks.
• Sturdy infrastructure capable of handling large-scale scraping needs.
• Straightforward pricing model with clear value for the services provided.

ScrapingFish vs. ScrapingBee

Advantages

• Speed: ScrapingFish focuses on speed and efficiency for faster data retrieval and time-sensitive scraping tasks.
• Simplicity: ScrapingFish offers a more straightforward scraping experience than ScrapingBee, so it's easier for beginner devs to use.

Disadvantages

• Customization: There are fewer options for customization compared to ScrapingBee, which could be a drawback for users with specific needs.
• Support: ScrapingFish doesn't have extensive community support or resources compared with ScrapingBee.

Although the pricing is cheaper and more transparent than its competitor, it is still expensive for high-volume data scraping. And the custom scenario is limited, leading us to use our own scraper using Playwright.

-- Capterra review

3. ScrapingAnt

ScrapingAnt is another notable ScrapingBee alternative that provides a user-friendly web scraping API. It's designed to cater to developers who require a simple yet effective tool for extracting web data. ScrapingAnt offers features like headless browser support and easy-to-integrate APIs, which help make web scraping accessible even to those with minimal technical expertise.

I've been using this service for quite a long time and must admit that this is the best option for small businesses.

-- Capterra review

Key features

• Headless browser support for rendering JavaScript-dependent pages.
• Easy integration with clear documentation and support.
• Cost-effective pricing plans make it a viable option for startups and individual developers.

ScrapingAnt vs. ScrapingBee

Advantages

• Cost-effectiveness: ScrapingAnt offers competitive pricing, which makes it an attractive option for individuals and small businesses.
• Ease of integration: Its API is straightforward, so it's relatively easy to integrate with existing systems.

Disadvantages

• Limited advanced features: ScrapingAnt doesn't offer the depth of features that ScrapingBee provides, particularly in handling very complex websites.
• Performance: For extremely large-scale operations, ScrapingAnt doesn't perform as efficiently as ScrapingBee.

Not too many different features. Every other aspect was good enough for my task.

-- Capterra review

4. Scrapfly

Scrapfly provides a scalable and easy-to-use API tailored for developers needing reliable data scraping capabilities. It offers a straightforward approach to scraping, with features designed to simplify the extraction process. It provides proxy handling and the ability to scrape data from any web page without worrying about IP bans.

It's my go-to scraping API I use for both personal and professional projects. It's just there, costs less than anything else, and it just works.

-- Capterra review

Key features

• Scalable architecture suitable for both small and large scraping operations.
• Proxy management to ensure successful data access.
• User-friendly API, making it accessible for developers of all skill levels.

Scrapfly vs. ScrapingBee

Advantages

• Scalability: Scrapfly provides a highly scalable solution that can adapt to varying demands, which is beneficial for users with fluctuating scraping needs.
• Ease of use: With a user-friendly interface and documentation, Scrapfly is more accessible to beginners.

Disadvantages

• Feature set: While Scrapfly is efficient, it may lack some of the advanced features found in ScrapingBee, such as detailed proxy management.
• Support: Users may find support and community resources more limited compared to ScrapingBee.

The API player can be hard to work with because it resets the example whenever you toggle between the different programming languages, which can be a bit frustrating.

-- Capterra review

5. ZenRows

ZenRows is a powerful web scraping API that emphasizes handling anti-bot measures and providing high-quality content extraction. It stands out for its advanced features, including JavaScript rendering, which is indispensable for scraping modern websites that heavily rely on JavaScript for dynamic content generation. ZenRows also offers effective solutions for avoiding CAPTCHAs and managing IP rotations so users can access data without being blocked.

Very straightforward to use, pricing is transparent with how much the different types of requests will cost.

-- Capterra review

Key features

• JavaScript rendering for dynamic content extraction.
• Anti-bot bypassing capabilities, including CAPTCHA solving.
• Automatic proxy rotation to minimize blocking risks.

Zenrows vs. ScrapingBee

Advantages

• JavaScript rendering: ZenRows offers superior JavaScript rendering capabilities for scraping modern websites that rely heavily on JavaScript.
• Anti-bot features: With advanced anti-bot bypassing measures, ZenRows excels in accessing data from sites with strict anti-scraping technologies.

Disadvantages

• Cost: Compared to ScrapingBee, ZenRows may come at a higher price, especially for large-scale scraping needs.
• Learning curve: The advanced features of ZenRows might require a steeper learning curve for new users.

We were getting blocked by target websites, and the issue was too frequent, especially when there were CAPTCHAs.

-- Capterra review

6. Zyte API

The Zyte API is a complete and mature scraping solution provided by Zyte—a well-known entity in the web scraping world and the developer of the popular Scrapy framework. It addresses all key performance aspects in the web scraping niche, such as handling blockages, automatically rotating proxies, and providing automated browser rendering for scraping dynamic content.

Additionally, it manages sessions and cookies and takes screenshots to aid in debugging and ensure high-quality content extraction. A standout feature of the Zyte API is its AI Scraping option, which is specifically designed to extract product data for e-commerce, as well as article and job posting data—areas particularly challenging due to the frequently unstable and changing nature of these websites' structures.

It really saves my time as a web scraping specialists. I always need rotated proxies for my client needs. I keep creating a new project and it is a lot of hassle of I have to buy proxies, renew proxies, and create proxy rotation on my own. I am glad I don't even need to think about it. It just works!

-- Capterra review

Key features

• Automated browser rendering: Enables scraping of dynamic web pages.
• Anti-bot bypassing: Includes intelligent proxy rotation to avoid detection.
• AI-powered scraping solutions: Tailored for specific e-commerce and job listing web scraping challenges.
• Supports multiple programming languages: Includes special adaptations for Scrapy.

Zyte API vs. ScrapingBee

Advantages

• Advanced browser rendering: Features advanced rendering capabilities for dynamic web content comparable to ScrapingBee.
• Sophisticated proxy management: Includes powerful anti-bot measures and intelligent proxy rotation.
• AI-powered scraping: Offers specialized AI-powered scraping solutions tailored for complex tasks in e-commerce and job posting extraction.
• Monthly free usage: Provides a free trial with $5 worth of usage every month, though it requires credit card information.

Disadvantages

• Steep learning curve: Requires more time and effort to learn and set up, especially compared to ScrapingBee.
• Complex pricing structure: The convoluted pricing makes it difficult to predict costs accurately, potentially leading to budgeting challenges.
• Free trial limitations: The free trial, while offering free usage, requires credit card details, and the complex pricing makes it hard to estimate the actual number of requests possible with the allotted $5.

Pricing can be a bit tricky especially if your need is right in between the plans.

-- Capterra review

7. Oxylabs Web Scraping API

Oxylabs is primarily known as a proxy provider, but it has recently been paying significant attention to enhancing its web scraping solutions. Its web scraping API is a reflection of this strategy shift and is equipped with advanced anti-blocking features, including CAPTCHA bypass, AI-driven fingerprinting, and smart proxy management.

Additionally, it offers a built-in scheduler for API calls and capabilities for rendering JavaScript and scraping dynamic content. One advantage it has over ScrapingBee is the Scraper API playground, where users can visually construct their API requests and customize parameters. Oxylabs also offers a free trial of 5,000 requests, which is limited to only 7 days, unlike ScrapingBee’s unlimited, monthly 1,000 requests free plan.

I find the support and communication from account managers to be very good, but the real winner is the products and tools that Oxylabs provide which are high quality and do exactly as they promise. 

-- G2 review

Oxylabs vs. ScrapingBee

Advantages

• Advanced anti-blocking features: Oxylabs API offers sophisticated proxy management, supplemented by features like CAPTCHA bypass and AI-driven fingerprinting, enhancing its ability to handle sites with strict anti-scraping measures.
• User-friendly UI: Oxylabs API playground allows users to visually construct and customize API requests, which can improve usability and significantly reduce the learning curve for adopting the solution.
• Built-in scheduler: Facilitates planning and automation of scraping tasks, which can be particularly beneficial for large-scale or recurring scraping operations.

Disadvantages

• Limited free trial duration: Although Oxylabs offers a significant number of free requests (5,000), the 7-day limit may not be sufficient for extensive testing or intermittent use cases, which could deter potential long-term users.
• More expensive: Although Oxylabs API's advanced features are beneficial, they come at a higher cost. Despite monthly prices that appear comparable to ScrapingBee, Oxylabs offers fewer credits per pricing tier, making it comparatively more expensive.

I would suggest a more streamlined process for activating specific product features. Currently, engaging with an account manager is necessary for certain functionalities, and it would be more convenient if users had the autonomy to toggle these features on or off directly from the dashboard.

-- G2 review

8. Bright Data Web Scraping API

Bright Data, another widely known proxy provider, has recently been investing heavily in its web scraping solutions. Bright Data breaks down its offered features in a wide range of products, including the Web Scraper IDE, SERP API, Scraping Browser, and Web Unlocker, each with a unique pricing structure.

Of all the alternatives mentioned so far, Bright Data most directly targets clients with substantial scraping needs and large enterprises. This focus is evident in its monthly plans, many of which start at $499 and offer few intermediate options, though a pay-as-you-go option is available.

While Bright Data's Web Scraping API suite offers a broad array of features, it can be frustrating to see these features divided among various products with distinct pricing structures, significantly complicating the cost assessment for full feature access. A notable advantage, however, is the 24/7 support and more hands-on assistance compared to other providers.

Bright Data Web Scraping API offers a free trial. However, you're required to provide a payment verification to try the service unless a work email is added to your account, further indicating their focus on targeting businesses.

Really good and consistent use. No downtimes, very good quallity of the connections allowing to use our softwares without being blocked. Worth every dollar.

-- Capterra review

Bright Data vs. ScrapingBee

Advantages

• Robust for large-scale needs: Tailored for large enterprises, Bright Data's offerings are robust, catering to complex and substantial scraping demands.
• 24/7 support: Provides round-the-clock support with more direct and hands-on assistance, beneficial for businesses that rely heavily on continuous data extraction.
• Diverse toolset: Offers a variety of tools tailored to specific scraping needs, which can be advantageous for specialized tasks.

Disadvantages

• Complex pricing: The pricing structure is complex and can be difficult to navigate, potentially leading to higher and unpredictable costs.
• Product fragmentation: Features are spread across multiple products, complicating the user experience and requiring more time and effort to manage.
• Barrier to trial: The need for payment verification or a work email for the free trial may deter potential users who are evaluating options or are not yet committed to a major service.

Documentation can be improved. The Unblocker tool is very expensive and doesn't always work

-- Capterra review

9. ScraperAPI

ScraperAPI's main selling point is its ability to reliably overcome common web scraping obstacles such as CAPTCHAs, JavaScript rendering, and proxy server management. This allows users to reliably extract data using their API without needing extensive web scraping expertise.

Compared to ScrapingBee, ScraperAPI offers a few notable features, including an API playground with a visual user interface that helps users construct their API requests by setting all necessary parameters for their specific use case. Additionally, ScraperAPI provides access to a wider range of exclusive API endpoints for fetching data from services like Amazon Product, Google Jobs, and Google Search.

One drawback of ScraperAPI, however, is its limited geotargeting options (US and EU) for all plans below the Business plan, which starts at $299/month and offers full geotargeting capabilities. In contrast, ScrapingBee provides full access to all geotargeting options across all plans, as long as users specify the correct parameters to utilize 'Premium Proxies', which consume more credits than standard proxies.

The ease of use and the fact that there were multiple ways of using it made this desirable. The simple API usage let me prototype and decide what element I need to look for, and used the proxy method in the software to make the integration seamless.

-- Capterra review

ScraperAPI vs. ScrapingBee

Advantages

• Advanced scraping features: Specializes in bypassing scraping restrictions like CAPTCHAs and JavaScript challenges, making it ideal for complex scraping tasks.
• Exclusive API endpoints: Offers specialized endpoints for specific services, which can be very useful for targeted data extraction tasks.
• Visual API playground: Helps users visually construct and manage API requests, potentially reducing the learning curve and increasing efficiency.

Disadvantages

• Limited geotargeting in lower tiers: Full geotargeting is provided only in the higher-priced Business plan, restricting flexibility for users on lower-tier plans.
• Cost: Although ScraperAPI and ScrapingBee both offer similar free plans and their initial pricing plans start at $49, ScraperAPI becomes more expensive at higher tiers. For example, ScrapingBee's Startup plan is priced at $99, while ScraperAPI's equivalent plan costs $149 per month. This price difference persists across higher tiers. Additionally, ScraperAPI's plans provide fewer resources compared to the equivalent plans from ScrapingBee.

ScraperAPI does not allow for web elements to be rendered, at least not until I am on the most expensive plan.

-- Capterra review

10. NetNut

NetNut, another proxy provider expanding into web scraping, targets enterprises with its SERP Scraper API and Unblocker products. The most basic plan for the SERP Scraper API begins at a substantial $1200/month, reflecting its enterprise focus. All plans include a dedicated account manager to assist with scraping activities.

Among all the alternatives discussed in this article, NetNut is the most restrictive, focusing on single-purpose API offerings and requiring business information to create an account. It could be a viable option for enterprises engaged in large-scale scraping who can justify the investment and prefer dedicated support for their projects over managing everything themselves.

The IP rotation's a lifesaver. Lets us peek at competitor prices without getting caught. Sneaky, but in a good way

-- G2 review

NetNut vs. ScrapingBee

Advantages

• Enterprise focus: Tailored for large-scale operations, making it ideal for enterprises needing robust scraping capabilities.
• Enhanced support: Includes a dedicated account manager for all plans, providing personalized assistance and expert management of scraping activities.
• Specialized products: Offers products specifically designed for high-demand tasks like SERP scraping, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness for targeted needs.

Disadvantages

• Cost-prohibitive: The high entry cost could be a barrier for smaller businesses or those just starting with scraping.
• Restrictive setup: Requires business information to set up an account, which could delay account creation or alienate users who cannot provide such information.
• Narrow focus: Not suitable for those who need a more versatile or general-purpose scraping solution.

Wish the dashboard was a bit more user-friendly,, tracking and managing could be smoother

-- G2 review

Choose a ScrapingBee alternative

ScrapingBee is a solid choice for many web scraping scenarios, with a good balance between functionality and user-friendliness. Its ability to handle JavaScript-heavy sites and manage proxies is especially noteworthy.

However, the alternatives we've provided definitely give it a run for its money, and some offer features and capabilities that ScrapingBee lacks. Whether you want a simple, easy-to-use API or a powerful and versatile web scraping platform, we believe you'll find what you're looking for in this list.