Finding information on the internet is very hard when you have to search each and every page of a gigantic website. There are hundreds and sometimes thousands of pages that need to be scanned manually to make a report or scrape data. This task is tedious when you do not have the right tools at hand. Here comes in handy the data web scraping tools that allow you to take out all the necessary information within seconds. The Apify vs ScrapingBee comparison will allow us to grab the tiny details and choose the right tool for the right task.
There are a number of tools available in the market to scrape data from the internet. However, each application has its own unique features that suit a specific task. It is important to look at the features of an application to ensure that you have the right pick at your disposal. Grabbing the wrong app may require you to do the job again. This detailed comparison will equip you with the knowledge to reach a sound decision for Apify vs ScrapingBee features for a specific task.
Understanding Apify in 2025
Apify is a tool that lets users build small programs called actors. These actors do different jobs on the internet, like getting data or filling out forms. Apify is very flexible and can handle many tasks.
- Ready Actors: There are many actors already made and ready to use. This helps people start quickly without building from scratch.
- Supports Popular Languages: It works well with JavaScript and Python. These languages are easy for many developers to use.
- Runs in the Cloud: Apify runs on the internet, so your computer does not have to stay on all the time.
- Multiple Data Formats: The data collected can be saved as JSON, CSV, or Excel. This makes it easy to use in other programs.
Apify is a good choice for big projects that need many steps and can grow over time. This tool is a strong option for those looking for scalable web scraping solutions.
What Makes ScrapingBee Stand Out
ScrapingBee is simple to use and fast. It is made for users who want to scrape data quickly and easily. It works very well with websites that use JavaScript to load their content.
- JavaScript Rendering API: This helps get data from websites that change after loading. Many tools cannot do this, but ScrapingBee can.
- Rotating Proxy Network: ScrapingBee changes IP addresses automatically. This stops websites from blocking the scraper. This is called proxy rotation for web scraping.
- Location Choice: Users can select IP addresses from different countries. This is helpful when data depends on the location of the user.
- Simple REST API: The API is easy to use and works well even for beginners.
ScrapingBee is best for simple, fast scraping jobs. Its ability to do web scraping and JavaScript rendering makes it very useful.
Comparing Performance and Speed
Speed and performance matter a lot when scraping websites. Apify can handle complicated tasks like logging in, clicking buttons, and collecting data from many pages in one run. This makes it great for complex scraping projects.
ScrapingBee works better for smaller tasks. It gets data from simple pages very quickly because it uses a small API.
When tested, ScrapingBee is faster for small jobs. Apify does better for big and complicated projects because it can automate many steps. The choice depends on the size and needs of the project.
Pricing Plans in 2025
Cost is very important when choosing a scraping tool. Apify charges based on how many runs you do and how much memory you use. This means you only pay for what you need. It is flexible and good for many users.
- Pay-As-You-Go: Users only pay for the runs and data they use, with no fixed fees.
- Credit System: ScrapingBee uses credits for each request. This helps keep track of spending.
- Free Plans: Both tools have free plans with limits for small users to try them out.
- Budget Friendly: ScrapingBee’s pricing model is easy to understand and plan with web scraping pricing models.
Large projects may find Apify more flexible. Small or occasional users may prefer ScrapingBee for its affordability.
Ease of Use and Developer Experience
It is important that the tool is easy to use. Apify has a platform where users can write and test their code. It also has a clear dashboard to see all running tasks.
- Built-in Code Editor: Write and fix code inside Apify’s platform without extra software.
- Clear Dashboard: Track and manage scraping tasks easily.
- Integration Options: Apify works with many cloud services and databases.
- Templates and Help: Beginners get a good start with many templates and examples, making it one of the beginner-friendly web scraping tools.
ScrapingBee uses a simple API only. It does not have a dashboard or editor, which may be harder for some beginners. However, it has good guides and code samples to help users.
API Strength and Flexibility
Apify has a very strong and flexible API. It allows scheduling tasks and creating workflows. This helps for more complex scraping data from the websites.
The web scraping API comparison shows Apify’s API is powerful, but takes more time to learn. ScrapingBee’s API is simpler and easier for fast jobs.
If automation and complex tasks are needed, Apify is better. For quick data scraping and collection, ScrapingBee works well.
Customer Support and Documentation
Good customer support is helpful. Apify has a large community where users share tips and help each other.
ScrapingBee offers fast email support and clear instructions. It does not have a large community yet. People can choose between having community help or direct company support based on their preference.
Common Use Cases in Real Life
Apify is used for many large projects like tracking prices, jobs, and real estate listings. It is good for jobs that need many automated steps.
ScrapingBee works best for quick jobs like scraping news or social media updates.
- Multi-Step Jobs: Apify is very good at handling these.
- Fast Single-Page Data: ScrapingBee is perfect for these cases.
Choosing depends on the type of project and what the user needs most.
Security and Ethics in Web Scraping
Web scraping should be done safely and fairly. Both tools follow good rules to keep users safe. People should always check a website’s rules before scraping.
Apify lets users keep their code and data private, which is very safe. ScrapingBee uses safe connections and proxy rotation for web scraping. This helps avoid getting blocked. It is important to follow ethical web scraping practices to respect privacy and laws. Everyone should do this.
Comparison Table: Apify vs ScrapinBee
| Feature | Apify | ScrapingBee |
| Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go based on actor runs, memory, and data transfer (Free plan includes 4 GB RAM, paid plans from $49 /mo) | Credit-based pricing per API call (starts at $49 /mo with 1,000 free credits; business plans up to $599 /mo) |
| Free Tier | Forever-free plan with community support, up to 4 GB actor RAM and 7 days of data retention | Free trial with 1,000 API credits (no credit card required) |
| Programming Languages Supported | JavaScript (Node.js) and Python for custom actors in the Apify Store | Any language via a simple REST API (no built-in editor) |
| JavaScript Rendering | Uses headless Chrome via actors; supports custom JS in workflows | Built-in JavaScript rendering API powered by Chrome instances |
| Proxy Support | Built-in IP rotation and proxy management within the platform | Automatic rotating proxies network to avoid blocks (proxy rotation for web scraping) |
| Scheduling & Automation | Cloud scheduling with cron-style triggers and Actor standby mode for real-time APIs | No built-in scheduler; users must implement scheduling via external cron or workflow tools |
| Interface | Web GUI with built-in code editor, dashboard, and actor marketplace | Pure API interface (REST), no graphical dashboard |
| API Simplicity | Rich, modular API for actors, datasets, and storage; requires learning actor concepts | Single-endpoint API with straightforward parameters for rendering, proxies, and output format |
| Community & Support | Large developer community, GitHub examples, email support, forums | Responsive email support and clear documentation; smaller user community |
| Data Export Formats | JSON, CSV, Excel, and custom datasets via built-in storage integrations | HTML, JSON, and screenshot outputs via API parameters |
Conclusion
Choosing the right tool depends on what the project needs most. Some people need a system that can handle large jobs, many steps, and advanced automation. For that kind of work, Apify becomes a great option. It allows users to build detailed workflows, schedule scraping tasks, and use powerful tools all in one place. This makes it a strong choice for teams or developers who want a full cloud-based scraping platform that gives them control from start to finish. With features like custom actors and built-in storage, Apify supports projects that require careful planning and complex scraping actions.
Other projects are much simpler and need to be done quickly. For those jobs, ScrapingBee offers a fast and easy way to get web data. It handles pages that use JavaScript, rotates proxies for you, and does not need a lot of setup. This is helpful for people who want results right away. ScrapingBee works well for short tasks and smaller goals. Both tools are trusted and belong to the list of the best web scraping tools 2025. When thinking about Apify vs ScrapingBee, it helps to look closely at what your task really needs. That will help you pick the tool that fits best, whether you want full features or something quick and simple.