Apify vs Scrape.do: Complete Comparison Guide
Choosing between Apify and Scrape.do for your web scraping needs? This comprehensive comparison covers everything you need to know about these two popular platforms, including detailed pricing analysis, feature comparisons, performance benchmarks, and real-world use cases to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Platform Overview
Apify
Apify is a comprehensive full-stack web scraping and automation platform that has established itself as a leader in the industry. With over 5,000 ready-made tools called “Actors” in their marketplace, Apify caters to both developers and businesses looking for scalable web scraping solutions. The platform offers serverless cloud computing, extensive proxy networks, and robust data processing capabilities.
Scrape.do
Scrape.do positions itself as a specialized web scraping API and rotating proxy solution focused on delivering high success rates and fast response times. The platform boasts an impressive 99% success rate with average response times of 800-900ms. It targets businesses and developers who need reliable, straightforward web scraping without the complexity of managing infrastructure.
Key Differences at a Glance
Pricing Comparison
Understanding the pricing structure is crucial when choosing between Apify and Scrape.do. Both platforms offer different pricing models that cater to various business needs and usage patterns.
Monthly Pricing Comparison
Detailed Pricing Breakdown
| Plan | Apify | Scrape.do |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | $5 monthly credits 25 concurrent runs, 8GB RAM | 1,000 successful API credits Basic features only |
| Entry Level | $39/month (Starter) $39 credits + pay-as-you-go | $29/month (Hobby) 250K credits, 5 concurrent |
| Professional | $199/month (Scale) $199 credits + discounted rates | $99/month (Pro) 1.25M credits, 15 concurrent |
| Business | $999/month (Business) $999 credits + best rates | $249/month (Business) 3.5M credits, 40 concurrent |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing Unlimited usage, custom terms | Custom pricing Tailored solutions |
Cost Analysis Insights
Apify Pricing Model
Apify uses a credit-based system where you pay for compute units (CUs) at $0.4 per CU on lower tiers, decreasing to $0.25 on enterprise plans. This model works well for variable workloads and gives you flexibility to scale up or down based on actual usage.
Scrape.do Pricing Model
Scrape.do operates on a pay-for-success model with fixed monthly credits. You only pay for successful API calls, which provides predictable costs and better value when dealing with challenging websites that might have high failure rates.
Features Comparison
Both platforms offer robust web scraping capabilities, but they differ significantly in their approach and feature sets. Let’s examine the key features that set them apart.
| Feature | Apify | Scrape.do |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-made Scrapers | 5,000+ Actors | Custom only |
| JavaScript Rendering | Full support | Available |
| Rotating Proxies | Multiple types | High quality |
| Residential Proxies | $8/GB | Business+ plans |
| Scheduled Runs | Advanced | Limited |
| API Integration | Comprehensive | Simple REST |
| Data Storage | Multiple formats | Basic |
| Browser Automation | Full Playwright | Headless Chrome |
| Code Templates | Extensive | None |
| Marketplace | Actor Store | No marketplace |
Apify Unique Features
- Actor marketplace with 5,000+ ready-made scrapers for popular websites
- Advanced scheduling and webhook capabilities
- Comprehensive data processing and transformation tools
- Full-stack platform with extensive integrations
Scrape.do Unique Features
- 99%+ success rate with pay-for-success model
- Ultra-fast 800-900ms average response times
- Simplified API-first approach
- Excellent customer support and customization
Feature Completeness Score
Performance Analysis
Performance is a critical factor when choosing a web scraping platform. Let’s examine how Apify and Scrape.do perform in real-world scenarios based on actual benchmarks and user reports.
Response Time Comparison
Performance Breakdown
Apify Performance
- Concurrent Runs: Up to 256 on Business plan
- RAM Allocation: 8GB to 256GB depending on plan
- Proxy Performance: Multiple proxy types with varying speeds
- Scalability: Excellent for large-scale operations
- Data Processing: Built-in data transformation capabilities
Scrape.do Performance
- Concurrent Requests: Up to 40 on Business plan
- Success Rate: Consistent 99%+ across all targets
- Response Time: Average 800-900ms per request
- Proxy Quality: High-quality rotating proxies
- Reliability: Optimized for consistent performance
Real User Performance Reports
“We achieved 90% cost savings switching from Scrapy to Apify while maintaining high performance across our retail data operations.”
“Thanks to Scrape.do’s friendly support and custom approach, we reached 800ms-900ms per request with 99%+ success rate.”
– Product Manager, Tech Company
Use Cases and Best Fit Scenarios
Choosing between Apify and Scrape.do depends heavily on your specific use case, technical requirements, and business needs. Here’s a breakdown of scenarios where each platform excels.
Apify is Best For:
E-commerce Monitoring
Ready-made scrapers for Amazon, eBay, and other major platforms
Market Research
Comprehensive data collection and analysis tools
Complex Automation
Full browser automation and workflow management
Social Media Analysis
Dedicated actors for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
Scrape.do is Best For:
Search Engine Scraping
High success rates on Google, Bing, and other search engines
Geographic Data Collection
Worldwide geotargeting with residential proxies
Anti-Bot Bypass
Specialized in circumventing Cloudflare and similar protections
Real-time Data Needs
Fast response times for time-sensitive applications
Industry-Specific Recommendations
Startups & SMBs
Scrape.do offers better value with predictable pricing and high success rates
Enterprise
Apify provides comprehensive features and scalability for large operations
Agencies
Both platforms work well; choose based on client requirements and team expertise
Decision Matrix
| Factor | Apify | Scrape.do |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Advanced Features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cost Effectiveness | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Scalability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Success Rate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros and Cons
Apify
Pros
- • Extensive marketplace with 5,000+ ready-made scrapers
- • Comprehensive platform with advanced features
- • Excellent scalability for enterprise needs
- • Strong community and documentation
- • Multiple data export formats
- • Advanced scheduling and automation
Cons
- • Steeper learning curve for beginners
- • More complex pricing structure
- • Can be expensive for small-scale operations
- • Credits don’t roll over monthly
- • Some features require technical expertise
Scrape.do
Pros
- • Outstanding 99%+ success rate
- • Fast 800-900ms response times
- • Simple, predictable pricing
- • Excellent customer support
- • Pay-for-success model
- • Easy integration and setup
Cons
- • Limited ready-made solutions
- • Fewer advanced features than Apify
- • No built-in data processing tools
- • Less flexibility for complex workflows
- • Smaller community and ecosystem
Recommendations
Detailed Recommendations by Scenario
Small to Medium Business (SMB)
Start with Scrape.do for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The 99% success rate and predictable pricing make it ideal for businesses with straightforward scraping needs.
E-commerce Companies
Apify is recommended due to its extensive marketplace of ready-made scrapers for major e-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, and others.
Data Analytics Agencies
Choose based on client needs. Apify for complex, multi-platform projects; Scrape.do for high-volume, reliable data collection.
Startups with Limited Budget
Scrape.do offers better value with its pay-for-success model and lower entry costs, making it perfect for budget-conscious startups.
Ready to Start Scraping?
Both platforms offer free trials to test their capabilities
Apify vs Scrape.do Conclusion
The choice between Apify and Scrape.do ultimately depends on your specific needs, technical expertise, and budget. Both platforms excel in different areas and serve distinct market segments effectively.
Choose Apify if you:
- ✓ Need a comprehensive, all-in-one scraping platform
- ✓ Want access to thousands of ready-made scrapers
- ✓ Require advanced automation and scheduling features
- ✓ Have complex data processing requirements
- ✓ Need enterprise-grade scalability
- ✓ Have the budget for a premium solution
Choose Scrape.do if you:
- ✓ Want the highest success rates and reliability
- ✓ Need fast, predictable response times
- ✓ Prefer simple, transparent pricing
- ✓ Value excellent customer support
- ✓ Want to pay only for successful requests
- ✓ Need a straightforward API solution
Final Thoughts
Both Apify and Scrape.do are excellent platforms that have carved out their niches in the web scraping market. Apify excels as a comprehensive platform for complex scraping operations, while Scrape.do shines with its reliability and simplicity. The best choice depends on your specific requirements, team expertise, and long-term goals.
Start Your Web Scraping Journey Today
Take advantage of the free trials to test both platforms and see which one works best for your specific use case.
Disclosure: We may earn commission for purchases that are made by visitors on this site at no additional cost on your end. All information is for educational purposes and is not intended for financial advice. Read our affiliate disclosure.
