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Apify vs. Oxylabs: Which One is Right for You in 2025?

Comparing Pricing, Features, and Performance to Help You Decide

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Apify vs Oxylabs
Apify vs. Oxylabs

Discover why 10,000+ companies chose ScraperAPI to scale their web scraping projects
over tools like Apify and Oxylabs

Quick Overview

Choosing between Apify and Oxylabs? We break down their strengths, weaknesses, and key differentiators to help you make the best choice.

About Apify

Apify is a full‑stack cloud platform for web scraping, browser automation, and data extraction. It empowers developers and businesses to build, deploy, and publish “Actors” (serverless programs) that can extract data from almost any website, regardless of its anti‐scraping measures. They also offer solutions catering to Generative AI purposes such as fine-tuning, sentiment analysis, etc. Apify is built by developers, for developers, without leaving out non-technical folks either. Their working model emphasizes reliability and scalability, supporting both code‐based and no‑code approaches through several integrations.

Apify’s Strengths

  • Scalable Serverless Infrastructure
  • Full-stack data extraction platform
  • High customizability
  • Apify Store and Actor Ecosystem

Top Features:

  • Marketplace of Pre-built Actors
  • Advanced Anti-Blocking & Proxy Services
  • Scalable Serverless Architecture
  • Extensive offering of Developer Tools & Integrations

About Oxylabs

Oxylabs is a premium data access platform that empowers enterprises to scrape large-scale web data. It provides a broad suite of high-quality proxy solutions and advanced web scraping tools to bypass even the most stringent anti‑scraping measures. Oxylabs targets large businesses and market research teams that demand reliable, secure, and scalable data extraction for competitor intelligence gathering, price monitoring, and other large-scale applications. They provide tools such as the AI-based Web Unblocker, Custom Parser, Scheduler, and Web Crawler.

Strengths:

  • Massive pool of residential and data center proxies
  • Advanced anti‑detection technology 
  • 24/7 enterprise‑grade support

Top Features:

  • Robust Global Proxy Pool
  • Smart IP Rotation & Geo‑Targeting
  • Scalable & Secure Infrastructure

How ScraperAPI Stacks Up

ScraperAPI provides a streamlined, API‑driven solution for developers and businesses that require reliable, high‑volume web scraping without the complexity of other options. It serves teams that need a cost‑efficient tool with predictable pricing, robust features, and integrated solutions.

If you are looking for a smarter (yet affordable) alternative, ScraperAPI provides:

  • Higher success rates & auto CAPTCHA handling
  • 3,000,000 API credits for $299/month (better value)
  • 150+ geolocation options & real-time JS rendering
  • Multiple Programming Language Support and Integration

Top Features:

  • Direct Geotargeting.
  • Domain-specific Structured Data Endpoints (Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Redfin, etc.).
  • Advanced Built-in proxy rotation (including mobile proxies) and CAPTCHA solving system.
  • LLM Output Feature (for high-quality Generative AI training data).
  • JavaScript rendering.
  • Cost-efficient credit-based system.

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

1️⃣ Pricing & Value

FeatureApifyOxylabsScraperAPI
Pricing ModelCompute Unit (CU) based. Cost varies based on usage (memory, runtime). Offers monthly tier plansPay-as-you-go (Residential proxies) and Subscription plansSubscription-based, monthly tier plans. The cost depends on API credit usage.
Free TrialOffers free usage credits to start.Yes, it offers a 7 days free trialOffers a free trial with about 1000 API credits and 5 concurrent threads 
Pay-as-you-goYes, it is integrated into their pricing model.YesNo 
Extra Costs (Bandwidth, IPs, etc.)Potential extra costs for exceeding plan limits and for add-on features such as extra proxy usageAdditional fees may apply if you exceed your plan’s limits or require extra features such as premium proxies.Costs depend on API credit usage. More complex requests cost more credits.
Money-back GuaranteeNot statedYes, there is a 3-day money-back guaranteeYes, there is a 7-day money-back guarantee.

📌 Takeaway: Using the information above as a baseline, let’s compare cost-effectiveness:

  • ScraperAPI: Its subscription plan works on a fixed monthly quota (the business plan offers 3,000,000 API credits); if every typical e‑commerce request costs about 5 API credits, you will get roughly 600,000 successful requests for around $299/month. ScraperAPI’s model offers transparent pricing for high-volume, straightforward scraping tasks, making it very cost‑effective. 
  • Oxylabs: Oxylabs specializes in premium proxy solutions, offering a wide range of services that include residential, datacenter, ISP, dedicated datacenter, and mobile proxies, as well as additional tools like the Web Scraper API and Web Unblocker. Their pricing varies by service: residential proxies start at $4 per GB on a pay‑as‑you‑go basis; datacenter proxies begin at $1.20 per IP; ISP proxies are priced from $1.60 per IP; dedicated datacenter proxies start at $2.25 per IP; and mobile (3G/4G/5G) proxies begin at $9 per GB. The “starts from” pricing indicates that higher usage and additional features increase costs.
  • Apify: Apify’s CU‑based, pay‑as‑you‑go model offers excellent flexibility. You only pay for the compute and resources you use, which is ideal for workloads that vary widely. However, the unpredictability can be a drawback; if your scraping task spikes in memory or runtime (or if you need extra proxy services), additional charges can kick in unexpectedly. 

For predictable, seamless, high‑volume scraping, ScraperAPI is the most cost‑effective with its fixed monthly quotas and money‑back guarantee. If you’re keen on proxies, Oxylabs may be justifiable in the long run despite higher costs, especially if you’re a large enterprise. Apify’s flexible, usage‑based model makes it an attractive choice for variable workloads, but be cautious of potential extra costs if your usage exceeds limits.

ScraperAPIOxylabsApify
API Credits3,000,000It depends on the features used, such as proxies, Web Scraper API, Web Unblocker, etc$0.3 per compute unit
Results3,000,000 standard requests (600,000 e-commerce requests)Pricing starts from $1.35 per 1,000 results for Web Scraper API

It depends on the number of compute units you consume.
Cost$299/monIt depends on the amount of GB you consume based on the features you utilize.$199/mon

2️⃣ Performance & Reliability

FeatureApifyOxylabsScraperAPI
Success Rate (%)The success rate depends on the Actor used and the target website. Documentation does not include an explicit success rate99.95%95%+ 
JS Rendering SupportYes, through Actors and Playwright/Puppeteer integrationYes, their Web Scraper API supports JavaScript rendering directly.Yes, it is integrated directly into the API.
CAPTCHA HandlingYes, also through Actors and integrations with third-party solvers.Yes, using smart proxy rotation and, where applicable, third-party CAPTCHA solvers to reduce challenges.Yes, directly integrated solutions.
Geolocation OptionsClaim to offer geotargeting through premium proxies covering various regions. Documentation, however, does not contain explicit information on the number of countries.195+ countries150+ countries

📌 Takeaway: Oxylabs stands out for its high success rate (99.95%) and extensive geolocation coverage (195+ countries). These factors indicate that Oxylabs is optimized for reliability and performance, especially when dealing with dynamic, complex websites.

However, ScraperAPI has an edge over Oxylabs regarding its streamlined, directly integrated approach to JavaScript rendering and CAPTCHA handling. This simplicity can translate into faster setup and potentially lower integration overhead, which is beneficial for developers if you prioritize ease of use and rapid deployment.

3️⃣ User Reviews & Ratings (Capterra and Trustpilot)

PlatformApify⭐Oxylabs⭐ScraperAPI ⭐
Capterra4.8 4.94.6
Trustpilot4.24.24.7

Takeaway: While Oxylabs boasts the highest performance metrics and the most extensive proxy coverage, on the flip side, many reviewers point out that the pricing is on the higher end, and its model can feel overly complex. There are also some concerns about responsiveness in customer service.

Many users love Apify’s flexibility and robust Actors framework. However, several reviews mention a steep learning curve and sometimes confusing documentation.

In contrast, ScraperAPI, with a Capterra score of 4.6 and a stellar Trustpilot rating of 4.7, consistently earns praise for its high success rate on complex, dynamic websites. Users highlight its integrated JavaScript rendering, robust CAPTCHA handling, and extensive geolocation support, all backed by transparent, credit‑based pricing, as a major reason.

Pros and Cons for Each – Based on User Feedback

Apify

👍 Pros:

  • Highly flexible platform with powerful Actors for complex tasks
  • Good integration with Playwright/Puppeteer for JS rendering
  • Positive Capterra reviews (4.8 rating) indicate strong overall satisfaction
  •  

👎 Cons:

  • There is a steep learning curve and some documentation gaps
  • Slower or inconsistent customer support at times
  • Performance can vary widely based on the Actor and target website

Oxylabs

👍 Pros:

  • Excellent performance with a very high success rate (99.95%)
  • Extensive proxy network with geolocation options in 195+ countries
  • Reliable, enterprise-grade infrastructure

👎 Cons:

  • Higher cost and a complex pricing model that may deter smaller users
  • Customer service can be less responsive
  • Not as accessible for non-enterprise users due to premium pricing

ScraperAPI

👍 Pros:

  • Streamlined, developer-friendly integration with fully integrated JS rendering and CAPTCHA handling
  • Predictable and straightforward subscription pricing
  • High Trustpilot rating (4.7) reflecting overall user satisfaction

👎 Cons:

  • Slightly lower success rate (95%+) compared to Oxylabs, though still very reliable
  • Occasional scalability issues for extremely high-volume demands
  • Fewer geolocation options (150+ countries) than Oxylabs

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Apify if:

✔ You prioritize flexibility and customizability since Apify’s Actor-based system lets you build tailored scraping workflows.
✔ You need to handle dynamic, JavaScript-heavy websites using advanced browser automation and custom scripts.
✔ You prefer a consumption-based pricing model with a free tier and pay‑as‑you‑go options, allowing you to only pay for what you use.

Choose Oxylabs if:

✔ You need enterprise-grade scraping with a premium infrastructure.
✔ You want access to a wide range of proxy types (residential, datacenter, ISP, dedicated, and mobile) plus extensive geolocation options (coverage in 195+ countries).
✔ You prefer an all‑in‑one solution with advanced features and are comfortable with a higher, premium pricing model that reflects its top‑tier performance and support.

Choose ScraperAPI if…

✔ You need ease of use and rapid deployment. ScraperAPI offers fully integrated JavaScript rendering and CAPTCHA handling out of the box, streamlining the setup process.
✔ You want a developer-friendly solution that reduces configuration overhead while maintaining reliable performance (with a 95%+ success rate).
✔ You prefer a straightforward subscription‑based pricing model with predictable costs and excellent developer support.

Why is ScraperAPI the best alternative to Apify and Oxylabs?

If you want a tool that won’t bog you down with complexity, ScraperAPI is just what you need. It’s not about being flashy; it’s about offering a smooth, developer-friendly experience that lets you focus on your project rather than wrestling with setup issues.

Here’s why ScraperAPI stands out as an excellent alternative to both Apify and Oxylabs:

  • JavaScript Rendering: ScraperAPI offers fully integrated JS rendering directly within its API. So, you can effortlessly scrape dynamic, JavaScript-heavy sites without setting up or managing external browser automation tools like Playwright or Puppeteer.
  • CAPTCHA Handling: It includes built-in CAPTCHA handling. Therefore, you don’t need to rely on third-party solvers or complex configurations when scraping protected sites.
  • Transparent Subscription Model: Unlike Apify’s consumption-based model, which can lead to unpredictable billings, and Oxylabs’ confusing pricing model, which can be overly complex for smaller teams, ScraperAPI’s monthly subscription is transparent and predictable.
  • Free Trial: With an easy-to-access free trial, you can evaluate its performance risk-free and scale up as needed without worrying about hidden charges.
  • Ease of Integration: Many users consistently praise ScraperAPI for its straightforward setup, making it ideal if you’re looking to get started quickly without a steep learning curve.
  • Positive Feedback: With a Trustpilot rating of 4.7, real user feedback highlights its reliability and robust customer support.

While Oxylabs’ high success rate claim and broader proxy coverage does impress, and Apify’s extensive customization through its Actor system is commendable, ScraperAPI delivers a unique balance. It keeps things simple yet powerful, allowing you to complete your scraping tasks efficiently without getting swallowed in technical details or unpredictable pricing.

If you’re looking for a solution that combines ease of use with dependable performance, ScraperAPI is the smart choice.

ScraperAPI is the better (yet affordable) alternative

ScraperAPI vs. Oxylabs
ScraperAPI vs Oxylabs

What Our Customers
Are Saying

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Frequently Asked Questions

ScraperAPI is the best real estate data collection tool because it provides structured data endpoints for platforms like Redfin, making extracting and working with key property information significantly easier. In addition, it offers advanced anti-bot protection, a no-code dashboard with scheduling, and geotargeting through 40 million proxies across 50+ countries—ensuring reliable, localized data collection without the usual scraping headaches.

  • For efficient, high‑volume scraping tasks: ScraperAPI’s fixed subscription model delivers excellent value with transparent API credit quotas that cover bandwidth, proxies, and JavaScript rendering, plus a 7‑day money‑back guarantee to minimize risk.
  • For enterprise-level projects requiring premium data and robust proxy networks, Oxylabs offers top‑tier performance with extensive geolocation options. However, its higher pricing may not be as cost‑effective for smaller budgets.
  • If you estimate high variable workloads for your project, Apify’s Computer Unit‑based, pay‑as‑you‑go model allows you to pay only for what you consume.

Switching to ScraperAPI requires changing your Apify or Oxylabs API endpoint to suit ScraperAPI’s structure and adapting your request parameters accordingly. You will find further information about this in our documentation.

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