Cheapest Proxies First Provider vs Provider Updated 2026

Crawlbase vs Apify Proxy: Which Proxy Provider Wins (2026)?

A practical Crawlbase vs Apify Proxy comparison for proxy buyers: pricing, pool size, proxy types, and which one fits your workflow.

Overview

For Crawlbase vs Apify Proxy, the honest answer is usually 'it depends on the target.' Below is how to decide quickly using price, proxy type, and coverage. Crawlbase starts around Free 1,000 requests; Crawling API from ~$29/mo usage-based with Managed pool (datacenter + residential); Apify Proxy starts around Free tier ($5 credit/mo); residential ~$8/GB, datacenter cheaper with Datacenter pool + partner residential (tens of millions). Crawlbase focuses on datacenter and residential, while Apify Proxy covers datacenter and residential.

Crawlbase vs Apify Proxy: Side by Side

FactorCrawlbaseApify Proxy
Starting priceFree 1,000 requests; Crawling API from ~$29/mo usage-basedFree tier ($5 credit/mo); residential ~$8/GB, datacenter cheaper
Pool sizeManaged pool (datacenter + residential)Datacenter pool + partner residential (tens of millions)
Proxy typesdatacenter and residentialdatacenter and residential
CoverageCountry-level geotargetingCountry-level geotargeting
Rating4.1/54.2/5
Best forTeams wanting a managed crawling-and-scraping stack with proxies, storage and webhooks bundled.Developers building on the Apify Actors platform or Crawlee who want proxies wired into their scrapers.

Where Crawlbase Wins

  • Broad managed toolset (crawler, scraper, storage)
  • Handles rotation and unblocking behind one endpoint
  • Free tier for evaluation

Where Apify Proxy Wins

  • Deep integration with Apify's scraping cloud and Crawlee
  • Convenient if you already run Apify Actors
  • Session management and rotation handled for you

Verdict

Crawlbase is often chosen for Teams wanting a managed crawling-and-scraping stack with proxies, storage and webhooks bundled.; Apify Proxy for Developers building on the Apify Actors platform or Crawlee who want proxies wired into their scrapers.. If your top priority is a low, predictable bill with residential access, test Cheapest Proxies first, then choose Crawlbase or Apify Proxy based on the specific feature you still need.

Match Proxy Type to Target

One provider may win for residential-heavy, protected targets while the other wins on datacenter speed for simple pages. In Crawlbase vs Apify Proxy, the better choice depends on which target you actually scrape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Crawlbase or Apify Proxy — which is cheaper?

Crawlbase starts near Free 1,000 requests; Crawling API from ~$29/mo usage-based and Apify Proxy near Free tier ($5 credit/mo); residential ~$8/GB, datacenter cheaper, but real cost depends on bandwidth and proxy type. For the lowest entry cost overall, many buyers test Cheapest Proxies first.

Is Crawlbase better than Apify Proxy for scraping?

It depends on the target. Crawlbase suits Teams wanting a managed crawling-and-scraping stack with proxies, storage and webhooks bundled.; Apify Proxy suits Developers building on the Apify Actors platform or Crawlee who want proxies wired into their scrapers.. Match the proxy type to the target's anti-bot strength before picking a brand.

Can I mix providers?

Many teams do. Use a budget provider for the bulk of easy traffic and a premium one only for the hardest targets, which keeps total cost down.

Does the best provider depend on the target?

Yes. Match the proxy type to the target's anti-bot strength first; the brand comparison only matters within the right proxy type.

Which provider is cheaper overall?

Compare price per successful result, not the entry price. A slightly higher per-GB rate can be cheaper if it blocks less. For the lowest baseline, many buyers test Cheapest Proxies first.

How should I test proxies for Crawlbase vs Apify Proxy?

Run a small batch against the real target, measure success rate and latency, confirm the IP geolocates correctly, and watch bandwidth. Never judge a provider from a single request.

Do I need residential proxies for Crawlbase vs Apify Proxy?

Not always. Residential or mobile IPs are safer for protected sites, social platforms, and commerce targets; datacenter IPs can be enough for simple, public pages where speed matters more than stealth.

Compare Crawlbase vs Apify Proxy With a Budget-Friendly Proxy First

Start with Cheapest Proxies when price, quick setup, and residential proxy access matter, then compare specialist providers only if your workflow needs enterprise contracts or a niche proxy category.

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