Cheapest Proxies First Provider vs Provider Updated 2026

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

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

Overview

This ScrapingBee vs Apify Proxy breakdown looks at where each provider genuinely fits so you can match the tool to your workflow instead of overpaying for features you will not use. ScrapingBee starts around Free 1,000 credits, paid from $49/mo 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). ScrapingBee focuses on datacenter and residential, while Apify Proxy covers datacenter and residential.

ScrapingBee vs Apify Proxy: Side by Side

FactorScrapingBeeApify Proxy
Starting priceFree 1,000 credits, paid from $49/moFree 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 geotargeting on premium proxiesCountry-level geotargeting
Rating4.4/54.2/5
Best forSmall dev teams and indie hackers who want a clean scraping API with JS rendering and simple pricing.Developers building on the Apify Actors platform or Crawlee who want proxies wired into their scrapers.

Where ScrapingBee Wins

  • Developer-friendly docs and predictable credit pricing
  • Solid JS rendering and screenshot support
  • Good support responsiveness for a small team

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

ScrapingBee is often chosen for Small dev teams and indie hackers who want a clean scraping API with JS rendering and simple pricing.; 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 ScrapingBee or Apify Proxy based on the specific feature you still need.

How to Compare Fairly

Judge ScrapingBee vs Apify Proxy on the factors that change outcomes: proxy types offered, pool size in your regions, success rate on your target, pricing model, authentication, and support responsiveness. Ignore vanity metrics like raw pool size alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

ScrapingBee or Apify Proxy — which is cheaper?

ScrapingBee starts near Free 1,000 credits, paid from $49/mo 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 ScrapingBee better than Apify Proxy for scraping?

It depends on the target. ScrapingBee suits Small dev teams and indie hackers who want a clean scraping API with JS rendering and simple pricing.; 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.

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.

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.

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.

What metrics matter most when comparing providers?

Success rate, total cost, response time, location coverage, authentication options, support speed, and refund or trial terms matter more than marketing claims.

Are free proxies a good option for ScrapingBee vs Apify Proxy?

Rarely. Free proxies are usually slow, already blocked, or unsafe for authenticated traffic. A low-cost paid option is easier to test, rotate, and control.

Compare ScrapingBee 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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