ScraperFlow vs Apify: which scraping platform should you choose?
Apify is a full scraping platform with a large library of ready-made Actors. Here is a factual comparison — strengths, costs and migration — to pick what fits your needs.
| Criterion | ScraperFlow | Apify |
|---|---|---|
| Billing model | 1 token = 1 scraped page | Compute units (CPU, memory, time) |
| Credit multiplier | None (JS rendering and proxy included) | Not applicable (compute billing) |
| JavaScript rendering | Included | Depends on the Actor code |
| Anti-bot bypass | Included (stealth engine) | Depends on the Actor and proxies chosen |
| Full site archiving | Yes (pages, tree, assets) | Platform storage |
| AI-ready data | Markdown, JSON, LLM snapshot | Depends on the Actor used |
| Commitment | None, tokens never expire | Platform subscription |
Quick verdict
Apify is a great fit if you want a full platform (ready-made Actors, storage, scheduling) and compute-based billing works for you. ScraperFlow targets another profile: a simple API billed per page (1 token = 1 page) and AI-ready artifacts, with no platform learning curve.
Apify strengths
Let us be fair: Apify is a very complete platform. Its Actor library covers hundreds of use cases without writing code, and the platform handles storage, scheduling and proxies.
- Large library of ready-made Actors
- Built-in storage and scheduling
- Active ecosystem and community
- Great for complex projects
ScraperFlow strengths
ScraperFlow bills per page, with no multiplier, and you are up and running in minutes: a URL, a request, artifacts. No platform to learn, no Actor to configure.
- 1 token = 1 page, no multiplier
- Simple REST API to integrate
- Full archiving (pages, tree, assets)
- Markdown / JSON / LLM snapshot export
- Tokens never expire
Cost comparison (TCO)
The table below compares billing models: per page (ScraperFlow) versus per compute (Apify).
The models described reflect each provider's public behaviour at the time of writing. Prices change: always check current pricing on the provider's official site. ScraperFlow does not seek to disparage its competitors.
Technical criteria compared
Apify shines for complex projects that need custom Actors and orchestration. ScraperFlow shines for direct extraction, site archiving and AI-ready data, with no infrastructure to manage.
Migrate from Apify to ScraperFlow in 60 seconds
Migration is immediate: no platform to learn, no minimum volume to commit.
- Create your account and grab your free token
- Send a REST API request with the target URL
- Download the source code and artifacts (Markdown, JSON)
- Top up tokens on demand, no subscription
Who should pick which tool?
Choose Apify for complex pipelines and an all-in-one platform.
Choose ScraperFlow for a simple API, a predictable per-page cost and AI-ready data.
Frequently asked questions
Is Apify a bad choice?
No: Apify is a powerful, complete platform. ScraperFlow answers a more direct need — a simple API billed per page.
Does ScraperFlow apply credit multipliers?
No: 1 token = 1 page, whatever the JavaScript rendering or proxy use.
Can I try ScraperFlow before migrating?
Yes, with a free trial and no subscription.
Do I need to write code to use ScraperFlow?
No: a URL and a request are enough. The REST API lets you automate if needed.