ScraperFlow vs ScraperAPI: which scraping API should you choose?
ScraperAPI is a scraping API known for its simplicity and large proxy pool. Here is a factual comparison — strengths, costs and migration — so you can decide with full knowledge.
| Criterion | ScraperFlow | ScraperAPI |
|---|---|---|
| Billing model | 1 token = 1 scraped page | Per-request credits (subscription) |
| Credit multiplier | None (JS rendering and proxy included) | Yes (JS rendering / premium proxies) |
| JavaScript rendering | Included | Included (costs more credits) |
| Anti-bot bypass | Included (stealth engine) | Included (proxies) |
| Full site archiving | Yes (pages, tree, assets) | No (per-request API response) |
| AI-ready data | Markdown, JSON, LLM snapshot | HTML/JSON via the API |
| Commitment | None, tokens never expire | Monthly subscription |
Quick verdict
ScraperAPI is a solid choice for simple extractions, with quick integration and a large proxy pool. ScraperFlow targets a different balance: no-multiplier billing (1 token = 1 page), full site archiving and AI-ready data.
ScraperAPI strengths
ScraperAPI is simple and reliable for scraping standard pages. Setup is immediate and its proxy pool is large, making it a popular tool to get started fast.
- Very simple integration
- Large proxy pool
- Good for standard extractions
- Accessible documentation
ScraperFlow strengths
ScraperFlow bills per page, with no multiplier: JavaScript rendering and the proxy are included in the same token. It also archives the whole site and produces AI-ready artifacts.
- 1 token = 1 page, no credit multiplier
- Full site archiving (pages, tree, assets)
- Markdown / JSON / LLM snapshot export
- REST API, no mandatory subscription
- Tokens never expire
Cost comparison (TCO)
The table below compares billing models: per page (ScraperFlow) versus per request with multipliers (ScraperAPI).
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
For simple, high-volume scraping, ScraperAPI is effective. To archive a whole site and get clean data for AI with no multiplier, ScraperFlow is more direct.
Migrate from ScraperAPI to ScraperFlow in 60 seconds
Migration is immediate: no integration to rewrite, 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 ScraperAPI for simple extractions with a wide choice of proxies.
Choose ScraperFlow for a predictable per-page cost, full archiving and AI-ready data.
Frequently asked questions
Is ScraperAPI a bad choice?
No: ScraperAPI is simple and reliable for standard extractions. ScraperFlow answers a different need — pricing transparency and AI-ready artifacts.
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.
What is the difference for site archiving?
ScraperFlow archives a whole site (tree, assets) and produces Markdown, JSON and a snapshot; a classic API mostly returns HTML per request.