ScraperFlow vs ScrapingBee: which scraping API should you choose?
ScrapingBee is a scraping API appreciated for its cleanliness, JavaScript rendering and screenshots. Here is a factual comparison — strengths, costs and migration — to help you choose.
| Criterion | ScraperFlow | ScrapingBee |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Screenshots | No (text/HTML artifacts) | Yes (option) |
| 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
ScrapingBee is a good choice for a polished API with JavaScript rendering and screenshots, if credit billing with multipliers suits you. ScraperFlow targets a different balance: no-multiplier billing (1 token = 1 page), full site archiving and AI-ready data.
ScrapingBee strengths
ScrapingBee offers a clear API and a good developer experience. JavaScript rendering and screenshots are built in, and the documentation is well crafted.
- Clean, well-designed API
- Native JavaScript rendering
- Built-in screenshots
- Clear documentation
ScraperFlow strengths
ScraperFlow bills per page, with no multiplier: JavaScript rendering and the proxy are included in the same token. It 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 (ScrapingBee).
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
If you want a polished API with screenshots, ScrapingBee is a good choice. If you want a predictable per-page cost, full archiving and AI-ready data, ScraperFlow is more direct.
Migrate from ScrapingBee 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 ScrapingBee for a clean API with JavaScript rendering and screenshots.
Choose ScraperFlow for a predictable per-page cost, full archiving and AI-ready data.
Frequently asked questions
Is ScrapingBee a bad choice?
No: ScrapingBee offers a polished API and a good developer experience. 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.
Does ScraperFlow handle JavaScript rendering?
Yes: JavaScript rendering is included, with no credit multiplier.