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Head to head

Scraper API vs Steel.

Scraper API wins on 4 of 7 core metrics, 1 tied based on independent ProxyLook benchmarks. Last tested May 26, 2026.

Compared
Scraper API logo
Scraper API
4.3 ★ · ScraperAPI is a web scraping API that auto-handles proxies, CAPTCHAs, and headless browsers, with JS rendering, geotargeting, and structured-data endpoints.
Steel logo
Steel
4.3 ★ · Open-source cloud browser API purpose-built for running and automating browser fleets for AI agents.
Rating
4.3 / 5
4.3 / 5
Trust score
8.6 / 10
7.8 / 10
Starts at
$49.00/GB
$29.00/GB
IP pool
100M+ requests
Open-source cloud browser API, multi-region
Locations
100+ countries
0+ countries
Success rate
99%
Avg response
1,200 ms
Founded
2,018
HQ
Austin, Texas, USA
Has API
✓ Yes
✓ Yes
Crypto payments
— No
— No
Browser ext.
— No
— No
24/7 support
✓ Yes
— No
Verified
✓ Yes
✓ Yes

The verdict

Scraper API wins on 4 of 7 core metrics, 1 tied. We'd pick Scraper API for most teams that need scraperapi is a web scraping api that auto-handles proxies, captchas, and headless browsers, with js rendering, geotargeting, and structured-data endpoints., but the right answer depends on your workload — read the full review of each below.

🏆 Read full Scraper API review → Read full Steel review →

Scraper API vs Steel — frequently asked

Which is cheaper, Scraper API or Steel?

On the entry tier, Steel is the lower-cost option per gigabyte. Scraper API starts at $49.00/GB and Steel starts at $29.00/GB on residential. Both providers offer volume discounts, so the absolute cheapest tier depends on your monthly commit.

Which has a bigger IP pool, Scraper API or Steel?

Scraper API has the larger advertised residential pool. Scraper API reports 100M+ requests across 100+ countries; Steel reports Open-source cloud browser API, multi-region across multiple+ countries. Pool size is one signal — actual exit-node freshness and rotation logic matter more in production.

Which is better for web scraping, Scraper API or Steel?

Scraper API edges ahead on overall success rate against our nightly Cloudflare/Amazon/Google SERP test rig. That said, the right choice depends on your target site mix — Scraper API is typically picked for [] workloads, while Steel is often chosen for Cloud browser API use cases.

Which has better support and SLA, Scraper API or Steel?

Scraper API carries the higher trust score in our directory based on documented compliance, support responsiveness, and customer-base feedback. Both offer 24/7 channels at upper plans; only Scraper API gates dedicated account managers and Steel gates them on enterprise tiers.

Should I pick Scraper API or Steel in 2026?

Pick Scraper API when ScraperAPI is a web scraping API that auto-handles proxies, CAPTCHAs, and headless browsers, with JS rendering. Pick Steel when Open-source cloud browser API purpose-built for running and automating browser fleets for AI agents.. Most teams that consider both end up with Scraper API.

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