3 Best Scraping APIs in 2026

Let's be honest—there are hundreds of scraping APIs floating around the internet. Some work like a charm, others are just frustrating time-sinks. The good news? You don't need to waste weeks testing them all.

I've narrowed it down to three solid options that actually deliver in 2025. Each one has its strengths, and depending on what you're scraping and how much you want to spend, one of these will probably fit your needs perfectly.

1. ScreenshotOne: The Unexpected Scraping Solution

ScreenshotOne wasn't built as a scraping API—it's designed for capturing perfect screenshots. But here's the interesting part: it can double as a decent scraping tool if you know the right parameters to use.

Just add format=html to your request, and boom—you get the full HTML of any page:

https://api.screenshotone.com/take?access_key=&url=https://example.com&format=html

What makes this particularly useful is the dual-purpose capability. Need both a screenshot and the rendered HTML after JavaScript execution? Just specify metadata_content=true in your request. You'll get the HTML either as a header or in the response body when requesting JSON format.

The API includes basic stealth capabilities in every plan, which helps with simpler scraping tasks. Just remember—this tool is optimized for screenshots first, scraping second. If your primary goal is data extraction from heavily protected sites, you might need something more specialized.

2. Web Unlocker by BrightData: The Straightforward Choice

BrightData Web Unlocker does exactly what it says on the tin—it unlocks websites and returns rendered HTML after JavaScript execution, bypassing most protections along the way.

The pricing model is refreshingly simple: pay-as-you-go, and you only pay for successful requests. No hidden fees, no wasted credits on failed attempts. It's hard to argue with that.

Using it is equally straightforward:

curl -H "Content-Type: application/json" -H "Authorization: Bearer [INSERT_YOUR_API_TOKEN]" -d '{"zone": "[INSERT_YOUR_WEB_UNLOCKER_ZONE_NAME]","url": "[INSERT_YOUR_TARGET_URL]", "format": "raw"}' https://api.brightdata.com/request

For more complex implementations, the Web Unlocker documentation walks you through additional options and use cases.

3. ScrapingDog: The Specialized Scraping Expert

When you need a tool built specifically for scraping, 👉 check out this powerful scraping API that handles complex scenarios. Unlike general-purpose solutions, specialized scraping APIs come with pre-built scrapers for common use cases and better handling of anti-bot measures.

One standout feature worth mentioning: AI-based parsing. By adding a simple ai_query parameter to your request, you can extract specific data without writing complex CSS selectors or XPath expressions. The API figures out what you want and pulls it for you.

The real advantage of using 👉 a dedicated scraping solution like this is the specialized support for different websites and use cases. They've already solved many of the headaches you'd encounter building your own scraper from scratch.

Don't just take my word for it—reviews on Trustpilot show mostly positive experiences from actual users. When evaluating any scraping service, real user feedback matters more than marketing claims.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you're doing basic, ethical scraping and happen to need screenshots too, ScreenshotOne might be your Swiss Army knife solution. It's not the most powerful scraper, but it covers two needs at once.

For more sophisticated scraping requirements—especially when dealing with protected sites or JavaScript-heavy pages—the other two options offer more robust capabilities. BrightData's Web Unlocker shines with its transparent pricing and reliable performance, while specialized scraping APIs provide custom solutions for tricky scenarios.

The best approach? Try a couple of these options with your specific use case. See which one handles your target websites effectively and fits your budget. No single tool is perfect for everyone, but one of these three will likely be perfect for you.