5 Best Webshare Alternatives for Web Scraping in 2026

Looking for solid alternatives to Webshare? You're in the right place. Whether you need proxies for web scraping, data collection, or bypassing geo-restrictions, picking the right provider can make or break your project. Some offer massive IP pools, others focus on affordability, and a few throw in features you didn't know you needed.

In this guide, I'll walk you through five proven Webshare alternatives that actually deliver. We'll compare what they bring to the table, how their pricing stacks up, and which one might fit your specific use case. No fluff, just the facts you need to make a smart choice.

Quick overview if you're in a rush:

• Bright Data: Massive IP network, advanced scraping tools, enterprise-focused, premium pricing

• Smartproxy: Large residential pool, beginner-friendly interface, budget-conscious, solid performance

• Oxylabs: Enterprise-grade solutions, AI-powered features, extensive coverage, high-end pricing

• IPRoyal: Good value proposition, wide coverage, reliable support, flexible plans

• ProxyEmpire: Rollover traffic, global proxies, dedicated options, flexible pricing

I'm not affiliated with any of these providers. This is just an honest breakdown based on what they offer.

Why Consider Alternatives to Webshare?

Webshare has its fans, but it's not the only game in town. Maybe you need better geographic coverage, more reliable uptime, or specialized features for your scraping projects. Different providers excel at different things. Some have larger IP pools, others offer better customer support, and a few pack in tools that simplify complex scraping tasks.

When you're running data collection operations at scale, proxy quality matters more than you'd think. The right provider can mean the difference between smooth sailing and constant troubleshooting. If you're dealing with strict target sites or need residential IPs that actually look legitimate, picking a specialized provider often beats going with the cheapest option.

Bright Data: The Industry Heavy-Hitter

Bright Data sits at the top of the proxy food chain for good reason. With over 72 million IPs spanning 195 countries, they've built one of the most comprehensive proxy networks out there. They offer residential, data center, ISP, and mobile proxies, giving you options no matter what your project demands.

What sets Bright Data apart is their advanced scraping infrastructure. Beyond just providing IPs, they've developed tools specifically designed to handle the headaches of large-scale data collection. Their web unblocker and scraping APIs can navigate through anti-bot systems that would stop other providers cold.

The platform does have a learning curve though. If you're new to proxies, the dashboard might feel overwhelming at first. But for businesses running serious operations, those advanced features become invaluable. Their 24/7 support team actually knows their stuff, which helps when you're troubleshooting at 2 AM.

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What works well:

• Absolutely massive proxy pool with genuine global reach

• Advanced scraping tools that handle complex scenarios

• Flexible pricing that adapts to different use cases

• Strong compliance with GDPR and CCPA regulations

• Support team available around the clock

Potential drawbacks:

• Not the most beginner-friendly setup process

• Premium pricing that might stretch smaller budgets

Pricing breakdown:

• Residential proxies start at $5.88 per GB

• Mobile proxies begin at $8.40 per GB

• Data center proxies use custom pricing based on your needs

Smartproxy: Simplicity Meets Performance

Smartproxy brings over 55 million residential IPs to the table, spread across 195+ countries. They've positioned themselves as the friendly option, with an interface that doesn't require a computer science degree to navigate. For teams that need to get up and running quickly, this matters more than you'd think.

They've built specialized APIs for social media scraping and SERP data collection, which saves you from reinventing the wheel. The platform handles most of the technical complexity behind the scenes, letting you focus on actually using the data rather than fighting with the tools.

The pricing hits a sweet spot for many users. It's not the absolute cheapest, but the quality-to-cost ratio works out well. They offer a free trial on residential proxies, so you can test drive before committing your budget. The 24/7 support responds quickly, which becomes crucial when deadlines are tight.

What works well:

• Pricing that doesn't require venture capital backing

• Fast proxy speeds with reliable performance

• Intuitive dashboard that makes sense immediately

• Multiple integration options for different tech stacks

• Customer support that actually helps solve problems

Potential drawbacks:

• Fewer advanced features compared to enterprise-focused providers

• Mobile proxy costs run higher than some competitors

• No standalone mobile proxy plans available

Pricing breakdown:

• Residential proxies from $7 per GB

• Mobile proxies start at $8 per GB

• Data center proxies begin at $30 monthly

Oxylabs: Enterprise-Grade Power

Oxylabs doesn't mess around with small numbers. Their network includes over 100 million IPs covering residential, data center, ISP, and mobile proxies. They've built their reputation on rock-solid reliability and advanced features that handle the toughest scraping challenges.

The AI-powered web unblocker stands out as particularly useful. It automatically adapts to different anti-bot systems, handling CAPTCHAs and other roadblocks without constant manual intervention. Their web scraper API streamlines the entire data collection pipeline, from request to parsed results.

Enterprise customers get dedicated account managers, which makes a real difference when you're coordinating complex projects. The ethical practices and compliance standards meet strict requirements, important if you're operating in regulated industries.

Yes, the pricing sits at the premium end. But for large-scale operations where downtime costs real money, the investment often pays for itself through reliability and performance.

What works well:

• Enormous proxy network with exceptional coverage

• Built for enterprise-scale operations from the ground up

• Top-tier residential and mobile proxy quality

• Dedicated support for business accounts

• Strong reputation for consistent uptime

Potential drawbacks:

• Premium pricing that exceeds most budgets

• Complex setup process for beginners

• Entry-level plans remain expensive

Pricing breakdown:

• Residential proxies start at $8 per GB

• Mobile proxies begin at $9 per GB

• Data center proxies from $50 monthly

IPRoyal: Value Without Compromise

IPRoyal operates a network of over 34 million proxies, including residential, data center, and mobile options. They've focused on delivering quality service at prices that make sense for growing businesses and smaller operations.

The browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox make proxy management surprisingly straightforward. You can switch proxies, test connections, and monitor performance without leaving your browser. The built-in proxy tester and online checker help ensure your proxies actually work before you commit to large projects.

If you're running scraping operations or need proxies for general browsing tasks, IPRoyal handles these scenarios well. The flexible pricing plans let you scale up or down based on actual usage rather than locking you into rigid tiers.

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What works well:

• Competitive pricing with solid value proposition

• Useful proxy testing tools included

• Browser extensions that simplify daily workflows

• Round-the-clock live support available

• Straightforward pricing structure

Potential drawbacks:

• Smaller network compared to industry giants

• Mobile proxy costs exceed some alternatives

• Limited advanced features for complex scraping

Pricing breakdown:

• Residential proxies from $7 per GB

• Mobile proxies at $10.11 daily

• Data center proxies start at $1.57 per proxy monthly

ProxyEmpire: Flexibility Built In

ProxyEmpire offers residential, mobile, data center, and ISP proxies with coverage spanning numerous countries. They've designed their service around flexibility, which shows in features like traffic carryover that lets you roll unused bandwidth into the next month.

This carryover feature actually matters for projects with variable data needs. Instead of losing unused traffic at month's end, you keep it for when you need it. The dedicated proxy options provide better performance and stability when you're running operations that can't tolerate shared resource issues.

While they don't offer a free trial, the pricing remains competitive across their proxy types. The 24/7 chat support responds quickly to technical questions and billing issues. For businesses that need customizable solutions rather than one-size-fits-all plans, ProxyEmpire delivers.

What works well:

• Unique traffic rollover that maximizes your investment

• Competitive rates especially for residential proxies

• Responsive customer support via 24/7 chat

• Plans that scale with your actual needs

• Straightforward pricing without hidden costs

Potential drawbacks:

• Smaller proxy network than some competitors

• Less stringent KYC processes

• Fewer enterprise-level scraping tools

Pricing breakdown:

• Residential proxies from $9 per GB

• Mobile proxies start at $20 per GB

• Data center proxies begin at $25 monthly

Making Your Choice

Each of these Webshare alternatives brings something different to the table. Bright Data dominates with sheer scale and advanced tools. Smartproxy balances price and performance for teams that value simplicity. Oxylabs targets enterprise operations that can't compromise on reliability.

IPRoyal and ProxyEmpire serve users who need quality proxies without enterprise budgets. Your best pick depends on what matters most for your specific situation. Consider your scale of operations, budget constraints, technical expertise, and whether you need specialized features like traffic rollover or advanced scraping APIs.

The right proxy provider becomes invisible infrastructure that just works. The wrong one becomes a constant headache that slows down everything. Take time to match your actual requirements against what each provider does best, and you'll end up with a solution that fits.