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AI breakthroughs rely on large-scale, real-time and high-quality web data. In 2026, having the right web scraping API can make your AI models and data science pipelines a success. Here’s how Bright Data compares with Oxylabs, Scrappy, and APIFY for developers and researchers focused on AI innovation.
What makes a great web scraping API for AI?
- Dynamic site support: Ability to extract from JavaScript-heavy and interactive web apps.
- Scalability: Handle millions of requests for large datasets.
- Structured Output: Direct, machine-readable JSON/CSV/XML for training and analysis.
- Strong anti-bot: handles captchas, session management, and throttling.
- Easy Integration: Works seamlessly with AI/ML pipelines.
Bright data
BrightData’s web scraping API delivers dynamic, AI-ready data extraction with advanced anti-bot protections and seamless integration. Capable of handling complex, JavaScript-rich sites, Bright Data empowers teams with real-time, structured data streams for LLM, generative AI, and analytics.
Key Use Case: Ideal for AI/ML teams and enterprises needing immediately usable, global web datasets for model training, optimization, or analytics.
Advanced features:
- Fully supports JavaScript, SPAS, and Ajax-loaded content.
- Granular control over extraction, scheduling, and format (JSON, CSV, XML).
- Automatic captcha, retries, and session management.
- Instant, global data access in 195+ countries.
- The API integrates directly with major AI and ML pipelines.
Pricing:
- Free Trial ($50 in Credit)
- You and monthly subscriptions as pay
- Enterprise Custom Plans
Pro: Highly flexible, extensible API for sophisticated data extraction and AI integration.
CON: Feature-rich platform may require a steep learning curve for beginners.
Oxylibs
Oxylibs offers a machine learning-powered web scraping API for scalable, intelligent data acquisition. With portfolio-wide proxies, automated scraping, and AI-powered data parsing, users gain access to powerful tooling under one ecosystem.
Key Use Case: Flexible solutions for both SMEs and enterprises for large, regularly updated datasets for AI model development and advanced analytics.
Advanced features:
- All-in-one extraction, analysis, and data delivery.
- OxyPilot for Ai-Driven Scraping Application Generation
- Large pool of global proxies for reliability and accessibility.
- Seamless code integration with popular frameworks.
Pricing:
- Free trial (up to 2,000 results)
- Micro: $49/month
- Starter: $99/month
- Advanced: $249/month
Pro: Full features for automation and AI workflows.
CON: More business oriented; Individuals may find it less affordable.
Scrape therapy
Scraprapy is designed for developers looking for fast, plug-and-play web scraping with a simple API call. Although perfect for straightforward projects, it handles proxy rotation and some anti-bot measures behind the scenes.
Key use case: Quick, small to medium web data projects where ease of integration is more important than handling complex sites.
Advanced features:
- Quick API integration with minimal setup.
- Automatic proxy rotator and captcha bypass (for simple sites).
- Unlimited bandwidth on most plans.
Pricing:
- Hobby: $49/month
- Startup: $99/month
- Business: \ 9 249/month
- Scale: $599/month
Pro: Great for shortcuts and lightweight projects.
CON: Struggles with modern, JavaScript-heavy, or secure web pages.
apify
Apify is a flexible web scraping platform that offers actor-based workflow automation and a marketplace for custom or pre-built scrapers. It suits developers who want precise workflow control and flexible deployment.
Key Use Case: Perfect for custom scraping pipelines, advanced scheduling, and open source collaboration.
Advanced features:
- Actor-based scripting with JS/Node.JS flexibility.
- Market with reusable, community-driven scrap scrapers.
- Detailed scheduling, storage, and queue management features.
Pricing:
- Free tier with limited usage
- Personal: $49/month
- Team: 9 499/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Pro: Maximum customization for advanced users; An open platform for collaboration.
CON: Setup and scripting required. Less turnkey for out-of-the-box AI projects.
| Provider | Dynamic content support | Structured output (JSON/CSV) | Anti-Bot/Captcha | Ease of integration | Global coverage | Notable Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright data | Advanced (JS, Ajax, SPA) | yes | Automatic, strong | Plug and play, documentation, samples | 195+ countries | Scheduling, custom rules | AI/ML, Enterprise, Data teams |
| Oxylibs | good | yes | good | Well-documented API | 180+ | Dedicated AI datasets | AI Training, Business Scrapping |
| Scrape therapy | Basic | partial | Simple rotation | Very easy, minimal setup | 50+ | Unlimited bandwidth | Instant proof of concept, Dev |
| apify | Based on the actor, JS Reddy | yes | As required | Flexible, setup required | 100+ | Marketplace, Open Script | Customizable workflows, flexible dev |
The result
To power next-generation AI models in 2026, Bright Data’s web scraping API Delivers on all fronts: dynamic site support, anti-bot automation, structured output, and global access. It’s especially suited for data-driven teams that value flexibility, reliability, and scale. While Oxylabs, Scraper, and others each offer unique advantages, Roshan Data is the top choice for AI-ready web scraping.