Apify vs VAST Data
Which Data Engineering AI tool is better in 2026?
Apify
Full-stack web scraping and data extraction platform for AI applications and agents.
VAST Data
Unifying software layer for AI infrastructure
Side-by-side
VAST Data is the more established option (raised $2.4B), but Apify is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Apify | VAST Data |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Full-stack web scraping and data extraction platform for AI applications and agents. | Unifying software layer for AI infrastructure |
| Foundedi | — | 2016🏆 |
| HQi | — | US |
| Employeesi | — | 201-500🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 60 | 88🏆 |
| Total fundingi | Undisclosed | $2.4B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | — | Series F · Apr 2026 |
| Valuationi | — | $30B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | Starter · $49/mo🏆 | — |
| Free plani | ✓ Free | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Business · $499/mo | Enterprise · Contact sales |
| Pricing summaryi | 5 published plans | 1 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Apify and VAST Data.
| Capability | Apify | VAST Data |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✓ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 2 (JavaScript, Python) | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Apify
- Offers a free plan
- Lower starting price ($49/mo)
🔵 Strengths of VAST Data
- Has raised more capital ($2.4B vs Undisclosed)
- Higher Neuron score (88 vs 60)
- Newer company (2016)
Which should you choose?
Choose Apify if price matters most — it starts at Free · From $49/mo, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Data Engineering tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose VAST Data if you want the most established option — it has raised $2.4B, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
Apify vs VAST Data — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Apify is the leaner option; VAST Data has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Apify cheaper than VAST Data?
Yes — Apify's cheapest paid plan is Starter · $49/mo, while VAST Data's is Enterprise · Contact sales.
Do Apify and VAST Data offer free plans?
Apify: Yes, has a free plan. VAST Data: Paid only.
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