Capture vs ApiFlash
Full-featured platform vs budget-friendly simplicity. We'll help you understand which approach fits your screenshot API needs and budget constraints.
Quick Overview
Full Platform vs Simple Screenshot Service
- CCapture
Founded: 2017
Approach: Comprehensive multi-API platform
Focus: Screenshots, PDFs, content scraping, AI browser
Developer Experience: Official SDKs, extensive documentation- AApiFlash
Founded: Established service
Approach: Simple, cost-effective screenshot API
Focus: Screenshots only, essential features
Developer Experience: Manual API integration, basic documentation
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
A detailed breakdown showing how these two very different approaches to screenshot APIs compare.
| Feature | Capture | ApiFlash |
|---|---|---|
| Established Since | 2017 | Several years (established) |
| Daily Volume | 17M+ requests processed | Millions of screenshots daily (200+ businesses) |
| Free Tier | 100 credits forever | 100 screenshots/month forever |
| Entry-level Pricing | $15 for 2,500 credits | $7/month for 1,000 screenshots |
| Pricing Model | Pay-per-use (No subscription) | Monthly subscription |
| API Endpoints | Screenshots, PDF, Content, Metadata, AI Browser | Screenshots only |
| SDK Availability | Node.js, Go, Rust official SDKs | No official SDKs (manual API requests) |
| Output Formats | PNG, JPEG, WebP, PDF | PNG, JPEG, WebP |
| Infrastructure | Global CDN with caching | AWS Lambda-based |
| Rate Limiting | 60-240 requests/minute (plan dependent) | 20 requests/second, 400 burst |
| HTTPS Support | All plans include HTTPS | All plans include HTTPS |
| S3 Integration | Built-in S3 upload support | S3 bucket integration available |
| Advanced Features | Cookie banner handling, Slack integration, Auto-recharge | Basic screenshot features only |
Developer Experience: SDK vs Manual API
See the difference between using official SDKs versus manual API integration.
Capture with SDK
✅ Auto-completion
✅ Multiple APIs
✅ Error handling built-in
ApiFlash Manual API
⚠️ No type safety
⚠️ Screenshots only
⚠️ Manual error handling
Pricing: Value vs Pure Cost
Understanding the trade-offs between feature-rich platforms and budget-focused services.
CCapture Pricing
AApiFlash Pricing
Value Analysis
For basic screenshots only: ApiFlash is cheaper at low volumes
For multiple APIs: Capture provides PDFs, content scraping, metadata, and AI browser for the same price
Developer productivity: Capture's SDKs save significant development time vs manual integration
Flexibility: Capture's pay-per-use model better for variable usage patterns
Which Service Should You Choose?
The choice depends on your priorities: feature richness vs simplicity, developer experience vs cost.
Choose Capture if:
- You need multiple APIs beyond just screenshots (PDF, content, metadata, AI browser)
- You want official SDKs for easier integration and better developer experience
- You prefer pay-per-use pricing without monthly subscription commitments
- You need higher rate limits for demanding applications
- You want advanced features like Slack integration and auto-recharge
- You're building complex applications that require web content extraction
- You value established service history and proven reliability (since 2017)
Choose ApiFlash if:
- You only need basic screenshot functionality
- Budget is your primary concern and you need the cheapest option
- You're comfortable with manual API integration without SDKs
- You have low-volume screenshot needs (under 1,000/month)
- You prefer simple, no-frills services without extra features
- You're building proof-of-concepts or simple applications
- AWS Lambda infrastructure fits your existing stack
Migrating from ApiFlash to Capture
If you're ready to upgrade from basic screenshots to a full-featured platform, here's how easy it is to switch.
Before: ApiFlash Manual Integration
After: Capture with SDK
Migration Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ApiFlash really cheaper for basic screenshots?
For very low volumes (under 1,000 screenshots), ApiFlash's $7/month plan is cheaper. However, Capture's pay-per-use model often costs less for variable usage, and you get multiple APIs for the same price.
Can I get PDFs with ApiFlash?
No, ApiFlash only provides screenshots. You'd need a separate service for PDFs, content scraping, or metadata extraction. Capture includes all these APIs in one platform.
Which service is more reliable?
Both services are reliable, but Capture has been operating since 2017 with proven track record. ApiFlash uses AWS Lambda which is also reliable, but has fewer advanced features for error handling and monitoring.
Do I need to rewrite my entire application to switch?
Not necessarily. If you're using ApiFlash's basic parameters, migration to Capture's SDK is straightforward. The SDK handles authentication and URL construction, making your code cleaner and more maintainable.
Upgrade to a Full-Featured Platform
Get screenshots, PDFs, content extraction, metadata, and AI browser capabilities in one platform. Start with 100 free credits – no commitment required.