Capture vs ScreenshotLayer
Comprehensive platform vs API marketplace service. Comparing pay-per-use flexibility against European API ecosystem integration for screenshot automation.
Service Overview
Independent Platform vs API Marketplace
- CCapture
Founded: 2017
Approach: Independent, comprehensive web automation platform
Focus: Multiple APIs with pay-per-use flexibility
Strength: No subscriptions, modern developer experience- SScreenshotLayer
Company: APILayer (Austrian)
Approach: Part of 100+ API marketplace ecosystem
Focus: Lightweight screenshots with longer caching
Strength: European compliance, API ecosystem integration
Feature-by-Feature Analysis
Both services excel in different areas: Capture in comprehensive features and pricing flexibility, ScreenshotLayer in API ecosystem integration and European compliance.
| Feature | Capture | ScreenshotLayer |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Independent service (Since 2017) | Part of APILayer ecosystem (Austrian) |
| Starting Price | $15 for 2,500 credits | $19.99/month for higher volume |
| Free Tier | 100 credits forever | 100 screenshots/month forever |
| Pricing Model | Pay-per-use (No subscription) | Monthly subscription with volume tiers |
| API Scope | Screenshots, PDF, Content, Metadata, AI Browser | Screenshots only (part of broader APILayer suite) |
| Caching Duration | 7 days | 30 days (customizable TTL) |
| Output Formats | PNG, JPEG, WebP, PDF | PNG, JPEG, GIF |
| S3 Integration | Built-in S3 upload support | S3 and FTP export options |
| Developer Experience | Modern SDKs (Node.js, Go, Rust) | REST API with code examples |
| API Ecosystem | Standalone comprehensive platform | Part of 100+ APILayer services |
| European Data Processing | Global infrastructure | Austrian company, EU data compliance |
| Rate Limits | Up to 240 requests/minute | Based on subscription tier |
Integration Examples
Compare the developer experience between modern SDKs and REST API integration approaches.
Capture Modern SDK
ScreenshotLayer REST API
API Ecosystem Approach
Different philosophies: integrated platform vs marketplace ecosystem.
CCapture Approach
Integrated Platform
5 complementary APIs designed to work together
SScreenshotLayer Approach
API Marketplace
Part of 100+ specialized APILayer services
Pricing Philosophy Comparison
Pay-per-use flexibility vs subscription predictability with different value propositions.
CCapture Value
SScreenshotLayer Value
Which Service Should You Choose?
Choose based on your priorities: integrated platform vs API ecosystem, pricing flexibility vs European compliance.
Choose ScreenshotLayer if:
- You're already using other APILayer services (100+ APIs available)
- You need European data processing and GDPR compliance
- You prefer longer caching periods (30 days vs 7 days)
- You want access to a broader API marketplace ecosystem
- You only need basic screenshot functionality
- You prefer working with established European API providers
- You need FTP export options alongside S3
Choose Capture if:
- You want better value with pay-per-use pricing (no monthly commitment)
- You need multiple APIs in one platform (screenshots, PDFs, content, metadata, AI)
- You want modern SDKs with better developer experience
- You need higher rate limits and more flexible usage
- You prefer more output format options (including WebP)
- You want to avoid subscription lock-in and monthly billing
- You're building comprehensive web automation applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ScreenshotLayer part of a larger API ecosystem?
Yes, ScreenshotLayer is part of APILayer, which offers 100+ different APIs (currency conversion, geolocation, etc.). This can be advantageous if you need multiple specialized APIs, though each requires separate billing.
Which service offers better European compliance?
ScreenshotLayer, being Austrian and part of APILayer, offers native EU data processing and GDPR compliance. Capture is also GDPR compliant but processes globally. Choose ScreenshotLayer for EU data locality requirements.
Why does ScreenshotLayer cache for 30 days?
ScreenshotLayer's longer caching (30 days vs Capture's 7 days) reduces costs for repeated requests but may serve stale content longer. They also offer customizable TTL for more control.
Which offers better value for multiple API needs?
Capture offers better value if you need screenshots plus PDFs, content extraction, metadata, or AI capabilities. ScreenshotLayer works better if you need screenshots plus other unrelated APIs from the APILayer marketplace.
Choose Your Screenshot API Approach
Try Capture's integrated platform with 100 free credits, or explore ScreenshotLayer's API marketplace with their permanent free tier.