Capture vs Screenshot Machine
Modern multi-API platform vs established European reliability. Comparing two different approaches to screenshot services with honest analysis of strengths and trade-offs.
Service Overview
Two Different Philosophies for Screenshot APIs
- CCapture
Founded: 2017
Approach: Multi-API platform with pay-per-use flexibility
Focus: Modern developer experience with multiple web automation APIs
Strength: No commitments, comprehensive feature set- SScreenshot Machine
Founded: 2011
Approach: European reliability with cost-focused optimization
Focus: Maximum uptime and lowest cost per screenshot
Strength: Proven track record, unbeatable pricing
Honest Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Screenshot Machine excels in cost and reliability, while Capture offers more comprehensive features and flexibility.
| Feature | Capture | Screenshot Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Established Since | 2017 | 2011 |
| Uptime SLA | 99.9%+ | 99.99% |
| Cost per Screenshot | $0.003 - $0.006 | €0.002 - €0.004 ($0.002-$0.004) |
| Pricing Model | Pay-per-use credits (No subscription) | Monthly billing with overage charges |
| Free Tier | 100 credits forever | No free tier (billing from first use) |
| API Endpoints | Screenshots, PDF, Content, Metadata, AI Browser | Screenshots and PDF |
| Output Formats | PNG, JPEG, WebP, PDF | JPG, PNG, GIF, PDF |
| Developer Experience | Modern SDKs (Node.js, Go, Rust) | REST API with code examples |
| Caching Duration | 7 days | 14 days |
| Company Location | Global (US-based) | European (Devtica s.r.o.) |
| Payment Processing | Stripe | Stripe, PayPal (EU VAT applies) |
Developer Experience Comparison
Both services offer different approaches to API integration and developer workflow.
Capture with SDK
Screenshot Machine REST API
Pricing Analysis: Different Models, Different Values
Screenshot Machine offers lower per-screenshot costs, while Capture provides more value with multiple APIs and no billing surprises.
CCapture Pricing
SScreenshot Machine Pricing
Cost Analysis
Pure cost per screenshot: Screenshot Machine wins with €0.002 (~$0.002) vs Capture's $0.003+
Value per dollar: Capture includes 5 APIs vs Screenshot Machine's 2 APIs for similar cost
Billing flexibility: Capture's pay-per-use vs Screenshot Machine's monthly billing with overages
Getting started: Capture offers 100 free credits; Screenshot Machine bills from first use
Which Service Should You Choose?
Both services excel in different scenarios. Choose based on your priorities: absolute lowest cost or comprehensive features.
Choose Screenshot Machine if:
- You need the absolute lowest cost per screenshot (€0.002)
- Maximum uptime is critical (99.99% SLA)
- You prefer European data processing and GDPR compliance
- You only need screenshots and PDFs (no additional APIs)
- You want the longest caching duration (14 days vs 7 days)
- You're building simple, cost-optimized screenshot applications
- You prefer working with an established service (13+ years experience)
Choose Capture if:
- You want multiple APIs in one platform (screenshots, content, metadata, AI)
- You prefer no-commitment pay-per-use pricing
- You need a generous free tier to test and evaluate
- You want modern SDKs with better developer experience
- You're building AI applications that need web browsing capabilities
- You prefer working without monthly billing and overages
- You need higher rate limits and more flexible usage patterns
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Screenshot Machine really cheaper than Capture?
Yes, for pure screenshot cost. Screenshot Machine offers €0.002 (~$0.002) per screenshot vs Capture's $0.003+. However, Capture includes 5 APIs for similar cost, making it better value if you need multiple services.
Why does Screenshot Machine have higher uptime?
Screenshot Machine offers 99.99% SLA vs Capture's 99.9%+. They focus exclusively on screenshots/PDFs, allowing more specialized infrastructure optimization for maximum reliability.
Should EU customers prefer Screenshot Machine?
Screenshot Machine is European (Austria) with GDPR compliance and EU data processing. This can be advantageous for EU customers needing data locality, though both services are GDPR compliant.
Can I test both services before choosing?
Capture offers 100 free credits to fully test the service. Screenshot Machine bills from first use, but their very low rates make testing affordable. Both offer good documentation and support.
Ready to Choose Your Screenshot API?
Try Capture's multi-API platform with 100 free credits, or go direct to Screenshot Machine for focused, cost-optimized screenshots.