Web scraping is the process of extracting data from websites using automated software tools known as web scrapers. As more businesses realize the value of web data for competitive intelligence, lead generation, and market research, the demand for web scraping continues to grow.
However, not everyone has the technical skills to write web scrapers from scratch. This is where visual web scraping tools like Octoparse and ParseHub come in. These no-code platforms allow anyone to extract web data without coding.
In this guide, we will compare the key features, strengths, and limitations of Octoparse and ParseHub – two of the most popular visual web scrapers today. Our evaluation will help you determine which tool is the better fit for your web scraping needs in 2024.
Overview of Octoparse and ParseHub
Octoparse and ParseHub have many similarities:
- Both are visual web scraping tools with graphic user interfaces (no coding required).
- They can extract data from dynamic websites that contain JavaScript.
- Their scrapers can handle paginated content across multiple URLs.
- Useful for one-off, ad hoc data extraction projects.
- Offer free trials and free usage tiers.
However, they also have some notable differences:
- Octoparse was founded in 2015 and has over 300,000 users. It serves both individuals and businesses.
- ParseHub was founded in 2013 and has over 150,000 users. It primarily targets enterprise customers.
- Octoparse has a simpler interface, while ParseHub offers more advanced logic.
- Octoparse has better templates, proxies and customization options. ParseHub has stronger automation.
- Octoparse is better for flexible data extraction. ParseHub excels at large-scale data mining.
Next, we‘ll examine each web scraper in more detail.
Evaluating Octoparse‘s Web Scraper
Flexibility and Ease of Use
Octoparse has an intuitive graphic interface that makes web scraping more accessible. Their homepage invites you to instantly try scraping three example sites.
Once you enter a URL, Octoparse automatically analyzes the page and detects scrapable elements. You simply review the scraped data, make any adjustments, and export the results. The entire process is visual and requires no coding expertise.
Advanced users can fine-tune the scraper with CSS selectors. But overall, Octoparse reduces the learning curve for non-technical users.
Data Collection with Octoparse Web Scraper
E-commerce websites often use pagination to split up long product listings across multiple pages. Scraping paginated content can be challenging.
Fortunately, Octoparse can extract data from paginated websites thanks to its "Loop Click Single URL" feature:
To collect data from additional pages, you simply select the "Next" button and choose "Loop Click Single URL" from the dropdown menu.
Octoparse will then automatically click through all pages and extract information. This makes scraping thousands of paginated products a breeze.
Some other handy data collection features include:
- Auto-detection of page elements – Octoparse detects and previews all scrapeable data.
- Rearranging/renaming columns – Easily customize the scraped dataset.
- Local and cloud scraping – Scrape on your own device or via remote servers.
- Export in CSV/HTML – Download results in universal formats.
Overall, Octoparse provides a great balance of automation, flexibility, and control over your web scraping projects.
Issues with Octoparse‘s Web Scraper
While Octoparse is extremely capable for basic web scraping tasks, there are some areas where it falls short:
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No video downloads – Could not extract or download video files from product pages.
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Lacks proxies – Must use external proxies for IP rotation (to avoid blocks).
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Free plan limits – Can only run 2 concurrent extractions in the free version.
So while Octoparse is easy to use for small-scale scrapers, large or complex jobs may require a paid subscription.
Pricing
Octoparse offers:
- Free version with limited usage
- Free 7-day trial of paid plans
- Paid plans range from $89/month to $249/month
The free version is good for learning and testing. But larger projects will need a paid account for more data, proxies, and automation.
Evaluating ParseHub‘s Web Scraper
Flexibility and Ease of Use
ParseHub has a steeper learning curve than Octoparse. The interface is more complex with more options and parameters to set up your scrape.
The platform does try to simplify web scraping for beginners through interactive tutorials. But ultimately, ParseHub gives developers more control to customize the scraping logic.
So while Octoparse is better for non-technical users, ParseHub appeals more to coders and scraping experts.
Data Collection with ParseHub Web Scraper
To extract data on ParseHub, you manually select page elements to build your scraper:
The process is less automatic but provides more precision. Developers can scrape exactly the data points they need through ParseHub‘s templating language.
You can also transform and enrich data using ParseHub‘s built-in formulas and JavaScript functions.
Some key highlights:
- Scrape precisely the data you need.
- Transform and clean data with built-in tools.
- Export results in JSON/CSV format.
- Schedule and automate recurring scrapes.
For developers, ParseHub offers more customization for complex scrapes. But the learning curve is steeper than Octoparse.
Issues with ParseHub‘s Web Scraper
During our tests, ParseHub had trouble scraping certain types of data:
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Empty results – We encountered "empty file" errors despite following ParseHub‘s instructions.
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No video downloads – Could not extract or display video files from product pages.
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Inconsistent data – Some sponsored products were missing from scraped results.
While ParseHub has strong technology, it seems less reliable for ad hoc extraction of web pages. Their platform is better suited for scraping templates at scale after extensive customization.
Pricing
ParseHub offers:
- Free version with 5 projects
- 14-day free trial for paid plans
- Paid plans range from $189/month to $599/month
The free tier is extremely limited. ParseHub seems designed to upsell businesses to expensive subscription plans.
Octoparse vs ParseHub: Which is Better for Web Scraping?
For most beginners, Octoparse provides an easier entry into web scraping:
- More intuitive graphic interface.
- Handy templates and auto-detection.
- Faster setup with less custom coding needed.
However, ParseHub gives seasoned developers more control:
- Customize scrapers with advanced logic.
- Transform data programmatically.
- Automate large scraping workflows.
Ultimately, Octoparse is better for ad hoc data extraction, where ease of use and flexibility are key. It serves a wide range of skill levels.
ParseHub excels at large-scale automated web mining but has a steeper learning curve. It‘s tailored more for developers and enterprises.
Neither tool could handle complex sites with CAPTCHAs or heavy scraping barriers. For advanced use cases, you may need a more robust web scraping service with proxies and automation.
Further Reading
To learn more about web scraping tools, see:
- Top 3 Octoparse Alternatives & Competitors in 2024
- The Ultimate Guide to Oxylabs vs. Bright Data in 2024
For help choosing an enterprise-grade web scraping solution, contact our experts:
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