I’ve tested every major screenshot API while building multiple apps and websites. Here’s my honest comparison of UrlBox, ScreenshotOne, Screenshot Machine, and URLPixel—including advanced features, real pricing, and which service fits different needs.
The Screenshot API Market in 2025
The screenshot API market has matured significantly, with multiple successful players each serving different needs. UrlBox dominates the enterprise space, ScreenshotOne has captured developer mindshare, while newer entrants focus on specific niches. What’s missing? A service built specifically for creators managing multiple projects.
Having used these services extensively for URLPixel, Orate, Mail Collectly, Tabsverse, and my book sites, I’ve seen firsthand where each excels and falls short. This comparison reflects real-world usage, not just marketing claims.
Quick Pricing Overview
| Service | Free Tier | Entry Price | Screenshots | Per Screenshot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URL Pixel | 100/month | $5/month | 1,000 | $0.005 |
| UrlBox | 7-day trial | $19/month | 2,000 | $0.0095 |
| ScreenshotOne | 100/month | $17/month | 2,000 | $0.0085 |
| Screenshot Machine | 100/month | €9/month | 2,500 | $0.004 |
All prices current as of July 2025. URLPixel includes HD, 4K, and mobile screenshots in all tiers.
Detailed Service Analysis
UrlBox
The Enterprise Leader
✅ Strengths
- • Enterprise Features: SLAs, dedicated clusters, advanced security
- • Global Infrastructure: Multiple data centers worldwide
- • Advanced Customization: Geolocation, custom headers, proxies
- • Reliability: 99.9% uptime with robust error handling
- • Documentation: Comprehensive guides and SDKs
❌ Limitations
- • Expensive: $19/month minimum, enterprise pricing
- • No Site Organization: All screenshots in one bucket
- • Quality Tiers: HD costs extra on lower plans
- • Enterprise Focus: Intimidating for small creators
Best For:
Large enterprises, agencies with enterprise clients, applications requiring SLAs and dedicated infrastructure. If budget isn’t a concern and you need the most advanced features.
ScreenshotOne
The Developer Favorite
✅ Strengths
- • Modern API: Clean, well-designed developer experience
- • Advanced Blocking: Cookie banners, ads, GDPR popups
- • Developer Community: Active support and engagement
- • Quality Features: Full-page, element targeting, animations
- • Good Free Tier: 100 screenshots monthly ongoing
❌ Limitations
- • Developer-Only Focus: Not creator-community oriented
- • Price Jump: $17/month entry, significant for side projects
- • No Site Organization: Generic screenshot management
- • Limited Customization: Fewer options than enterprise tools
Best For:
Developers building SaaS applications, startups needing reliable screenshots, teams wanting modern API design. Great balance of features and developer experience.
Screenshot Machine
The European Alternative
✅ Strengths
- • Competitive Pricing: €9/month with good volume
- • Established Service: Long track record of reliability
- • European Data: GDPR compliant, EU-based infrastructure
- • SLA Guarantee: 99.99% uptime commitment
- • Free Tier: 100 screenshots monthly
❌ Limitations
- • Euro Pricing: Currency barrier for US market
- • Dated Interface: Older website and user experience
- • Limited Features: Fewer customization options
- • Generic Positioning: Business-focused, not creator-oriented
Best For:
European businesses needing GDPR compliance, cost-conscious users wanting established reliability, projects requiring EU-based infrastructure.
URL Pixel
The Creator-Focused Alternative
✅ Unique Advantages
- • Site Organization: Only API with project-based organization
- • Creator Pricing: $5/month entry, 70% cheaper than UrlBox
- • Generous Free Tier: 100 screenshots monthly ongoing
- • All Quality Levels: HD, 4K, mobile included in all plans
- • Authentic Story: Built by creator who uses it daily
🚧 Current Limitations
- • Newer Service: Less enterprise track record
- • Advanced Features: Building toward UrlBox’s level
- • Scale Testing: Growing infrastructure capacity
- • Integrations: Fewer third-party connectors currently
Best For:
Creators managing multiple projects, agencies needing client organization, developers wanting fair pricing, anyone frustrated with expensive alternatives. Perfect for portfolio sites, book projects, and multi-app builders.
Feature Comparison Matrix
| Feature | URL Pixel | UrlBox | ScreenshotOne | Screenshot Machine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site Organization | ✅ Unique | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| HD/4K/Mobile Included | ✅ All Plans | ⚠️ Higher Tiers | ⚠️ Premium | ⚠️ Limited |
| Cookie Banner Blocking | ✅ | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Basic |
| Free Tier | 100/month | 7-day trial | 100/month | 100/month |
| Enterprise SLA | ⚠️ Growing | ✅ Advanced | ✅ | ✅ 99.99% |
| Global Infrastructure | ⚠️ US-focused | ✅ Worldwide | ✅ Multi-region | ⚠️ EU-focused |
Which Service for Which Use Case?
1Multi-Project Creators
Best Choice: URL Pixel
Building multiple apps, books, or client sites? Site organization and fair pricing make this a no-brainer. Only service that understands this workflow.
2Enterprise Applications
Best Choice: UrlBox
Need SLAs, dedicated infrastructure, or enterprise features? UrlBox leads here with proven scale and advanced capabilities worth the premium.
3Developer-Focused Apps
Best Choice: ScreenshotOne
Building SaaS or dev tools? Modern API design, excellent blocking features, and strong developer community support make this ideal.
4European/GDPR Focus
Best Choice: Screenshot Machine
EU-based infrastructure and GDPR compliance built-in. Reliable service with competitive pricing for European market.
My Honest Take
Each service excels in different areas, and I respect what they’ve built. UrlBox pioneered the market and offers unmatched enterprise features. ScreenshotOne created the best developer experience. Screenshot Machine provides solid European infrastructure.
URLPixel exists because none of these services understood the multi-project creator workflow. When you’re building multiple apps and websites simultaneously, you need organization and fair pricing—not enterprise overhead or developer-only focus.
The reality is that different services serve different needs. If you’re building enterprise software, UrlBox’s advanced features justify the cost. If you’re a developer building SaaS, ScreenshotOne’s modern API is excellent. But if you’re a creator managing multiple projects on a budget, URL Pixel’s site organization and pricing make it the clear choice.
Ready to Try Site Organization?
URL Pixel is the only screenshot API with built-in project organization. Start with 100 free screenshots monthly and see why creators are switching from expensive alternatives.