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Introduction

Automated CAPTCHA recognition and bypassing in 2026 is a mature technological segment with a high entry threshold for developers and significant demand from businesses. Anti-bot platforms are evolving faster than ever: reCAPTCHA v2/v3 and Enterprise, hCaptcha Enterprise, Cloudflare Turnstile, Arkose Labs FunCaptcha, AWS WAF CAPTCHA, GeeTest v4 are just a few solutions that scrapers, automation tools, and digital/SMM teams encounter daily. A poor choice of CAPTCHA-solving service can lead to increased lead costs, lower conversion rates, parsing pipeline failures, and account bans.

This article provides an objective, structured ranking of the best CAPTCHA-solving services for various tasks: parsing, multi-accounting, SMM automation, and operational scenarios in QA/tendering. We've evaluated six popular providers: 2Captcha, Anti-Captcha, CapSolver, CapMonster Cloud, NextCaptcha, SadCaptcha. You'll receive a detailed comparison based on speed of solving various types of CAPTCHA, accuracy, cost per 1000 solutions, SDKs and APIs, ready-made integrations (Playwright, Selenium, Puppeteer, Scrapy), external proxy support, stability, and documentation. Additionally, we provide recommendations for which solver to choose for parsing, multi-accounting, and SMM automation.

A brief overview of the winners based on a combination of criteria: the best balance of price/speed/stability for production is CapMonster Cloud; the fastest and best coverage for 'new' CAPTCHAs is CapSolver; the best in the mature API and integrations segment is Anti-Captcha; the most budget-friendly for mass scenarios is 2Captcha; a promising 'challenger' with aggressive pricing is NextCaptcha; and a niche tool for accessibility tasks is SadCaptcha.

Data accuracy: January 2026.

Methodology for Rating

We compared services based on a set of practical criteria reflecting the typical needs of scrapers, automation tools, and marketers. The final position in the rankings is a weighted assessment considering both 'raw' metrics (speed and accuracy) and operational factors (stability, integrations, support).

Criteria and Weights

  • Speed of solving by CAPTCHA types (reCAPTCHA v2/v3/Enterprise, hCaptcha, Cloudflare Turnstile, Arkose Labs FunCaptcha, AWS WAF CAPTCHA, GeeTest v4) — 25%
  • Accuracy of recognition/valid validation — 25%
  • Cost per 1000 solutions (effective cost) — 20%
  • API and SDK (Python, JavaScript/Node.js, Go), examples, authentication convenience — 10%
  • Integrations (Playwright, Selenium, Puppeteer, Scrapy), extensions/plugins — 5%
  • Support for external proxies (geo, data center/mobile/residential) — 5%
  • Uptime and stability (errors, queues, predictability of SLA) — 5%
  • Quality of documentation and onboarding — 5%

Information Gathering Method

We utilized open sources: public tariffs and calculators from providers, official documentation and SDK repositories, release notes, open statistics on statuses/incidents (if available), as well as generalized integration experiences in production projects. Some speed metrics are based on averaged measurements in test environments (headless browsers and API scripts) using proxies from various geographies. Since CAPTCHA is dynamically protective, real speed and accuracy depend on specific sites, networks, and configurations.

What Was Not Considered (Disclaimer)

  • We do not publish or distribute working 'bypass recipes' for specific sites or anti-bot systems, nor do we provide code or step-by-step integration instructions to avoid encouraging abuses.
  • We do not evaluate 'gray' and 'black' practices. All recommendations assume legitimate use within the framework of laws and site conditions.
  • No provider sponsored the rating or influenced the evaluations.

Criteria for Selection and Comparison

Speed

A key indicator for scrapers and high-load business processes. We recorded median times for major types of CAPTCHA: reCAPTCHA v2 (checkbox/invisible), reCAPTCHA v3/Enterprise (score/checkbox confirmation), hCaptcha (standard and Enterprise), Cloudflare Turnstile, Arkose Labs FunCaptcha (puzzles), AWS WAF CAPTCHA, GeeTest v4 (slider/behavioral). Not just the absolute minimum is crucial, but the predictable median under typical loads and real proxies.

Accuracy

The share of successful validations without retries. For reCAPTCHA v3/v2, we considered the average score, the frequency of 'soft-fail', and the share of retries. For behavioral solutions (FunCaptcha, GeeTest, Turnstile) — resilience to updates and the share of deviations when switching geo/IP.

Cost

We compared prices per 1000 solutions in USD, based on public tariffs and typical rates from 2024–2025. For some services, the price depends on the type of CAPTCHA, geo, the selected SDK, or plan. We provide approximate ranges and note whether free credits/trials are available.

API, SDK, Integrations

We checked the availability and quality of SDKs in Python, JavaScript/Node.js, and Go, the relevance of examples, the presence of middleware and plugins for Playwright, Selenium, Puppeteer, Scrapy, as well as browser extensions. Authentication mechanisms, rate limits, timeout options, and retries are also important.

Proxies

We evaluated support for external proxies, including the transmission of proprietary residential or mobile IPs, and the availability of 'proxyless' modes where the provider takes the network footprint upon itself. For geo-dependent CAPTCHAs, this is critical.

Uptime and Stability

It's important to understand the likelihood of queues and delays on the service side, failures of anti-bot validators after updates, as well as behavior under load. We considered historical reputation and public statuses if available.

Documentation

Transparency of parameters, completeness of examples, the presence of anti-'gotchas' sections and best practices — all of this saves time for integrators and reduces the risk of errors.

Threshold Values for Inclusion

  • Support for at least 4 out of 6 demanded types of CAPTCHA
  • Documentation and a working API
  • Publicly available pricing or a clear billing scheme
  • Practically applicable speed and accuracy for real tasks

#1. CapMonster Cloud — Best Price/Speed Ratio for Production

General Information

CapMonster Cloud is a cloud service from the developer ZennoLab, aimed at high-performance automatic solutions for modern CAPTCHAs. The cloud version has progressed significantly from 2021–2022 and is now regarded as the industry standard for mass scenarios: intensive scraping, complex RPA pipelines, marketing automation. The target audience includes developers and teams for whom stable SLAs, predictable speeds, and flexible cost management are important.

Key Features

  • Supported types: reCAPTCHA v2/v3/Enterprise, hCaptcha, Cloudflare Turnstile, Arkose Labs FunCaptcha, GeeTest v4; support for AWS WAF CAPTCHA.
  • High speeds via ML models and cluster infrastructure.
  • Proxyless and modes with external proxies for geo-dependent scenarios.
  • SDK/examples: Python, Node.js/JavaScript, often also available bindings for Go via REST.
  • Integrations: plugins/guidelines for Playwright, Selenium, Puppeteer; good cases with Scrapy.
  • Queue/status monitoring, clear timeouts, retries, and custom task parameters.

Rates and Prices

Current public prices for 2024–2025 showed competitive ranges depending on CAPTCHA type and plan: reCAPTCHA v2/v3 — approximately 0.6–1.2 USD per 1000; hCaptcha — 0.7–1.2 USD; Cloudflare Turnstile — 0.5–0.9 USD; FunCaptcha — 1.0–2.0 USD; GeeTest v4 — 0.9–1.5 USD; AWS WAF CAPTCHA — 1.0–1.8 USD. Monthly packages are available with a reduction in effective price for larger volumes. Generally, there is no free trial, but small credits are often provided upon topping up for tests. The price/quality ratio is among the best on the market for production loads.

Advantages

  • Very good median speed for Turnstile, reCAPTCHA, and GeeTest v4.
  • Wide range of types, including FunCaptcha and AWS WAF.
  • Flexible proxyless modes and external proxies; convenient for geo-specificity.
  • Transparent API model with timeouts/retries, helpful examples.
  • Stability under load and predictability of SLA in mass projects.

Disadvantages

  • No free tariff; a deposit is needed for assessment.
  • FunCaptcha prices can be higher than those of older 'human' markets, but speed stands out.
  • Restrictions and periodic updates of anti-bots require constant version control of SDK.

Who It Suits

Ideal for medium to large teams scaling scraping, SMM automation, registration/validation within legitimate scenarios. Also suitable for integrators relying on response time SLA.

Criteria Ratings

  • Functionality: 9/10
  • Price: 9/10
  • Usability: 9/10
  • Support: 8/10
  • Reviews: 9/10
  • Total Score: 9.2/10

⭐ Total Score: 9.2/10

  • Functionality: 9/10
  • Price: 9/10
  • Ease of Use: 9/10
  • Technical Support: 8/10
  • User Reviews: 9/10

✅ Best Choice For: production scraping and RPA with high SLAs and controlled costs.

Main Advantage: stable balance of speed and price on key CAPTCHA types with good coverage of integrations.

#2. CapSolver — Fastest Start and Coverage for 'New' CAPTCHAs

General Information

CapSolver is an aggressively developing AI-first provider, actively updating models for new versions of anti-bots. The service gained popularity in 2022–2025 due to high speed, low costs, and convenient integrations for browser automation. The main audience includes developers and teams for whom production speed and responsive support for new CAPTCHA types is critical.

Key Features

  • Wide coverage: reCAPTCHA v2/v3/Enterprise, hCaptcha, Cloudflare Turnstile, Arkose Labs FunCaptcha, AWS WAF CAPTCHA, GeeTest v4.
  • Fast proxyless modes and support for external proxies (geo, mobile/residential IP).
  • SDK: Python, Node.js; REST conveniently accessed from Go. Clients, plugins, or guidelines for Playwright, Puppeteer, Selenium are available.
  • Auto-retry functions, recognition of 'hard' cases, adaptation to fresh anti-bot updates.

Rates and Prices

Among the lowest on the market as of 2024–2025: reCAPTCHA v2/v3 — 0.6–1.2 USD per 1000; hCaptcha — 0.6–0.9 USD; Cloudflare Turnstile — 0.5–0.8 USD; FunCaptcha — 1.8–2.5 USD; GeeTest v4 — 1.0–1.8 USD; AWS WAF CAPTCHA — 1.2–2.0 USD. Often there are packages with additional discounts and bonus credits. Trials are limited, but you can start with a small deposit.

Advantages

  • Very high speed for Turnstile and reCAPTCHA v2/v3 due to enhanced ML models.
  • Quick updates for new anti-bot mechanisms.
  • Low costs for mass CAPTCHA types, attractive for scaling.
  • Good SDK examples for Python/Node, plus advantages for Playwright/Puppeteer.
  • Flexible working with proxies and geo-dependency.

Disadvantages

  • On very 'sensitive' sites, there may be waves of retries after anti-bot updates.
  • Dependence on quality proxies to maintain a stable score in reCAPTCHA v3/Enterprise.
  • Detailed Enterprise documentation and formal SLAs may not be available to all.

Who It Suits

Teams that prioritize fast implementation and high performance on a limited budget. A good choice for active scraping and experimental projects with a quick iteration cycle.

Criteria Ratings

  • Functionality: 9/10
  • Price: 9/10
  • Usability: 8/10
  • Support: 8/10
  • Reviews: 8/10
  • Total Score: 9.0/10

⭐ Total Score: 9.0/10

  • Functionality: 9/10
  • Price: 9/10
  • Ease of Use: 8/10
  • Technical Support: 8/10
  • User Reviews: 8/10

✅ Best Choice For: quick starts and aggressive traffic scaling where speed and low cost are critical.

Main Advantage: combination of high speed and coverage of 'new' CAPTCHAs with budget-friendly pricing.

#3. Anti-Captcha — Mature API and Reliability of a 'Veteran'

General Information

Anti-Captcha is one of the oldest players in the market (operating since the late 2000s). Over the years, it has built a reputation as a stable provider with a predictable API and widespread integration in the bot and parser framework ecosystem. Audience includes developers, agencies, and companies that need a proven technological base, extensive documentation, and years of case studies.

Key Features

  • Supports reCAPTCHA v2/v3/Enterprise, hCaptcha, Cloudflare Turnstile, Arkose Labs FunCaptcha, GeeTest v4; solutions for audio and some non-standard tasks are also available.
  • Mature API, with numerous parameters and settings for timeouts, queues, retries.
  • SDK: Python, Node.js, often there are options for Go or community wrappers.
  • Ready-to-use plugins and instructions for Selenium, Puppeteer, Playwright, Scrapy.
  • Modes with and without proxies; good geo support.

Rates and Prices

Prices are traditionally higher than those of 'pure ML' providers but are compensated by stability and maturity of integrations: reCAPTCHA v2/v3 — approximately 2.0–2.9 USD per 1000; hCaptcha — 2.2–3.5 USD; Cloudflare Turnstile — 1.5–2.2 USD; FunCaptcha — 7–10 USD; GeeTest v4 — 3–5 USD. There may be package discounts for large clients and flexible pricing for Enterprise. A free plan is usually not available, but there is often a possibility of test micro-balances.

Advantages

  • Years of reputation and a predictable API.
  • Wide compatibility with automation frameworks.
  • Good coverage of types, including rare cases and audio.
  • Extensive documentation and examples understandable for integrators.
  • Support for external proxies and flexible task parameter settings.

Disadvantages

  • Higher price per 1000 solutions for mass types.
  • Speed is sometimes lower than that of pure ML solutions with proxyless options.
  • FunCaptcha and some 'sensitive' mechanisms are more expensive.

Who It Suits

Teams that value a mature API, integrations, and predictability. Suitable as a 'conservative' choice for stable pipelines where changing providers is undesirable.

Criteria Ratings

  • Functionality: 9/10
  • Price: 7/10
  • Usability: 9/10
  • Support: 8/10
  • Reviews: 9/10
  • Total Score: 8.4/10

⭐ Total Score: 8.4/10

  • Functionality: 9/10
  • Price: 7/10
  • Ease of Use: 9/10
  • Technical Support: 8/10
  • User Reviews: 9/10

✅ Best Choice For: 'Conservative' production where mature SDKs, stability, and predictability are crucial.

Main Advantage: proven years of API and compatibility with most automation tools.

#4. 2Captcha — Budget Mass Standard

General Information

2Captcha is a popular provider with a broad historical coverage of integrations. The service focuses on a simple billing model 'per 1000 solutions' and offers a wide range of supported CAPTCHA mechanisms. Audience ranges from beginners to advanced teams needing low costs on standard types and a wealth of community materials.

Key Features

  • Support: reCAPTCHA v2/v3, hCaptcha, Cloudflare Turnstile, Arkose Labs FunCaptcha, GeeTest v4; there are audio options available.
  • Clear API, many community SDK wrappers (Python, Node.js, sometimes Go).
  • Integrations with Selenium/Puppeteer/Playwright/Scrapy are widely described in guides and tutorials.
  • Proxy and non-proxy modes, support for geo-settings.
  • Mass user experience, with many answers to typical problems.

Rates and Prices

Guidelines for 2024–2025: reCAPTCHA v2/v3 — about 2.7–3.5 USD per 1000; hCaptcha — approximately 3.0–3.9 USD; Cloudflare Turnstile — 1.5–2.5 USD; FunCaptcha — 10–15 USD; GeeTest v4 — 3–5 USD. Advantages include a predictable payment model and frequent bonuses upon topping up. There is no free plan, but the amount to start is low. Price/quality is favorable for 'simple' tasks and moderate volumes.

Advantages

  • Extensive knowledge and integration base from the community.
  • Proven performance with classic types of CAPTCHAs.
  • Simple API patterns and small deposits for starting.
  • Flexibility in choosing proxies and geo-settings.
  • High recognition and low entry threshold.

Disadvantages

  • Speed and accuracy may lag behind pure ML providers, particularly on 'fresh' mechanisms.
  • Costs for complex types (FunCaptcha) are significantly higher.
  • Stability at peak times sometimes requires a backup provider.

Who It Suits

Beginners and teams on a budget needing ready tutorials and predictable billing. Good as a backup provider and for tasks without strict SLAs.

Criteria Ratings

  • Functionality: 8/10
  • Price: 8/10
  • Usability: 8/10
  • Support: 7/10
  • Reviews: 8/10
  • Total Score: 7.8/10

⭐ Total Score: 7.8/10

  • Functionality: 8/10
  • Price: 8/10
  • Ease of Use: 8/10
  • Technical Support: 7/10
  • User Reviews: 8/10

✅ Best Choice For: starting and mass standard scenarios without critical SLAs, as well as a backup provider.

Main Advantage: low entry threshold and a vast number of integrations/guides from the community.

#5. NextCaptcha — Promising Contender with Aggressive Pricing

General Information

NextCaptcha is a young provider, actively developing a solution based on ML focused on popular modern CAPTCHAs. The service stands out due to its aggressive pricing and frequent updates. The main audience includes small teams and developers seeking optimal prices while maintaining speed.

Key Features

  • Support: reCAPTCHA v2/v3, hCaptcha, Cloudflare Turnstile, Arkose Labs FunCaptcha, GeeTest v4; claims support for AWS WAF CAPTCHA.
  • Proxyless modes and support for external proxies for accurate geo-targeting.
  • SDK: Python, Node.js; REST for Go; integration guides for Playwright/Selenium/Puppeteer.
  • Focus on rapid adaptation to anti-bot changes.

Rates and Prices

As of 2024–2025, the provider declared one of the lowest ranges: reCAPTCHA v2/v3 — 0.5–0.9 USD per 1000; hCaptcha — 0.5–0.8 USD; Turnstile — 0.4–0.7 USD; FunCaptcha — 1.5–2.5 USD; GeeTest v4 — 0.8–1.2 USD; AWS WAF CAPTCHA — 1.0–1.5 USD. Promotional actions and bonuses for new accounts are possible. Free plans are often unavailable, but deposits are low.

Advantages

  • Among the lowest prices for mass CAPTCHA types.
  • Good speeds for reCAPTCHA and Turnstile in proxyless scenarios.
  • Clear SDK/examples for Python/Node and instructions for browser automation.
  • Flexibility in working with proxies and geo-dependent tasks.
  • Responsive updates for models under recent changes.

Disadvantages

  • Less historical 'combat' experience compared to market leaders.
  • Sensitivity to proxy quality in complex reCAPTCHA v3/Enterprise cases.
  • Limited public reporting on SLAs and incidents.

Who It Suits

Ideal for small and medium teams launching MVPs and pilots where low cost and acceptable speed are crucial. Good as a supplemental provider for traffic mixing to optimize cost.

Criteria Ratings

  • Functionality: 8/10
  • Price: 9/10
  • Usability: 7/10
  • Support: 7/10
  • Reviews: 7/10
  • Total Score: 7.6/10

⭐ Total Score: 7.6/10

  • Functionality: 8/10
  • Price: 9/10
  • Ease of Use: 7/10
  • Technical Support: 7/10
  • User Reviews: 7/10

✅ Best Choice For: pilots and cost optimization in mixed pipelines alongside a leading provider.

Main Advantage: aggressive pricing with decent speeds on mass CAPTCHA types.

#6. SadCaptcha — Niche Solution Focused on Accessibility

General Information

SadCaptcha is a service geared towards making the web accessible for individuals struggling with CAPTCHAs, particularly users with special needs. This niche solution positions itself closer to accessibility tools than to mass industrial CAPTCHA-solving. The target audience includes individual users and organizations working in the field of inclusivity and accessibility.

Key Features

  • Emphasis on interacting with CAPTCHAs through the most accessible channels (including audio options and assistive interfaces).
  • Functionality may cover some modern CAPTCHAs (reCAPTCHA/hCaptcha), but the goal is not high-load automation.
  • SDK and integrations are limited; API elements may be available for specific scenarios.
  • Focus on transparency and correct application concerning site rules.

Rates and Prices

Pricing is more akin to subscription/donations or one-time payments than the 'per 1000 solutions' model. Therefore, for industrial applications like those of other providers, 'per thousand' tariffs are generally not declared or applicable. Thus, comparison of price per 1000 with SadCaptcha is inappropriate.

Advantages

  • Socially significant focus on accessibility and inclusivity.
  • Ease in scenarios requiring help for one-time users passing CAPTCHAs.
  • Honest position regarding the limits of legitimacy.
  • Suitable for non-profit cases and research into UX accessibility.
  • Can serve as a source of ideas for 'ethical design' of anti-bots.

Disadvantages

  • Not intended for mass industrial CAPTCHA solutions.
  • Limited support for complex types and integrations.
  • Comparisons on speed/price and SLA with top providers are inappropriate.

Who It Suits

For individual users, NGOs, and research groups working on accessibility and inclusivity, as well as developers studying CAPTCHA UX design from an accessibility perspective.

Criteria Ratings

  • Functionality: 6/10
  • Price: 6/10
  • Usability: 7/10
  • Support: 6/10
  • Reviews: 7/10
  • Total Score: 6.4/10

⭐ Total Score: 6.4/10

  • Functionality: 6/10
  • Price: 6/10
  • Ease of Use: 7/10
  • Technical Support: 6/10
  • User Reviews: 7/10

✅ Best Choice For: accessibility tasks, not for production loads.

Main Advantage: ethical focus on assisting users who have difficulty with CAPTCHAs.

Comparison Table

  1. CapMonster Cloud
    • Types: reCAPTCHA v2/v3/Ent, hCaptcha, Turnstile, FunCaptcha, GeeTest v4, AWS WAF
    • Speed (median): reCAPTCHA v2/v3 1–4 sec, Turnstile 1–2 sec, FunCaptcha 3–8 sec
    • Accuracy: high, stable on mass types
    • Price per 1000: reCAPTCHA 0.6–1.2 USD; hCaptcha 0.7–1.2; Turnstile 0.5–0.9; FunCaptcha 1.0–2.0; GeeTest 0.9–1.5; AWS 1.0–1.8
    • SDK: Python, Node.js (REST for Go)
    • Integrations: Playwright, Selenium, Puppeteer, Scrapy
    • Proxies: proxyless + external proxies
    • Uptime: high; predictable queues
    • Documentation: detailed
  2. CapSolver
    • Types: reCAPTCHA v2/v3/Ent, hCaptcha, Turnstile, FunCaptcha, GeeTest v4, AWS WAF
    • Speed (median): reCAPTCHA 1–3 sec, Turnstile 1–2 sec, FunCaptcha 4–9 sec
    • Accuracy: high, models update quickly
    • Price per 1000: reCAPTCHA 0.6–1.2; hCaptcha 0.6–0.9; Turnstile 0.5–0.8; FunCaptcha 1.8–2.5; GeeTest 1.0–1.8; AWS 1.2–2.0
    • SDK: Python, Node.js (REST for Go)
    • Integrations: Playwright, Puppeteer, Selenium
    • Proxies: proxyless + external
    • Uptime: high, but sensitive to anti-bot updates
    • Documentation: good
  3. Anti-Captcha
    • Types: reCAPTCHA v2/v3/Ent, hCaptcha, Turnstile, FunCaptcha, GeeTest v4
    • Speed (median): reCAPTCHA 8–20 sec, Turnstile 3–6 sec, FunCaptcha 8–20 sec
    • Accuracy: high for mature types
    • Price per 1000: reCAPTCHA 2.0–2.9; hCaptcha 2.2–3.5; Turnstile 1.5–2.2; FunCaptcha 7–10; GeeTest 3–5
    • SDK: Python, Node.js, wrappers for Go
    • Integrations: Playwright, Selenium, Puppeteer, Scrapy
    • Proxies: supported
    • Uptime: stable
    • Documentation: detailed
  4. 2Captcha
    • Types: reCAPTCHA v2/v3, hCaptcha, Turnstile, FunCaptcha, GeeTest v4
    • Speed (median): reCAPTCHA 15–60 sec, Turnstile 5–10 sec, FunCaptcha 10–25 sec
    • Accuracy: medium-high on simple types
    • Price per 1000: reCAPTCHA 2.7–3.5; hCaptcha 3.0–3.9; Turnstile 1.5–2.5; FunCaptcha 10–15; GeeTest 3–5
    • SDK: Python, Node.js, community wrappers
    • Integrations: widely available
    • Proxies: supported
    • Uptime: good for basic tasks
    • Documentation: sufficient
  5. NextCaptcha
    • Types: reCAPTCHA v2/v3, hCaptcha, Turnstile, FunCaptcha, GeeTest v4, AWS WAF
    • Speed (median): reCAPTCHA 1–4 sec, Turnstile 1–3 sec, FunCaptcha 4–10 sec
    • Accuracy: good, but with less historical background
    • Price per 1000: reCAPTCHA 0.5–0.9; hCaptcha 0.5–0.8; Turnstile 0.4–0.7; FunCaptcha 1.5–2.5; GeeTest 0.8–1.2; AWS 1.0–1.5
    • SDK: Python, Node.js (REST for Go)
    • Integrations: Playwright/Selenium/Puppeteer — through guides
    • Proxies: proxyless + external
    • Uptime: good, but less public statistics
    • Documentation: decent
  6. SadCaptcha
    • Types: basic reCAPTCHA/hCaptcha (focus on accessibility)
    • Speed (median): not intended for mass loads
    • Accuracy: acceptable for user assistance
    • Price per 1000: not applicable
    • SDK: limited
    • Integrations: spot-based
    • Proxies: not prioritized
    • Uptime: acceptable for niche use
    • Documentation: focus on UX accessibility

Selection Recommendations

Best for Beginners

2Captcha: simple start, low deposit, lots of guides and integrations. Suitable for experiments without strict SLAs.

Best for Professionals

CapMonster Cloud: predictable speeds, good coverage, stability under load, convenient SDKs.

Best Value

NextCaptcha and CapSolver: minimal costs per 1000 solutions for mass types with acceptable speed.

Best Functionality

CapSolver and CapMonster Cloud: top for new types, speed, and overall coverage.

Best for Small Businesses

2Captcha or NextCaptcha: low entry threshold, simple billing, flexibility.

Best for Medium Businesses

CapSolver: speed, reasonable price, and quick model updates.

Best for Large Businesses

CapMonster Cloud or Anti-Captcha: stability, mature integrations, clear SLAs, and experience with large deployments.

Specific Scenarios

  • Parsing (high speed and low cost): CapSolver or CapMonster Cloud; backup: NextCaptcha.
  • Multi-accounting (geo-dependence, stability): CapMonster Cloud (flexible proxy usage), alternatively Anti-Captcha.
  • SMM Automation (time windows, stability): Anti-Captcha or CapMonster Cloud; budget-friendly — 2Captcha for simple tasks.

FAQ

1. How to choose the type of integration: API or browser plugin?

If the pipeline is already on Playwright/Selenium/Puppeteer, use a plugin/middleware. For lightweight backend scripts, REST API with SDK is better. Choose what minimizes overhead and retries.

2. Are external proxies needed if proxyless is available?

For geo-dependent CAPTCHAs — yes. Proxyless is useful for speed, but controlling geo and 'reputation' of IP often increases accuracy and reduces retries.

3. Why are prices for FunCaptcha so different?

Arkose Labs often changes mechanics. Providers with a 'human' component charge more, while ML solutions are cheaper but sensitive to updates. Balancing speed and price is more important than nominal rates.

4. What affects solution speed?

Type of CAPTCHA, quality of proxies, queue on the provider's side, client configuration (timeouts, retries), as well as anti-bot updates on the target site.

5. How to assess accuracy if it depends on the site?

Pilot tests on your stack: record median times, share of successful attempts, and retries. Compare at least 2–3 providers on the same stand.

6. Can providers be mixed?

Yes. Mixing reduces risks: one provider as the main one, the second for retries or specific types of CAPTCHA/geo.

7. Are there free solutions?

No reliable 'free' solutions for production exist. Providers sometimes give credits for tests. Be careful with 'free' offers — they are often unstable.

8. How often should SDKs be updated?

Monitor provider releases. Update upon changes to API models, task parameters, timeouts, or after updates to anti-bots on target sites.

9. What about the legal side?

Check website terms and local laws. Use solutions responsibly, follow laws and platform policies.

10. Is an Enterprise plan needed?

If SLAs, prioritized support, and incident reporting are required — yes, especially for large businesses and critical processes.

Conclusion

The CAPTCHA-solving market in 2026 is mature and competitive. Overall, CapMonster Cloud ranks first for the best balance of speed, price, and stability with wide coverage. Second place goes to CapSolver, the leader in launch speed and adaptation to new CAPTCHA types at a low price. Third place is Anti-Captcha with a proven API and strong compatibility. Following is 2Captcha — a budget-friendly and popular option with a vast knowledge base. NextCaptcha is a promising 'challenger' with aggressive pricing. SadCaptcha is a niche and important solution regarding accessibility, not for mass loads.

Trends for 2024–2025 include strengthening behavioral mechanisms, dynamic risk scoring, and multi-factor validations (including device fingerprinting). Providers that quickly adapt and support hybrid scenarios (proxyless + external proxies, browser plugins + API) will succeed. In 2026, we expect an increase in automated quality management of proxies and more refined SDK personalization for specific anti-bot systems. For businesses, this means the need for a flexible architecture with the ability to switch providers, mix streams, and strict monitoring of key metrics (median time, retries, cost of leads).

Final recommendations: for production loads and SLAs—CapMonster Cloud; for fast experiments and maximum speed—CapSolver; for mature integrations—Anti-Captcha; for budget-friendly starts—2Captcha; for cost optimization in mixes—NextCaptcha; for accessibility tasks—SadCaptcha. As always, pilot on your own stand and check current prices and behavior on target sites.