I still remember the first time I tried to wrangle a mountain of web data into something useful for a sales project. Picture me, hunched over my laptop, wrestling with clunky scripts, browser tabs multiplying like rabbits, and spreadsheets that looked more like abstract art than actionable insights. Fast forward to 2025, and the data collection landscape has transformed so much that even my past self would be jealous (and probably a little confused by all the AI talk).
Today, data collection is at the heart of every ambitious business move. Whether you’re a scrappy startup or a Fortune 500 giant, the right data can mean the difference between leading the pack or playing catch-up. But with the sheer volume of digital content exploding—think by 2025—finding, cleaning, and using that data is a challenge worthy of its own superhero movie. So, who are the real heroes behind the scenes? Let’s dive into the top data collection companies of 2025, spotlighting the innovators, the giants, and the up-and-comers.
Why Data Collection Companies Matter for Modern Businesses
Let’s be honest: business decisions without data are just fancy guesses. In 2025, companies are leaning on data collection more than ever to drive strategy, outsmart competitors, and connect with customers in ways that feel almost psychic. From sales teams hunting for leads, to e-commerce managers tracking competitor prices, to marketers fine-tuning campaigns—data is the secret sauce.
But here’s the kicker: it’s not just about having data, it’s about having the right data, at the right time, in the right format. That’s where specialized data collection companies come in. They help businesses:
- Make smarter decisions: Real-time, accurate data means less guessing and more knowing.
- Spot trends early: Whether it’s a viral product or a sudden market shift, data gives you a front-row seat.
- Automate the boring stuff: No more manual copy-paste marathons (your wrists will thank you).
- Stay compliant: With privacy and data laws getting stricter, professional data collection partners help you avoid legal headaches.
In short, these companies are the backbone of modern business intelligence, and their tools—especially web scrapers and AI web scrapers—are the power tools of the digital age.
How We Selected the Top Data Collection Companies
I’ve spent a lot of time in the trenches of SaaS and automation, so I know that not all data collection companies are created equal. For this list, I looked at:
- Company size and founding year: Are they established players or rising stars?
- Main products and services: Web scrapers, AI web scrapers, APIs, data marketplaces, and more.
- Industry reputation: Who trusts them? Are they known for reliability and innovation?
- Specialization: Do they serve specific industries (like ecommerce, sales, or research)?
- Innovation in AI and automation: Are they pushing the boundaries with AI-powered data extraction?
- Scalability and compliance: Can their solutions grow with your business and keep you on the right side of the law?
And because I’m a big fan of transparency, I’ll show you how each company stacks up—so you can find the right fit for your needs.
Quick Comparison: Leading Data Collection Companies at a Glance
Here’s a handy table to give you the lay of the land before we dig into the details:
| Company | Founded | HQ | Core Offerings | Unique Strengths/Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Data | 2014 | Israel | Proxy networks, web scraper APIs, datasets | Scale, compliance, global reach |
| Zyte | 2010 | Ireland | Web scraper platform, proxies, AI extraction | Scrapy framework, compliance |
| Apify | 2015 | Czech Republic | Cloud automation, custom web scrapers, marketplace | Developer ecosystem, AI focus |
| Diffbot | 2010 | USA | AI web scraper, knowledge graph | Automated semantic extraction |
| Octoparse | 2012 | USA/China | No-code web scraper, cloud platform | Visual interface, SMB focus |
| Import.io | 2012 | USA/UK | Enterprise web data integration | Large-scale, enterprise focus |
| Common Crawl | 2007 | USA | Open web data archives | Open data, research/AI training |
| ZoomInfo | 2007 | USA | B2B data platform, sales intelligence | Contact/company data, scale |
| Oxylabs | 2015 | Lithuania | Proxy networks, web scraper APIs, AI tools | Fast growth, AI innovation |
| DataWeave | 2011 | India/USA | Retail/ecommerce data intelligencee | Digital shelf, pricing analytics |
Bright Data: Enterprise-Grade Data Collection Solutions
(formerly Luminati Networks) is a heavyweight in the data collection world. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Israel, they’ve grown to a team of and serve over 20,000 clients worldwide—including big names in ecommerce, research, and AI.
What sets Bright Data apart? Their massive (residential, datacenter, mobile), robust , and a growing marketplace of ready-to-use datasets. They cover everything from price monitoring on Amazon to content moderation on YouTube, and their tools cater to both developers and non-coders.
They’re also serious about compliance and ethics—joining AWS’s partner program, winning legal battles against Meta, and launching the to support nonprofits with free data. In short, Bright Data is a go-to for businesses that need scale, reliability, and a global reach.
Zyte: Web Scraper Innovation for Businesses
(formerly Scrapinghub) is one of the OGs of web scraping, founded in 2010 in Ireland. With around , they’re best known for creating the —a favorite among developers.
But Zyte isn’t just for coders. Their cloud platform, proxy management (Crawlera/Zyte Proxy), and make it easy for businesses to extract data at scale, even as websites change their layouts. They process over , which is mind-boggling.
Zyte is also a leader in ethical data collection, co-founding the “Ethical Web Data” alliance and focusing on long-term, compliant solutions. If you want a partner that’s both innovative and responsible, Zyte is a solid choice.
Apify: Flexible Automation and Data Collection
, founded in 2015 in Prague, is a rising star with a developer-friendly twist. With a team of and recent funding to boost their AI capabilities, Apify offers a cloud platform where users can run, share, or build custom web scrapers—called “Actors.”
Their features over 1,500 ready-made templates, and you can automate just about any web task, from scraping ecommerce prices to monitoring job boards. Apify is popular with both technical and non-technical users, and their open ecosystem means you can always find (or build) the right tool for your project.
They’re also investing heavily in AI, making their platform smarter and more accessible every year. If you love flexibility and community-driven innovation, Apify is worth a look.
Diffbot: AI Web Scraper and Knowledge Graph Pioneer
is the brainiac of the bunch—think of them as the “data scientist” among data collection companies. Founded in 2010 out of a Stanford AI project, Diffbot uses advanced AI to turn the entire web into a .
Their and automate the extraction of facts, entities, and relationships from web pages, feeding their with over a billion entities and a trillion facts. Their clients include Microsoft, eBay, Salesforce, and more.
In 2025, Diffbot even launched a , making them a go-to for anyone who needs not just data, but meaningful data. If you’re into AI-driven insights and semantic search, Diffbot is your jam.
Octoparse: No-Code Web Scraper for Business Users
is the “easy button” for web scraping. Founded in 2012, with offices in the US, Canada, and China, this small but mighty team (20–30 people) has built a that lets anyone—yes, even your cousin who still uses Internet Explorer—scrape web data with a point-and-click interface.
Octoparse supports cloud-based scraping, has built-in templates for popular sites, and offers AI-assisted field detection. Their visual workflow designer is a big hit with SMBs and solo operators who want results without a steep learning curve. They’re constantly rolling out updates, and their helps keep up with changing web layouts.
If you want to get started quickly and don’t want to mess with code, Octoparse is a solid choice.
Import.io: Data Collection and Integration for Enterprises
, founded in 2012 and now based in California, is a veteran in the enterprise data space. With around , they’ve evolved from a simple web scraper to a full-fledged .
’s platform handles everything from visual scraper setup to complex data extraction (including login and form handling), data cleaning, and integration with business systems. After acquiring Connotate, they doubled down on enterprise features—think change monitoring, scheduling, and high-frequency data pulls.
Their client list includes over 850 enterprises, such as Dow Jones and Capital One. If you’re a large organization with complex data needs, is built for you.
Common Crawl: Open Web Data for Research and Business
is the unsung hero of the open data world. Founded in 2007 as a nonprofit, this tiny team has created the largest open-access web crawl archive, with of data dating back to 2008.
Their monthly crawls, covering billions of web pages, are a goldmine for AI researchers, search engine developers, and anyone who needs massive, raw web data. In fact, many large language models (including those from OpenAI and Google) have been trained on .
If you’re looking for free, large-scale web data for research or AI training, Common Crawl is your best friend.
ZoomInfo: B2B Data Collection for Sales and Marketing
is the sales and marketing powerhouse on this list. Founded in 2007 and now a public company, ZoomInfo employs and pulled in in 2024.
Their platform is a treasure trove of B2B contact and company data, built from a mix of web scraping, partnerships, and user contributions. ZoomInfo’s tools help sales teams find leads, build account lists, and integrate data directly into CRMs.
With as clients, ZoomInfo is the go-to for anyone serious about sales intelligence and market research.
Oxylabs: Proxy Networks and Web Scraper Tools
, founded in 2015 in Lithuania, is one of Europe’s fastest-growing data collection companies. With and in 2023, they’re a major player in the proxy and web scraping space.
Their offerings include massive proxy pools (residential, datacenter, mobile), , and AI-driven platforms for automated data extraction. Oxylabs is known for their focus on compliance, security (ISO27001 certified), and ethical data acquisition.
They serve dozens of Fortune 500 companies, especially in ecommerce, digital marketing, and cybersecurity. If you need scale, speed, and cutting-edge AI, Oxylabs is a top contender.
DataWeave: Retail and Ecommerce Data Intelligence
, founded in 2011 in India (with a US presence), specializes in digital commerce intelligence. With , they help brands and retailers monitor product listings, track pricing, analyze the digital shelf, and protect their brands online.
Their uses web scraping and AI to deliver actionable insights for optimizing assortment, pricing, and content across ecommerce channels. DataWeave’s clients include top CPG brands and major retailers who want to win in the digital marketplace.
If you’re in retail or ecommerce, DataWeave is the specialist you want in your corner.
Comparing the Top Data Collection Companies: Features & Focus
Let’s break down how these companies compare across key dimensions:
| Company | Data Collection Methods | Web Scraper/AI Capabilities | Target Industries | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Data | Proxy, API, datasets | Yes (AI, anti-bot) | All (esp. ecommerce, research) | Subscription, pay-as-you-go |
| Zyte | Scrapy, cloud, proxies | Yes (AI extraction) | Ecommerce, finance, research | Subscription |
| Apify | Cloud, custom actors, API | Yes (AI, marketplace) | All (dev, ops, research) | Pay-as-you-go |
| Diffbot | AI parsing, knowledge graph | Yes (semantic AI) | Search, analytics, ML | Subscription, API |
| Octoparse | Visual, cloud, templates | Yes (AI assistant) | SMB, ecommerce, research | Free/Subscription |
| Import.io | Visual, API, integration | Yes (enterprise features) | Enterprise, finance, news | Subscription, custom |
| Common Crawl | Open web crawl | No (raw data) | Research, AI, search | Free |
| ZoomInfo | Web scraping, partnerships | Yes (AI enrichment) | Sales, marketing, recruiting | Subscription |
| Oxylabs | Proxy, API, AI platform | Yes (AI, unblocking) | Ecommerce, security, travel | Subscription |
| DataWeave | Web scraping, AI analytics | Yes (retail AI) | Retail, CPG, ecommerce | Subscription |
Best for:
- Enterprise-scale, global reach: Bright Data, Oxylabs,
- Developer flexibility: Apify, Zyte
- AI-driven insights: Diffbot, DataWeave
- Sales and marketing: ZoomInfo
- No-code/SMB: Octoparse
- Open research/AI training: Common Crawl
Thunderbit: Where Does It Fit in the Data Collection Landscape?
Now, as the co-founder of , I get asked a lot: “How does Thunderbit stack up against these giants?” Here’s my honest take.
Thunderbit is an built for business users who want results without the hassle. Our mission? Make web data extraction as easy as ordering takeout—just a couple of clicks, and you’re done.
What makes Thunderbit different?
- Ridiculously easy setup: Click “AI Suggest Fields,” let our AI read the page, and hit “Scrape.” No coding, no fiddling with proxies.
- Subpage and pagination scraping: Need to grab data from product listings and their detail pages? Thunderbit’s got you covered—no extra setup required.
- Instant export: Send your data straight to Excel, Google Sheets, Airtable, or Notion. Download as CSV or JSON, free.
- Free features: Email, phone, and image extractors are totally free—no credit card required.
- Cloud or browser scraping: Choose what fits your workflow (and security needs).
- Affordable pricing: Our plans start at $15/month, with a generous free tier for light users.
While we don’t have the massive proxy networks of Bright Data or the enterprise focus of Import.io, Thunderbit shines for users who want to move fast, automate repetitive research, and avoid the learning curve of traditional tools. We’re especially popular with sales, ecommerce, and real estate teams who need to scrape contact info, product data, or listings from all sorts of websites—including those long-tail, messy pages that break other scrapers.
If you’re curious about how Thunderbit works, check out our or try the for free.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Data Collection Partner in 2025
The world of data collection is more vibrant—and more essential—than ever. Whether you need enterprise-grade muscle, AI-powered insights, or just a quick way to grab data for your next project, there’s a solution out there for you.
- Big players like Bright Data, Oxylabs, and are perfect for large organizations with complex, global needs.
- Innovators like Diffbot and DataWeave are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI and vertical intelligence.
- Accessible tools like Octoparse and Thunderbit are democratizing data collection for everyone, from solo founders to busy sales teams.
- Open data from Common Crawl is fueling the next generation of AI and research.
My advice? Start by defining your needs—scale, technical expertise, budget, and compliance. Don’t be afraid to mix and match: sometimes the best solution is a combination of enterprise power and user-friendly tools. And if you’re tired of wrestling with web data, give Thunderbit a spin. Your future self (and your spreadsheets) will thank you.
Want more tips, tutorials, and honest takes on web scraping and automation? Check out the or subscribe to our . Happy scraping!
FAQs
- How does Thunderbit differ from traditional web scraping tools? Thunderbit leverages AI to automate data extraction, eliminating the need for manual coding or configuring selectors, making it accessible for non-technical users.
- Can Thunderbit handle dynamic websites with pagination? Yes, Thunderbit's AI can navigate through paginated content and subpages, ensuring comprehensive data extraction from dynamic websites.
- Is it possible to export scraped data directly to other platforms? Absolutely. Thunderbit allows users to export data directly to Excel, Google Sheets, Airtable, or Notion without additional steps.
- Does Thunderbit offer pre-built templates for popular websites? Yes, Thunderbit provides instant data scraper templates for sites like Amazon, Zillow, and Instagram, facilitating quick data extraction.
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