Rendex vs Screenshotlayer
Screenshotlayer launched in 2015 and has added only minor modernization (scale/WebP/S3 export). No dark mode, no wait-for-selector, no ad blocking, no PDF, no element capture, no geolocation, no webhooks, no batch, no MCP, no edge deployment, no first-party SDKs. Rendex is the modern replacement — far more features and a modern, actively maintained stack for a few cents more per call. Here is how they compare in 2026.
Feature Comparison
A detailed look at what each API supports today.
Core Features
Output Formats
Advanced Capture
Enterprise & Scale
AI Agent Integration
Developer Experience
Pricing Comparison
What you actually pay at each tier.
25+ more capabilities, a modern stack, MCP, and first-party SDKs — better overall value for a few cents more per call.
When to Choose Each
The right pick depends on what you are building.
The Verdict
Screenshotlayer has been available since 2015 and has modernized only minimally. No dark mode, no wait-for-selector, no ad blocking, no PDF, no element capture, no geolocation, no webhooks, no batch, no MCP server, no edge deployment, and no official SDKs. It works for basic URL to screenshot conversion, but that is about it.
Rendexis the modern replacement. With a matching free tier, the same 10K starter volume, geo-targeted proxy, stealth UA with bot-block detection, and every modern feature Screenshotlayer lacks — for just a few cents more per call — there is no reason to start a new integration with Screenshotlayer in 2026.
Ready to try Rendex?
100 free calls/month. No credit card required. Hard cap on every plan — no surprise bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rendex better than Screenshotlayer?
Yes, for almost every use case. Rendex offers significantly more features — dark mode emulation, HiDPI rendering, ad blocking, WebP output, element capture, a dedicated MCP server, and official SDKs — on a modern, actively maintained stack. Screenshotlayer is cheaper per call ($2.00 vs $6.90 per 1K) but has not added modern features since its 2015 launch, so Rendex is the better overall value.
Is Screenshotlayer still maintained?
Screenshotlayer has been available since 2015 but has not added modern features like WebP, dark mode, MCP, or edge deployment. Development appears less active than newer competitors. If you are evaluating screenshot APIs today, newer options offer more features and better value.
Does Screenshotlayer have an MCP server?
No. Screenshotlayer does not support AI agent workflows or MCP integration. Rendex has a purpose-built MCP server designed from day one for autonomous agent workflows, including quality signal headers and best-attempt mode.
Can I migrate from Screenshotlayer to Rendex?
Yes. Rendex uses a standard REST API. Swap the endpoint URL and API key, and adjust parameter names. Start with the free tier (100 calls/month) to validate your integration before switching production traffic.
Related Use Cases
See how Rendex solves specific rendering problems.
Convert HTML to Images with a Single API Call
Pass raw HTML — get back a pixel-perfect PNG, JPEG, or WebP. No hosted page required. Generate social cards, invoices, OG images, and email previews without running a browser.
Capture the Whole Page, Not Just the Viewport
Pass fullPage: true and Rendex auto-scrolls the page to trigger lazy-loaded images, IntersectionObserver-based animations, and deferred content — then returns one stitched PNG, JPEG, or WebP of the entire document.
Convert Any URL to a PDF with a Single API Call
Pass a URL or raw HTML — get back a pixel-perfect PDF. Configurable page size, margins, headers, and footers. Generate reports, invoices, and archives without running a browser.
Archive Any Webpage with a Single API Call
Capture and preserve web content as screenshots or PDFs. Timestamped, signed, and stored — for compliance, legal evidence, research, and historical records.
Explore More Comparisons
See how Rendex compares across the screenshot API landscape.