Learn about the top Python web scraping libraries, their key features, and how they compare in this comprehensive guide.
A Python web scraping library helps extract data from web pages, supporting steps like sending HTTP requests, parsing HTML, and executing JavaScript. Categories include HTTP clients, all-in-one frameworks, and headless browser tools.
- Goal: Intended use of the library.
- Features: Core functionalities.
- Category: Type of library.
- GitHub stars: Community interest.
- Weekly downloads: Popularity.
- Release frequency: Update regularity.
- Pros/Cons: Strengths and limitations.
1. Selenium
A browser automation library ideal for dynamic content.
- Features: Supports multiple browsers, headless mode, JavaScript execution.
- Category: Browser automation
- GitHub stars: ~31.2k
- Weekly downloads: ~4.7M
💡 Learn more about web scraping with Selenium.
2. Requests
An HTTP client for sending requests and handling responses.
- Features: Supports all HTTP methods, cookies, headers.
- Category: HTTP client
- GitHub stars: ~52.3k
- Weekly downloads: ~128.3M
💡 Learn more about web scraping with Requests.
Parses HTML and XML documents.
- Features: Supports various parsers, can handle malformed HTML.
- Category: HTML parser
- Weekly downloads: ~29M
💡 Learn more about web scraping with Beautiful Soup.
4. SeleniumBase
An enhanced Selenium version for advanced automation.
- Features: Smart-waiting, proxy support, CAPTCHA-bypass.
- Category: Browser automation
- GitHub stars: ~8.8k
- Weekly downloads: ~200k
💡 Learn more about web scraping with SeleniumBase.
5. curl_cffi
An HTTP client mimicking browser behavior.
- Features: TLS fingerprint impersonation, HTTP/2 support.
- Category: HTTP client
- GitHub stars: ~2.8k
- Weekly downloads: ~310k
6. Playwright
A versatile headless browser library.
- Features: Cross-browser support, automatic waiting, stealth mode.
- Category: Browser automation
- GitHub stars: ~12.2k
- Weekly downloads: ~1.2M
💡 Learn more about web scraping with Playwright.
7. Scrapy
An all-in-one framework for web crawling and scraping.
- Features: HTTP requests, HTML parsing, data storage.
- Category: Scraping framework
- GitHub stars: ~53.7k
- Weekly downloads: ~304k
💡 Learn more about web scraping with Scrapy.
| Library | Type | HTTP Requesting | HTML Parsing | JavaScript Rendering | Anti-detection | Learning Curve | GitHub Stars | Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selenium | Browser automation | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | Medium | ~31.2k | ~4.7M |
| Requests | HTTP client | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | Low | ~52.3k | ~128.3M |
| Beautiful Soup | HTML parser | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | Low | — | ~29M |
| SeleniumBase | Browser automation | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | High | ~8.8k | ~200k |
| curl_cffi | HTTP client | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | Medium | ~2.8k | ~310k |
| Playwright | Browser automation | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | High | ~12.2k | ~1.2M |
| Scrapy | Scraping framework | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | High | ~53.7k | ~304k |
These libraries are great for web scraping but face challenges like IP bans and CAPTCHAs. Consider using Bright Data solutions for enhanced capabilities. You can also learn how to scrape specific websites: