Bright Data supports two primary ways to send requests and retrieve data:

  1. API Access - Interact with Bright Data’s platform using standard HTTP methods (e.g., GET, POST).
curl https://api.brightdata.com/request -H "Content-Type: application/json" -H "Authorization: Bearer <API_KEY>" -d "{"zone": "zone_name","url": "https://www.example.com", "format": "raw"}"
  1. Native access - Direct interaction with Bright Data’s platform via proxy protocols tailored to each product.
curl -i --proxy brd.superproxy.io:33335 --proxy-user <USERNAME>:<PASSWORD> "https://www.example.com"

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Comparison: API vs. Native Access

FeatureAPI AccessNative Access
Used forSeamless integration with scripts, automation tools, or third-party APIsDirect proxy connections in browsers, crawlers, or proxy-compatible tools
Recommended products- Unlocker
- SERP
- Browsers
- Scrapers
- Functions
- Marketplace
Proxies
SSL certificateNot requiredRequired for most products (except Data Center and ISP proxies)
Account verificationGenerally not requiredRequired for specific domains
Connection viaAPI endpointProxy endpoint
AuthenticationAPI keyusername:password
Output optionsHTML or JSONHTML

Both API and Native access methods are billed at the same rate. Usage is charged according to your pricing plan for each Bright Data product.