Bright Data’s proxy and unlocking platform (Web Unlocker, SERP and Proxy products) can be accessed via two methods:

  1. API Access - Interacts with the Bright Data platform through standardized HTTP methods (e.g. GET, POST, REST API calls) and endpoints, to send requests and retrieve structured data (JSON or HTML).

    Best for: Seamless, scalable integrations with internal scripts or third-party applications.

  2. Native access - Direct interaction with Bright Data’s platform via proxy protocols tailored to each product.

    Required for: Direct integrations with web browsers and third-party tools that require standard proxy connections (IP:port)

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Request examples

API access

curl https://api.brightdata.com/request -H "Content-Type: application/json" -H "Authorization: Bearer <API_TOKEN>" -d "{"zone": "zone_name","url": "https://www.example.com", "format": "raw"}"

Native access

curl -i --proxy brd.superproxy.io:33335 --proxy-user <USERNAME>:<PASSWORD> "https://www.example.com"

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API vs Native Comparison

ParameterAPI accessNative access
Recommended productWeb Unlocker, SERP API, ProxiesProxies - when direct proxy connection is needed
SSL certificateNot requiredRequired for the use of most products (exception for Datacenter and ISP proxies)
Account verificationGenerally not requiredRequired for specific domains
Connection viaAPI endpointProxy endpoint
AuthenticationAPI tokenusername:password
Output optionsHTML or JSONHTML

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Billing

Both Native and API access methods are billed at the same cost. Billing is based on your regular pricing per Bright Data product.

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