ApifyForge vs Apify Store
The Apify Store is where actors are published and run. ApifyForge is a free platform that adds quality scores, cost estimation, side-by-side comparisons, and 14 developer tools on top of the Apify Store. ApifyForge is built by Ryan Clinton and is not affiliated with Apify.
Last updated March 23, 2026
| Feature | Apify Store | ApifyForge |
|---|---|---|
| Actor directory | All public actors | 300+ curated actors with quality scores |
| Actor search | Basic keyword search | Category browse, recommender engine, quality filters |
| Pricing info | Listed on actor page | Cost calculator with PPE breakdown before you run |
| Side-by-side comparisons | No | 20 comparison pages with feature matrices |
| Quality scores | No | Maintenance pulse, success rates, build frequency |
| Developer tools | Built-in test/build | 14 free tools: schema validator, test runner, regression suite, MCP debugger, and more |
| Fleet analytics | Basic run stats | Revenue tracking, health monitoring, competitor analysis, cost watchdog |
| MCP server directory | Listed as actors | 90+ MCP servers with connection config and tool documentation |
| Learning resources | Apify Academy | 6 guides, 31 help articles, 20 glossary terms, 18 use cases |
| Cost | Free to browse, PPE to run | Free platform, PPE to run actors |
| Who runs actors | Your Apify account | Your Apify account (same) |
| Built by | Apify (company) | Ryan Clinton (independent developer) |
Use the Apify Store when you...
- -Already know which actor you need
- -Want to browse all public actors (not just one developer's)
- -Need to manage billing, schedules, and storage directly
- -Want to publish your own actors
Use ApifyForge when you...
- -Don't know which actor to pick and want recommendations
- -Want to compare similar actors side-by-side before committing
- -Need to estimate costs before running anything
- -Manage a portfolio of actors and want fleet analytics
- -Need developer tools for testing, validation, and debugging
- -Want to connect MCP servers to Claude, Cursor, or Windsurf
How they work together
ApifyForge is not a replacement for the Apify Store. It is a companion that adds a discovery and tooling layer on top. Here is a typical workflow:
Discover
Browse actors on ApifyForge or use the recommender to find what you need.
Compare
Check comparison pages and cost calculators to pick the best option.
Run
Click through to the Apify Store and run the actor on your account.
Manage
Use ApifyForge dashboard and developer tools to monitor and optimize.
Transparency
ApifyForge is built by Ryan Clinton, who also maintains 300+ actors on the Apify Store. The directory currently indexes actors from Ryan's portfolio. The developer tools (cost calculator, schema validator, test runner, etc.) work with any Apify actor regardless of who built it. Ryan earns revenue when users run his actors via Apify's standard pay-per-event model (developer keeps 80%, Apify takes 20%). The platform itself is free and generates no revenue.
Frequently asked questions
Is ApifyForge affiliated with Apify?
No. ApifyForge is an independent project. It uses the Apify API and hosts actors on the Apify Store, but has no corporate relationship with Apify.
Do I need an Apify account to use ApifyForge?
You can browse the directory, comparisons, and guides without an account. You need an Apify account to use the dashboard, run actors, or access developer tools.
Will ApifyForge start charging?
No. The platform is permanently free. There are no plans for a premium tier, feature gates, or subscription.
Where do my actors actually run?
On the Apify platform, in your account. ApifyForge never touches your data or runs anything on its own infrastructure. Every run appears in your Apify console.
Can I use ApifyForge tools with actors built by other developers?
Yes. The developer tools accept any actor ID. Cost calculator, schema validator, test runner, and other tools work with any public or private actor on your Apify account.