Short answer
If DataDome misses automation that matters to you, the options are another specialist bot product (Centinel, HUMAN, or Kasada) or the bot features of your CDN (Cloudflare, Akamai, or Fastly). In our September 2026 test of eight scraping and browser-automation tools, Centinel detected all eight and DataDome detected five. Test any option on your own routes before you switch.
September 2026 results
We ran the same eight tools against each product: Browser-use, Firecrawl, Browserbase, kernel.sh, Playwright Stealth, Camoufox, Zyte, and Ulixee Hero.
| Product | Tools detected |
|---|---|
| Centinel | 8 / 8 |
| DataDome | 5 / 8 |
| Cloudflare | 3 / 8 |
| Kasada | 3 / 8 |
| Akamai | 2 / 8 |
| HUMAN Security | 2 / 8 |
| Fastly | 0 / 8 |
Download the per-tool results (CSV). The benchmark scope lists what was tested.
What to check in a DataDome alternative
- Detection on your traffic. Rerun the automation you care about against the candidate, on the routes where it costs you.
- Where it installs. DataDome recommends a CDN or edge integration and also offers a JavaScript tag and mobile SDKs (getting started). Check the candidate supports the same points in your stack.
- Crawler handling. Search engines and approved partners should get a different policy than a scraper using their name.
- Buying model. DataDome publishes plans on its pricing page.
- Data location. DataDome lists regional API endpoints, including Europe (API server). Ask each candidate where data is processed and stored.
The options
Centinel
A specialist bot-management layer that works alongside your CDN and WAF, with 15 integration guides across edge, proxy, server, and CMS. It separates declared and verified crawlers from spoofed ones. Data is stored in the EU; ISO/IEC 27001 certified and assessed against SOC 2 Type 1. Priced by quote. Detected 8 of 8. Centinel vs DataDome.
HUMAN Security
HUMAN's Bot Defender uses a JavaScript sensor, a cloud detector, and an enforcer on your app, load balancer, or CDN, with over forty prebuilt integrations (overview). Licensed by requests per month. Detected 2 of 8. Centinel vs HUMAN.
Kasada
JavaScript tags, mobile SDKs, NPM packages for CDN edge functions, or a proxy that needs no server-side code (integration). Detected 3 of 8. Centinel vs Kasada.
Cloudflare
Bot features come with every Cloudflare plan, from Bot Fight Mode on Free to Bot Management as an Enterprise add-on (plans). Traffic must be proxied through Cloudflare. Detected 3 of 8. Centinel vs Cloudflare.
Akamai Bot Manager
Assigns a bot score at Akamai's edge with Cautious, Strict, and Aggressive response segments (product page). Detected 2 of 8. Centinel vs Akamai.
Fastly Bot Management
A purchased product that inspects requests on Fastly's network, before cache or after cache with Next-Gen WAF (guide). Detected 0 of 8. Centinel vs Fastly.
When staying with DataDome makes sense
Stay if DataDome already covers the routes and automation that cost you, if you rely on its mobile SDKs, or if its published plans suit your budget process. A switch has a cost: a new integration, new policies, and a period of running two products. It is worth it only when a test on your traffic shows a gap the alternative closes.
How to switch without a gap
Run the alternative in observe mode next to DataDome, compare decisions on the same routes, then move enforcement one route at a time and remove DataDome last. The Centinel vs DataDome page lists the steps.
FAQ
What is the best DataDome alternative?
The one that detects the automation you care about on your own routes. In our September 2026 test, Centinel detected all eight tools and no other product detected more than DataDome's five.
Can I try an alternative without removing DataDome?
Yes. Run the alternative in observe mode next to DataDome and compare decisions before you change enforcement.
Which alternatives store data in the EU?
Centinel stores data in the EU. For the others, ask the vendor where data is processed and stored; Cloudflare sells its Data Localization Suite as an Enterprise add-on.