Summary
| Compared on | Kasada | Centinel |
|---|---|---|
| September 2026 test (8 tools) | 3 of 8 detected | 8 of 8 detected |
| Where it runs | JavaScript tags, mobile SDKs, NPM packages for CDN edge functions, or a proxy | Edge, CDN, reverse-proxy, server, and CMS integrations with browser-side checks |
| Buying model | Confirm with Kasada | Quote from the team after scoping; the site audit is free |
| Data location | Confirm with Kasada | Data stored in the EU |
The benchmark
In September 2026 we ran eight scraping and browser-automation tools against Centinel and against Kasada: Browser-use, Firecrawl, Browserbase, kernel.sh, Playwright Stealth, Camoufox, Zyte, and Ulixee Hero.
Centinel detected all eight. Kasada detected 3 of 8.
Per-tool detection results
| Scraping tool | Centinel | Kasada |
|---|---|---|
| Browser-use | Detected | Not detected |
| Firecrawl | Detected | Detected |
| Browserbase | Detected | Not detected |
| kernel.sh | Detected | Not detected |
| Playwright Stealth | Detected | Detected |
| Camoufox | Detected | Detected |
| Zyte | Detected | Not detected |
| Ulixee Hero | Detected | Not detected |
| Detected | 8 / 8 | 3 / 8 |
The table reports detection in the September 2026 test. See the benchmark scope for the tools and products compared. Download the published per-tool results (CSV).
When Kasada fits better
- You need native mobile SDKs. Kasada documents mobile SDKs alongside its JavaScript tags on its integration page. Centinel's integration guides do not include a native mobile SDK.
- You want to start without server-side code. Kasada offers a proxy integration that needs a routing change and no server-side code. Centinel installs as a module on your CDN, proxy, server, or CMS.
- Your team already runs it well. If Kasada covers the routes and automation that cost you, keep it. Add a second layer only where a test shows a gap.
Where Centinel fits
Centinel fits when browser-like automation still reaches a route that matters. In the September test, Centinel detected all eight tools, including Browser-use, Browserbase, kernel.sh, Zyte, and Ulixee Hero, which Kasada did not detect.
It also fits teams that must tell real crawlers from spoofed ones. Centinel separates declared and verified crawlers from spoofed or hidden automation. A search engine or approved partner can then get a different policy from a scraper that uses its name. You can check one address with the crawler verification tool.
Feature comparison
| Area | Kasada (from its integration page) | Centinel |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | JavaScript tags, NPM packages for CDN edge functions, or a proxy | 15 documented integrations across edge and CDN, reverse proxy and server, application and CMS |
| Mobile apps | Mobile SDKs | No native mobile SDK in the integration guides |
| Crawler identity | Confirm current crawler verification with Kasada | Separates declared and verified crawlers from spoofed ones |
| Responses | Confirm the responses available on your plan | Identify, observe, rate-limit, challenge, allow, or block, depending on the integration |
| Pricing model | Confirm with Kasada | Quote after scoping |
| EU and GDPR | Confirm data location with Kasada | Data stored in the EU; ISO/IEC 27001 certified; SOC 2 Type 1 programme in progress |
Source: Kasada's integration page. Centinel's guides are on the integrations page; its security posture is in the Trust Center.
Setup effort and pricing model
Kasada's proxy integration needs a routing change and no server-side code. Its tags and edge packages need code or CDN changes. Centinel is a module on the CDN, proxy, server, or CMS. Plan for one engineer who can change that configuration, the owner of the protected workflow, and a rollback path.
Centinel quotes per deployment: bring your domain, typical and peak traffic, and current stack. The site audit is free and needs no card.
Migrating from Kasada
- Pick the routes. List where automation costs the most and which automation you want to keep, such as search crawlers and monitoring.
- Run side by side. Add Centinel in observe mode on those routes while Kasada keeps enforcing. Centinel logs its decisions and blocks no request.
- Compare decisions. Review where the two disagree, using the tools above and any workflow you can reproduce safely.
- Move enforcement route by route. Switch one route to Centinel's policy, check the completion and error rates for legitimate visitors, then continue.
- Remove the old integration last. Keep Kasada in place until each route has run on the new policy for the review period in your evaluation plan.
The proof-of-concept scorecard turns these steps into a written evaluation plan.
FAQ
Is Centinel a Kasada alternative?
Yes. Both detect automated traffic and return a decision your integration enforces. In the September 2026 test, Centinel detected 8 of the 8 tools and Kasada detected 3.
Can I run Centinel alongside Kasada?
Yes. Run Centinel in observe mode next to Kasada, compare the decisions, and decide from your own traffic.
Does Centinel publish its prices?
No. Contact the team for current pricing, included usage, and contract terms. The site audit is free.
Where does Centinel store data?
Centinel stores data in the EU and is certified to ISO/IEC 27001. Its SOC 2 Type 1 programme is in progress.