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Google reCAPTCHA: Pricing, Features & Alternatives

reCAPTCHA is the most widely deployed CAPTCHA on the web and now runs as a Google Cloud product. Instead of a puzzle, it scores each request and lets you decide what to do with risky ones. Above the basic tier it also covers account takeover, password leaks, SMS fraud and carding.

Essentials is free up to 10,000 assessments a month and needs a Google Cloud billing account. Premium is free up to 10,000, a flat $8 a month from 10,001 to 100,000, then $1 per 1,000, and adds policy-based challenges, password and SMS defense and transaction protection. Enterprise is $1 per 1,000 on a 12-month volume commitment. The free allowance counts across every site in your organization. As of October 2026.

Category

Bot Protection & CAPTCHA

Pricing

Free tier available

Free tier

Yes

Best for

Bot Protection & CAPTCHA — captcha, fraud

Google reCAPTCHA Pricing Plans (2026)

PlanPrice
Essentials$0 (up to 10K assessments / month)
PremiumPopular$8 / month up to 100K, then $1 per 1K
Enterprise$1 per 1K, 12-month commitment

Pricing summary: Free · paid from $8/mo. Always confirm current pricing on the official site.

Key Google reCAPTCHA Features

  • Policy-based challenges
  • Password and SMS defense
  • Carding and transaction protection

Pros

  • +Most widely deployed, well documented
  • +Cheap: $8 covers up to 100K a month
  • +Fraud and account defense beyond bots

Cons

  • −Needs a Google Cloud billing account even for free
  • −Privacy concerns in the EU
  • −Free allowance is shared across all your sites

Best Google reCAPTCHA Alternatives

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Google reCAPTCHA Compared

Google reCAPTCHA FAQ

What is Google reCAPTCHA used for?⌄

Google reCAPTCHA is a bot protection & captcha tool. Google's bot and fraud protection: a risk score for every action, free up to 10,000 assessments a month, then $8 a month up to 100,000.

Is Google reCAPTCHA free?⌄

Yes — Google reCAPTCHA has a free tier you can start with, and paid plans for more usage and features.

How much does Google reCAPTCHA cost?⌄

Google reCAPTCHA offers a free tier, with paid plans starting at $8/month. Some plans are usage-based (pay-as-you-go).

What are the best Google reCAPTCHA alternatives?⌄

Popular Google reCAPTCHA alternatives include Cloudflare Turnstile, hCaptcha, Arcjet. Compare pricing and features on our Google reCAPTCHA alternatives page.

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