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Distill.io’s Free plan checks cloud monitors no more often than once every 6 hours. Local monitors are different: Distill says they can check as often as every 5 seconds, but they run on your own browser or device rather than Distill’s servers.
Cloud versus local monitoring
The interval depends on where the monitor runs. Distill’s current pricing page lists a 6-hour minimum interval for Free-plan cloud monitors. Its Free plan includes 5 cloud monitors, with up to 25 monitors overall. Distill.io pricing
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For local monitors, Distill’s feature page lists a minimum interval of 5 seconds. A local monitor runs on your own machine, so it cannot check while that device or browser is unavailable. Distill recommends local monitoring for shorter intervals; its Live schedule is also for local monitors only. Distill.io features Distill monitoring schedules
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| Monitor type | Fastest stated interval | Where it runs | Availability consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud | 6 hours on the Free plan | Distill’s servers | Does not depend on your own device staying available. |
| Local | 5 seconds | Your browser or machine | Checks depend on your device being available. |
Distill support has also described a Free-plan desktop-app example with up to 25 monitors checking every 30 seconds, including 5 cloud monitors. That example concerns desktop/local monitoring; it does not change the Free cloud interval. Distill support forum
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- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Free-plan check allowance and how checks are counted
The Free plan lists 1,000 cloud checks per month. The 6-hour interval is the minimum scheduling interval for cloud monitors; the monthly allowance is a separate usage limit. Distill describes browser-extension checks as unlimited, while cloud checks are restricted. Distill.io pricing
Cloud usage is counted in 10-second units based on how long a check takes. A cloud check that takes longer than 10 seconds can consume more than one unit, so the number of checks you can run within the monthly allowance depends partly on page-check duration. Distill cloud checks
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Which type should you choose?
- Choose cloud monitoring if you need Distill to check without relying on your own computer or browser being available, and a six-hour minimum interval is acceptable on the Free plan.
- Choose local monitoring if you need a shorter interval and can keep the relevant device available. The stated 5-second interval is local, not a way to accelerate cloud checks.
Or skip the browser setup
Distill monitors pages for changes; ScreenshotNeo is a separate service for capturing website screenshots, not a replacement for change alerts. If you need a screenshot, one GET request can return an image or PDF. For example, this cURL request saves a WebP screenshot of Stripe:
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webp
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- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
See the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for options. Before capture, it can accept cookie or consent banners and remove supported consent platforms, newsletter popups, and chat widgets. Bot checks, blank pages, failed loads, timeouts, and cache hits are not billed. ScreenshotNeo also provides an MCP server for AI agents, and its Free plan includes 1,000 screenshots a month with no card required; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 screenshots. Learn more at ScreenshotNeo.
Sign up for 1,000 free screenshots a month, with no card.
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