Semrush vs SpyFu
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. SpyFu has the lower starting price: about $39 a month, against $139 for Semrush.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Keyword research
- Rank tracking
- Site audit
- Backlink analysis
- AI visibility tracking
- Competitor keyword lists
- Google Ads history
- Ad budget estimates
- Rank tracking
- Backlink lists
| Feature | Semrush | SpyFu |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | SEO, AI search visibility and competitor research in one suite | Competitor research for organic keywords and Google Ads |
| Category | Marketing | Marketing |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $139/mo | $39/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Semrush (Adobe) | SpyFu |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Both offer: Rank tracking.
Pricing compared
SpyFu has the lower starting price: about $39 a month, against $139 for Semrush.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
5 plans
Free
Free
- 1 demo project
- 10 reports per day
- No credit card required
SEO
$139/mo
- 5 websites to monitor
- 500 keywords tracked daily
- Basic keyword and competitor research
Starter
$199/mo
- SEO + AI Search
- Keyword research and optimization
- AI visibility tracking
Pro+
$299/mo
- 15 websites to monitor
- 1,500 keywords tracked
- Historical SEO data
- Unlimited AI prompts tracked
Enterprise
Contact sales
- Custom limits
- Enterprise SEO and AI platform
3 plans
Basic
$39/mo
- SEO and PPC competitor research
- Keyword and rank tracking
Professional
$79/mo
- Higher limits
- API access
Team
$299/mo
- Multiple users
- Highest limits
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Semrush
- Very broad keyword and traffic database
- Covers SEO, ads, content and social
- Tracks brand mentions in AI answers
- Expensive once you add users and toolkits
- Busy interface with a learning curve
SpyFu
- Deep historical ad data
- Low cost for unlimited searches
- Simple to use
- Data mostly limited to US and UK
- Fewer technical SEO tools
Which one should you choose?
Choose Semrush if you want:
- Very broad keyword and traffic database
- Covers SEO, ads, content and social
- Tracks brand mentions in AI answers
Watch out: expensive once you add users and toolkits.
Choose SpyFu if you want:
- Deep historical ad data
- Low cost for unlimited searches
- Simple to use
Watch out: data mostly limited to us and uk.
Semrush vs SpyFu FAQ
What is the difference between Semrush and SpyFu?
Semrush: SEO, AI search visibility and competitor research in one suite. SpyFu: Competitor research for organic keywords and Google Ads. Both are marketing tools.
Is Semrush or SpyFu cheaper?
SpyFu has the lower starting price: about $39 a month, against $139 for Semrush.
Do Semrush and SpyFu have free plans?
Semrush: Yes. SpyFu: Yes.
Who makes Semrush?
Semrush is made by Semrush (Adobe), based in United States.
Who makes SpyFu?
SpyFu is made by SpyFu, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Semrush or SpyFu?
Choose Semrush if you value very broad keyword and traffic database and covers seo, ads, content and social. Choose SpyFu if you value deep historical ad data and low cost for unlimited searches.