Semrush vs. SpyFu: Which Is Best for SEOs in 2026? (original) (raw)
Semrush and SpyFu are effective SEO tools, but if you’re able to afford Semrush, you’ll unlock more capabilities for managing and analyzing your SEO efforts. SpyFu, however, is a cost-effective alternative for smaller businesses and freelancers.
Search engine optimization (SEO) takes time, which is why SEOs use (and love) SEO tools. If you’re looking at different SEO tools and wondering which ones are best (like Semrush vs. SpyFu), then keep reading for a breakdown!
Is Semrush or SpyFu better for SEO?
When it comes to Semrush vs. SpyFu in SEO, Semrush is a competitive choice for businesses looking for a powerful, diverse search engine optimization tool. Individuals looking for a more affordable choice, however, should consider SpyFu.
Compare Semrush vs. SpyFu
Start your research into Semrush vs. SpyFu using the comparison table below. For more in-depth information, keep reading!
| Features | Semrush | SpyFu |
|---|---|---|
| Average rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
| Best for | SEO experts SEO agencies Large organizations | SEO beginners SEO freelancers Small businesses |
| Pricing | Starting at 129.95/month∣Startingat129.95 / month | Starting at 129.95/month∣Startingat33 / month |
| Strengths | SEO and digital marketing toolkit, including PPC Keyword and backlink database size In-depth competitor analysis | Competitor keyword research Competitor backlink analysis Pay-per-click (PPC) research |
| Weaknesses | Overwhelming user interface Learning curve | Bigger focus on PPC vs. SEO Emphasis on competitor research vs. all SEO areas |
| Site audits | In-depth SEO audit | Basic SEO audit |
| Keyword research | Open-ended keyword research Keyword gap analysis | Competitor keyword data Competitor keyword performance |
| Keyword rank tracking | Location-based tracking Keyword labels Keyword cannibalization | Ranking history Keyword groups and labels |
| SEO content | Topic generation Content briefs | Topic generation |
| Competitor research | Keywords Backlinks PPC performance Share of voice Traffic sources | Keywords Backlinks PPC performance |
| Backlink analysis | Extensive backlink database Backlink gap Competitor lists | Backlink recommendations based on keyword |
| Customer support | Online chat Resource library Online classes | Online chat Phone Resource library |
| Ease of use | Harder due to learning curve | Easier due to interface |
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) | AI-based performance summaries Content-based AI tool Free AI tools outside subscription | Content-based AI tool |
Alternatives to SEMRush and Spyfu
- SEO Checker — free SEO Checker tool that gives you a complete audit of your site’s current SEO performance and a custom report with all the details.
- Keyword Generator – free keyword generator tool with essential data like search volume, keyword difficulty, and CPC.
- Ahrefs — a comprehensive SEO tool for backlink analysis, keyword research, and site audits
- Moz — features a robust suite of SEO tools for link building, audits, and on-page optimization
- SE Ranking — offers tools for website audits, backlink monitoring, and competitor analysis
Learn more about how Semrush and SpyFu compare below:
Ease of use
Semrush is not known for its user-friendliness. It’s not the worst tool out there in this category, but it could definitely stand to be more intuitive.
SpyFu, on the other hand, is known for being very easy to navigate and use (except for its graphs). For that reason, SpyFu wins out in this category with ease.
Winner: SpyFu
Pricing
Both Semrush and SpyFu offer a free plan, so neither tool has the advantage there. That means we’re left to examine their paid plans and see which one costs more.
Semrush’s plans start at 130permonth,andtheyonlygoupfromthere.Meanwhile,SpyFu’scheapestpaidplancostsaslittleas130 per month, and they only go up from there. Meanwhile, SpyFu’s cheapest paid plan costs as little as 130permonth,andtheyonlygoupfromthere.Meanwhile,SpyFu’scheapestpaidplancostsaslittleas16 per month if you pay annually, and $39 if you pay monthly. Even on a monthly plan, that’s still much, much cheaper than Semrush.
That means SpyFu is once again the winner here.
Winner: SpyFu
Research
Both Semrush and SpyFu give you the opportunity to research different opportunities for your SEO strategy, including keywords and competitors. So, how do they stack up against one another in this category?
When it comes to keywords, Semrush is definitely ahead of SpyFu — but the opposite is true of competitor analysis, which is SpyFu’s greatest strength. However, SpyFu has also been known to have issues with data accuracy, which gives Semrush the victory here by a slight edge.
Winner: Semrush
Generate Keyword Ideas in Seconds
Generate up to 50 tailored keyword ideas with essential data like search volume, keyword difficulty, and CPC – no login required!
Analysis
In addition to researching new opportunities, SpyFu and Semrush can both help you analyze your existing campaigns and resources. That includes your backlinks, website traffic, and more.
Both tools do well in this category. However, Semrush wins because it simply has more. It’s packed to the brim with analytics features, including an excellent backlink analysis tool that beats out SpyFu’s, making Semrush one of the best link building tools out there.
Winner: Semrush
Customer support
There’s nothing especially remarkable about SpyFu’s customer service. It’s fairly run-of-the-mill. However, it’s better than Semrush’s customer support, which is known for being excruciatingly slow and difficult. For that reason, this category is a no-brainer — SpyFu is the winner.
Winner: SpyFu
Inside Semrush
Learn more about Semrush’s pros and cons:
Semrush pros
When you use Semrush as your SEO tool, you’ll encounter several different benefits, including:
- Lots of features: One thing Semrush excels in is features. Though many of these features are only accessible through a paid plan, they include everything from lead finders to heat maps.
- Backlink analysis: One of Semrush’s best features is its backlink analysis feature. That’s where it gives you an overview of all the different websites linking to your site.
- Free plan: At the end of the day, a big part of your decision will probably come down to pricing. Semrush has an advantage there since it offers a free plan.
Semrush cons
There are plenty of benefits to using Semrush, but there are also plenty of downsides, including:
- Pricing: Semrush might offer a free plan, but that plan contains extremely limited features. For the good stuff, you’ll have to get one of the paid plans, which are very expensive.
- Customer service: One of Semrush’s biggest weak spots is its customer service, which many users say is infamously slow and unhelpful.
- Not user-friendly: Semrush’s user-friendliness isn’t the best, with an interface that’s tricky to navigate. That’s not to say it’s terrible, but it could definitely use work.
Inside SpyFu
Learn more about SpyFu’s pros and cons:
SpyFu pros
Just like Semrush, SpyFu has its share of advantages. Those advantages include:
- Competitive analysis: This should come as no surprise based on the name, but SpyFu’s biggest strength is its ability to help you spy on your competitors and get insight into their SEO, making it one of the top competitor analysis tools out there.
- User-friendliness: SpyFu is often praised for its intuitive and easily navigable interface, making it very easy to quickly become familiar with the tool.
- Free plan: Like Semrush, SpyFu does offer a free plan, so it’s still an option if you don’t have the budget to pay for it right now. Of course, this plan is also very limited.
SpyFu cons
Unfortunately, SpyFu also comes with several different downsides, including:
- Inaccurate data: Many users report that SpyFu has major issues with data accuracy, which can be very frustrating, since that’s supposed to be one of the tool’s main features.
- Non-user-friendly graphs: While most of the tool is user-friendly, that doesn’t extend to its graphs, which people find difficult to navigate and work with.
- Lack of search engine distinction: Some users report that SpyFu doesn’t distinguish between Google and other search engines, meaning you don’t always know where your traffic originates.
How to choose between Semrush and SpyFu
When choosing between any two SEO tools, whether it’s Semrush vs. SpyFu or Semrush vs. Ahrefs, the following questions can help narrow your choices:
- What is your budget?
- What capabilities do you need?
- Do you need non-SEO tools (both Semrush and SpyFu include digital marketing tools)?
- Are you the sole user, or will other team members use the tool?
- Do the tools offer a free trial or refund policy?
Since Semrush and SpyFu both offer free trials, we recommend exploring both so you can see which ones meet your needs the most. If you are looking for cheap SEO tools, these trials provide an excellent opportunity to evaluate their features and capabilities without any initial investment.
Ready to take your SEO to the next level?
Choosing the right SEO tools is just the beginning. Let our team of experienced SEO professionals help you navigate the complex world of search engine optimization and develop a customized strategy that delivers results. Contact us online today to learn more!
