--- description: "Semrush vs DataForSEO: Which solution wins in 2026? Compare pricing, features, and analyst ratings side-by-side to find the best SEO Software for your business." --- [Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) > [Marketing Automation](https://www.selecthub.com/category/marketing-automation/) > [SEO Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/seo-software/) > [Semrush](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/semrush/) > Semrush vs DataForSEO # Semrush vs DataForSEO Last Updated: October 19th, 2026 We compared **[Semrush](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/semrush/)** vs. **[DataForSEO](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/dataforseo/)** to help you decide which product makes more sense for you. Our comparison of these **[SEO Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/seo-software/)** solutions is based on user reviews and publicly available information about each product’s features and pricing. [Overview](#product-overview) [Pricing](#product-pricing) [Our Review](#product-analyst-summary) [User Ratings](#user-sentiment-section) [Features](#product-benefits-features) [Screenshots](#product-screenshots) Remove Add to Compare [![Semrush Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/a3d102cbbb0c4b3b8f0f4bcac52072e6-879bbb384bcb78e0047ebf7535e260c1/resources/normal/logo.png?1735118809)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/semrush/) [![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg)](#awards-section) Remove Add to Compare [![DataForSEO Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/87da00efc5e7f70a6361d0492957b9cc-53bbb4e13253ccf1dfc0080b115b441d/resources/normal/logo.png?1740505436)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/dataforseo/) [![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg)](#awards-section) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=SEO+Software&product_name=Semrush&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fa3d102cbbb0c4b3b8f0f4bcac52072e6-879bbb384bcb78e0047ebf7535e260c1%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1735118809) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=SEO+Software&product_name=Semrush&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fa3d102cbbb0c4b3b8f0f4bcac52072e6-879bbb384bcb78e0047ebf7535e260c1%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1735118809)    [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=SEO+Software&product_name=Semrush&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fa3d102cbbb0c4b3b8f0f4bcac52072e6-879bbb384bcb78e0047ebf7535e260c1%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1735118809&price=3) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=SEO+Software&product_name=Semrush&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fa3d102cbbb0c4b3b8f0f4bcac52072e6-879bbb384bcb78e0047ebf7535e260c1%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1735118809&price=3) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=SEO+Software&product_name=DataForSEO&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F87da00efc5e7f70a6361d0492957b9cc-53bbb4e13253ccf1dfc0080b115b441d%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1740505436) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=SEO+Software&product_name=DataForSEO&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F87da00efc5e7f70a6361d0492957b9cc-53bbb4e13253ccf1dfc0080b115b441d%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1740505436)    [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=SEO+Software&product_name=DataForSEO&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F87da00efc5e7f70a6361d0492957b9cc-53bbb4e13253ccf1dfc0080b115b441d%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1740505436&price=2) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=SEO+Software&product_name=DataForSEO&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F87da00efc5e7f70a6361d0492957b9cc-53bbb4e13253ccf1dfc0080b115b441d%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1740505436&price=2) ### Products Insights Product Ranking ## #1 among all SEO Software ## #30 among all SEO Software [Find out who the leaders are](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard?post_type=auto_vs_article&category_slug=seo-software&product_slug=semrush&category=SEO+Software) Price Starts From $139.95 Monthly [Free Trial is available →]() Custom Quote  i [Free Trial is available →]() Pros What we like about Semrush and DataForSEO: - Includes a deep keyword database with search volume and difficulty for finding worthwhile terms - Covers competitor keywords, backlinks, ad copy, and PPC strategy in one place - Bundles site audits, rank tracking, and on-page recommendations in a single interface - Users praise the granular data quality across keywords, SERPs, and backlinks - Well-documented APIs make it straightforward to plug into custom workflows - Pay-as-you-go pricing keeps costs tied to actual data usage Cons What we dislike about Semrush and DataForSEO: - Users find it expensive, especially for smaller marketing budgets - Has a steep learning curve that frustrates SEO newcomers and anyone wanting a simpler tool - Users report organic traffic estimates can be off at times - API-first design means a steep learning curve if you're not comfortable with code - Users report some queries return irrelevant results even when following the tutorials - Lacks a built-in interface for non-technical marketers who want point-and-click tools ### Our Review **Bottom line:** Semrush and DataForSEO solve SEO problems from opposite ends. Pick Semrush if you want a ready-made platform your marketing team can log into and use today. Pick DataForSEO if you have developers and want raw SEO data to power your own tools or dashboards. Semrush fits marketing teams, agencies, and in-house SEOs who want everything in one interface. You get keyword research, site audits, rank tracking, backlinks, and paid search insights without writing any code. Users like how much it covers, though some flag that organic traffic estimates aren't always spot on. DataForSEO works best if you're building software, running an agency that needs custom reporting, or have a developer who can wire up API calls. Users compare its data favorably with bigger suites, especially on price. The catch is the API-first setup, which can feel daunting if you're not technical. On pricing, Semrush starts at $139.95 per month, so the cost is predictable. DataForSEO uses quote-based pricing tied to API usage, so you'll need to contact SelectHub for a number that fits your volume. If you need a turnkey tool with an interface, Semrush is the easier path despite the cost. If you want flexibility, granular data, and only pay for what you pull, DataForSEO is the better fit, as long as you have the technical chops to use it. ### User Sentiment Summary Semrush has a user sentiment rating of 94 based on 3767 reviews. DataForSEO has a user sentiment rating of 100 based on 9 reviews. ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 3767 reviews ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 9 reviews Synopsis Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 94% *of users recommend this product* Semrush has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 94% when considering 3767 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites. 100% *of users recommend this product* DataForSEO has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 100% when considering 9 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites. User Review Scores**Software Advice, Inc** **4.67** (1881) **5.0** (9) **Capterra Inc** **4.7** (1886) n/a ### Awards SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. Semrush stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. ![User Favorite Award](<> "User Favorite Award") DataForSEO stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. ![User Favorite Award](<> "User Favorite Award") ### Product Assistance Training Resources Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Help Desk Knowledge Base Tickets Training 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Help Desk Knowledge Base Tickets Training 24/7 Live Support ### Product Basics Company Size i Small Medium Large Small Medium Large Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Deployment Supported Cloud On-Premise Mobile Cloud On-Premise Mobile Comparison of Top Alternatives [Semrush Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/seo-software/semrush/alternatives/) [DataForSEO Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/seo-software/dataforseo/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Videos]() ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() ### Key Features - **Keyword research** – Pulls search volume, difficulty, and competitive density inside the Semrush interface, no API setup required. - **Competitor analysis** – Shows competitors' top keywords, ad copies, and backlink sources through ready-made reports you can browse directly. - **Backlink analysis** – Tracks domain authority, anchor text distribution, and referring domains through a built-in dashboard. - **SEO writing assistant** – Gives real-time suggestions on readability, tone, and keyword usage as you draft content. - **Keyword data API** – Returns search volume, CPC, and competition data through API calls you can pipe into your own tools. - **Competitor analysis** – Compares keyword rankings and backlink profiles against competitors via API endpoints built for custom reporting. - **Backlink data API** – Pulls referring domains and anchor text data into your own stack instead of a fixed dashboard. - **Global coverage** – Supports data from over 100,000 locations, useful if you need fine-grained geographic targeting. ### Top Alternatives in SEO Software [![Advanced Web Ranking Software Tool]()--- Advanced Web Ranking](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/advanced-web-ranking/) [![Answer Socrates Software Tool]()--- Answer Socrates](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/answer-socrates/) [![AnswerThePublic Software Tool]()--- AnswerThePublic](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/answerthepublic/) [![Clearscope Software Tool]()--- Clearscope](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/clearscope/) [![Goodie AI Software Tool]()--- Goodie AI](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/goodie-ai/) [![KWFinder Software Tool]()--- KWFinder](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/kwfinder/) [![Link Explorer Software Tool]()--- Link Explorer](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/link-explorer/) [![mangools Software Tool]()--- mangools](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/mangools/) [![RankIQ Software Tool]()--- RankIQ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/rankiq/) [![RankRanger Software Tool]()--- RankRanger](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/rankranger/) [![Raven Tools Software Tool]()--- Raven Tools](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/raven-tools/) [![Screaming Frog SEO Spider Software Tool]()--- Screaming Frog SEO Spider](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/screaming-frog-seo-spider/) [![SE Ranking Software Tool]()--- SE Ranking](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/se-ranking/) [![Search Atlas Software Tool]()--- Search Atlas](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/search-atlas/) [![SEOptimer Software Tool]()--- SEOptimer](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/seoptimer/) [![Serpstat Software Tool]()--- Serpstat](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/serpstat/) [![SpyFu Software Tool]()--- SpyFu](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/spyfu/) [![Surfer SEO Software Tool]()--- Surfer SEO](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/surfer-seo/) [![Ubersuggest Software Tool]()--- Ubersuggest](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/ubersuggest/) [![WebCEO Software Tool]()--- WebCEO](https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/webceo/) ### Related Categories Semrush and DataForSEO can also be found with other leading products in these categories: [Market Intelligence Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/market-intelligence-software/) [Marketing Automation Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/marketing-automation-software/) Show more [Marketing Automation Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/marketing-automation-software/) Show more ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![Semrush Software Tool]() ![Advanced Web Ranking Software Tool]() [Semrush VS Advanced Web Ranking](https://www.selecthub.com/seo-software/semrush-vs-advanced-web-ranking/) ![Semrush Software Tool]() ![Clearscope Software Tool]() [Semrush VS Clearscope](https://www.selecthub.com/seo-software/semrush-vs-clearscope/) ![Semrush Software Tool]() ![KWFinder Software Tool]() [Semrush VS KWFinder](https://www.selecthub.com/seo-software/semrush-vs-kwfinder/) ![Semrush Software Tool]() ![mangools Software Tool]() [Semrush VS mangools](https://www.selecthub.com/seo-software/semrush-vs-mangools/) ![Semrush Software Tool]() ![RankIQ Software Tool]() [Semrush VS RankIQ](https://www.selecthub.com/seo-software/semrush-vs-rankiq/) ![Semrush Software Tool]() ![SE Ranking Software Tool]() [Semrush VS SE Ranking](https://www.selecthub.com/seo-software/semrush-vs-se-ranking/) ![Semrush Software Tool]() ![Search Atlas Software Tool]() [Semrush VS Search Atlas](https://www.selecthub.com/seo-software/semrush-vs-search-atlas/) ![Semrush Software Tool]() ![SEOptimer Software Tool]() [Semrush VS SEOptimer](https://www.selecthub.com/seo-software/semrush-vs-seoptimer/) ![Semrush Software Tool]() ![Serpstat Software Tool]() [Semrush VS Serpstat](https://www.selecthub.com/seo-software/semrush-vs-serpstat/) ![Semrush Software Tool]() ![SpyFu Software Tool]() [Semrush VS SpyFu](https://www.selecthub.com/seo-software/semrush-vs-spyfu/) ![Semrush Software Tool]() ![Surfer SEO Software Tool]() [Semrush VS Surfer SEO](https://www.selecthub.com/seo-software/semrush-vs-surfer-seo/) ![Semrush Software Tool]() ![Ubersuggest Software Tool]() [Semrush VS Ubersuggest](https://www.selecthub.com/seo-software/semrush-vs-ubersuggest/) **About SelectHub (and our data)** We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies. WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more... ![SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics]() ![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. Close ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.selecthub.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Marketing Automation", "item": "https://www.selecthub.com/category/marketing-automation/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "SEO Software", "item": "https://www.selecthub.com/c/seo-software/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Semrush", "item": "https://www.selecthub.com/p/seo-software/semrush/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 5, "name": "Semrush Vs DataForSEO" } ] } ```