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Quick verdict

SpyFu is the budget competitor-research tool with deep Google Ads history. Semrush is the complete suite with bigger databases and more tools.

Side by side

SemrushSpyFu
Our rating4.4/54.3/5
Value3.9/54.5/5
Features4.9/54.2/5
Ease of use4.1/54.5/5
Output quality4.7/54.1/5
CategorySEOSEO
Free planLimited free account (10 requests/day)Limited free searches; 30-day money-back
Cheapest paid plan (monthly)$139/mo$39/mo
Same plan billed yearly$117.33/mo$29/mo
Top planAdvanced: $549/moTeam/Agency: $249/mo
Seats1 user per plan; extra seats cost more1 user (5 on Team)
Trial / refund7-day trial on some plans30-day money-back guarantee
PlatformsWeb, APIWeb
Best forMarketers who want SEO, PPC and content research in one toolSmall businesses and PPC marketers researching competitors cheaply

Semrush: pros & cons

  • Huge keyword and competitor database
  • Covers SEO, ads, content and AI search
  • Strong reporting
  • Expensive, especially with extra seats
  • Overwhelming for beginners

Read the full Semrush review

SpyFu: pros & cons

  • Cheapest serious competitor-research tool
  • Strong Google Ads history
  • Unlimited searches on Pro
  • Smaller backlink data than Ahrefs or Semrush
  • US/UK-focused data

Read the full SpyFu review

At a glance

Semrush SpyFu
Entry $139/mo $39/mo ($29 yearly)
Data Larger, global US/UK focus
Best for Full SEO & marketing Budget competitor research

Frequently asked questions

Is SpyFu as good as Semrush?

Not as broad, but excellent value for competitor keywords and ads.

Which is cheaper?

SpyFu, by a wide margin.

Questions from readers

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