Many SEO experts, including us, will agree that Semrush is enough to make your SEO top-notch. However, you’re likely looking for a Semrush vs SpyFu comparison because the former is out of your budget. Truthfully, Semrush can be a bit costly.
On the other hand, SpyFu is one of the cheapest SEO tools around. Both seemingly offer plenty of features. While Semrush is an all-arounder, SpyFu specializes in competitive analysis and PPC research. Both are, therefore, serious SEO players to look out for.
Now, this SpyFu vs Semrush duel will be interesting. We’re pining two SEO tools against each other whose price differences are enormous. It’ll be enticing to see if SpyFu can match Semrush’s unrelenting stride of greatness. At the end, we’ll answer an important question.
Which SEO tool to choose; Semrush or SpyFu? Answers are below – stay with us.
SpyFu vs Semrush: Keyword Research
Keyword research is paramount to success. By knowing which keywords to target, you can build your SEO strategy for the long term.
SpyFu and Semrush offer some impressive keyword research tools and features to help you get along and improve SEO dramatically.
SpyFu
SpyFu’s Keyword Research tool is pretty intuitive. You enter the term and see its related information. We love its comprehensive graph on the left, which shows the monthly volume, estimated clicks, mobile-vs-desktop clicks, paid clicks, and so on. The difficulty is there too.
However, in our SpyFu vs Semrush comparison, SpyFu’s estimations were a bit off. The “SEO Tools” keyword’s difficulty was 55. Semrush’s was 92 and that’s a more accurate estimation given the broadness of the keyword. Like Semrush, SpyFu provides lots of suggestions.
There are several categories, such as:
- Similar Keywords
- Questions
- Also Ranks For
- Also Buys Ads for
The latter is part of SpyFu’s PPC-focused nature. It lets you see the keywords that the top advertisers on the given keyword buy. For example, for the “SEO Tools” keyword, we scrolled down to find that Semrush is the most successful advertiser – pretty interesting.
The Keyword Research tool includes ranking history but we also found the Backlinks feature interesting. This one displays the best backlinks that will help you rank on the given keyword. Among Keyword Research is the SERP Analysis tab.
You can use it to see your competitor’s SERP features for the provided keyword. This is a nice way of inspecting the playing field and discovering your competitor’s tactics that enabled them to appear in a SERP feature. As said, SpyFu’s competitor SEO analysis is top-notch.
Semrush
Don’t think SpyFu has revolutionized keyword research. Semrush offers everything we mentioned so far, and to that, adds a more accurate difficult calculation. Moreover, Semrush comes with the search intent metric that explains the reasoning behind the keyword search.
For example, if the intent is Commercial, it means users want to investigate a brand or service. Semrush includes plentiful keyword ideas and questions; more so than SpyFu. Its Keyword Magic Tool is a delicacy, made specifically for keyword suggestions.
We use it to find long-tail keywords by implementing keyword length filters. Additionally, this tool lets you explore related keywords in multiple languages, making it SEO-friendly for non-English-speaking users.
Competitive research in Semrush is out of this world.
It offers the Keyword and Backlink Gap tools for this purpose. The former is more important in this part of our Semrush vs SpyFu duel. It highlights the keywords your competitors rank on but your domain doesn’t, enabling you to “catch up” by implementing them.
You’ll find other metrics from SpyFu here. For example, each keyword analysis offers its ad copies, keyword ad history, SERP analysis, and CPC data. You’ll also discover competitive density, whose lower score indicates that it’s easier to rank on the keyword.
Semrush includes the Keyword Strategy Builder, giving you ideas for the pillar page. You can use the pillar page to create subpages and interlink them, boosting your SEO dramatically. All of this is possible with Semrush’s clever strategy builder within minutes.
Who Wins?
Both tools perform like a charm so far. However, Semrush wins against SpyFu in keyword research. As it offers the same PPC data PLUS other, more capable keyword-related tools, choosing Semrush will result in a more favorable outcome.
Perform Keyword Research With Semrush
PPC Analysis of Semrush and SpyFu
Since PPC research is one of SpyFu’s key features, we decided to throw in this category as well. We’ll see if it can match Semrush and how good both are overall.
SpyFu
Starting with SpyFu, its PPC research is impressive, with ample information about ad-related stuff.
Click on PPC Overview, enter the domain name, and discover its paid keywords, estimated monthly clicks, approximate PPC budget, and more. We appreciate the Google Ads Advisor, which suggests which keywords you should bid on.
Better yet, you get ad templates!
These can be implemented with Google Ads to improve your PPC advertising. Interestingly, SpyFu’s ad history is “better” than Semrush’s. We’re looking at 18 years of keyword ad history, as opposed to 12 in Semrush. What about competitive analysis in this aspect?
SpyFu displays the competitors who bid on the same keyword. You can try to outbid them or capitalize on their other weaknesses.
Semrush
Semrush’s PPC data is equally impressive. The Advertising tab opens up plenty of tools, such as Advertising Dashboard, PLA Research, Ads History, and more. We love its PLA Research tool because it enables you to analyze Google Product Listing Ads; great for eCommerce.
Another point for Semrush is information delivery. For instance, the Advertising Dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of PLA ads run by the analyzed domain. Unfortunately for Semrush, SpyFu’s Google Ads Advisor and Google Ads Templates are unique.
On the flip side, Semrush includes a third-party AdClarity add-on that you can test for free. It’s phenomenal for improving your ad strategy on different platforms, including social media websites where a good ad implementation can mean a world of difference.
Who Wins?
SpyFu can be a Semrush alternative when it comes to PPC research. Both are impressive in this regard but SpyFu takes the lead, as it offers two unique tools (Google Ads Advisor and Google Ads Templates) and offers surprisingly in-depth data, with 18 years of ad history.
Backlink Analysis & Link Building
Let’s discuss backlink-related features now. This SpyFu vs Semrush comparison is a stalemate but this round will move the needle to one side again.
SpyFu
This tool can display your or competitor’s domain’s backlinks in the Overview tab. If you use the dedicated Backlinks tool in SEO Research, you’ll find more data. Earlier in this Semrush vs SpyFu duel, we mentioned that the Backlinks tool functions a tad differently.
You need to provide a keyword. After that, SpyFu shows you Google-indexed pages effective in helping other sites rank for the keyword you provided.
Inadvertently – or not – this serves as a link-building tool.
You can use these links based on their organic clicks, domain strength, and other parameters. The problem is, these links aren’t usually credible because some of them are broken and are virtually useless. SpyFu includes a feature called Kombat, which can be used on the same page.
It’s a Backlink Gap tool that shows you pages that link to your competitors but not you.
One thing we dislike is the lack of backlink audits. This means you can’t gauge your backlink profile directly and fix backlink-related errors. Also, SpyFu’s backlink database is noticeably smaller than Semrush’s, so expect a degree of inaccuracy for the referring domains metric.
Semrush
Semrush’s Backlink Analytics tool analyzes the domain’s backlink profile in seconds. You’ll get the toxicity score, which is based on the number of toxic backlinks. Each toxic backlink can be examined and removed to prevent it from harming your ranking on Google.
Our experts have published an article on this topic, explaining how to rank higher on Google.
The Backlink Analytics tool also comes with the authority score metric, which is a result of the domain’s reputation. The more quality backlinks it has, the higher its reputation is. Semrush shows you backlink types, link attributes, and the top pages, as well.
Additionally, there’s the Backlink Audit tool we wanted to see in SpyFu. This tool lets you disavow the links that you want Google to ignore. The Backlink Gap tool makes its return, gauging your competitor’s referring domains to yours and displaying the “gaps.”
As the icing on the cake, there’s the CRM-like Link-Building Tool. Using its Prospects tab displays advised backlinks you should try to acquire. From here, you can directly get in touch with the advised domain and ask for a backlink, guest post, product review, or whatnot.
Who Wins?
Semrush takes this round. It has a larger backlink database paired with nifty tools like Backlink Audit and Link-Building Tool. SpyFu’s attempt at link-building is futile, and Semrush is brilliant in this aspect (which is why it’s the best-performing backlink tool).
Improve Your Backlink Profile With Semrush
Rank Tracking: SpyFu or Semrush?
We must also explore their rank-tracking abilities and see which SEO tool is better, Semrush or SpyFu. This part of the article contains a few important points, so read it carefully.
SpyFu
SpyFu includes basic rank-tracking functions, letting you discover ranking history, organic clicks, volumes, and SEO clicks. Once you provide the domain address, SpyFu shows all ranking keywords and you can choose each to discover their parameters.
It’s worth mentioning SpyFu’s ranking history again. As said, its history goes back to 18 years, whereas, Semrush’s is capped at 12. However, the overall impression is that SpyFu’s rank-tracking is a bit half-baked. For one, the tool updates rankings weekly.
This is akin to Ahrefs but in that tool, you can pay $100/mo to get daily updates. We don’t say you should do that; instead, switch to Semrush and get daily updates – simple. SpyFu’s rank-tracking is more generous than Semrush’s in terms of trackable keywords.
For example, the Basic plan tracks 5,000 keywords, while the Professional can do 15,000.
Semrush
Semrush is no slouch regarding rank-tracking. We stated that SpyFu offers more generous limits but we don’t think you’ll ever need to track 15,000 keywords. Semrush has a few advantages, however. First, it updates rank-tracking details daily instead of weekly.
Then, there’s the larger keyword database, which results in more accurate information. SpyFu lacks cannibalization reports. Semrush has them, showing you if two or more pages rank for the same keyword. Though, it’s good to know that this feature starts from the Guru plan.
See our Semrush Guru vs Pro comparison to see which plan is better for you. Moving on with the Semrush vs SpyFu duel, the former offers more valuable information. For example, you can see keywords with positive and negative impacts on your ranking.
There’s also a list of top keywords and a ranking distribution graph. Semrush can be set up to track your keyword rankings across multiple devices; mobile and desktop. This is beneficial for improving your site’s mobile version and gaining an upper hand on your rivals.
Who Wins?
Semrush wins against SpyFu for rank-tracking. Its daily updates paired with extensive data and cannibalization reports are top-notch. While SpyFu is good, it can’t rival Semrush and its advanced features.
Track Rankings Daily With Semrush
Site Audits (Technical SEO)
Moving on to technical SEO, we come to SpyFu’s Achilles’ heel. This software excludes site audit capabilities, making it out of Semrush’s league. Semrush, however, can audit your entire website and crawl thousands of pages to find small and large issues.
The Site Audit tool works phenomenally and is lightning-fast. Once you set up a campaign, Semrush will begin crawling and soon report on found issues. It’s not all about issues, though. The tool also displays good parts and things you’ve nailed in your SEO strategy.
We appreciate its Site Health score, which improves as you work on your SEO. There are also parameters like Markup, Internal Linking, Crawlability, and Core Web Vitals. The latter gauges your website responsiveness and can be improved by optimizing your pages.
Semrush highlights the most important issues in Red; all can be fixed by following its simple guides. We love Semrush’s Backlink Audit tool, which, as said, examines your backlink profile and discovers toxic and broken backlinks.
You can disavow them directly – pretty nice.
We should mention the On-Page SEO Checker. This one analyzes individual pages and comes up with various optimization strategies. These can range from content-related ones to technical solutions aimed at your page’s overall quality and “feeling.”
Knowing how to audit your website is key for success and Semrush offers all the tools you need. That can’t be said about its rival. As a result, this SpyFu vs Semrush round goes to the latter, as SpyFu has no horse for this race.
Remove Site Issues Easily With Semrush
Content Marketing Features
Now, content marketing is an interesting one. Semrush’s excellence extends to this category, while SpyFu’s downfall slowly continues.
SpyFu
However, let’s start with SpyFu first because it’s easier to analyze. The company offers the so-called SpyGPT AI tool based on ChatGPT.
This tool lets you see where your brand is mentioned in the answers. It’s advertised as a competitor analysis tool, however, we fail to see it as one. Essentially, when you type in your brand’s name, you’re talking to ChatGPT and seeing how it’s talking about it.
You can then type your competitor’s brand name and, allegedly, see the “gap.” If your competitor fares better in ChatGPT’s “mind”, you’ll need to improve. How? We don’t know. You don’t have any direct advice but rather a binary outcome which isn’t very useful.
Should I improve compared to overtake my rival? Yes or no; there’s no in-between.
RivalFlow AI is a more useful content marketing tool. It analyzes your domain and informs you on questions your competitor answers but you don’t. You’ll also see if your competitor has answered particular questions more thoroughly than you. Is it useful?
For us, it has been. We noticed that RivalFlow AI Also informs you when a competitor has overtaken you for specific keywords. From here, you can click on Generate Project, where SpyFu will provide you with the questions to answer to reclaim your ranking.
Semrush
Semrush’s content marketing is more… direct. However, a big downside is its unavailability in the Pro plan, so you must get the Guru plan, which is a tad more pricey.
If you do that, you’ll get Topic Research, which provides plenty of content ideas with keywords. We often use it.
We also often enjoy the SEO Content Template tool. When you provide a keyword, this tool comes up with your top 10 rivals and semantically related keywords, also known as LSI keywords. The tool lets you know how long should your article be based on the top 10 rivals.
Moreover, there’s the average readability score of the top 10 URLs, which lets you make improvements accordingly. If you achieve a better readability score, include more LSI keywords, and achieve the recommended text length, you have better chances of ranking.
Semrush has this SEO Writing Assistant we frequently play with. It’s your steroid-laden Grammarly, which doesn’t only improve your writing quality but also keyword optimization, keyword distribution, SEO, originality, and much more.
Like SpyFu, Semrush includes an AI tool. Its ContentShake AI comes up with 25 content ideas weekly and lets you compose new articles with the help of its AI. At $60/mo, it’s a pretty efficient tool. RivalFlow costs way more, by the way, and starts at $79/mo.
Who Wins?
Semrush is a clear winner. Its content marketing is way better, with tools that can directly improve your content and SEO, which SpyFu lacks. We’ve seen a very similar level of quality in SE Ranking, for example; you can read our SE Ranking test here for more information.
Boost Your Content Quality With Semrush
Semrush vs SpyFu Price Comparison
If your sole goal is to save money, don’t even come close to Semrush. SpyFu offers two plans, so there’s not much to discuss. The SpyFu Basic annual plan starts at $33/mo and offers 6 months of historical data and 10K search results for each feature. Very generous.
The Professional plan at $58/mo is even better, with everything bumped to unlimited. You get 15+ years of historical data, API access, and even white labeling. SpyFu has monthly plans but they’re 30% more expensive and likely won’t be your choice.
The tool has a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free plan that you can use forever – of course, with certain limits. Semrush’s 7-day money-back guarantee is a tad shorter but there’s a 14-day free trial for each newcomer, so there are no upfront charges.
Semrush starts at $117.33/mo for the Basic plan, which is more than 3 times the price of SpyFu’s equivalent. Its best-value plan is Guru, which offers 1,500 trackable keywords, 15 projects, content marketing, cannibalization reports, and more. It costs $208.33/mo.
There’s the Enterprise plan at a whopping $5,000 monthly but that one is for a small subset of users. Semrush is cheaper than Ahrefs but way more expensive than SpyFu. Like its rival, it has monthly plans but they’re 17% more expensive. You surely don’t want to pay that much.
Start Your 14-Day Semrush Free Trial
Overall, SpyFu is a better option than Semrush for budget users. However, if you want Semrush’s expert tools and access to more data, you can save 17% through our site—no Semrush coupon needed; simply click the button above—and enjoy its 14-day free trial. Alternatively, you can register for free to use its tools without paying, albeit with limitations.
Customer Support
Live chat support is there on both sides, so we can’t complain. You’ll get answers to your questions fairly quickly and be able to fix problems in a few hours. Beware that both support teams implement an AI, which will try to answer your question concisely.
If you still struggle, you can request to chat with a human representative.
Are you shy to chat? In that case, you’ll find plenty of how-to guides and Help Center articles on both websites. These will help you remedy specific problems and/or learn more about SEO in general. We should linger on this aspect too much; both services are top-notch.
Conclusion: Semrush Beats SpyFu
In a Semrush review written by our experts, we clarified why we like it so much, saying that it’s our preferred SEO tool. This Semrush vs SpyFu duel ends just as you anticipated. Semrush IS the winner and is too large of a bite for SpyFu to swallow.
We should be clear; SpyFu is a GREAT tool overall, especially for the price.
This level of competitive analysis, historical data, and keyword research is rarely seen at this price point. However, SpyFu lacks these “tiny” but, in the end, NOT so tiny features like site audits, AI writing, cannibalization reports, daily ranking updates, and so on.
Semrush’s all-aroundness shines even more when compared with a cheap option like this one. Yes, it costs way more and you’ll think twice or thrice before buying it. But once you make up your mind and get it, the difference will be night and day. We promise you.
If you can afford it, by all means, pick Semrush instead of SpyFu. If not, we still wouldn’t advise SpyFu. Instead, go for SE Ranking whose Essential plan will beat SpyFu’s Basic and provide a Semrush-like experience.