Screaming Frog SEO Spider vs Semrush
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The technical SEO crawler.
The verdict
Both Screaming Frog SEO Spider and Semrush are credible seo tools tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Screaming Frog SEO Spider if you want a higher overall rating (4.7/5). The technical SEO crawler.
Choose Semrush if you'd rather have a longer free trial (7 days). All-in-one marketing visibility suite.
Screaming Frog SEO Spider vs Semrush: side by side
| Dimension | Screaming Frog SEO Spider | Semrush |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $259/yr | Free – $139.95/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | 7 daysWinner |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Seo Pros, Agencies | Agencies, Marketers, Seo Pros |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux | Web, Api |
| Rating | 4.7/5Winner | 4.5/5 |
Screaming Frog SEO Spider key facts
- Vendor
- Screaming Frog
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $259/yr
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux
- Best for
- Seo Pros, Agencies
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2010
- Headquarters
- Henley-on-Thames, UK
Semrush key facts
- Vendor
- Semrush Holdings
- Pricing
- Subscription — Free – $139.95/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Agencies, Marketers, Seo Pros
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2008
- Headquarters
- Boston, MA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Screaming Frog SEO Spider better than Semrush?
Neither is universally better — Screaming Frog SEO Spider edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Screaming Frog SEO Spider or Semrush cheaper?
Screaming Frog SEO Spider is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $259/yr. Screaming Frog SEO Spider starts at free – $259/yr; Semrush starts at free – $139.95/mo.
Can Screaming Frog SEO Spider replace Semrush?
Yes for most teams — both are seo tools tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.