A 2026 side-by-side comparison of two ai seo tools — pricing, ratings, trust and our verdict.
Screaming Frog and Semrush are closely matched in our 2026 assessment, so the better choice comes down to your specific needs: Screaming Frog for on-page seo, Semrush for on-page seo. Here's the side-by-side.
| Feature | Screaming Frog | Semrush |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial rating | ||
| Trust score | 84/100 | 86/100 |
| Scam-risk | Low risk | Low risk |
| Starting price | Free · ~$259/yr | From ~$139/mo |
| Free tier | ||
| Best for | On-page SEO, Content briefs, Keyword research | On-page SEO, Content briefs, Keyword research |
| Top strength | Best technical SEO crawler | Industry-leading SEO data |
| Main drawback | Desktop tool | Expensive |
Is Screaming Frog or Semrush better?
They're very close. Screaming Frog is best for on-page seo, while Semrush suits on-page seo. Pick based on which matches your workflow.
How much do Screaming Frog and Semrush cost?
Screaming Frog starts at Free · ~$259/yr. Semrush starts at From ~$139/mo. At least one offers a free tier you can test before paying.
Is Screaming Frog or Semrush free?
Screaming Frog has a free tier. Semrush does not have a permanent free tier.
How to read this: Scores are informational estimates from public information, product docs and user-submitted reviews — not factual claims about any company. A higher scam-risk signal reflects user-reported concerns or unverified marketing, not proven wrongdoing. Always confirm current pricing and terms with the provider.
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