Quick Overview
- 1#1: DataForSEO - Provides comprehensive SEO APIs for SERPs, keywords, backlinks, on-page analysis, and rank tracking.
- 2#2: Ahrefs - Offers a robust API for accessing backlink data, keyword research, site audits, and content explorer metrics.
- 3#3: SEMrush - Delivers API access to keyword analytics, competitor research, domain metrics, and advertising data.
- 4#4: SerpApi - Scrapes and provides structured JSON data from Google SERPs including organic results, maps, and shopping.
- 5#5: Moz - Supplies Mozscape API for link metrics, domain authority, page authority, and keyword rankings.
- 6#6: Majestic - Provides API for extensive backlink analysis, trust flow, citation flow, and topical trust metrics.
- 7#7: SE Ranking - Offers API for rank tracking, keyword suggestions, competitor analysis, and website audits.
- 8#8: Zenserp - Delivers real-time SERP API data from Google, Bing, and other engines with location targeting.
- 9#9: SpyFu - Provides API for competitor keyword research, PPC data, and organic ranking history.
- 10#10: Oxylabs - Offers scalable SERP scraping API for search engine results with proxy support and high volume.
Tools were ranked based on comprehensive feature sets, reliability, user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring a balanced review of top performers across key SEO functions.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading API-driven SEO tools, including DataForSEO, Ahrefs, SEMrush, SerpApi, Moz, and more, to assist in evaluating options for enhancing search visibility, tracking performance, and streamlining workflows. Readers will discover key features, pricing models, and practical applications to identify tools that align with their specific needs, whether for small-scale campaigns or larger SEO initiatives.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DataForSEO Provides comprehensive SEO APIs for SERPs, keywords, backlinks, on-page analysis, and rank tracking. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Ahrefs Offers a robust API for accessing backlink data, keyword research, site audits, and content explorer metrics. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 3 | SEMrush Delivers API access to keyword analytics, competitor research, domain metrics, and advertising data. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | SerpApi Scrapes and provides structured JSON data from Google SERPs including organic results, maps, and shopping. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 5 | Moz Supplies Mozscape API for link metrics, domain authority, page authority, and keyword rankings. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Majestic Provides API for extensive backlink analysis, trust flow, citation flow, and topical trust metrics. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | SE Ranking Offers API for rank tracking, keyword suggestions, competitor analysis, and website audits. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 8 | Zenserp Delivers real-time SERP API data from Google, Bing, and other engines with location targeting. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 9 | SpyFu Provides API for competitor keyword research, PPC data, and organic ranking history. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 10 | Oxylabs Offers scalable SERP scraping API for search engine results with proxy support and high volume. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
Provides comprehensive SEO APIs for SERPs, keywords, backlinks, on-page analysis, and rank tracking.
Offers a robust API for accessing backlink data, keyword research, site audits, and content explorer metrics.
Delivers API access to keyword analytics, competitor research, domain metrics, and advertising data.
Scrapes and provides structured JSON data from Google SERPs including organic results, maps, and shopping.
Supplies Mozscape API for link metrics, domain authority, page authority, and keyword rankings.
Provides API for extensive backlink analysis, trust flow, citation flow, and topical trust metrics.
Offers API for rank tracking, keyword suggestions, competitor analysis, and website audits.
Delivers real-time SERP API data from Google, Bing, and other engines with location targeting.
Provides API for competitor keyword research, PPC data, and organic ranking history.
Offers scalable SERP scraping API for search engine results with proxy support and high volume.
DataForSEO
specializedProvides comprehensive SEO APIs for SERPs, keywords, backlinks, on-page analysis, and rank tracking.
Unparalleled API breadth with live data from 50+ search engines and 200+ locations, including unique endpoints like Traffic Analytics API and AI-powered Content API.
DataForSEO is a comprehensive API platform delivering real-time SEO data for developers, including SERPs from 50+ search engines across 200+ countries, keyword research, backlink analysis, on-page audits, and traffic analytics. It powers custom SEO tools, rank trackers, and enterprise-grade applications without the need for in-house scraping infrastructure. With billions of data rows processed daily, it offers scalable, reliable access to SEO intelligence for automation and integration.
Pros
- Vast library of 20+ specialized SEO APIs covering SERPs, keywords, backlinks, and more
- Highly scalable with real-time data from global sources and no usage caps
- Flexible pay-per-use pricing model optimized for high-volume needs
Cons
- Requires programming knowledge, not suitable for non-technical users
- Costs can accumulate quickly for low-volume or exploratory use
- No native dashboard or UI for direct data visualization
Best For
Developers, SEO agencies, and SaaS companies building or scaling custom SEO software and tools.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go with per-row pricing (e.g., $0.0001-$0.003 for SERPs, $0.00025 for keywords); postpaid accounts start at $50 minimum, no subscriptions required.
Ahrefs
enterpriseOffers a robust API for accessing backlink data, keyword research, site audits, and content explorer metrics.
Proprietary backlink index exceeding 30 trillion links for superior link analysis
Ahrefs API provides programmatic access to Ahrefs' extensive SEO data, including backlinks from a 30+ trillion link index, keyword metrics, organic traffic estimates, and site audits. Developers can use RESTful endpoints like Site Explorer, Keywords Explorer, Content Explorer, and Rank Tracker to integrate powerful SEO analytics into custom applications, dashboards, or automation workflows. It supports bulk requests and delivers highly accurate data trusted by SEO professionals worldwide.
Pros
- Massive backlink database with 30+ trillion links for unmatched depth
- Comprehensive endpoints covering keywords, content, ranks, and audits
- High data accuracy and freshness from proprietary crawling
Cons
- High cost with API access starting at $399/mo plan
- Unit-based limits can lead to overages or throttling
- Requires full Ahrefs subscription, no standalone API pricing
Best For
Developers and agencies building SEO tools or apps that require top-tier backlink and keyword data integration.
Pricing
API available on Standard plan ($399/mo, 500K units) and up to Enterprise ($999+/mo, 5M+ units); units consumed per request.
SEMrush
enterpriseDelivers API access to keyword analytics, competitor research, domain metrics, and advertising data.
Unmatched keyword database of 25B+ terms with difficulty scores, SERP features, and historical data accessible via a single API.
SEMrush API is a powerful RESTful interface that grants access to SEMrush's extensive SEO database, enabling developers to retrieve keyword research, competitor analysis, backlink profiles, domain metrics, and position tracking data programmatically. It supports integration into custom SEO tools, dashboards, and automation workflows for scalable SEO operations. With coverage of over 25 billion keywords across 140+ geos, it's designed for data-intensive applications requiring accurate, real-time SEO insights.
Pros
- Vast database with 25B+ keywords and comprehensive endpoints for keyword, domain, and backlink data
- Robust documentation and SDKs for easy integration into apps
- Real-time data updates and support for bulk queries via units system
Cons
- Credit-based units system can become costly for high-volume usage
- Rate limits and throttling may hinder very large-scale operations
- Steep initial learning curve for optimizing unit consumption
Best For
Developers and agencies building SEO platforms or automation tools that require deep, scalable access to global keyword and competitor data.
Pricing
Starts at $200/month for 10K units (Pro API add-on), scaling to enterprise plans with 3M+ units; pay-per-use model charges per query complexity.
SerpApi
specializedScrapes and provides structured JSON data from Google SERPs including organic results, maps, and shopping.
Structured JSON parsing of complex SERP elements like knowledge graphs and video results from dozens of global search engines
SerpApi is a robust API service that provides real-time access to structured search engine results pages (SERPs) from Google, Bing, YouTube, and over 20 other engines in easy-to-parse JSON format. It excels in extracting organic rankings, paid ads, local packs, featured snippets, shopping results, and more, making it a go-to for SEO applications like rank tracking, keyword research, and competitor analysis. By managing proxies, CAPTCHAs, and JavaScript rendering behind the scenes, it eliminates the need for users to build and maintain their own scraping infrastructure.
Pros
- Highly accurate and comprehensive SERP data extraction across multiple engines
- Simple REST API with excellent documentation and SDKs for quick integration
- Reliable uptime with automatic handling of anti-bot measures
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with high-volume usage, potentially costly for large-scale apps
- Limited free tier (100 searches/month) may not suffice for testing heavy workloads
- Lacks built-in historical data storage, requiring external solutions for trends
Best For
Developers and SEO agencies building custom tools for rank tracking, SERP monitoring, or automated keyword research.
Pricing
Free tier with 100 searches/month; paid plans start at $50/month for 5,000 searches ($0.01/search), scaling to $250/month for 25,000 searches, with enterprise options available.
Moz
specializedSupplies Mozscape API for link metrics, domain authority, page authority, and keyword rankings.
Domain Authority (DA), the iconic proprietary metric that predicts ranking potential and is a staple in SEO workflows worldwide
Moz API is a robust RESTful service from Moz.com that provides core SEO metrics like Domain Authority (DA), Page Authority (PA), Spam Score, and link profiles for programmatic access. It supports URL metrics, keyword exploration, SERP analysis, and anchor text data, enabling seamless integration into custom SEO tools, dashboards, and applications. Developers can leverage it for competitor analysis, link building strategies, and performance tracking with reliable, industry-standard data.
Pros
- Proprietary metrics like DA and PA are widely recognized and trusted in the SEO community
- Comprehensive documentation with SDKs for easy integration into apps
- Flexible row-based pricing scales well for moderate to high-volume needs
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for high-volume API calls compared to some competitors
- Free tier is very limited (minimal rows per month)
- Some metrics like DA have faced criticism for accuracy over time
Best For
Developers and SEO agencies building custom tools or dashboards that rely on established authority scores and link data.
Pricing
Limited ($99/mo for 3k rows), Medium ($249/mo for 15k rows), Large ($599/mo for 50k rows), and custom Unlimited enterprise plans.
Majestic
specializedProvides API for extensive backlink analysis, trust flow, citation flow, and topical trust metrics.
Trust Flow and Citation Flow metrics, providing a proprietary quality score for links beyond simple quantity
Majestic is a premier backlink analysis platform offering a robust API for SEO software integration, providing access to one of the largest link indexes with over 14 trillion URLs. Its API delivers key metrics like Trust Flow, Citation Flow, and Topical Trust Flow to assess link quality and authority programmatically. Developers can use it to build custom SEO tools, automate reporting, and analyze competitor backlinks at scale.
Pros
- Massive historical link index for deep backlink analysis
- Unique Trust Flow and Citation Flow metrics for quality assessment
- Reliable API with extensive documentation and high uptime
Cons
- Data freshness lags behind real-time competitors like Ahrefs
- Credit-based pricing can become expensive for high-volume API usage
- Steep learning curve for advanced API endpoints and bulk queries
Best For
SEO developers and agencies building custom backlink tracking tools that prioritize historical depth over real-time data.
Pricing
Subscriptions start at $49.99/month (Lite) with limited API credits; heavy API use requires additional Subscription Units from $0.20 per 1,000 calls.
SE Ranking
specializedOffers API for rank tracking, keyword suggestions, competitor analysis, and website audits.
All-in-one API endpoints combining rank tracking, competitor gaps, and backlink data in a single, affordable package
SE Ranking's API provides developers with comprehensive access to SEO data, including keyword rankings, competitor research, backlink analysis, site audits, and historical tracking metrics. It enables seamless integration into custom dashboards, agency tools, or third-party applications for automated SEO monitoring and reporting. Designed for scalability, the API supports high-volume queries with reliable accuracy across global and local search engines.
Pros
- Broad endpoint coverage for rankings, backlinks, audits, and competitors
- Cost-effective usage-based pricing with high data accuracy
- Strong documentation and SDK support for quick integration
Cons
- Rate limits may constrain ultra-high-volume users
- Some advanced features require higher-tier plans
- Occasional delays in niche local SEO data updates
Best For
SEO agencies and developers building scalable tools that need affordable, all-in-one SEO data integration.
Pricing
Starts at $119/month for Essential plan with API access; higher tiers up to $259/month, plus usage-based API credits for enterprise needs.
Zenserp
specializedDelivers real-time SERP API data from Google, Bing, and other engines with location targeting.
99.9% success rate with real-time data delivery across 200+ countries and devices
Zenserp is a SERP API service that provides real-time scraping of search engine results from Google, Bing, and other engines, delivering structured JSON data for SEO applications. It captures organic rankings, paid ads, local packs, knowledge graphs, reviews, and more, with support for location-specific, mobile, and desktop searches. Ideal for building rank trackers, competitor analysis tools, or keyword research software, it emphasizes high success rates and fast delivery.
Pros
- Highly affordable pay-per-request pricing starting at $0.001
- Comprehensive SERP data coverage including rich snippets and local results
- Simple API integration with clear documentation and SDKs for multiple languages
Cons
- Limited free tier with only 50 requests/month
- Potential rate limits on high-volume plans without enterprise support
- Occasional inconsistencies in scraped data due to anti-bot measures
Best For
Freelance developers and small SEO teams needing cost-effective, scalable SERP data for custom tools.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go from $0.001/request; subscriptions start at $50/month for 50k requests, up to enterprise plans.
SpyFu
specializedProvides API for competitor keyword research, PPC data, and organic ranking history.
Unparalleled 18+ years of PPC ad history and copy forensics accessible via API
SpyFu provides a robust API for SEO and PPC competitive intelligence, allowing developers to access vast databases of keyword rankings, search volumes, CPC data, and historical ad performance for any domain. The API enables programmatic retrieval of organic and paid keyword lists, SERP history, and competitor ad spend, making it suitable for integrating into custom SEO tools or dashboards. With endpoints for domain overviews, bulk keyword analysis, and ad forensics, it's tailored for automating competitor research workflows.
Pros
- Extensive historical PPC ad data spanning 15+ years
- Comprehensive keyword research with organic and paid metrics
- Affordable entry-level pricing for API access
Cons
- Limited backlink and technical SEO data compared to rivals
- Rate limits can restrict high-volume usage on basic plans
- API documentation could be more comprehensive with examples
Best For
Developers and SEO agencies building tools that require deep competitor keyword and PPC intelligence integration.
Pricing
Starts at $299/month for 5,000 API calls (Basic), $799/month for 50,000 calls (Professional), with custom enterprise plans available.
Oxylabs
enterpriseOffers scalable SERP scraping API for search engine results with proxy support and high volume.
SERP Scraping API with hyper-local geotargeting across 170+ countries and real-time results parsing
Oxylabs offers a suite of powerful APIs, including SERP Scraping API, Web Scraper API, and premium proxies, designed for large-scale data extraction essential for SEO tasks like rank tracking, keyword research, and competitor analysis. It enables users to collect real-time search engine results, website content, and backlink data without IP blocks. With high success rates and global coverage, it's built for enterprise-level SEO automation and market intelligence.
Pros
- Massive proxy pool with 99%+ success rates for reliable scraping
- Advanced SERP API supporting multiple engines and precise geotargeting
- Scalable infrastructure with excellent uptime for high-volume SEO data needs
Cons
- High costs make it less accessible for small teams or startups
- Requires coding expertise and API integration knowledge
- No out-of-the-box SEO dashboards or analytics; raw data only
Best For
Enterprise SEO agencies and large teams needing scalable, accurate SERP and web data extraction for competitive intelligence.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go model; SERP API from $1.50-$5 per 1,000 results; proxies start at $49/month; custom enterprise plans available.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed tools, DataForSEO secures the top spot with its comprehensive suite of APIs covering SERPs, keywords, backlinks, on-page analysis, and rank tracking. Ahrefs and SEMrush stand as strong alternatives, with Ahrefs excelling in backlink data and SEMrush offering diverse metrics for keyword and competitor insights, ensuring there’s a tool for varied SEO needs.
Don’t miss out on DataForSEO’s capabilities—start exploring its APIs today to enhance your SEO efforts and stay ahead in search rankings.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison