DataForSEO
SERP DataEnterprise-grade SEO data APIs for building custom tools
Overview
DataForSEO positions itself as the infrastructure layer for SEO tools, providing raw data through APIs rather than a polished interface. Founded in 2017, the London-based company has built one of the most comprehensive SEO data ecosystems available, powering hundreds of third-party tools and agency dashboards. Unlike SERPApi which focuses primarily on search result scraping, DataForSEO offers the full spectrum of SEO data types needed to build complete analysis platforms.
The platform's strength lies in its breadth of data sources and developer-friendly approach. DataForSEO doesn't compete with end-user tools like Ahrefs or Semrush — instead, it supplies the underlying data that powers many competing platforms. This positioning has made it a go-to choice for agencies building custom reporting dashboards and entrepreneurs developing SEO SaaS products.
The company processes over 100 million API requests monthly across its suite of eight different APIs, from basic SERP data to complex domain authority calculations. Their infrastructure handles both real-time requests and bulk processing for large-scale SEO operations.
Key features
SERP API
Real-time Google SERP data across 200+ locations with structured results including featured snippets, People Also Ask, and local packs.
Keywords Data API
Keyword difficulty, search volume, CPC data, and related keywords with monthly updates and historical trends.
Backlinks API
Complete backlink profiles with authority metrics, anchor text analysis, and referring domain data for any website.
On-Page API
Technical SEO auditing capabilities including page speed, meta tags, internal linking, and content analysis.
Domain Analytics API
Domain authority metrics, organic traffic estimates, and competitive positioning data across multiple search engines.
Merchant API
Google Shopping results, product data, and e-commerce SERP features for retail SEO analysis.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | $0 | 100 free credits, basic SERP data, keyword data |
| Standard | $0.001-0.1 per request | All APIs, bulk processing, real-time data |
| Business | Volume discounts | Dedicated support, custom rate limits, priority processing |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing | White-label options, dedicated infrastructure, custom endpoints |
FAQ
How accurate is DataForSEO's SERP data compared to manual searches?
DataForSEO uses real browser environments and rotating IP addresses to collect SERP data, achieving 95%+ accuracy compared to manual searches. Results include geolocation-specific data and mobile/desktop variations.
What's the difference between DataForSEO and SERPApi?
DataForSEO offers broader SEO data beyond just SERP results, including backlinks, keyword difficulty, and domain metrics. SERPApi focuses primarily on SERP scraping with faster response times for basic search results.
Can I use DataForSEO to build a commercial SEO tool?
Yes, DataForSEO offers white-label licensing and reseller programs for agencies and tool builders. Enterprise plans include commercial usage rights and dedicated infrastructure.
How often is keyword difficulty data updated?
Keyword difficulty scores are updated monthly, with search volume data refreshed every 2-4 weeks. Real-time SERP data is available for current rankings and featured snippets.
Does DataForSEO support languages other than English?
Yes, DataForSEO supports 200+ locations and multiple languages including Spanish, French, German, and Japanese with localized search results and keyword data.
Review Sentiment
102 reviews across 2 sources
Bottom line
DataForSEO is worth a serious look for data-driven SEOs who need comprehensive API suite covering SERP data. Rated 4.7/5, it delivers — though requires development resources to implement.
People love
- +Comprehensive API suite covering SERP data, keywords, backlinks, and on-page analysis
- +Pay-per-use pricing model is cost-effective for developers building custom SEO tools
- +Reliable data quality with coverage across 200+ Google databases worldwide
Common complaints
- –Requires development resources to implement — no user-facing dashboard included
- –Documentation can be complex for non-technical users trying to integrate the API
- –Some API endpoints have rate limits that can bottleneck high-volume data pulls
Last updated Feb 2026