serpapi vs dataforseo
SERPApi vs DataForSEO — features, pricing, and which to choose for your SEO workflow in 2026.
Quick Verdict
Both SERPApi and DataForSEO serve developers and agencies building custom SEO tools, but they approach SERP data collection differently. SERPApi focuses exclusively on search engine results scraping with clean, well-documented APIs. DataForSEO offers a comprehensive SEO data ecosystem that extends far beyond SERP results.
The choice between these two often comes down to scope: SERPApi for teams that need reliable SERP data quickly, DataForSEO for those building comprehensive SEO platforms that require multiple data sources under one roof.
Feature Comparison
SERPApi specializes in real-time search results from Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other engines, with structured JSON responses that parse rich snippets, knowledge panels, and local results. Their API handles JavaScript-heavy search pages and provides reliable access to features like Google Shopping, Images, and News results. The documentation is developer-friendly with clear examples and SDKs for major programming languages. DataForSEO covers SERP data but adds keyword research data, backlink analysis, on-page SEO metrics, and competitor analysis APIs. Their SERP API includes the same major search engines but integrates with their keyword difficulty scores, search volume data, and historical ranking information. This creates a unified dataset where SERP positions connect to keyword metrics and backlink profiles. DataForSEO's broader approach means you can build tools that track rankings, analyze competitor backlinks, and research keywords using a single API provider, reducing integration complexity for comprehensive SEO platforms.
Pricing Comparison
SERPApi uses subscription pricing starting at $50/month for 5,000 searches, scaling up to enterprise plans. Their free tier includes 100 searches monthly. Pricing is straightforward with clear per-search costs at each tier. DataForSEO operates on pay-per-use pricing across all APIs, letting you mix SERP data ($0.0006 per search), keyword data ($0.0005 per keyword), and backlink data ($0.01 per domain) based on actual usage. This can be more cost-effective for projects with variable or seasonal demand, but requires careful usage monitoring. For teams using only SERP data, SERPApi's subscription model provides predictable costs. For comprehensive SEO tools requiring multiple data types, DataForSEO's unified pricing often delivers better value.
Best For
SERPApi is better when you need fast, reliable SERP scraping without additional SEO data requirements. Their focused approach means better uptime, clearer documentation, and faster integration for teams building rank trackers, local SEO tools, or ad intelligence platforms. DataForSEO is better for building comprehensive SEO platforms where SERP data needs to integrate with keyword research, backlink analysis, and competitor intelligence. Their unified API ecosystem reduces vendor management and enables more sophisticated analysis by connecting ranking data to underlying SEO metrics.
The Verdict
DataForSEO wins for most SEO tool builders due to their comprehensive data offering and flexible pricing. Unless you specifically need only SERP data with zero additional requirements, DataForSEO's ecosystem approach provides better long-term value and reduces technical complexity as your tool grows. SERPApi remains the cleaner choice for simple rank tracking or when you already have other data sources locked in.