Screaming Frog vs SE Ranking: Which Is Better in 2026?

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right seo & marketing tool for your needs.

Too Close to Call

Both tools are closely matched with similar overall ratings

Quick Comparison

Aspect
S
Screaming Frog
S
SE Ranking
Overall Rating
8/10
8/10
Starting Price
$259/mo
$44/mo
Free Plan
Free Trial
Best For
small
small
Ease of Use
6/10
8/10
Features
9/10
8/10
Value for Money
9/10
9/10
Support
7/10
8/10

Overview

S

Screaming Frog

Screaming Frog SEO Spider is a desktop crawler for technical SEO audits. Essential tool for finding on-page issues, broken links, and duplicate content.

S

SE Ranking

SE Ranking offers comprehensive SEO tools at more affordable pricing. Great balance of features and value for growing businesses and agencies.

Pricing Comparison

Better value: SE Ranking
S

Screaming Frog

Pricing ModelFreemium
Starting Price$259/mo
Free Trial
Free Tier
S

SE Ranking

Better Value
Pricing ModelPaid
Starting Price$44/mo
Free Trial
Free Tier

Features Comparison

Winner: SE Ranking
FeatureScreaming FrogSE Ranking
Keyword Research
Backlink Analysis
Rank Tracking
Site Audit
Competitor Analysis
Content Optimization
Local Seo
Ppc Tools
Projects
Unlimited
Unlimited
Keywords Tracked
0
250-20000

0

features unique to Screaming Frog

7

features unique to SE Ranking

Pros & Cons

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Screaming Frog

Pros

  • Most powerful site crawler available
  • Desktop app (your data stays local)
  • One-time annual fee
  • Excellent for technical SEO
  • Free version crawls 500 URLs

Cons

  • Technical learning curve
  • Desktop only (no cloud)
  • Resource-intensive on large sites
  • Single-purpose tool
S

SE Ranking

Pros

  • Excellent value for money
  • Comprehensive feature set
  • Flexible pricing (pay per keyword)
  • Good white-label options
  • Solid rank tracking accuracy

Cons

  • Smaller backlink database
  • Interface not as polished
  • Less brand recognition
  • Some features feel basic

The Verdict: It's a Tie

Both Screaming Frog and SE Ranking are excellent seo & marketing tools that deliver strong value. With nearly identical overall ratings, the choice between them comes down to your specific requirements rather than one being objectively better.

Screaming Frog shines in technical seo audits, while SE Ranking excels at budget-conscious agencies. Consider trying both with their free trials to see which fits your workflow better.

Our recommendation: We recommend Screaming Frog if you prioritize most powerful site crawler available, and SE Ranking if excellent value for money matter more to you.

Choose Screaming Frog if you...

  • • Need technical seo audits
  • • Need large site migrations
  • • Need finding duplicate content

Choose SE Ranking if you...

  • • Need budget-conscious agencies
  • • Need freelance seo consultants
  • • Need smbs wanting full toolkit

Ready to Get Started?

Try Screaming FrogTry SE Ranking

Read our full reviews:

Screaming Frog Full ReviewSE Ranking Full Review

* We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit these tools through our links. This doesn't affect our ratings or comparisons.

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Screaming Frog vs SE Ranking FAQ

Both Screaming Frog and SE Ranking are excellent choices with similar ratings. The better option depends on your specific requirements and preferences.
Yes, SE Ranking is more affordable with plans starting at $44/month, compared to $259/month for the other.
SE Ranking scores higher in ease of use (8/10) compared to Screaming Frog (6/10).
Yes, migration between Screaming Frog and SE Ranking is possible. Most tools offer data export features. Check each tool's documentation for specific migration guides and import capabilities.
For small teams, Screaming Frog is specifically designed for this use case. Consider your budget and specific feature needs when choosing.
For startups, consider your growth trajectory. Screaming Frog offers a free tier which is great for bootstrapped startups.
Yes, each tool has unique strengths. Screaming Frog excels at: Technical SEO audits, Large site migrations. SE Ranking is better for: Budget-conscious agencies, Freelance SEO consultants. Review our detailed feature comparison above.
SE Ranking rates higher in customer support (8/10) compared to Screaming Frog (7/10).
Both tools offer similar value for money, each rated 9/10.
Consider switching if SE Ranking's strengths (Budget-conscious agencies) align better with your current needs. However, factor in migration effort and learning curve before making the switch.