To really understand if you can get your hands on the Semrush API for free, let’s get straight to it: No, for most of its powerful features, the Semrush API is generally not free. I know, I know, it’s not the answer we all hoped for when we hear “free.” But stick with me, because there are a few very specific exceptions and a lot to unpack about how Semrush’s API actually works, what it costs, and some solid free alternatives you can use to get valuable SEO data.

Think of it this way: Semrush is packed with an incredible amount of data, covering billions of keywords, domains, and backlinks, plus tons of geo-databases and historical data going back over a decade for some regions. Accessing all that raw data, especially in bulk or for custom applications, is a premium service. It lets you automate tasks, build custom dashboards, or integrate SEO insights directly into your own software, bypassing the standard user interface. That kind of power usually comes with a price tag, and Semrush is no different.

In this, we’re going to break down exactly what the Semrush API offers, why it’s structured the way it is, its pricing models, and most importantly, how you can still get your hands on fantastic SEO data without spending a fortune, even if the full Semrush API isn’t in your immediate budget. We’ll also touch on some clever ways to maximize your investment if you do decide to go all-in.

First things first, let’s quickly explain what an API is. API stands for Application Programming Interface. It’s basically a set of rules and tools that lets different software applications talk to each other. Imagine it like a digital waiter: you tell it what data you want your “order”, it goes to the “kitchen” Semrush’s massive database, and brings back exactly what you asked for, all without you having to manually navigate through Semrush’s website.

For us in the SEO and digital marketing world, the Semrush API is a must because it means you can:

Automate Data Collection: Instead of manually exporting reports, you can schedule scripts to pull data like keyword rankings, traffic analytics, and backlink profiles automatically.
Build Custom Dashboards: Integrate Semrush data into your own business intelligence tools or client dashboards, tailored exactly to your needs.
Enhance Your Own Tools: If you’re building a SaaS platform or an internal tool for marketers, you can embed Semrush data to enrich your product’s offerings.
Perform Large-Scale Analysis: Quickly pull and process huge datasets for extensive research that would be cumbersome or impossible through the web interface.

Semrush actually offers a few different types of APIs, each for specific purposes:

Standard Semrush API: This is what most people think of. It covers things like Domain Analytics traffic, keywords, backlinks, Keyword Analytics search volume, difficulty, CPC, and Projects API Position Tracking, Site Audit data.
Trends API: This one focuses specifically on traffic and market intelligence data. It comes in Basic and Premium versions, offering insights into website traffic, visitor behavior, and market dynamics.
Listing Management API: Designed for users of Semrush’s Local Premium plan, this API helps push data into their Listing Management tool.
Map Rank Tracker API: This is a neat exception. it’s available for all Semrush users, letting you track local map rankings without needing extra API units or a special subscription.

So, as you can see, there’s a lot of power under the hood, making the API incredibly attractive for anyone serious about large-scale or automated SEO.

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The Truth About “Semrush API Free”

Alright, let’s cut to the chase regarding that “free” question. If you’re hoping for a fully-featured, unlimited free Semrush API key to pull all their juicy data, you’re going to be disappointed. The standard Semrush API is absolutely not free, and even free trials of Semrush’s main plans Pro or Guru won’t get you API access.

Here’s the breakdown of why and how Semrush structures API access:

It’s an Add-on to the Business Plan

For the most comprehensive API access – what they call the Standard API, which includes analytics data like keyword research, domain analytics, and backlink reports, plus project data like position tracking and site audits – you first need to be on a Semrush Business plan.

And the Business plan isn’t cheap. It’s designed for large agencies or mid-market companies and typically costs $499.95 per month if you pay monthly, or $416.66 per month if you commit to an annual payment. That’s a significant investment just to get access to the API.

API Units Cost Extra

Even after you’re subscribed to the Business plan, you’re still not done. API units also called API credits are not included with your Business subscription and must be purchased separately. This operates on a pay-as-you-go model.

The typical rate for these units is around $1 for every 20,000 credits. So, if you wanted, say, 1,000,000 API units, that would set you back an additional $50 on top of your monthly or annual Business plan fee.

And here’s a crucial detail: different types of reports and requests consume varying amounts of API units. For example:

Pulling live data for an organic search keywords report might cost 10 units per line of data.
Requesting historical data for the same report could cost 50 units per line.
Some requests might have a fixed cost per query, while others charge based on the number of data rows returned.

It’s easy to see how these units can add up quickly, especially if you’re pulling a lot of data or working with extensive historical reports.

No API Access on Free Trials

If you’re thinking of signing up for a free trial of Semrush’s Pro or Guru plans to test out the API, unfortunately, that won’t work. Semrush explicitly states that you do not get access to the API during a free trial. This is because free trials are typically offered for the Pro and Guru plans, and the Standard API is exclusively an add-on to the Business plan.

So, if you want to try the API, you pretty much need to commit to the Business plan and purchase units.

The Trends API Has Its Own Rules and Costs

The Semrush Trends API is a bit different. You can actually buy access to the Trends Basic API directly, without needing a full Semrush subscription first. It’s still not free, but it offers a more flexible entry point for traffic and market data. However, if you want the Trends Premium API with its 16 additional data types, you’ll need to contact their sales team for a personalized quote.

Important to note: The Trends API doesn’t use the same API units as the Standard API. It has its own monthly limits and unit system. For instance, the default monthly limit can be 10,000 requests, and you can increase this by adding more units.

A Couple of Free-ish Exceptions

There are a couple of small exceptions where you can get some API functionality without the hefty price tag:

Listing Management API: If you’re a user of the Semrush Local Premium plan, you can access the Listing Management API without needing to buy extra API units. This is great if local SEO listings are your main focus.
Map Rank Tracker API: This is the most “free” API access from Semrush. It’s available for all Semrush users and doesn’t require any special subscription or additional API units. If you’re only interested in tracking local map rankings, this could be a handy tool.

But for the vast majority of what people want from the Semrush API – the keyword data, backlink data, domain analytics – you’re looking at a paid Business plan plus extra API units.

Semrush API Pricing: Breaking Down the Costs

Let’s lay out the typical costs more clearly, so you know exactly what you’re getting into if you decide the Semrush API is worth the investment for your business.

Standard API Access

As we’ve covered, the core of Semrush’s API, known as the Standard API Analytics API and Projects API, requires the Business plan.

Business Plan Cost:
- Monthly: $499.95 per month.
- Annually discounted: $416.66 per month billed annually.

This plan comes with extended limits for reports, projects, and keyword tracking slots, among other features.

Standard API Units

Once you have the Business plan, you then purchase API units on top.

Unit Rate: Roughly $1 for 20,000 units.
Example Unit Packages: You can buy packages, for instance, an additional 2 million units per month might cost an extra $100 per month.

How Units are Consumed:
The number of units used per request depends heavily on the type of report and the amount of data you’re pulling. Ahrefs vs. Semrush Group Buy: Is It Worth the Risk for Your Business?

Live Data: Generally cheaper. For instance, one line of data in the Domain Organic Search Keywords report is 10 units.
Historical Data: Costs more, often 50 units per line for the same report.
Volume: If you want to list 1,000 organic keywords for 100 domains using live data, that’s 1,000 keywords * 10 units/keyword * 100 domains = 1,000,000 units. If it’s historical data, that jumps to 5,000,000 units.

This means a $50 API unit package 1 million units could be used up pretty quickly if you’re pulling a lot of historical data for many domains. It’s crucial to calculate your expected API unit consumption before purchasing.

Trends API Pricing

The Trends API is structured differently, with its own subscription model.

Trends Basic API: This plan offers access to broad traffic summaries, including metrics like monthly visits, unique visits, pages per visit, and bounce rate. You can buy access to this directly, without a full Semrush subscription.
Trends Premium API: This includes everything in Basic plus 16 additional data types for deeper market analysis, such as daily/weekly traffic and purchase conversion data. For Premium, you’ll need to contact Semrush sales for a custom quote.

The Trends API units refresh monthly on your payment day and do not draw from your Standard API units.

What is Semrush Rank

Local SEO APIs The Affordable Exceptions

Listing Management API: This API is included for users with a Semrush Local Premium plan and doesn’t require separate API unit purchases. The Local Advanced add-on is around $60/month per location.
Map Rank Tracker API: This is genuinely accessible to all Semrush users without any extra costs or unit purchases. If your needs are focused purely on local map rankings, this is a great free perk.

In short, while some limited API functions are free or included with specific and still paid local plans, the powerful, broad data access you typically associate with the Semrush API comes with a substantial cost.

Getting Your Semrush API Key If You’re Paid Up

So, you’ve crunched the numbers, committed to the Business plan, and purchased your API units. Awesome! Now you’ll need your API key to start making those requests.

Here’s how you usually get it:

Log into your Semrush account.
Navigate to your account settings. Look for an icon at the top right, usually your profile picture or initials.
Go to “Subscription info.”
Find the “API Units” tab. Your API key should be available there for you to copy.

It’s super important to keep your API key secure. Think of it as a password for accessing your paid API units. If someone else gets it, they could use up your units, leading to unexpected charges. When you’re sharing code examples or showing your screen, always replace your actual key with a placeholder like <key>.

Once you have your key, you can start constructing API calls using the base URL https://api.semrush.com/ and adding parameters like your key, report type, domain, and database, separated by &. The Semrush API documentation is your best friend here, as it details all available reports and parameters. Ahrefs vs Semrush: Which SEO Powerhouse Wins in 2025?

Why the Paywall? The Value of Semrush Data

It’s easy to feel a bit put off by the pricing, but there’s a reason Semrush can command these prices: the sheer scale and quality of its data.

Semrush boasts an enormous database, with:

Over 27 billion keywords.
808 million domains analyzed.
More than 43 trillion backlinks.
Data across 142 geo-databases and 16 languages.
Historical data going back to 2012 for the US database, with other databases having historical data from later dates.

This isn’t just a basic keyword checker. Semrush collects, processes, and organizes a truly massive amount of competitive intelligence. This data is constantly updated, refined, and made accessible through their various tools and, critically, their API.

For businesses and agencies managing extensive SEO projects, the ability to:

Automate competitive analysis: Quickly monitor how rivals are performing in organic and paid search.
Track market trends: Understand market dynamics and identify opportunities.
Perform large-scale audits: Integrate site audit data into your own systems to quickly spot and fix technical SEO issues across many sites.
Integrate data seamlessly: Pull insights into your internal systems, dashboards, or client reports without manual data entry.

These capabilities can save countless hours of manual work, improve decision-making, and directly contribute to increased organic traffic and revenue. For many enterprises, the ROI from this level of data access and automation easily justifies the investment. Unlocking SEO Superpowers: Your Guide to the Semrush API

Working with Semrush API & Python Requires Paid Access

For those of you with a bit of coding know-how, especially in Python, the Semrush API becomes even more powerful. Python is a popular choice for SEO automation due to its readability and extensive libraries.

You can interact with the Semrush API in Python in a couple of ways:

Direct HTTP Requests: You can use Python libraries like requests to make direct calls to the Semrush API endpoints. This gives you full control but requires you to construct URLs and handle responses manually.
Using a Wrapper Library: Developers have created Python wrapper libraries like semrush-cli or python-semrush on GitHub that simplify interaction with the API. These wrappers turn complex API calls into simpler Python functions, making it easier to fetch data.

Here’s a super basic example of how you might fetch some data using a hypothetical wrapper similar to semrush-cli, just to give you an idea:

import os
from semrush.api import SemrushClient

# Make sure you've stored your API key securely, e.g., as an environment variable
# If not, replace os.environ.get'SEMRUSH_API_KEY' with your actual key in quotes
api_key = os.environ.get'SEMRUSH_API_KEY' 

if not api_key:
    print"Error: SEMRUSH_API_KEY environment variable not set."
    print"You need a paid Semrush subscription Business plan + API units to get an API key."
else:
    client = SemrushClientapi_key
   domain_to_analyze = 'example.com' # Replace with the domain you want to analyze
   database_code = 'us' # e.g., 'us' for United States, 'uk' for United Kingdom

    try:
       # Fetch domain ranks overview
        printf"Fetching domain ranks for {domain_to_analyze} in {database_code} database..."
        domain_ranks_report = client.domain_ranks
            domain=domain_to_analyze, 
            database=database_code
        
        print"Domain Ranks Report:"
        printdomain_ranks_report

       # Let's say we want organic keywords
        printf"\nFetching top organic keywords for {domain_to_analyze}..."
        organic_keywords_report = client.organic_keywords
            database=database_code, 
           display_limit=10 # Use display_limit to save API units 
        print"Top 10 Organic Keywords Report:"
        printorganic_keywords_report

       # You'd typically parse this JSON data into a more usable format, like a Pandas DataFrame
       # import pandas as pd
       # df = pd.DataFrameorganic_keywords_report
       # printdf.head

    except Exception as e:
        printf"Oops! Something went wrong with the API request: {e}"
        print"Remember to check your API unit balance and plan limits."

Crucially, even with these Python tools, you still need a valid and active Semrush API key, which, as we’ve discussed, means a paid Business subscription and purchased API units. These Python integrations are about making using the API more efficient, not bypassing its costs.

“Semrush Free Alternative”: Getting SEO Data Without Breaking the Bank

the full Semrush API isn’t free. That’s a bummer, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of luck when it comes to getting valuable SEO data. There are some fantastic free or freemium alternatives and approaches that can help you gather insights, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Moving from Zoho to HubSpot? Here’s How to Make Your Migration Smooth and Stress-Free!

1. Google Search Console API

This is arguably the most powerful free SEO data source for your own websites. The Google Search Console GSC API gives you direct programmatic access to the data Google collects about your site’s performance in search.

What you get: Keyword rankings, impressions, clicks, CTR, average position for individual pages, and crawl errors.
Why it’s great: It’s direct from the source – Google itself. It’s 100% free, and the data is incredibly accurate for your owned properties.
How to use: You’ll need to set up API access through Google Cloud Console, but there are tons of Python libraries and tutorials like google-api-python-client that make it relatively straightforward to pull data.

2. Google Trends API

Want to see how search interest for a keyword or topic changes over time? The Google Trends API is your friend.

What you get: Historical search interest data for specific keywords, topics, or entities, allowing you to see seasonality and long-term trends.
Why it’s great: Free, directly from Google, and excellent for content planning, market research, and identifying trending topics.
How to use: Again, it’s accessible via Google Cloud Console, and Python libraries like pytrends make querying it quite simple.

3. Google Keyword Planner

While it’s primarily designed for Google Ads users, Google Keyword Planner is a surprisingly robust and mostly free tool for keyword research.

What you get: Search volume data, keyword ideas, competition levels for PPC, and bid estimates.
Why it’s great: It’s free if you have a Google Ads account you don’t necessarily need to run ads, just have the account set up. The data comes directly from Google, giving you a good pulse on search demand.
Limitations: The search volume data can be vague for free users ranges instead of exact numbers, and it doesn’t offer competitor insights like Semrush.

4. Ubersuggest Freemium

Neil Patel’s Ubersuggest offers a freemium model that provides quite a bit of value for basic SEO analysis.

What you get free tier: Limited daily searches for keyword ideas, content ideas, and basic domain overviews, including some backlink data.
Why it’s great: A user-friendly interface, and the free tier gives you a taste of several SEO tools without commitment.
Limitations: The free usage is quite restricted per day, making it unsuitable for large-scale analysis.

5. Majestic for Backlinks – Freemium with Paid API

If your primary concern is backlink analysis, Majestic is a strong contender. While its full API is paid, it often offers some free basic checks on its website. HubSpot CRM: The User-Friendly Growth Engine

What you get free checks/paid API: Backlink profiles, referring domains, anchor text, and their proprietary “Trust Flow” and “Citation Flow” metrics.
Why it’s great: Known for having one of the largest backlink databases, often cited as being better than Semrush for pure link intelligence.
Limitations: The full power, especially the API, is paid their API plan starts at $399.99/month. Free checks are very limited.

6. SpyFu Freemium

SpyFu is excellent for competitive analysis, helping you “spy” on what your competitors are doing in SEO and PPC.

What you get free tier: Limited data on competitors’ top organic keywords, paid keywords, and some backlink data.
Why it’s great: Great for uncovering competitor strategies and finding missed opportunities.
Limitations: The free data is capped, and you’ll hit limits quickly if you need in-depth analysis.

7. Moz Freemium with Paid API

Moz offers an all-in-one SEO suite with a focus on local SEO and small teams. While the full suite is paid, they often have free tools like their “Link Explorer” for basic backlink checks.

What you get free tools/paid API: Domain Authority DA, Page Authority PA, and some backlink metrics.
Why it’s great: DA and PA are widely recognized metrics for website authority, and their free tools are easy to use.
Limitations: Comprehensive data and API access require a paid Moz Pro subscription.

8. Scraping Public Data with extreme caution

The internet is full of publicly available data. You could potentially scrape search results, public directories, or basic website information.

Why it’s sometimes used: It’s “free” in terms of direct cost, and you can get data not readily available through APIs.
Major CAVEATS:
- Ethical & Legal: Always check a website’s robots.txt and terms of service. Unauthorized scraping can be illegal and unethical.
- Technical Challenges: Websites change, CAPTCHAs appear, and your IP can get blocked. It’s a constant battle.
- Resource Intensive: Requires coding skills, proxies, and a lot of patience.
- Data Quality: Scraped data can be messy, inconsistent, and require significant cleaning.

For most situations, I’d strongly recommend sticking to official APIs or reputable freemium tools. They’re built for scale, provide cleaner data, and keep you on the right side of ethical and legal boundaries.

Maximizing Your Semrush API Investment

If you do decide to invest in the Semrush Business plan and API units, here are a few tips to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck and not wasting those precious units: Supercharge Your Sales: The Ultimate Guide to ZoomInfo Engage HubSpot Integration

Understand Unit Consumption: Before making a new type of request, check the Semrush API documentation to see how many units it consumes. This helps you estimate costs and avoid surprises. Historical data usually costs more, so only request it when necessary.
Use display_limit: Many API reports support the display_limit parameter. Use this to limit the number of lines returned in your response. For example, &display_limit=10 will only give you the top 10 results, saving a lot of units if you don’t need the full list.
Filter Aggressively: Only request the exact data columns export_columns you need. Don’t pull everything if you’re only going to use a small subset. Filtering results server-side can also save units.
Monitor Your Usage: Semrush provides a “Query log” or “API Queries” section in your account under My Profile -> Query log where you can review your recent API requests and track unit consumption. Keep an eye on this to ensure you’re using units efficiently.
Batch Requests Wisely: If a specific API call supports batching requesting data for multiple domains or keywords in one go, use it. This can sometimes be more efficient than individual requests, but always be mindful of rate limits e.g., 10 inquiries per second from one IP address.
Develop Efficient Scripts: If you’re using Python or another language, make sure your scripts are optimized. Implement caching for data you’ve already pulled, and build in delays between requests to avoid hitting rate limits.
Explore Different API Packages: Remember the Trends API and the Local SEO APIs. If your core need is traffic analysis or local listings management, those might be more cost-effective options than the full Standard API.

By being strategic about how you use the API, you can ensure that your investment translates into valuable, actionable insights without unnecessary expenditure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Semrush API key for free?

No, generally, you cannot get a free API key for Semrush’s main Standard API. It requires a paid Semrush Business plan subscription, and then you must purchase API units separately to use it. However, the Map Rank Tracker API is available for all Semrush users without extra cost or units.

How much does the Semrush API cost?

The cost involves two main components: first, a Semrush Business plan subscription around $499.95/month, or $416.66/month if paid annually, and second, purchasing API units separately. API units typically cost around $1 for 20,000 credits. Different requests consume different numbers of units. Unlocking Efficiency: Your Ultimate Guide to the Zoom HubSpot App

Is Semrush API included in all Semrush plans?

No, the Standard Semrush API for domain, keyword, and backlink analytics is only available as an add-on for the Business plan. It is not included with the Pro or Guru plans, nor is it accessible during free trials. The Trends API has its own separate subscription plans.

Can I get Semrush API access with a free trial of Semrush?

No, you cannot get access to the Semrush API while on a free trial of the Pro or Guru plans. The API is exclusively available with the higher-tier Business plan, and even then, API units must be purchased separately. Semrush also doesn’t offer a free trial specifically for the Trends API.

Are there any truly free Semrush API alternatives?

Yes, for certain types of SEO data. The Google Search Console API and Google Trends API are completely free and provide valuable data for your own sites GSC or general search interest trends Google Trends. Other tools like Ubersuggest and Google Keyword Planner offer limited free features or functionality for specific SEO tasks.

How do I get my Semrush API key once I have a subscription?

Once you have an active Semrush Business plan and have purchased API units, you can find your API key by logging into your Semrush account, navigating to “Subscription info,” and then selecting the “API Units” tab. Remember to keep it secure!

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