SpyFu and Ubersuggest are two well-known tools that promise actionable insights for improving search engine optimization and pay-per-click campaigns (one doing more than the other, depending on which tool you are considering for specific purposes).
The reason this SpyFu vs. Ubersuggest review exists is that there’s a bit of an “overlap, but with what exactly?” situation amongst marketers, agencies, and businesses looking for the right set of competitive analysis tools.
SpyFu is more like a DIY toolkit (including SEO and PPC) while Neil Patel’s Ubersuggest is like a single premium, high-quality tool for SEO (not the entire toolkit).
Both platforms have their strengths, but choosing the right one depends on your specific needs. This comparison breaks down their features, use cases, and key differences to help you decide.
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SpyFu & Ubersuggest: An Overview
With these two tools, there’s a slight overlap in what they deliver.
However, in a nutshell, Ubersuggest is a great starter tool for freelancers, small businesses, and those looking for a cost effective SEO tool while Spyfu has advanced insights and an extensive database that's perfect for larger businesses, agencies, and those who want to focus on PPC competitor analysis.
That being said, let's take a look at the key differences of these two tools.
Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest helps you find keywords to fuel your content strategy and SEO efforts.

Here are its main features:
- provides you with keywords that are being searched for (much like Google’s Keyword Planner)
- discover high-value keywords for your niche
- track keyword rankings
- get recommendations to boost your SEO juice
- find opportunities for finding backlinks
With an array of tools, it can track your keyword rankings and search performance while also giving you ways to steal your competitors’ best-performing SEO strategies.
Ubersuggest has a heavy focus on search keywords and backlinks, and to give you a headstart for your SEO efforts, driven by a strong content strategy.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- One of the most affordable keyword research and competitive analysis tools
- Data is accurate and on par with other well-known SEO tools
- Extensive keyword data and good for finding keyword opportunities easily
- Has a helpful keyword idea visualizer
- Gives you key data on your competitors’ site performance such as keywords by traffic and keyword gaps
Cons
- Limited domain analysis data (lacks insight into engagement metrics and traffic analysis)
- Lacks sufficient and accurate data on paid keywords and traffic
- Has a smaller keyword database than bigger players like Semrush so its keyword suggestions are limited
- Lacks engagement statistics about web traffic
Ubersuggest Pricing
- Business: $20 per month (2 to 7 websites)
- Individual: $12 per month (1 website)
- Enterprise: $40 per month (8 to 15 websites)
Ubersuggest also offers a compelling lifetime plan, a one-time payment that does away with subscription fees altogether.
- Business: $200 per month (2 to 7 websites)
- Individual: $120 per month (1 website)
- Enterprise: $400 per month (8 to 15 websites)
By now, it might be clear to you that Ubersuggest is a slightly better version of the Google Keyword Ad Planner (with a little more thrown in for good measure).

SpyFu
SpyFu does a lot of what Ubersuggest does, except, it goes way beyond Ubersuggest’s modest toolset.

SpyFu has a wider range of tools and features with an impressive database spanning billions of pages across 109+ million domains.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Its database is extensive and can track up to 14 years of a competitor’s activity
- Ideal if you want to zone in on your competitor’s PPC strategies
- Comes at a great price compared to other big names in its league
- Allows you to discover high-ranking keywords, backlinks, top pages, and other salient organic SEO data
- Good at giving keyword suggestions so you can produce targeted content that is more likely to rank
Cons
- Data is not the most accurate
- It’s not a beginner-friendly platform
- You can’t receive data in real time
Spyfu Pricing
Basic Plan: $39 per month
Professional Plan: $79 per month
SpyFu’s pricing, suggestively, also reflects the depth of their database, features, and tools you get for that price.

SpyFu takes care of what you need for competitor analysis (plus your performance) of search engine optimization and pay-per-click advertising as well.
Strengths of SpyFu & Ubersuggest and What to Pick
Ubersuggest has a heavy focus on search keywords and backlinks, and to give you a headstart for your SEO efforts, driven by a strong content strategy.
Meanwhile, SpyFu assumes that you are already much ahead with your SEO efforts and PPC campaigns. SpyFu implores you to do what you do, but also spy on your competitors to do what you do better.
These nuances are what differentiates the two tools (and our reason for writing the SpyFu vs Ubersuugest review).
When to Choose SpyFu?

- Freelancers & Agencies: If you’re managing multiple clients, SpyFu’s competitor insights and custom reporting make it a powerful tool.
- PPC Campaigns: Its Google Ads analysis and historical ad data provide a comprehensive understanding of paid search strategies.
- Advanced SEO: SpyFu’s keyword and backlink tools help refine competitive and organic strategies
When to Choose Ubersuggest?

If you are just starting out with your content strategy and Search Engine Marketing efforts, you’d do well to start with a combination of free tools such as Ubersuggest (free tier), Google’s Keyword Planner, Google’s SERP features (such as People also search for and Google’s auto suggest feature).
- Perfect for the start: For all businesses just getting started on Content and SEO strategies. It’s also nice to have to have an extra tool to quickly deliver information you need.
- Freelancers and Small Businesses: Its affordability and ease of use make it a great entry-level tool.
- Keyword Research: Ideal for generating content ideas and identifying less competitive keywords.
- Budget-Friendly SEO: The free tier and low-cost plans cater to businesses with limited budgets.
It’s when you need “more” that you’ll find Ubersuggest dragging you down.
SpyFu vs UberSuggest: Which is the right one for you?
Both SpyFu and Ubersuggest are valuable tools, but they cater to different audiences.
- SpyFu is ideal for experienced marketers, agencies, and businesses looking for advanced SEO and PPC insights. Its pricing reflects its depth, making it a worthwhile investment for those who can leverage its full capabilities.
- Ubersuggest is perfect for beginners, freelancers, and small businesses who need an affordable, easy-to-use tool for generating keyword ideas and basic competitor research.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your marketing priorities, budget, and level of expertise.
If you are looking for a competitive intelligence tool that goes beyond SEO and advertising, say hello to Panoramata. Spy on your competition’s marketing assets that you’d not find anywhere (unless you are willing to throw away a considerable chunk of time, that is).
Get insights on ads, SEO profiles, landing pages, marketing tools your competitors use, email marketing campaigns, content calendars, and more with Panoramata.
FAQs
1. What are the main differences between SpyFu and Ubersuggest?
SpyFu specializes in competitor analysis with detailed insights into PPC campaigns, organic keywords, and backlink strategies. Ubersuggest is more user-friendly, focusing on keyword research, SEO audits, and content ideas for beginners and smaller businesses.
2. Which tool is better for competitor analysis?
SpyFu is better suited for deep competitor research, especially for PPC and organic keyword tracking. Ubersuggest offers simpler insights, making it a good choice for those new to competitor tracking.
3. Are SpyFu and Ubersuggest suitable for small businesses?
Yes, both tools cater to small businesses, but Ubersuggest is often preferred for its affordable pricing and ease of use. SpyFu, while slightly more advanced, offers robust features that may justify the cost for growing businesses.