Rank Tracking APIs
Track keyword positions in search results over time, by location and device.
TL;DR: Top pick: Ahrefs API. 4 APIs compared, 0 with a free tier; cheapest published entry $100 month (Serpstat API). Why →
What is a Rank Tracking API?
A Rank Tracking API lets developers track keyword positions in search results over time, by location and device over HTTP. The Rank Tracking APIs below are compared on pricing, compliance, capabilities, and developer experience from structured, cited data.
| # | API | Pricing | Free | Self-serve | SOC 2 | HIPAA | GDPR | Webhooks | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ahrefs API | Hybrid | ✗ | ✓ | In progress | · | ✓ | ✗ | 71 |
| 2 | Serpstat API | Subscription | ✗ | ✓ | · | · | ✓ | · | 51 |
| 3 | Semrush API | Hybrid | ✗ | ✓ | · | · | ✓ | ✗ | 149 |
| 4 | SE Ranking | Hybrid | ✗ | ✓ | · | · | ✓ | · | 156 |
The APIs
#1 Ahrefs API
56 / 100Ahrefs API exposes the data behind Ahrefs' SEO toolset for custom integrations: keyword research, backlink analysis, rank tracking, site audits, and brand visibility across search and AI platforms. It is a REST API with API-key auth and an official MCP server. Pricing is published and self-serve, starting at $449/month as an Ahrefs subscription, with GDPR and ISO 27001 compliance and SOC 2 in progress. Launched 2010.
PricingHybrid · from $449 month · free tier ✗TrustSOC 2 In progress · GDPR · ISO 27001DoesAvoid ifYou want to try it free before paying#2 Serpstat API
58 / 100Serpstat is a cost-focused SEO data API covering keyword research, backlink analysis, rank tracking, site audits, competitor analysis, and SERP crawling across 243 countries. The REST API uses API-key auth, an official MCP server, and five SDKs. Pricing is a published, self-serve subscription from $100/month. It is GDPR compliant. Used by Deloitte, Rakuten, Visa, and Uber.
PricingSubscription · from $100 month · free tier ✗TrustGDPRDoesUsed byDeloitte, Rakuten, Visa, UberAvoid ifYou want to try it free before paying#3 Semrush API
53 / 100Semrush API extracts the platform's SEO and PPC data programmatically, covering organic and paid keywords, competitive analysis, ad history, and local SEO, with an MCP server for AI integration. It is a REST API supporting API-key and OAuth2 auth across 140+ countries. Pricing is published and self-serve, starting around $456/month. It is GDPR and PCI DSS compliant. Used by Samsung, LG, and Disney.
PricingHybrid · from $455.67 month · free tier ✗TrustGDPR · PCI DSSDoesUsed bySamsung, LG, ZoomInfo, DisneyAvoid ifYou want to try it free before paying#4 SE Ranking
45 / 100SE Ranking's SEO API automates SEO and GEO workflows: competitor analysis and keyword gaps, AI search visibility, technical site audits, link building, and global market analysis across 188+ country databases. It is a REST API with API-key auth and an official MCP server. Pricing is published and self-serve on a credit model of about $50 per 250,000 credits, with a 14-day, 100,000-credit trial. It is GDPR compliant.
PricingHybrid · from $50 250,000 API credits · free tier ✗TrustGDPRDoesUsed byHigherVisibility, hurra.com, Votre Site ProAvoid ifYou want to try it free before paying