A DataForSEO alternative with no $50 minimum
DataForSEO is a large pay-as-you-go SEO data API, and its per-request prices are low. The catch for small users is the $50 minimum top-up[1]. New accounts also get a $1 trial credit[1].
Our keyword and AI Overview tools run on Apify and use DataForSEO as one of their data sources. You pay per result from your Apify balance, so there's no deposit, no separate account and no API integration to build.
Comparison
| DataForSEO direct | Magenta Waterwheel on Apify | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum payment | $50 minimum top-up; balance never expires[1] | None. Apify's free plan gives $5 of credit monthly, no credit card[2] |
| Free trial | $1 trial credit[1] | $5 monthly free credit[2] plus free single checks on this site |
| Integration | Raw REST API; you parse the responses | Ready-made input form, clean JSON/CSV/Excel, schedules, webhooks, n8n/Make/Zapier and MCP |
| Price per request | Lower at high volume | Higher per request; includes parsing, brand and citation analysis |
Our prices
Keyword Planner API
| Event | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Actor Start | $0.00005 ($0.05 per 1,000) |
| Keyword with data | $0.0015 ($1.50 per 1,000) |
| Lookup | $0.10 |
Scheduled change from 2026-10-26: Lookup $0.12.
Live pay-per-event prices from the Apify API as of 2026-10-19. Platform usage is included. Check the Store page for the current price.
Bulk Keyword Planner
| Event | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Actor Start | $0.00005 ($0.05 per 1,000) |
| Batch of up to 1,000 keywords | $0.19 |
Live pay-per-event prices from the Apify API as of 2026-10-19. Platform usage is included. Check the Store page for the current price.
Who should go direct
If you'll spend more than $50 and you're happy writing API code, DataForSEO direct is cheaper per request. We'd tell you the same thing in person.
Who should use the Actors
If you want a few hundred keyword or AI Overview checks a month, no deposit, and output you can open in a spreadsheet, the Actors are simpler.
FAQ
What is DataForSEO's minimum deposit?
DataForSEO's pricing page says the minimum top-up is $50 and the balance doesn't expire.
Is there a DataForSEO free trial?
New accounts get a $1 trial credit, according to DataForSEO's pricing page.
Do your tools use DataForSEO?
Yes, among other sources. You get the data through Apify without opening a DataForSEO account.
Sources
- DataForSEO pricing (minimum top-up and trial credit FAQ), checked 2026-10-19
- Apify pricing (free plan), checked 2026-10-19