Screaming Frog SEO Spider vs qsa.sh: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Screaming Frog SEO Spider and qsa.sh comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Screaming Frog SEO Spider wins this matchup. Pick qsa.sh if you need security.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Screaming Frog SEO Spider
Website crawler for SEO audits
Best for you if:
- • You want powerful crawling
qsa.sh
External port and vulnerability scans from your terminal
Best for you if:
- • You want zero installation, just run curl; no agent or software to deploy
| At a Glance | Screaming Frog SEO Spider | qsa.sh |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Free Free plan |
Category | SEO Tools Developer Tools | Security Terminal Tools |
Rating | 4.8/5 Capterra 4.9 · G2 4.7 218 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Screaming Frog SEO Spider or qsa.sh?
Choose Screaming Frog SEO Spider if
- You want powerful crawling
- You want free version available
- You work in SEO tools, not security
Choose qsa.sh if
- You want zero installation, just run curl; no agent or software to deploy
- You want transparent and auditable, uses only public open-source tools, no black box
- You work in security, not SEO tools
In-Depth Analysis
Screaming Frog SEO Spider
Website crawler for SEO audits
Screaming Frog's pricing is fair, offering a robust free tier for small projects and a competitive annual license.
Strengths
- Pro: Powerful crawling
- Pro: Free version available
- Pro: Industry standard
Weaknesses
- Con: Desktop only
- Con: Technical interface
Key features
qsa.sh
External port and vulnerability scans from your terminal
The pricing is generous for casual use with a free tier that covers the top 1,000 ports, but the $5/mo Full Pro tier is a steal for continuous scanning of all ports, while $7/scan for Deep is steep for occasional use.
Strengths
- Pro: Zero installation, just run curl; no agent or software to deploy.
- Pro: Transparent and auditable, uses only public open-source tools, no black box.
- Pro: Strictly limited to scanning your own IP, with consent gate and opt-out for operators.
Weaknesses
- Con: IPv4 only, IPv6 connections are refused.
- Con: Free scan limited to one per 24 hours and only top 1,000 ports; Full and Deep require payment.
Key features
Pricing: Screaming Frog SEO Spider vs qsa.sh
| Plan | Screaming Frog SEO Spider | qsa.sh |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $0/mo or Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $279 Licensed | $5/mo Full Pro |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $7/scan Deep |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Screaming Frog SEO Spider pricing and qsa.sh pricing.
Key Takeaways
Screaming Frog SEO Spider
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
qsa.sh
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
Screaming Frog SEO Spider wins this matchup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Screaming Frog SEO Spider or qsa.sh better in 2026?
Screaming Frog SEO Spider wins this matchup. Pick Screaming Frog SEO Spider for SEO tools workflows (main strength: powerful crawling). Pick qsa.sh for security workflows (main strength: zero installation, just run curl; no agent or software to deploy).
What are Screaming Frog SEO Spider and qsa.sh used for?
Screaming Frog SEO Spider: Website crawler for SEO audits. qsa.sh: External port and vulnerability scans from your terminal.
What does Screaming Frog SEO Spider cost vs qsa.sh?
Screaming Frog SEO Spider's paid plans start at Free (Licensed). qsa.sh's paid plans start at Free (Full Pro).
What's the main difference between Screaming Frog SEO Spider and qsa.sh?
Screaming Frog SEO Spider's main strength: powerful crawling. qsa.sh's main strength: zero installation, just run curl; no agent or software to deploy.