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9 Best Scrunch Alternatives for SEO and LLM Visibility

February 16, 2026
February 16, 2026
Updated:
TL;DR
  • Scrunch is strong on monitoring, but high costs, 90-day data limits, and limited execution workflows leave teams wanting more.
  • AirOps stands out by connecting AI visibility data directly to action, prioritizing gaps and launching automated workflows to refresh and grow content fast.
  • Budget-friendly tracking tools like Rankshift and Peec.ai work for pure monitoring, while Conductor, Brightedge, and Semrush serve enterprise needs

Marketing leaders are rethinking their tool stacks as Gartner predicts organic search traffic will drop 50% by 2028. You're not just tracking Google rankings anymore—you need visibility across ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude. Scrunch got there early with solid monitoring and an enterprise delivery layer.

But teams are asking: is Scrunch the right fit long-term? High costs, a steep learning curve, and 90-day data limits create friction. And here's the thing—watching your rankings drop isn't enough, especially when 73% of B2B sites lost traffic between 2024 and 2025. You need tools that help you actually fix content and close visibility gaps at scale.

This guide breaks down nine Scrunch alternatives—from nimble AI-native platforms to enterprise SEO suites. We're not picking a winner. We're showing you what each tool does best so you can find the right fit for your team.

What is Scrunch?

Scrunch helps brands track and optimize how they show up in AI engines like ChatGPT and Gemini. It tackles the zero-click problem head-on—where AI answers questions without sending users to your site. 80% of consumers now use zero-click results for at least 40% of their searches.

The platform does three things: monitors your brand across major AI engines, tracks metrics like Share of Voice and sentiment, and delivers content through its Agent Experience Platform (AXP)—a technical layer that feeds optimized, machine-readable content directly to AI agents.

Scrunch is built for enterprises and agencies that need SOC 2 compliance and multi-brand management. It's a fit if you want a technical infrastructure play for AI delivery on top of your visibility tracking.

Why Look for Scrunch Alternatives?

Monitoring is only useful if you can act on what you find. Here's why teams look elsewhere:

Price. Scrunch starts at $100/month and jumps to ~$300 for the Starter plan. If you just need tracking, you can get that for $50–$100 elsewhere.

Execution gap. Most tools tell you where you rank. AirOps lets you fix it—launch workflows that refresh pages, update facts, and close gaps on the spot.

Data limits. Scrunch caps API access at 90 days. That kills year-over-year analysis and makes reporting to non-technical stakeholders harder than it should be.

Rigid workflows. Scrunch runs linear: audit to optimize. If you need custom logic for programmatic SEO or multi-step updates, you're out of luck.

Tool Best for Key strength Pricing Free trial
AirOps Content & SEO teams Custom AI workflows & Page360 Free / Pro / Custom Yes
Profound AI visibility tracking Consumer-view data capture Starts $99/mo Contact
Peec.ai AI search analytics Authentic UI scraping Starts €89/mo No
AthenaHQ Deep GEO analytics Proprietary metrics (ACE/QVEM) Starts ~$95/mo Contact
Rankshift Agency monitoring Unlimited users & projects Starts ~$82/mo Yes
Conductor Enterprise AEO Unified security & compliance Custom Demo
Semrush All-in-one marketing Massive data ecosystem Starts $139.95/mo Yes
BrightEdge Enterprise automation Zero-touch “Autopilot” Custom Demo
Frase Content creation Dual SEO/GEO scoring Starts $39/mo Yes

The Best Scrunch Alternatives in 2026

1. AirOps: Best for Content & SEO Workflows + Visibility

Overview

AirOps is the Content Engineering Platform for AI Search. While most tools stop at telling you where you rank, AirOps is built to close the loop between insight and execution. It unifies your SEO data, AI search visibility, and web analytics into a single system, then gives you the automation tools to fix content at scale. It turns content operations from a manual grind into an efficient engineering process. Learn more about how AirOps compares with Scrunch for content workflows and LLM visibility.

Key Features

  • Page360: A unified performance view that combines AI citations, Google Search Console metrics, and GA4 engagement data for a complete diagnosis.
  • Opportunities Engine: Automatically prioritizes high-impact actions, such as creating content for gaps where competitors are cited or refreshing aging pages.
  • Action Layer (Grid & Workflows): A spreadsheet-like interface that runs complex, multi-step AI workflows to research, draft, and optimize hundreds of pages simultaneously.
  • Brand Kits & Knowledge Bases: Centralized governance that ensures every piece of AI-generated content adheres to strict brand voice guidelines and factual accuracy.
  • AI Search Tracking: Monitors performance across major platforms including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity.

Best For

SEO and Content Directors who need to do more than passively monitor and require a system to execute content strategy, refresh libraries, and expand programmatic SEO.

Pros

  • Connects visibility data directly to automated execution workflows.
  • Unified analytics view (Page360) simplifies performance diagnosis.
  • Flexible pricing model allows for scalable adoption.
  • Strong governance features ensure brand safety at scale.

Cons

  • Requires a shift in mindset from manual writing to content engineering.
  • Advanced workflow customization may require a short learning period.

Pricing

  • Solo: Starts free.
  • Pro: Custom pricing for teams.
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing for scale.

2. Profound: Best for AI visibility and LLM tracking

Overview

Profound is an AEO platform that prioritizes "consumer-first" data capture. Rather than relying on developer APIs, Profound captures AI answers from front-end consumer experiences to reflect exactly what users see. It focuses heavily on accurate measurement and server-side tracking of AI bots. Find more Profound alternatives for LLM visibility and AI search monitoring.

Key Features

  • 10+ Engine Coverage: Monitors a broad range of engines, including regional and specialized models like DeepSeek, Grok, and Meta AI.
  • Agent Analytics: Server-side tracking identifies AI crawler behavior to measure bot traffic accurately.
  • Prompt Volumes: Uses consumer panel data to estimate search volume for specific AI prompts.
  • Shopping Analysis: Tracks product visibility and shopping triggers specifically for ChatGPT Shopping.

Best For

Teams needing accurate "consumer-view" visibility data and server-side bot tracking at a lower entry price than Scrunch.

Pros

  • Captures data from the user interface for higher accuracy.
  • Extensive engine coverage includes niche and regional models.
  • Server-side analytics provide visibility into bot traffic.
  • SOC 2 Type II and HIPAA compliant.

Cons

  • Setup can be time-consuming for building prompt lists.
  • Some users report that the export options are not intuitive.

Pricing

  • Starter: $99/month.
  • Growth: $399/month.
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing.

3. Peec.ai: Best for AI search analytics

Overview

Peec.ai is a specialized analytics platform that uses UI scraping and browser automation to replicate authentic user experiences. It focuses entirely on the "truth" of visibility by avoiding sanitized API data. The platform is designed for rapid adoption and ease of use for marketing teams.

Key Features

  • Authentic Data Collection: Captures chats, source sidebars, and citations via browser automation to mimic real users.
  • Unlimited Seats/Countries: Pricing model does not charge per seat or region, making it scalable for global teams.
  • Source Analysis: Distinguishes between "Citations" (explicit text references) and "Sources" (background processing).
  • Actionable Insights: Groups sources into categories like Editorial or UGC to prioritize outreach.

Best For

Agencies and international teams needing scalable, seat-free access to authentic visibility data without content generation features.

Pros

  • Authentic data capture reflects real user experience.
  • Unlimited seats and countries reduce friction for large teams.
  • Fast setup and intuitive interface.
  • Granular distinction between citations and background sources.

Cons

  • No built-in content generation or optimization workflows.
  • Data collection happens on a daily cadence, not real-time.

Pricing

  • Starter: €89/month.
  • Pro: €199/month.
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing.

4. AthenaHQ: Best for Deep GEO/AI search analytics

Overview

AthenaHQ is a Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) platform that combines deep analytics with an "Action Center" for content optimization. It focuses on reputation management and brand governance within AI results. The platform uses proprietary metrics to predict citation likelihood and volume. Find more options to consider beyond AthenaHQ for answer engine optimization and citations.

Key Features

  • Proprietary Metrics: Uses "Athena Citation Engine (ACE)" and "Query Volume Estimation Model (QVEM)" to predict success.
  • Action Center: Enforces brand voice guidelines while drafting and refreshing content.
  • Smart Technical Control: Manages AI crawler access via smart robots.txt configurations.
  • Ecommerce Integration: Connects with Shopify to attribute revenue to AI search.

Best For

Brands looking for deep proprietary metrics and technical controls to manage how AI crawlers interact with their site.

Pros

  • Specialized metrics address the lack of volume data in AI search.
  • Integrated Action Center allows for immediate content updates.
  • Rapid reporting capabilities for agencies.
  • Strong focus on brand governance and reputation.

Cons

  • Credit-based pricing can be confusing and variable.
  • Documentation for APIs and workflows is limited.

Pricing

  • Self-Serve: ~$95–$295/month (credit-based).
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing.

5. Rankshift: Best for AI Visibility Tracking

Overview

Rankshift is an analytics-focused tool built for the zero-click environment. It offers straightforward visibility tracking and sentiment analysis with a flexible credit-based model. It is particularly friendly to agencies due to its unlimited user and project structure.

Key Features

  • UI-Captured Data: Captures data directly from the user interface to ensure accuracy.
  • Unlimited Users & Projects: Removes friction for agencies managing multiple clients.
  • Looker Studio Integration: Native connectors allow for custom reporting and data blending.
  • Crawler Analytics: Tracks AI model crawler behavior via log analysis.

Best For

Agencies and marketing teams that need a flexible, scalable monitoring tool with unlimited seats and strong reporting integrations.

Pros

  • Unlimited users and projects facilitate collaboration.
  • Strong integration with Looker Studio for custom reports.
  • Flexible credit model allows for variable usage.
  • Captures authentic UI data.

Cons

  • Lacks content creation and optimization workflows.
  • Pricing information can be inconsistent across sources.

Pricing

  • Starter: ~$82/month (€69).
  • Business: ~$425/month (€359).

6. Conductor: Best for Enterprise AEO Platform

Overview

Conductor is a premium enterprise SEO and Content Intelligence platform that has integrated AEO into its "unified data engine." It emphasizes security, compliance, and an API-first approach to data collection. It is designed for large organizations that need to break down silos between technical, content, and search teams.

Key Features

  • Unified Data Engine: Connects AI visibility, traditional rank tracking, and technical health in one dashboard.
  • Security: ISO 42001 and SOC 2 Type 2 certified.
  • API-First Data: Uses official APIs for stability and compliance rather than scraping.
  • Intelligent Prioritization: Automatically prioritizes tasks based on estimated business impact.

Best For

Large enterprises requiring strict security compliance, unified reporting across SEO/AEO, and high-touch support.

Pros

  • High security and compliance standards (ISO/SOC 2).
  • Unified platform eliminates data silos.
  • Strong customer support and educational resources.
  • Scalable for millions of pages and multi-domain setups.

Cons

  • High cost makes it inaccessible for smaller teams.
  • Rank tracking data is weekly by default, not daily.

Pricing

  • Enterprise: Custom pricing (typically high-tier).

7. Semrush: Best for SEO, PPC & competitive research

Overview

Semrush is a large all-in-one digital marketing tool that has expanded into AI visibility with "Semrush One." It offers a dedicated "AI Visibility Toolkit" alongside its standard SEO tools. It is ideal for teams that want to consolidate their marketing stack with a single vendor.

Key Features

  • AI Visibility Toolkit: Tracks share of voice in LLMs and monitors specific prompts.
  • Semrush Copilot: AI assistant that provides personalized recommendations.
  • Massive Data Scale: Uses large databases of keywords and backlinks to inform AI strategies.
  • Content Toolkit: Integrates research, writing, and optimization.

Best For

Teams that want to consolidate their entire marketing stack (SEO, PPC, Social, AI) into a single vendor ecosystem.

Pros

  • Massive data scale for keywords and backlinks.
  • Unified view of traditional SEO and AI visibility.
  • Comprehensive feature set covers all marketing channels.
  • Strong workflow integration for content creation.

Cons

  • Modular pricing can lead to high total costs.
  • Steep learning curve due to feature breadth.

Pricing

  • Pro: $139.95/month.
  • Guru: $249.95/month.
  • Business: $499.95/month.

8. Brightedge: Best for Enterprise SEO & AI Search Visibility

Overview

Brightedge is an enterprise-grade platform focused on scalability and real-time intelligence. It markets "AI Catalyst" for generative engine optimization and "Autopilot" for zero-touch SEO automation. It serves a large portion of the Fortune 100 and focuses on big data processing.

Key Features

  • AI Catalyst: Tracks and influences brand presence across generative engines.
  • Autopilot: Automates technical SEO fixes without developer intervention.
  • Data Cube X: Massive dataset for research and opportunity discovery.
  • BrightEdge Instant: Real-time rank checking capabilities.

Best For

Fortune 100 companies and large brands needing automated, "self-driving" SEO capabilities and deep data processing.

Pros

  • Proven ability to handle enterprise scale.
  • Unique visibility into generative engines via AI Catalyst.
  • Zero-touch automation saves operational time.
  • Real-time data capabilities.

Cons

  • High perceived cost and complex pricing.
  • Users often describe the interface as clunky or complex.

Pricing

  • Enterprise: Custom pricing (High tier).

9. Frase: Best for Agentic SEO & GEO Platform

Overview

Frase is a content-focused platform that combines SEO and GEO optimization. It uses an "AI Agent" to handle research, writing, and optimization in a single interface. It positions itself as a cost-effective all-in-one solution for content teams.

Key Features

  • Dual Scoring: Provides separate scores for traditional SEO (Google) and GEO (AI platforms).
  • Frase Agent: Autonomous execution of research and brief generation.
  • AI Search Tracking: Monitors 8 AI platforms for competitor share of voice.
  • Programmatic SEO: Tools to generate pages from data at scale.

Best For

Content teams and writers looking for an affordable, all-in-one tool to research, write, and optimize content for both humans and bots.

Pros

  • Unified workflow for research, writing, and optimization.
  • Dual optimization for both Google and AI engines.
  • Cost-effective pricing compared to enterprise tools.
  • Comprehensive tracking of 8 AI platforms.

Cons

  • Support quality can vary.
  • AI writing quality may require human editing.

Pricing (billed annually)

  • Starter: $39/month.
  • Professional: $103/month.
  • Scale: $239/month.

How to Choose the Right Scrunch Alternative

The AI visibility tool market has grown up fast. Scrunch isn't your only option anymore. Pick based on your real bottleneck: do you need better data, or do you need to actually fix what's broken?

  • Pick AirOps if you need to act, not just watch. Most tools give you a dashboard. AirOps lets you spot a citation drop and immediately launch a workflow to refresh content, update facts, and republish—all in one place.
  • Pick Rankshift or Peec.ai if you're a small team on a budget. Under $100/mo with flexible credits or unlimited seats. Perfect for agencies and startups proving ROI before they scale.
  • Pick Conductor or Brightedge if you need enterprise security. ISO certification, SSO, role-based access—these platforms have the compliance infrastructure, but you'll pay for it.
  • Pick Semrush if you want one tool for everything. Already paying for keyword research, backlinks, and AI tracking separately? Bundle it all into one subscription.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Scrunch Alternative

Monitoring alone doesn't move the needle. While Scrunch provides robust tracking and a unique delivery layer, many teams find themselves stuck with data they cannot easily act upon.

If your primary need is pure analytics, tools like Peec.ai or Rankshift offer excellent visibility at a lower cost. If you need enterprise-grade compliance above all else, Conductor fits the bill.

But if you are building an efficient content engine that turns AI search insights into executed work, AirOps stands apart. By unifying measurement, prioritization, and automated execution, AirOps closes the gap between knowing what is happening and actually fixing it.

Ready to see how AirOps can transform your content operations? Book a strategy session to explore how it fits your team's needs.

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FAQs

Can AirOps replace Scrunch?

Yes, for most teams. AirOps covers the monitoring side with its Analytics Dashboard and goes further with workflow automation to actually fix content. The main difference: if you're using Scrunch's AXP to serve a separate bot-only version of your site, AirOps optimizes and refreshes your real content instead which is better for long-term SEO health anyway.

Why is Scrunch so expensive compared to alternatives?

Scrunch bundles monitoring with its AXP delivery layer and enterprise compliance (SOC 2). That drives up the price to $300/mo for Starter. Tools like Profound or Rankshift unbundle these features, so you can get monitoring alone for way less.

Do I need a separate tool for AI tracking vs. traditional SEO?

Nope. AirOps (via Page360) and Semrush both show Google Search Console data and AI visibility in one view. That unified dashboard helps you see how your traditional SEO strength affects AI citations—way easier than juggling two tools.

Which alternative is best for agencies managing multiple clients?

Rankshift and AirOps both work well. Rankshift gives you unlimited projects and users with no per-seat costs. AirOps lets you build custom workflows and replicate them across client accounts, so you AI search optimization and content refreshes are simple.

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