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Surfer SEO vs ChatPDF: Complete Comparison 2026

Choosing between Surfer SEO and ChatPDF? We compare both tools across features, pricing, pros and cons to help you decide which is the better fit in 2026.

Surfer SEO7.9

Surfer · Writing, Research

Surfer is a data-driven SEO platform whose Surfer AI writes and optimises articles against live SERP data. It's a staple for agencies chasing top rankings.

ChatPDF7.6

ChatPDF · Research

ChatPDF lets you upload a PDF and ask questions, getting answers with page citations. It's a simple, popular way to digest papers, manuals and reports fast.

Key differences at a glance

  • •Surfer SEO scores higher overall (7.9 vs 7.6).
  • •ChatPDF has a free tier; Surfer SEO does not.
  • •Surfer SEO leans on excellent on-page optimisation.
  • •ChatPDF leans on dead-simple to use.

Side-by-side comparison

FeatureSurfer SEOSurferChatPDFChatPDF
Quality score7.9 / 107.6 / 10
Starting price$99/mo$5/mo
Free tierNoYes — Free daily limits
API input price——
API output price——
Speed——
Context window——
CategoriesWriting, ResearchResearch
Key features
  • Content Editor with real-time scoring
  • Surfer AI full-article writer
  • SERP analyser and audit
  • Keyword research
  • Chat with any PDF
  • Cited, page-referenced answers
  • Auto summaries and key points
  • Multi-language support
Pros
  • + Excellent on-page optimisation
  • + Live SERP data
  • + Trusted by agencies
  • + Dead-simple to use
  • + Page-cited answers
  • + Good free tier
Cons
  • − Expensive
  • − Can encourage over-optimisation
  • − Page/size limits on free
  • − One-doc focus on free

Surfer SEO

Choose Surfer SEO if you want excellent on-page optimisation.

ChatPDF

Choose ChatPDF if you want dead-simple to use and a free tier to start.

Pricing comparison

Surfer SEO
$99/mo
ChatPDF
$5/mo

The verdict

Overall, Surfer SEO edges ahead with a quality score of 7.9 versus 7.6 for ChatPDF. Choose Surfer SEO if you want excellent on-page optimisation. That said, ChatPDF is the better pick when dead-simple to use matters most — so the right answer depends on your priorities and budget.

Try Surfer SEO →Try ChatPDF →

Frequently asked questions

Q. Which is better, Surfer SEO or ChatPDF?

On our scoring, Surfer SEO edges ahead (7.9/10), but the right pick depends on your priorities and budget — see the breakdown above.

Q. Is Surfer SEO or ChatPDF cheaper?

ChatPDF has a free tier, so it's cheaper to start. Surfer SEO begins at $99/mo.

Q. Can I use Surfer SEO and ChatPDF together?

Yes — many teams use more than one AI tool, picking Surfer SEO for some tasks and ChatPDF for others where it's stronger.