Google Search Console vs Semrush:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Google Search Console had more branded searches than Semrush among backlink analysis tools worldwide. Google Search Console had about 4.1 million branded searches, while Semrush had 673,000. Google Search Console made up 75.1% of all backlink analysis tool searches we track, and Semrush accounted for 12.4%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about backlink analysis tools, Semrush appeared in all five answers and Google Search Console in four. Semrush was mentioned before Google Search Console in every answer.
Who do people search for more?
Google Search Console, about 6 searches for every 1 for Semrush
Who does AI mention more?
Semrush, mentioned in every answer we collected
Who does AI recommend more?
Semrush, named ahead of Google Search Console in every answer
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Top backlink analysis tools in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, Semrush appeared in all five answers. Google Search Console was mentioned in four out of five: in all three ChatGPT answers and in one of the two Google AI Overviews. Semrush was listed before Google Search Console in every answer.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Ahrefs1st- Semrush2nd
Majestic3rd- Google Search Console4th
Moz5th
SE Ranking6th
Ubersuggest–
Linkody–
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
- Semrush5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
- Ahrefs5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
- Google Search Console4 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
- Moz4 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
- Majestic4 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
- SE Ranking2 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
- Ubersuggest0 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
- Linkody0 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
See every answer about backlink analysis tools
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which backlink analysis tool should I use?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best backlink analysis tools?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best backlink analysis tool for seo research?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“backlink analysis tools”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“best backlink tool”
Not named in any answer:
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in the United States on October 20, 2026.
Is Google Search Console or Semrush more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for Google Search Console and Semrush by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all eight backlink analysis tools we track, month by month, from English-language searches worldwide.
Share of searches by month for Google Search Console, Semrush. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Google Search Console | Semrush | Ahrefs | Ubersuggest | Moz | SE Ranking | Majestic | Linkody |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 60.6% | 18.2% | 11% | 5.4% | 3% | 1.6% | 0.12% | 0.02% |
| Nov 2025 | 62% | 18.6% | 9.2% | 5.6% | 3.1% | 1.4% | 0.12% | 0.01% |
| Dec 2025 | 67.1% | 16.5% | 6.8% | 4.9% | 3.3% | 1.2% | 0.09% | 0.01% |
| Jan 2026 | 68.5% | 13.8% | 8.5% | 5% | 2.8% | 1.2% | 0.11% | 0.01% |
| Feb 2026 | 65.1% | 16% | 9.9% | 4.8% | 2.6% | 1.4% | 0.16% | 0.01% |
| Mar 2026 | 66.6% | 16.4% | 8.5% | 4.9% | 2.2% | 1.2% | 0.16% | 0.01% |
| Apr 2026 | 65.7% | 16.1% | 9.4% | 4.8% | 2.6% | 1.2% | 0.11% | <0.01% |
| May 2026 | 67.6% | 13.6% | 9.7% | 4.1% | 2.7% | 2.2% | 0.11% | <0.01% |
| Jun 2026 | 73.5% | 12.1% | 7.4% | 3.6% | 2.4% | 0.89% | 0.08% | <0.01% |
| Jul 2026 | 72.8% | 12% | 8.9% | 2.9% | 2.4% | 0.88% | 0.08% | <0.01% |
| Aug 2026 | 74.4% | 12.2% | 7.1% | 3% | 2.5% | 0.74% | 0.07% | <0.01% |
| Sep 2026 | 75.1% | 12.4% | 6.4% | 3% | 2% | 0.91% | 0.08% | <0.01% |
How has the Google Search Console and Semrush comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- Google Search Console was ahead of Semrush in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Google Search Console’s share of searches among backlink analysis tools worldwide moved from 60.6% to 75.1%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 2.7M to 4.1M.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Semrush’s share of searches among backlink analysis tools worldwide moved from 18.2% to 12.4%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 823K to 673K.
How did search popularity change for backlink analysis tools worldwide in September 2026?
2 changes
In September 2026, Google Search Console gained share of searches among backlink analysis tools worldwide, from 74.4% to 75.1%.
Estimated monthly branded searches for Semrush worldwide fell 18.2% over 12 measured months, from 823K to 673K in September 2026.
How are branded searches counted?
2 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Google Search Console’s and Semrush’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Google Search Console
1 branded search term
- google search console
Semrush
1 branded search term
- semrush
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