Local Falcon vs BrightLocal: Which Is Right for You?
Local Falcon and BrightLocal are two of the most popular local SEO tools, but they serve different needs. Local Falcon specializes in geo-grid rank tracking, while BrightLocal is a full local SEO suite. Here is how they compare.
Local Falcon
From $24.99/mo
Businesses and agencies that need detailed, frequent geo-grid rank monitoring with automation.
BrightLocal
From $39/mo
Agencies and businesses that need a complete local SEO toolkit including citations, reviews, and rank tracking.
Local Falcon
From $24.99/mo
Local Falcon is a specialized geo-grid rank tracking tool. It lets you visualize exactly where a business ranks in Google Maps from different geographic points on a grid. The credit-based system means you pay per grid point scanned, with plans starting at $24.99/month for 1,000 credits. Local Falcon excels at geographic rank visualization and is one of the original tools in this space.
Pros
- Pioneered geo-grid rank tracking
- Highly configurable grid sizes (up to 15x15)
- Scheduled and automated scanning
- API access on higher plans
- Historical trend data tracking
- Share of Local Voice metric
Cons
- Credit system can be confusing
- Costs add up quickly with larger grids
- Focused only on rank tracking (no citations, reviews)
- No profile health scoring
- Learning curve for credit optimization
Best for: Businesses and agencies that need detailed, frequent geo-grid rank monitoring with automation.
BrightLocal
From $39/mo
BrightLocal is a comprehensive local SEO platform that covers rank tracking, citation management, review monitoring, and local SEO auditing. Their Local Search Grid feature provides geo-grid visualization similar to Local Falcon, but it is part of a much broader toolset. Plans start at $39/month and include access to all features.
Pros
- All-in-one local SEO platform
- Citation building and management
- Review monitoring and generation
- Comprehensive local SEO auditing
- Geo-grid tracking (Local Search Grid)
- White-label reporting on higher plans
- Well-established with large user base
Cons
- More expensive starting point ($39/mo)
- Geo-grid feature less specialized than Local Falcon
- Can be overwhelming if you only need rank tracking
- Feature limits vary significantly by plan tier
Best for: Agencies and businesses that need a complete local SEO toolkit including citations, reviews, and rank tracking.
Consider Also
GBP Rank Tracker
From $5/scan
If you need geo-grid rank tracking without the commitment of a monthly subscription, GBP Rank Tracker offers 21-point grid analysis at $5/scan with competitor intelligence and profile health scoring included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for geo-grid rank tracking: Local Falcon or BrightLocal?
Local Falcon is more specialized for geo-grid rank tracking. It offers more grid size options, deeper historical tracking, and was specifically designed for this purpose. BrightLocal's Local Search Grid is capable but is one feature within a broader platform. If geo-grid tracking is your primary need, Local Falcon has the edge.
Is BrightLocal worth the extra cost over Local Falcon?
If you need citation management, review monitoring, and local SEO auditing in addition to rank tracking, BrightLocal's $39/month provides more total value. If you only need rank tracking, Local Falcon at $24.99/month is more cost-effective. Consider what features you will actually use.
Can I use both tools together?
Yes, some agencies use Local Falcon for detailed geo-grid monitoring and BrightLocal for citation and review management. This gives you specialized tools for each task, though it means managing two subscriptions.
Which tool is better for agencies?
BrightLocal is generally more popular with agencies because it provides a complete client management workflow with white-label reporting, citation management, and review monitoring. Local Falcon is preferred by agencies that focus specifically on rank tracking and reporting. Both offer multi-location support.
Do both tools offer free trials?
Local Falcon offers a 7-day free trial, and BrightLocal provides a 14-day free trial. Both trials give you access to core features so you can evaluate the tools before committing. We recommend trying both to see which workflow suits your needs.
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