Every marketer, business owner, or freelancer who plays in the digital marketing space knows how powerful a tool Semrush is.
It’s one of the SEO tools that give you a comprehensive set of SEO features and functionalities that enable your website to gain huge visibility, attract quality leads, and convert them effectively.
However, Semrush is often considered expensive, and you may wonder if Semrush is your best partner to improve their SEO results.
That’s why I’ve written this article: to give you a list of worthy Semrush alternatives that might fall more within your budget.
Is Semrush price beyond your budget? Here are 15 paid and free Semrush alternatives that can help you achieve similar results. Share on XSemrush and its key features
Semrush is a comprehensive digital marketing toolkit for content marketers, small business owners, and SEO bloggers.
It’s an ideal toolkit for content marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and social media marketing. The tool provides valuable data and insights to upgrade your online marketing efforts, increase visibility, and ultimately increase your customer base.
These features make Semrush a favorite for most business owners and marketers:
- Keyword research
- Competitive analysis
- Site audit
- Backlink analysis
- Social media marketing, etc.
I have yet to see an SEO/ marketing toolkit that offers as extensive features as Semrush.
If you’ve never used Semrush, use my affiliate link for an exclusive 14-day free trial.
Why do you need a Semrush alternative?
While Semrush is an ideal content marketing toolkit, it might be difficult to fit it into the budgets of most small business owners, freelancers, and bloggers, as it comes with a big price tag.
I understand why you’re seeking a Semrush alternative if you’re on a budget.
Besides, Semrush may have a sharp learning curve for beginners and provides data only for Google.
I could say that Semrush has lots of free and paid alternative tools out there.
However, while many claim to be the best Semrush alternative, only a few measure up in terms of the features, functionalities, free SEO trial, and benefits Semrush offers its users.
You need a Semrush alternative if the premium SEO tool's pricing is beyond your budget. Check out these alternatives to get you going until you get a big budget. Share on X
Get a 60-min consultation with me to demystify Semrush tools to fit your specific SEO & business needs. Fix your issues and get the most value out of Semrush.
Check some of these alternatives out, try them for yourself, and decide which works best for you!
15 Best Paid and Free Semrush alternatives
We will look at both free and paid alternatives, for you to get a detailed understanding of the tools. Here is a quick overview.
Paid Semrush alternatives
Let’s start with the paid alternatives first, as these are the closest competitors or alternatives to Semrush.
These guarantee you value for your money while offering you similar features and functionalities to Semrush:
1. Ahrefs
Ahrefs is the closest paid Semrush alternative you can find in your quest for a comprehensive SEO toolkit.
It provides almost every feature and functionality an SEO tool should have, from comprehensive keyword research to site audits and competitive analysis.
Ahrefs is most popular for its backlink database, which allows you to build relevant backlinks and eliminate spammy ones.
It also has one of the best site explorer features among SEO tools, as you can conduct a detailed competitor analysis by exploring your competitors’ websites.
Here are the main features of Ahrefs:
- Keyword research
- Website explorer
- Website auditing
- Backlink research
- Rank tracking
How Ahrefs compares to Semrush
Ahrefs offers almost all the SEO features of Semrush, but it does not offer the other toolkits of Semrush including the Content Marketing Toolkit with Topic Research, an SEO Writing Assistant, and SEO Content Template.
These tools empower you with valuable insights, data, and guidance to produce high-quality and search engine-optimized content.
Though the difference between their pricing is negligible, Ahrefs is the more affordable option among the two tools.
While Semrush’s cheapest plan costs $129.95 per month, Ahrefs costs only $99 per month. However, Semrush is more value-for-money.
Read my detailed review of Semrush vs Ahrefs.
2. SE Ranking
SE Ranking is up there with Semrush as one of the SEO tools with the best features and functionality.
Its user-friendly platform makes it suitable for all users, making it easy for you to perform complex tasks like deep website analysis, rank tracking, etc.
Here are SE Ranking’s main features:
- Keyword research
- On-page SEO checker
- Website audit
- Keyword rank tracking
- Competitive analysis
- Backlink analysis
- Content generation
- White-label reporting
- API (Available in the business plan)
How SE Ranking compares to Semrush
While Semrush has a bigger database and features, SE Ranking offers more affordability and flexibility in terms of pricing. In fact, SE Ranking has one of the most flexible pricing plans compared to most other SEO tools.
SE Ranking’s price per month depends on number of features, type of subscription, etc. The plans range from $44 per month to $191.20 per month, which is relatively affordable compared to Semrush’s pricing plans, which range from $129.95 to $499.95 a month.
One of the major distinguishing factors is that you can add users to your SE Ranking account at no extra cost. However, to do the same in Semrush, you must pay an extra fee of $45 to $100 per month per user you want to add.
3. Ubersuggest
Though it’s popularly known for its freemium keyword research tool, Ubersugges (Neil Patel) has been transformed into a complete SEO tool since it was acquired by legendary digital marketer and SEO, Neil Patel.
It offers comprehensive SEO functionality, from keyword research to rank tracking, site audits, traffic estimation, and backlink building.
Therefore, it is not a surprising addition to this list, as it’s duly earned its place as a reliable Semrush alternative.
Here are the main features of Ubersuggest:
- Rank tracking
- Keyword research
- Chrome extension
- Site audit
- Traffic estimation
- Backlinks building
How Ubersuggest compares to Semrush
While Semrush offers you more robust SEO functionality, Ubersuggest comes at a ridiculously low price, offering you premium services on a budget.
With pricing plans that start at $12 per month and go up to $40 per month, Ubersuggest’s most expensive plan is far below Semrush’s cheapest plan.
If you’re on a low budget, Ubersuggest presents you with the best cost-cutting Semrush alternative while offering you decent SEO features.
4. SEO Powersuite
SEO Powersuite is one of the few SEO tools similar to Semrush in features and functionality. In fact, many users rate it as one of the top competitors to Semrush.
SEO Powersuite has one of the most robust link-building databases, with over 2.7 trillion links in its index. Its keyword suggestion feature is also one of the most comprehensive among SEO tools.
SEO Powersuite offers its services to users in four distinct tools:
- Website auditor: Handles website analysis and on-page SEO
- Rank Tracker: For extensive rank monitoring and keyword research
- SEO Spyglass: For backlink research and auditing
- LinkAssistant: Used to execute link-building campaigns and management
How SEO Powersuite compares to Semrush
While Semrush offers a web-based platform with additional features and integrations, SEO Powersuite is a desktop SEO toolkit.
As a desktop SEO toolkit, SEO Powersuite offers many advantages over Semrush, such as offline access to the software and high-level data privacy, as your SEO data and website information are stored locally on your computer.
They also have occasional discounts, making it even more affordable than Semrush’s monthly subscription plans.
I personally prefer using cloud-based SEO tools but that is just my preference.
At $299 per year for its Professional plan and $499 per year for the Enterprise plan, you can see why SEO Powersuite might be the best alternative to Semrush for your business.
4. Moz Pro
If you’re new to SEO and are concerned about the complexity of most SEO tools, then Moz Pro is your best alternative to Semrush.
Moz Pro is designed to give you all-around SEO services and make you efficient in SEO. Besides having a reliable, large link-building database, Moz Pro offers helpful SEO-learning resources, such as the Moz Academy.
The Moz Academy is a knowledge hub with valuable SEO training materials and tutorials, which you can access to upgrade your SEO game.
Moz Pro provides a comprehensive SEO toolkit with all the features and functionalities you need in one place. Here are the main features:
- Keyword research
- Rank tracking
- Site monitoring
- On-page optimization
- Backlink research and analysis
- Custom reports and analysis
How Moz Pro compares to Semrush
Moz Pro and Semrush offer comprehensive tools for keyword research, rank tracking, site audits, on-page optimization, backlink analysis, etc., making them reliable tools for all your SEO needs.
However, Moz Pro has a more intuitive and beginner-friendly interface and is more affordable than Semrush.
Moz Pro’s pricing plans start at $99 per month, less than Semrush’s cheapest plan, which starts at $129.95 monthly.
Even more, Moz Pro gives you a 30-day free trial on its Medium plan, which gives you full access to all the platform’s tools, giving you more time to assess the value of the software for your SEO needs.
The maximum trial period you can get for Semrush is 14 days.
5. Mangools
Mangools is another Semrush alternative you might find quite useful, as it offers almost all the SEO tools obtainable in Semrush.
It makes it easy to find the right keywords, see the SERP for any location, track your rankings, find powerful backlinks, and check your competitor’s website authority.
Mangools might not be your giant all-in-one marketing tool, but it is one of the top competitors to Semrush when it comes to SEO.
Mangools divides up its features into 4 separate tools:
- KW Finder: Keyword research
- SERPWatcher: Rank tracking
- LinkMiner: Backlinks research and analysis
- LinkMiner: Competitive analysis
How Mangools compares to Semrush
Like Semrush, Mangools has been a consistent G2 high performer for years.
Its SEO tools for keyword research, rank tracking, backlink research, etc., offer a lot of information, but they definitely don’t offer the same depth of data as Semrush.
It makes sense that it also comes at a much lower cost, with its pricing plans ranging from $20 – $90 per month.
Mangools is definitely one of the truly cheaper alternatives to Semrush.
6. SpyFU
SpyFU is one of the all-in-one marketing toolkits that offer tools similar to Semrush, as it offers SEO marketing and PPC advertising tools.
It is also one of the top competitors to Semrush. Its competitor analysis tool is one of the best SEO tools, giving you valuable information on your competitor’s search rankings.
Here are SpyFU’s key features:
- SEO competitor analysis
- PPC competitor analysis
- Keyword research
- Rank tracking
- Backlinks building
- SERP analysis
- White-label, SEO, PPC, and scheduled reports,
How SpyFU compares to Semrush
SpyFU and Semrush offer similar features and functionalities for SEO and PPC marketing.
Both platforms also have robust backlinks and PPC research data, making them valuable choices for your content marketing needs.
However, while Semrush offers more elaborate features, including social media and content optimization features, SpyFU is a more budget-friendly tool.
SpyFU’s pricing plans range from $39 per month to $299 per month.
Related: SpyFU vs Semrush
7. Raven Tools
Raven Tools is a fantastic SEO and reporting platform comparable to Semrush in many ways.
It is rated highly on most software review platforms like G2, Gartner, TrustRadius, etc., for its robust online marketing features. Raven Tools offers many integrations, including Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and Google, Bing, and Facebook Ads.
Here are the key features of Raven Tools
- Keyword research
- Competitor research
- Site auditing
- Rank tracking
- Backlinks analysis
- Link spying
- Social media management
- Reporting and analytics
How Raven Tools compares to Semrush
Like Semrush, Raven Tools efficiently handles many SEO activities, including keyword research, content management, website auditing, link tracking, social media management, etc.
Like other tools on this list, Raven Tools’ major advantage over Semrush is its affordability. Its pricing plans range from $39 to $399 per month.
With five pricing plans, Raven Tools allows you to choose a set of features that fit well into your budget.
8. CognitiveSEO
CognitiveSEO is a powerful Semrush alternative that offers a range of tools you could use to improve your search engine results.
Beyond vital SEO features and services, CognitiveSEO allows you to track your desktop, mobile, and local rankings for all locations and languages.
CognitiveSEO is excellent at detecting unnatural links that could result in algorithmic and manual penalties for your website. It also provides valuable clues that you can use to solve the resulting problems.
Here are the features of CognitiveSEO:
- Keyword research
- Rank tracking
- On-page optimization
- Website audits
- Backlinks analysis
- SEO dashboard
- Marketing reports
- SEO API
How CognitiveSEO compares to Semrush
While CognitiveSEO and Semrush are both marketing tools, CognitiveSEO focuses more on SEO features, including rank tracking, site auditing, backlink analysis, and content optimization.
Semrush, on the other hand, covers SEO, PPC marketing, and social media marketing in-depth.
Compared to others on this list, CognitiveSEO isn’t the most budget-friendly Semrush alternative you can explore.
The cheapest plan costs $129.99 monthly, which is even more expensive than Semrush’s starter plan. The most expensive CognitiveSEO plan costs $499 per month, which is also expensive compared to Semrush’s Business plan, which costs $450 per month.
9. Conductor
Conductor is one of the few tools like Semrush in terms of features and functionality. It is ranked by many as the world’s leading organic marketing platform, as it is perfect for helping businesses accelerate search traffic, digital growth, and revenue.
It provides excellent tools for keyword research, writing winning SEO content, tracking keyword rankings, and performing other SEO functions.
Furthermore, it has a robust integration partnership, including Adobe Analytics, Asana, Dragon Metrics, Google Analytics, Talkwalker, Yext, and even Semrush, making it ideal for individuals and teams.
Here are the key features of the Conductor platform:
- Keyword research
- Content optimization
- Competitor analysis
- Rank tracking
- Site audits
- Reporting and analytics
How Conductor compares to Semrush
Both platforms offer similar SEO features and functionalities and are highly rated by G2, TrustRadius, SoftwareReviews, and Forrester.
However, while Semrush operates a tiered pricing system, Conductor operates a quote-based pricing system, meaning you’d have to contact the Conductor team to get a price quote based on your SEO needs.
Free Semrush alternatives
Here are some free Semrush alternatives you might find valuable for your online marketing needs:
10. Google Keyword Planner
The keyword planner from Google is one of the best free Semrush alternatives. It provides comprehensive and accurate data on keywords relevant to your business, enabling you to create content that ranks and drives results.
How Google Keyword Planner compares to Semrush
Google Keyword Planner provides keyword research metrics, offering keyword ideas and volume mostly for Google Ads.
In contrast, SEMrush is a paid tool with data from various sources, providing extensive keyword research and competitor analysis.
You can know from both tools how well a keyword performs by looking at its impressions, the number of clicks it has garnered within a specific period, the difficulty score, and the amount advertisers pay to have their ads show for the keyword.
In a nutshell, Google Keyword Planner is ideal for advertisers, while SEMrush is versatile, offering insights for comprehensive SEO and marketing strategies.
Though the Google Keyword Planner has a robust keyword research function, its major advantage over Semrush is that it’s absolutely free. On the other hand, Semrush offers way more features and benefits.
11. Google Search Console
Google Search Console (GSC) is one of the most underrated Semrush alternatives for SEOs.
It provides a range of features that enable you to monitor and optimize your website’s presence in Google search results. With GSC, you can get a holistic view of how Google sees and interacts with your site, enabling you to discover areas that need improvement and fix them quickly.
Beyond checking your search performance, GSC allows you to monitor your site’s index coverage, submit sitemaps to Google, optimize your site for mobile usability, and identify link-building opportunities.
How Google Search Console compares to Semrush
The closest way GSC compares to Semrush is in its site audit feature. Both tools provide detailed site analysis, pointing out indexing, crawling, broken links, mobile usability, page speed, and other technical issues your site might have.
This makes Google Search Console one of the most valuable Semrush alternatives for business owners, SEO bloggers, and content marketers on a budget.
However, the key difference is that GSC focuses on monitoring website health and organic search traffic directly from Google’s search engine, whereas Semrush offers a broader range of features, including keyword research, competitor analysis, backlink data, and more,
Not to mention, Google Search Console is a free tool provided by Google, whereas Semrush is a paid tool.
Pro Tip:
Most SEOs (including myself) highly recommend using both Semrush and GSC.
You need to combine the insights from both tools to develop effective and customized SEO strategies.
Related:
12. Google Trends
Google Trends is a vital SEO tool for identifying relevant and popular industry trends in any location.
It provides insights into search interests and volumes for specific industry keywords or topics, helping you identify trends and patterns in your target audience’s search behavior.
While Google Trends isn’t an exact Semrush alternative, it has some vital keyword research features that could be useful if you’re on a budget.
How Google Trends compares to Semrush
Google Trends provides insight into searcher’s intent and behavior through keyword analysis.
It examines keywords based on the volume of searches and the trends and patterns of occurrence.
Semrush, on the other hand, provides more detailed keyword analysis by examining search volume, keyword difficulty, and related keywords.
Both tools are excellent for helping you discover relevant keywords to improve your SEO efforts.
However, Google Trends is free, making it a more affordable option if you’re on a lean budget and only starting off with SEO.
13. Keyword Surfer
Keyword Surfer is your best bet if you’re looking for a free keyword research tool that helps you identify valuable content when surfing the net.
It is a Chrome extension tool that allows you to generate keyword ideas and see search volumes and other valuable data points without leaving the search engine result page (SERP).
The Chrome web store shows that over 500,000 content, SEO, and marketing specialists use Keyword Surfer for their digital marketing needs.
How Keyword Surfer compares to Semrush
The Keyword Surfer primarily focuses on search volume data and is a valid Semrush alternative only for elementary keyword research.
It provides valuable insights on search volume, cost-per-click (CPC), estimated traffic, keyword suggestions, and data on competitor’s organic traffic.
However, Keyword Surfer still remains primarily a keyword research tool, and does not offer the other features of Semrush.
14. Seobility Software Suite
Keyword research, rank tracking, and competitor analysis are 100% free features on Seobility, making the tool a great free Semrush alternative for SEOs, content marketers, and small business owners.
The free tool allows you to perform extensive keyword research, competitive analysis, and website audits.
This is vital in helping you discover keywords in your niche that your competitors use to attract high-quality leads.
The website audit also enables you to discover promising keywords you’re already ranking for, helping you strengthen your content in those areas.
How Seobility Software Suite compares to Semrush
Seobility Software Suite and Semrush have similar keyword research, competitive analysis, and website audit capacities. Both tools allow you to access keyword suggestions, search volume data, and other valuable keyword details, enabling you to create content that drives results.
Even more, you can perform extensive competitive analysis and website audits with Seobility Software Suite and gain valuable data as you would with Semrush.
Which is the best alternative to Semrush?
Ahrefs is arguably the best alternative to Semrush if your budget can be around $100 or more, for an SEO or digital marketing toolkit.
Even with the many options available, Ahrefs comes closer than other tools to Semrush in the quality and depth of its features and functionalities.
However, it’s almost as expensive as Semrush, making it unsuitable if you’re working with a lean budget.
Pro Tip:
If you are looking for the cheapest Semrush alternatives that are also decent tools, then my recommendation would be SE Ranking and Mangools.
And of course, the Google tools!
Also check out my post on Semrush vs Similarweb.
Which Semrush alternative is best for you?
A good Semrush alternative affords you some (if not all) Semrush features in budget-friendly plans, saving you money while yet doing your SEO.
On the other hand, while Semrush is more expensive, you get much more out of it in terms of boosting your SEO, your website traffic, and thus potential leads and customers.
It puts you miles ahead of your competitors in your SEO game, as its features and functionalities are designed to suit any business model.
If you’re a small business owner on the lookout for a cost-effective alternative to Semrush, consider SE Ranking as your top choice. While it might not offer the same level of depth and sophistication as Semrush, SE Ranking provides a compelling solution at a more affordable price point.
So like most other purchases, you have to decide whether you want to cut costs in the short term and choose a Semrush alternative, or you want to go for the advanced features of Semrush, getting more profitability in the long run.
The free Semrush alternatives don’t have to really be alternatives, they can be complementary tools you add along with Semrush or SE Ranking to further strengthen your SEO strategies.
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