Semrush is one of the biggest names in SEO. This tool covers everything from website audit to keyword research and competitor analysis—all in one place. But even with a big stack of great features, its price and complexity push users to find a decent alternative to Semrush.
Good news for you! We’ve tested and reviewed the best Semrush alternatives, so you don’t have to.
Let’s break down the strengths, pricing, and use cases of each tool, and help you find the perfect fit.
Why Look for Alternatives to Semrush?
Semrush dominates the SEO space for one big reason: it gives you all the tools. From keyword research to backlink tracking and PPC insights—it crams in everything a marketer might need.
But having everything doesn’t always mean it will work for you. Many users are switching to Semrush alternatives due to these particular reasons:
High subscription costs can be a real dealbreaker.
Semrush comes with a hefty price tag.
The starter plan begins at $129.95 per month, but that’s just the base price. Expeсt to pay more for extra features like API access, more projects, or keyword tracking.
And while this price can justify the output for agencies and big businesses, it will quickly eat up the budget for freelancers, startups, and small businesses.
Too many features can be frustrating.
Semrush is packed with tools, which is great—but only until you’re stuck navigating its complex dashboard. Many users, especially beginners, feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. For them, finding specific data takes longer than it should.
So, let’s be real—if you’re spending more time figuring out the tool than doing your job, that’s a big problem to deal with.
Not everyone needs an all-in-one tool.
Sometimes, all you need is a tool that does one thing exceptionally well.
If you’re only focused on backlinks, content optimization, or rank tracking, why pay for a full-suite SEO platform? The right mix of 1-2 focused SEO tools can save you time, cut costs, and make your work easier.
Luckily, there are plenty of Semrush alternatives we’ll talk about below—and some can fit you much better!
How to Choose the Right Tool for Your Needs
The next thing is that not all SEO tools are created equal. What works for a large agency might not be the best fit for a freelancer or small business.
The last thing you want is to waste money on a tool that doesn’t fit your needs.
Ask yourself a few key questions to narrow down your options:
What are your main SEO goals?
Some tools focus on backlink building, while others shine in content optimization or technical SEO. Do you want to track top keywords, build links, or perform deep content audits—or all of the above? Are you optimizing for organic traffic, PPC, or local SEO?
A clear goal makes choosing easier.
How much can you afford to spend?
The pricing for SEO tools is somewhere from free to hundreds of dollars per month. Before choosing, think about how much you’re willing to pay each month.
Next, compare the pricing plans of each tool, their feature limits, and hidden costs. Some tools charge extra for additional users, API access, or white-label reporting. If a tool lets you access top features in a higher-tier plan, are you willing to pay more?
Remember: Just because a tool costs more doesn’t mean it’s the right fit. Instead of focusing on who has the longest list of tools, look at what actually helps you get the job done.
Do you need a full-suite tool or a specialized solution?
As mentioned earlier, the best SEO tool works for you, not against you.
All-in-one platforms may seem like the perfect solution, but they can be overwhelming—with cluttered dashboards and confusing features.
Ask yourself: Do you really need all features if you’re only focused on backlinks, keyword tracking, or content optimization? A specialized tool can save you money and frustration.
But here’s the catch: if you’re managing multiple SEO projects daily, switching between tools can kill your productivity.
For multiple SEO campaigns, you’d want to choose an all-in-one platform. A multi-client dashboard, built-in reporting, and team collaboration keep the projects’ data in one place and save you valuable time.
Do This Before You Subscribe
The right tool should fit your workflow, budget, and goals. Before you commit, make sure you do these things first:
- Try free trials or demos – Most SEO platforms offer a 7- to 30-day free trial to explore their features risk-free. Use them to explore key features and see if the interface feels natural to you.
- Learn the true price – Some tools look cheap upfront but charge extra for add-ons. Know the real cost before you subscribe.
- Compare usability – A tool with great features isn’t helpful if it slows you down. Pick something that fits your workflow.
- Check integrations – If you rely on Google Analytics, Looker Studio, or third-party automation tools, make sure they sync up.
Top Semrush Alternatives at a Glance
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick breakdown of the best Semrush alternatives.
This comparison table highlights who each tool is for, what it offers, and how much it costs—so you can find the right fit faster.
| SEO Tool | Core Focus | Best For | Starting Price | Free Trial |
| SE Ranking | All-in-one SEO platform | Agencies, SMBs (small and medium-sized businesses), freelancers | $65/month |  14 days |
| Ahrefs | Backlink analysis, keyword research | Link builders, SEO specialists | $129/month |  No |
| Raven Tools | SEO & reporting | Agencies, marketing teams | $39/month | 7 days |
| SpyFu | PPC & competitor research | Advertisers, PPC specialists | $39/month | No |
| SEO PowerSuite | On-page & technical SEO | SEOs, webmasters | $349/year | Free version |
| Ubersuggest | Keyword research & site audits | Bloggers, startups | $12/month | 7 days |
| Moz Pro | All-in-one SEO platform | Businesses, SEO specialists | $49/month | 30 days |
| CognitiveSEO | Content & link analysis | Content marketers, SEOs | $129/month | 7 days |
| Mangools | Keyword research & rank tracking | Beginners, SMBs | $24.50/month | 10 days |
| WebCEO | White-label SEO tools | Agencies, large teams | $39/month | 30 days |
Best Semrush Alternatives: Find the Right Tool for You
We’ve reviewed 10 top Semrush competitors and analyzed their features, pricing, and ease of use.
Let’s go over each option and see what they bring to the table.
1. SE Ranking
SE Ranking is a full-suite SEO platform built for businesses, agencies, and freelancers looking for accurate SEO data and simple user experience.
Key differences compared to Semrush
- More affordable – $65/month vs. Semrush’s $129.95/month
- Easier to use – SE Ranking has a cleaner, beginner-friendly interface
- Flexible rank tracking – offers daily or custom tracking frequency, while Semrush has set limits
- AI-powered content suggestions and AI Writer – while Semrush has none
- Better for local SEO – provides Google Business Profile tracking & citation management
- Smaller keyword database – highly accurate but not as extensive as Semrush’s
- No advanced PPC tools – focuses on SEO rather than paid search
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Best value for money
- Clean, user-friendly dashboard
- Highly-accurate rank tracking
- In-depth website audit and competitor analysis
- AI-powered suggestions for on-page SEO
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- API is available only in the Business Plan
Pricing
SE Ranking offers scalable pricing based on the number of keywords tracked, projects, and other features.
Plans start at $65/month, with a 14-day free trial (no credit card needed):
- Essential – $65/mo (for freelancers & small businesses)
- Pro – $119/mo (for growing businesses & agencies)
- Business – $259/mo (for enterprises & large agencies)
When paid annually, SE Ranking offers a 20% discount.
Final Verdict
If Semrush’s price and complexity are holding you back, SE Ranking gives you 90% of the same features at a much lower cost. While it doesn’t have the largest keyword database, it excels in usability, affordability, and accuracy.
2. Ahrefs
Ahrefs is one of the closest competitors to Semrush, but unlike one, it has a stronger focus on link-building and organic search than PPC and paid ads.
Key differences compared to Semrush
- Larger backlink database (23 trillion links, second only to Google)
- Focus on technical SEO – while Semrush includes PPC and social media tools
- More advanced organic traffic data – shows all keywords competitors rank for, including traffic and top-ranking pages
- Tracks rankings across multiple search engines – Google, Amazon, YouTube, Bing, Yahoo, Baidu, and more
- No Google Ads or PPC tracking
- No integration with Google Analytics
- No disavow tool – meaning Ahrefs users need to remove bad backlinks manually
- Ahrefs pricing adds up for teams
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Top choice for link-building
- Accurate keyword difficulty scores
- Tracks rankings across multiple search engines
- Easy-to-use browser extension
- Advanced competitor gap analysis
Cons:
- Expensive plans
- No integration with Google Analytics
- No PPC tools
- No disavow tool
- High cost for teams
- No free trial
Pricing
Ahrefs is not another budget-friendly Semrush alternative. But if you’re focused on backlink analysis, competitor tracking, and technical SEO, it will deliver what it claims.
Plans start at $129/month, with no trial period available:
- Lite – $129/mo (for freelancers & individual marketers)
- Standard – $249/mo (for SEO specialists and marketing consultants)
- Advanced – $499/m (for lean in-house marketing teams)
- Enterprise – $1,499/mo (for large teams needing high-volume data)
Final Verdict
Ahrefs is a perfect solution for marketers who put SEO first—with deeper insights into backlinks, organic rankings, and SERP analysis.
If you’re looking for deep link-building insights, Ahrefs is the strongest tool you’ll find. Just be ready to pay for the full experience.
3. Raven Tools
If you’re an agency managing multiple clients, Raven Tools can save you hours of work. This SEO platform prioritizes ease of use and comprehensive reporting over advanced SEO features.
Key differences compared to Semrush
- Stronger reporting tools – focuses on automated white-label reporting
- Multi-platform data integration – connects with SEO, PPC, and social media tools
- More affordable compared to Semrush’s similar plans
- Weaker backlink database – not as extensive as offered by Semrush or Ahrefs
- Limited keyword research – no detailed keyword difficulty and search volume metrics
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Affordable pricing for agencies and small businesses
- Supports both SEO, PPC, and social media reporting
- White-label reports
- Built-in competitor analysis and backlink tracking
- Syncs with Google Analytics, Bing, Facebook, and other platforms
Cons:
- No advanced backlink analysis
- Limited keyword research
- The interface feels outdated and not as intuitive
- Some users report glitches in third-party integrations
Pricing
Raven Tools keeps pricing straightforward and scalable, with five plans based on project limits and users.
Plans start at $39/month, with a 7-day free trial.
- Small Biz – $39/mo (for freelancers & small businesses)
- Start – $79/mo (adds more users & keyword tracking)
- Grow – $139/mo (for agencies managing multiple clients)
- Thrive – $249/mo (for larger teams)
- Lead – $399/mo (for big agencies with unlimited domains)
All plans include a 30% discount with annual billing.
Final Verdict
Raven Tools is ideal for agencies that juggle multiple SEO & PPC accounts and need automated reports for clients. But if you’re after deep backlink analysis or advanced keyword research, you might find its SEO data a bit limited.
4. SpyFu
SpyFu is built for businesses that want a clear view of their competitors’ SEO and PPC strategies. It’s a great bargain for marketers focused on competitive analysis rather than full-suite SEO.
Key differences compared to Semrush
- More suitable for competitor analysis – reveals competitor PPC ads, organic keywords, and rankings
- Ad History feature – shows competitor ad spend, keyword history, and past ad copy
- Unlimited search & data exports – available in all plans, while Semrush limits access based on pricing tiers
- No technical SEO tools – no site audits or technical SEO functionality as in Semrush
- Smaller backlink database, as in Semrush
- No brand or social media tracking – does not track brand mentions or social engagement
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Budget-friendly plans
- Unlimited data exports
- PPC and competitor ad tracking
- Tracks historical PPC data over the past 10+ years
- User-friendly interface
- SEO writing assistant
Cons:
- No technical SEO tools
- Limited keyword research tools
- Weak backlink tracking
- No social media tracking
Pricing
SpyFu offers only two budget-friendly plans without extra costs on top. All plans provide unlimited search results and data exports.
Plans start at $39/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee:
- Basic – $39/mo
- Professional – $79/mo
Final Verdict
SpyFu is not a full SEO toolkit, but it’s a top Semrush alternative for competitor research. If you want to spy on your competitors’ ads, keywords, and budget—without paying Semrush prices—this is the tool for you.
5. SEO PowerSuite
SEO PowerSuite takes a different approach than any other Semrush competitors. Instead of an all-in-one browser-based SEO platform, it runs as desktop software and gives you full control over your SEO data without relying on the cloud.
Key differences compared to Semrush
- Requires download & setup – needs installation, software updates, and local storage space
- One-time annual payment – and expensive monthly fees, unlike Semrush
- Tracks rankings from multiple search engines – including Bing, Yahoo, Baidu, and more
- Built for organic SEO only – does not include PPC or paid search data
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Affordable annual fee
- Works offline, processes data faster, and does not rely on browsers
- Covers large-scale SEO data
- Deep SEO insights for audits & rank tracking
- Collects data from 450+ search engines
- Automated reports, keyword tracking, and link monitoring
Cons:
- No PPC or social media tracking
- Requires software installation & updates
- No browser-based access
Pricing
SEO PowerSuite keeps costs low by offering one-time yearly pricing instead of monthly fees. Plans start at $349/year with a free version available:
- Professional – $349/year (for freelancers & small businesses)
- Enterprise – $599/year (for large agencies & teams)
Final Verdict
SEO PowerSuite is great for agencies that need detailed site audits, link analysis, and keyword tracking—without breaking the bank. If you’re not running PPC campaigns and don’t mind installing software, it’s a great investment.
6. Ubersuggest
If budget is your priority, Ubersuggest is a fantastic entry-level SEO tool. It won’t replace Semrush or Ahrefs for deep research, but it’s a great fit for keyword research, site audits, and small-scale SEO projects.
Key differences compared to Semrush
- Budget-friendly – $12/month vs. Semrush’s $129.95/month
- Beginner-friendly interface – with easier UI and navigation
- Stronger keyword research tools – provide keyword suggestions, search volume, and difficulty scores
- Built for organic SEO only – does not include PPC or paid search data
- Smaller backlink database compared to Semrush
- Weaker rank tracking – no multi-search engine tracking
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Simple and easy to navigate
- Basic backlink tracking
- Solid SEO site audit tool
- One of the most affordable SEO tools
- Free trial available
Cons:
- Limited rank tracking & historical data
- Weak backlink database
- No social media or PPC tracking
Pricing
Plans start at $12/month, each one offering a 7-day free trial:
- Individual – $12/mo (for solo marketers & small websites)
- Business – $20/mo (for growing businesses & agencies)
- Enterprise – $40/mo (for larger teams & agencies)
Final Verdict
Ubersuggest is one of the best Semrush competitors under $40/month. If you don’t need PPC or deep backlink analytics, this tool will get you all SEO essentials in one place.
7. Moz Pro
Another beginner-friendly SEO tool worth mentioning is Moz Pro. It helps small businesses and marketers track rankings, find the right keywords, and improve on-page SEO — all without drowning in complex features and dashboards.
Key differences compared to Semrush
- Budget-friendly – $49/month vs. Semrush’s $129.95/month
- Beginner-friendly interface – with easier UI and navigation
- On-page SEO optimization tools – with step-by-step SEO recommendations
- Smaller backlink database – not applicable for deep link-building research like Semrush
- Site rankings are updated weekly – not daily like in Semrush
- Built for organic SEO only – does not include PPC or paid search data
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Straightforward interface
- Keyword Explorer makes long-tail keyword research easier
- Gives recommendations on how to fix SEO
- MozBar browser extension for quick SEO analysis
- Free trial available
Cons:
- Small backlink database
- Slower keyword rank tracking
- No PPC or social media insights
- The interface looks a bit outdated
Pricing
This Semrush competitor offers 4 plans based on site tracking, keyword research limits, and reporting features:
- Starter – $49/mo (1 tracked site, 50 keywords, 20K pages crawled).
- Standard – $99/mo (3 tracked sites, 300 keywords, 400K pages crawled).
- Medium – $179/mo (2 users, 10 tracked sites, 1,500 keywords, 2M pages crawled).
- Large – $299/mo (3 users, 25 sites, 3,000 keywords, 5M pages crawled).
Standard & Medium plans come with a 30-day free trial — one of the most generous offers of all options.
Final Verdict
If you want a simple, affordable SEO tool without the complexity, go for Moz Pro. It justifies its price and is great for beginners, although it doesn’t go as deep into backlink data as Semrush.
8. CognitiveSEO
If you’re more concerned about fixing SEO issues than any other features, CognitiveSEO is a good solution to consider.
You’ll be especially impressed with its technical SEO audits. They spot hidden SEO issues and site weaknesses and suggest how to recover from penalties.
Key differences compared to Semrush
- Stronger technical SEO focus over all-in-one SEO features
- Better for backlink audits – detects unnatural links and helps with penalty recovery
- More customizable reporting – with detailed white-label reports
- No content gap analysis – no detailed competitor keyword comparisons like Semrush
- Limited rank tracking – doesn’t allow tracking across multiple sites at once
- Built for organic SEO only – does not include PPC or paid search data
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive SEO audits with detailed recommendations
- Backlink monitoring and penalty recovery tools
- Customizable reporting features for agencies
- Google Analytics integration in all plans
- High-quality customer support
Cons
- Not budget-friendly
- The interface feels outdated and slow at times
- No free trial—only free tools to test features
- Rank tracking is not as advanced as Semrush
Pricing
CognitiveSEO is not for budget-conscious users. Plans start at $129.99/month with scalable features:
- Starter – $129.99/mo (For freelancers, startups, and in-house marketers with a limited budget)
- Premium – $199/mo (For Small/Medium Agencies or SMBs)
- Elite – $499/mo (For Larger Agencies or Enterprises)
Final Verdict
This top Semrush competitor is not beginner-friendly, and the pricing is high. But if your SEO strategy heavily relies on backlink analysis and site health, you may want to give it a try.
9. Mangools
Mangools is a set of SEO tools built for beginners and budget-conscious marketers. Instead of one big platform, it offers 5 simple tools for keyword research, SERP tracking, backlink analysis, and competitor research.
Key differences compared to Semrush
- Budget-friendly – $49/month vs. Semrush’s $129.95/month
- Beginner-friendly – with a simple interface and no steep learning curve
- Mangools is a set of standalone tools – not an all-in-one suite
- Simplified rank tracking – lacks advanced filtering options
- Smaller keyword database – fewer keywords than Semrush
- Limited backlink filtering – fewer options to drill down on link data
- No technical SEO tools – no site audits, PPC insights, and social media analytics
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Clean, beginner-friendly design
- Solid keyword research and rank-tracking tools
- Affordable pricing
- Free account available
Cons:
- No deep backlink analytics
- No in-depth technical SEO audits
- No PPC, social media, or content marketing tools
Pricing
Mangools is another best Semrush competitor when it comes to pricing. Even its highest-tier plan costs less than Semrush’s entry plan:
- Basic – $24.50/mo (100 keyword lookups/day, 200 tracked keywords)
- Premium – $34.50/mo (500 keyword lookups/day, 700 tracked keywords)
- Agency – $64.50/mo (1,200 keyword lookups/day, 1,500 tracked keywords)
Annual subscriptions get a 30% discount, and there’s a free account with limited features to test the platform.
Final Verdict
Want a no-fuss SEO toolkit? Choose Mangools. It won’t replace Semrush or Ahrefs for large-scale SEO, but it’s a solid starting point if you’re learning the ropes and don’t want to break the bank.
10. WebCEO
WebCEO is one of the few all-in-one SEO platforms on the market, allowing for unlimited additional users at no extra cost. This is a great bargain for agencies and large teams working on one project.
Key differences compared to Semrush
- Multi-language support – available in 20+ languages vs 14 by Semrush
- Unlimited user logins – no extra charge for adding team members
- White-label SEO tools – agencies can brand SEO reports and tools under their own domain
- Multi-targeting – you can track rankings across multiple locations and search engines
- Majestic backlink data is included for free
- No Google Ads audience targeting
- Less intuitive UI
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Unlimited additional user accounts
- Strong white-label SEO features for agencies
- Free Majestic backlink data integration
- 18 SEO tools available
- Google Analytics integration
Cons:
- No audience targeting for PPC campaigns
- Cluttered UI for beginners
Pricing
WebCEO offers flexible pricing based on business size and needs. Annual billing gives you 3 months free:
- Solo – $36/mo (minimum 3 months, one project plan)
- Startup – $119/mo (for small businesses)
- Agency Unlimited – $99/mo (for agencies needing white-label SEO tools)
- Corporate – $299/mo (for large teams with extensive reporting needs)
Final Verdict
WebCEO is best for agencies and teams that need unlimited user access and white-label reporting. But it’s certainly not your choice if you’re searching for a beginner-friendly tool with PPC insights.
Final Thoughts on the Best Semrush Alternatives
Semrush is a giant brand in the SEO world but certainly, not the only one. Plenty of other SEO tools might serve you even better:
- SE Ranking offers the most balanced mix of features and affordability, making it the top Semrush alternative for SMBs, agencies, in-house teams, and freelancers.
- For serious backlink analysis, Ahrefs leads the game with its massive backlink database, perfect for link-building strategies.
- If you’re running PPC campaigns, SpyFu gives you deeper insights into competitors’ ads and keywords without the high costs.
- For agencies handling multiple projects, WebCEO or Raven Tools can offer affordable white-label reporting, keyword tracking, and local SEO tools
- And for those who need a simple, budget-friendly SEO tool, Ubersuggest and Moz Pro get the job done.
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your top Semrush alternative depends on your SEO goals, budget, and workflow. Take advantage of free trials, test the interfaces, and pick the one that makes SEO easier, not harder.
To read more content like this, explore The Brand Hopper
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