I Compared 6 Semrush Alternatives for SEO Workflows

As someone who’s been in the SEO game for a while, I have used Semrush for keyword research and competitor analysis. Ahrefs, on the other hand, earned my trust with its intuitive and reliable backlink analysis, especially when tracking referring domains and link velocity.

When it came to content optimization, I have used Clearscope for nearly half a decade to improve content grade, boost topical relevance, and stay competitive across high-intent SERPs. I also use various other SEO tools for specific use cases. 

But if the steep pricing models or a lack of innovation in core features is pushing you to search for Semrush alternatives, you’re not alone.

In this article, I have tested and covered six alternatives to Semrush that bring something unique to the table, whether it’s AI-assisted content scoring, cluster-based keyword suggestions, or deeper traffic potential metrics. I’ll walk you through:

• What worked (and what didn’t)
• How these SEO tools compare with Semrush
• Why one of these tools might be your new favorite

What makes the best Semrush alternatives?

Semrush is a comprehensive SEO platform offering a suite of features, including keyword research, technical SEO audits, backlink analytics, rank tracking, and more. It caters to marketers seeking an all-in-one solution for on-page, off-page, and technical SEO.

A true alternative to Semrush should replicate or improve upon these capabilities. This might include domain vs. domain comparisons, backlink gap analysis, or AI-powered keyword suggestions. 

While not every competitor covers the full spectrum, many specialize in specific use cases like content optimization, local SEO, or cost-effective backlink tracking. These tools offer differentiated value through simpler user interfaces, modular pricing, or integrations with AI content workflows.

Based on my research and experience, a strong Semrush alternative should deliver core SEO functionality across three main pillars: keyword research, competitive analysis, and actionable insights.

• Keyword research. The tool should let you analyze competitors, research and cluster high-potential keywords, and track visibility on the search engine results pages (SERP).

• Gap analysis and competitor benchmarking. It should help uncover keyword gaps, track ranking overlap with competitors, and map content opportunities where your domain may be underperforming.
• Specialization across SEO domains: Whether you're focused on on-page, off-page, or technical SEO, the tool should either offer full-suite capabilities or specialize deeply in one area. Some tools excel at link-building analytics, while others prioritize technical diagnostics or content scoring.

• Insight-driven recommendations: A Semrush alternative must surface insights, including traffic potential estimates, content optimization suggestions, and targeting recommendations based on live SERP data. 

Top 6 Semrush alternatives I use for SEO and keyword research

Below are the best Semrush alternatives I found on the market, which offer competitive, or, in some cases, better value than Semrush as an SEO tool.

This list is based on G2 reviews from 2025. We'll keep updating it to reflect the latest and best alternatives. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.

1. Ahrefs: Best for off-page SEO

Ahrefs stands out as one of the best tools for off-page SEO, particularly when it comes to backlink analysis, referring domains tracking, and link acquisition strategy.

While I’ve used both Semrush and Ahrefs extensively, I found them closely matched on on-page SEO elements like keyword tracking, technical audits, and content optimization.

Where Ahrefs pulls ahead is in its depth of link data and competitive intelligence for backlinks, which I’ve consistently found more actionable for building external authority. That said, Semrush delivers a smoother user experience, primarily because Ahrefs operates on a usage-based credit system. This can feel restrictive, especially during deep-dive research sessions, where I often had to monitor credit consumption.

Semrush vs. Ahrefs

When evaluating Ahrefs as an alternative to Semrush, I closely compared both platforms across key SEO functionalities, including backlink research, keyword data, site audits, and overall usability.

In terms of backlink analysis, Ahrefs clearly leads, offering deeper link index coverage, faster data updates, and a more intuitive backlink explorer. For users focused on off-page SEO and link-building, this advantage makes Ahrefs a top choice.

Source: Ahrefs

Semrush excels in keyword data presentation and user interface design. Its dashboard is more intuitive, with better data visualization and navigation, making keyword research and competitor tracking easier for both beginners and advanced users. Plus, Semrush provides more integrated marketing metrics, useful for content strategists and digital marketing teams.

Both Semrush and Ahrefs perform reliably when it comes to technical SEO site audits. In my testing, each platform was effective at identifying common on-site issues, including missing H1 tags, 404 errors, and other technical SEO problems that can impact site health and crawlability.

Go for Ahrefs if you’re comfortable with its’ credit-based usage system and seeking a cost-effective alternative. 

Look at the pros and cons of Ahrefs as a Semrush alternative and competitor. 

Semrush begins at $139.95/month for the Pro plan, with its mid-tier Guru plan priced at $249.95/month, and its high-end Business plan at $499.95/month. It's well-known for its broad marketing toolkit, including PPC analysis, content marketing features, and competitor benchmarking. 

Ahrefs is budget-friendly, starting with a $29/month Starter plan, followed by the $129/month Lite plan, and the $249/month Standard plan. Its Advanced plan for larger teams is priced at $449/month. While it may offer fewer integrated marketing modules, Ahrefs excels in backlink analysis, keyword tracking, and technical SEO insights.

Both Ahrefs and Semrush offer annual billing discounts of up to 17% at the time of writing this article. Getting an annual plan is ideal if you want to maximize value from SEO investment and reduce overall costs.

What I dislike about Ahrefs:

What G2 users dislike about Ahrefs: 

“Pricey compared with other tools out there. It is not good for small-sized businesses and projects because of the cost.” 

- Ahrefs Review, Ellen C., Marketing Associate

2.Clearscope: Best for optimizing content for search engines

I use Clearscope regularly in my writing projects, and it's become one of my go-to tools for content-first SEO. It helps me optimize blog posts and landing pages by providing a comprehensive list of related keywords and terms that improve on-page SEO and boost my chances of ranking higher in search results.

What sets Clearscope apart from Semrush is how it analyzes the top-ranking pages for any given keyword on the SERP. Then, based on that analysis and broader search engine trends, it recommends the most relevant terms to include in my content. This makes it easier for me to align my content with what’s already working in organic search, without keyword stuffing or losing my natural writing voice.

Source: Clearscope

One of the features I like about Clearscope is its content grade assessment. As I incorporate Clearscope’s recommended keywords and phrases into my content, I watch my grade improve, with A++ being the highest possible score. It's a helpful, real-time indicator that tells me how well my writing aligns with the top-ranking content on the SERP.

Semrush vs. Clearscope

In my experience, Clearscope tends to be the best Semrush alternative for teams that prioritize content quality over sheer volume. It’s ideal for those who don’t need a bulky all-in-one tool like Semrush, especially if they’re already using other platforms for technical SEO or backlink analysis.

I’ve found that Semrush excels as an all-in-one digital marketing platform. It’s packed with deep tools for SEO, PPC, competitor analysis, and technical site audits, making it ideal when I need a full-suite solution across multiple channels.

Clearscope stands out when my focus is purely on content quality and search relevance. Its AI-powered keyword suggestions, real-time content grading, and intuitive interface help me optimize content effectively.

What I dislike about Clearscope:

While I generally find Clearscope’s keyword suggestions helpful, there are times when the tool recommends terms that feel irrelevant or off-topic. This usually happens when competing pages on the SERP include those terms, but their content isn’t necessarily high quality or strategically sound.

It’s a reminder that AI-powered suggestions are only as strong as the content they’re based on, and our judgment still matters.

What G2 users dislike about Clearscope:

“Not much. The only shortfall I noticed is that the space to 'create report', the most important area in CL, looks like a search bar. So, if I wanted to search for older reports, I'd have accidentally typed it out into this tab and would have lost a credit. It's just a UX thing, and once you get used to using CL, it'll be okay. I hope it soon brings in a good plagiarism feature.” 

- Clearscope Review, Ashitha J, Content Marketing Manager

3. Moz Pro: Best for all-purpose organic SEO tasks

Moz Pro was the first SEO software I used extensively while learning content marketing, and it remains one of the most comprehensive platforms for search optimization.

It offers a full suite of features, including site crawl diagnostics, domain authority tracking, and keyword suggestions to support SEO growth. The platform also flags technical SEO issues and provides prioritized site health warnings, helping you stay ahead of search engine updates.

Source: Moz

One of Moz Pro's standout strengths is its backlink analysis, where it detects spammy or irrelevant backlinks and helps you manage your link profile through disavowal data. The spam score insights are particularly useful when cleaning up toxic links.

Moz Pro also delivers value through the Moz Academy and a vast collection of SEO tutorials.

Semrush vs. Moz

Moz stands out as a beginner-friendly SEO platform, making it a compelling alternative to Semrush for users who value simplicity and core functionality.

While Semrush delivers over 55 tools spanning SEO, content marketing, PPC, and social media, this breadth can feel overwhelming for small businesses or solo marketers.

In contrast, Moz Pro focuses on essential SEO capabilities, including keyword research, rank tracking, site audits, and backlink analysis, within an interface that’s intuitive and easy to navigate.

Moz’s clean UI and targeted feature set appeal to users who prefer a less cluttered, more focused SEO workflow. It's particularly well-suited to startups and SMBs that don’t need a full-stack digital marketing suite.

Moz offers flexible, budget-friendly plans starting from $49/month. Its Standard plan starts at $99/month, including 300 keyword queries and 100,000 page crawls monthly, making it ideal for freelancers, startups, and small SEO teams.

For those needing more scalability, Moz's Medium plan ($179/month) and Large plan ($299/month) increase limits on tracked campaigns, keywords, and user accounts, catering well to growing in-house teams or boutique agencies.

Plus, Moz provides a 30-day free trial, giving users extended time to evaluate its platform, significantly longer than Semrush’s 7-day trial.

In comparison, Semrush’s Pro plan starts at $139.95/month, but includes tools beyond SEO: PPC campaign analysis, social media scheduling, and content marketing workflows. Its Guru ($249.95/month) and Business ($499.95/month) tiers deliver broader functionality, but come at a higher cost.

Check out this table to learn more about pros and cons of Semrush vs. Moz.

Moz Pro is an excellent Semrush alternative for users focused on SEO essentials and cost-efficiency, with a lower barrier to entry and predictable pricing tiers.

What I dislike about Moz Pro:

I can only look at three competitors within a campaign, and I cannot add more for a detailed comparison. 

What G2 users dislike about Moz Pro: 

“Every software has some drawbacks. The one minor dislike is that sometimes, when choosing a reporting period, it seems to be a little glitchy, and takes a minute to get the reporting periods correct. Not a big deal, but annoying.” 

- Moz Pro Review, Brian H, Vice President of Marketing

4. Seobility: Best an all-in-one SEO software at an affordable cost

Seobility offers a complete suite of SEO tools, including a website crawler, rank tracker, backlink monitor, and competitor analysis. It's particularly well-suited for users seeking an affordable SEO tool without sacrificing essential features.

What impressed me most is its ability to dig into technical SEO issues. The crawler helped me uncover on-page problems, broken links, and other crawlability errors that were hurting my site health. It’s a great option if you care about staying on top of your site’s technical performance.

Seobility's rank tracking system lets me monitor multiple websites at once, which is perfect for seeing which ones are gaining the most visibility. I also like getting daily keyword position updates and insights into SERP performance across my tracked domains.

That said, its keyword database isn’t as extensive as what you'd find in tools like Semrush or Ahrefs. But for a tool at this price point, this alternative to Semrush delivers useful keyword research, backlink insights, and competitor comparisons. I’ve even used it to identify toxic backlinks and keep tabs on my link profile over time.

Semrush vs. Seobility

Semrush is a full-scale SEO and digital marketing suite, while Seobility is a simpler, audit-focused tool best for basic SEO and site optimization.

Semrush offers granular rank tracking, historical data comparisons, and integrates with tools like Google Ads and Google Analytics. This makes it ideal for agencies and in-house SEO teams requiring advanced SEO insights and automation features.

Seobility focuses on core SEO functionality with a strong emphasis on technical site audits, on-page optimization, and keyword tracking. It offers a user-friendly interface and affordable plans, making it accessible for small businesses and beginners. 

Seobility is a strong Semrush alternative for users seeking affordable, beginner-friendly SEO audit and on-page optimization tools.

What I dislike about Seobility:

I felt it was tricky to implement the technical SEO recommendations. It would be great to have priority in optimizing different things. 

What G2 users dislike about Seobility:

“While Seobility is a powerful SEO tool, the free version has some limitations, such as the number of keyword checks and crawl pages per day. Additionally, the backlink analysis could be more extensive than other SEO tools. However, its price and ease of use still offer great value.” 

- Seobility Review, Marius B, Administrator

5. SE Ranking: Best for SEO reporting and analytics

SE Ranking delivers exceptional value at a fraction of the cost of larger SEO platforms like Semrush. Starting at just $52/month, the platform allows users to track up to 250 keywords on its entry-level plan, making it one of the most budget-friendly options for rank tracking.

Its Keyword Manager lets me organize and manage 10,000+ keywords per list, and with the Pro plan ($95.20/month), I can export up to 50,000 keywords per report, a volume that typically requires a $200–$300/month plan on Semrush.

SE Ranking also includes features like keyword tagging and segmentation, on-page content scoring, and Google Analytics and Search Console integration.

This combination of affordability, scalable keyword management, and core SEO functionality makes SE Ranking a standout alternative to Semrush for freelancers, SMBs, and marketing teams that need powerful tools without a steep price tag.

Source: SE Ranking

I personally liked how SE Ranking made it easy to identify competitors and spot keyword gaps in their strategies. I could quickly assess keyword difficulty, check CPC data, and review search trends, all from one place. It helped me make smarter decisions around which keywords to target and which ones to leave out.

Another feature I appreciated was their Domain Trust and Page Trust scores. They work a lot like Domain Rating in Ahrefs, giving me a sense of how strong a site’s authority is, both overall and on a page-by-page level. It’s great for evaluating backlink profiles and understanding where my website stands against the competition.

Semrush vs. SE Ranking

From my experience, SE Ranking and Semrush are both solid all-in-one SEO platforms, but they cater to different needs depending on your goals and budget.

Semrush packs in a huge suite of tools, including advanced keyword research, backlink analysis, and competitive intelligence. It's a great fit for agencies and large enterprises managing complex, multi-channel digital strategies.

On the other hand, I found SE Ranking to be a more affordable, user-friendly option. It focuses on core SEO features like rank tracking, site audits, and keyword analysis, which makes it especially well-suited for small to mid-sized businesses or individuals.

Semrush starts at $139.95/month with its Pro plan, offering a wide array of tools for SEO, PPC, and content marketing. You’ll need to upgrade to the Guru plan ($249.95/month) or the Business plan ($499.95/month) if you need access to historical data, content strategy features, or expanded usage limits.

SE Ranking provides a much more affordable starting point at $52/month, which includes tracking for 500 keywords. Their volume-based pricing model means you can scale up keyword tracking and still stay well below Semrush’s pricing tiers.

Even at lower plans, SE Ranking gives access to essential features like rank tracking, site audits, and keyword analysis, making it a great fit for freelancers, startups, and small teams that don’t need the full complexity of an enterprise platform.

SE Ranking is a great Semrush alternative for those looking for simplicity and solid SEO fundamentals without breaking the bank.

What I dislike about SE Ranking:

The learning curve is steep. When trying to click some links, prompts to upgrade the tool appear. If the UI showcased what I had access to, it would have been a much better experience. 

What G2 users dislike about SE Ranking:

“The interface is a bit confusing initially because we need to change our habits when switching tools.” 

- SE Ranking Review, Remi B, Head of Digital Strategy and AI

6. Similarweb: Best for comparing broader SEO trends on the market

Similarweb is a great tool for competitive SEO and digital market research.

I found it particularly useful when evaluating how our web performance stacks up against others in the industry. Starting at $199/month, it gave me access to detailed traffic insights like total website visits, traffic sources, and audience demographics.

I appreciated was how easy it was to compare our traffic metrics against competitors. It highlighted areas where we’re strong and exposed gaps in our digital strategy, making the competitive analysis genuinely actionable.

I also love how Similarweb provides a broader view of market trends. Using their industry benchmarks and consumer behavior insights, I was able to better understand our target market and adjust campaigns based on real-time market movement. 

Source: Similarweb

I could see what other people were searching for in real time. It helped me optimize content around trending topics and stay ahead of shifting search behavior.  to optimize content based on current trends. I could clearly see the overlap, spot missed opportunities, and adjust our strategy based on what was working (or not working) for others in the space. It made content planning and SERP positioning much more strategic.

Semrush vs. Similarweb

Semrush focuses on tactical SEO and digital marketing optimization, while Similarweb excels in high-level market intelligence and competitor traffic benchmarking.

Semrush is a comprehensive all-in-one marketing platform built to improve online visibility across multiple digital channels. It brings together powerful tools for SEO, PPC advertising, content marketing, and social media management.

Similarweb provides insights into website traffic sources, user engagement metrics, and industry-specific market trends. It's ideal for companies focused on strategic planning and digital benchmarking.

Semrush pricing starts at $139.95/month for its Pro plan, offering SEO and marketing tools in a tiered structure. Similarweb’s Web Intelligence starts at $199/month.

While Similarweb does offer SEO-related data, it's best for a macro-level perspective, helping you compare audience behavior, evaluate digital market share, and uncover growth opportunities across channels. That's why it's one of the best Semrush alternatives for teams working on market positioning, competitive benchmarking, and consumer intelligence over granular SEO audits.

What I dislike about Similarweb:

What G2 users dislike about Similarweb:

“Given my frequency of usage, I found the tool a bit expensive. Having the opportunity to select some options would be appreciated. Besides, I often spot discrepancies between our internal data and data shown by Similarweb, which can lead to confusion and doubts about competitors' data.” 

- Similarweb Review, Thibault D, Chief Marketing Officer

Comparison of the best Semrush alternatives and competitors

Feel like you have an information overload? This comparison table makes it easier for you.

Frequently asked questions on Semrush alternatives

1. Is it worth paying for Semrush?

Semrush is a comprehensive SEO suite for companies of all sizes. It might be a little costly for smaller companies. The software has robust features and functionality that cater to more advanced use cases and are suitable for medium-sized companies and large enterprises. 

2. Is Similarweb better than Semrush?

If you’re seeking a broader overview of market trends, Similarweb might better suit your needs. However, when you're intensely focused on SEO growth and need insights to understand the market, competition, and growth trends, Semrush is more suitable. 

3. Which is better, Semrush or Ahrefs?

These two tools are similar in features and functionality. I found Ahrefs to be better than Semrush for off-page SEO. However, Ahrefs has credit limits; therefore, if you heavily use SEO software, Semrush would be a better alternative. 

4. Is Semrush the best SEO tool?

When it comes to an SEO tool, the term “best” borrows its definition from the use case, company size, and market segment. Therefore, based on this factor, Semrush can be the best SEO tool for some companies. However, this might not always be the case.

5. What are the best alternatives to Semrush for keyword research and competitor analysis?

Ahrefs and SE Ranking are top alternatives to Semrush, offering robust keyword research and competitor analysis features. Ahrefs provides an extensive backlink index and comprehensive keyword tools, while SE Ranking offers a cost-effective solution with a user-friendly interface and accurate data.

6. How do Semrush alternatives compare in terms of backlink database size and quality?

Ahrefs boasts a backlink database exceeding 23 trillion links, providing detailed link metrics and historical data. Semrush also offers a substantial backlink index, with studies indicating it finds referring domains for 99.5% of analyzed URLs, surpassing other tools in certain analyses.

7. Which Semrush alternative offers the most affordable pricing for small businesses or solopreneurs?

Ubersuggest offers an affordable alternative to SEMrush, with plans starting at $12/month, providing keyword research, site audits, and backlink analysis. Seobility is another cost-effective option, with plans starting at $50/month, offering a comprehensive suite of SEO tools.

8. Are there any free or freemium SEO tools that can replace Semrush for basic tasks?

Google Keyword Planner and Google Search Console are reliable free tools for keyword research and site performance monitoring. Seobility offers a free version as well for basic SEO tasks.

9. How do the user interfaces of popular Semrush alternatives (like Ahrefs, SE Ranking, Mangools) compare in terms of ease of use?

SE Ranking and Mangools are praised for their intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, making them suitable for beginners. Ahrefs, while offering comprehensive features, has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive data and tools.

10. Do any alternatives offer better local SEO features than Semrush?

BrightLocal specializes in local SEO, offering tools like local rank tracking and citation management, making it a strong alternative for businesses focusing on local search optimization.

11. How accurate are keyword volume and traffic estimates in Semrush alternatives?

Ahrefs, Moz, and SE Ranking provide accurate keyword volume and traffic estimates, with SE Ranking refining its algorithms to deliver more precise data.

12. How do Semrush alternatives handle SERP feature tracking, especially for Google AI Overviews?

Ahrefs and SE Ranking have integrated features to track Google's AI Overviews, allowing users to monitor their presence in these SERP features and adjust strategies accordingly.

13. Which Semrush alternatives provide robust API access for data extraction and reporting?

DataForSEO and Authoritas offer comprehensive APIs for SEO data extraction and reporting, catering to agencies and developers needing programmatic access to SEO data. 

14. What are the limitations of using free SEO tools versus paid options like Semrush or Ahrefs?

Free SEO tools often have limitations in data depth, feature sets, and update frequency compared to paid options like Semrush or Ahrefs, which offer comprehensive data and advanced features.

Ask the right questions

Exploring alternatives opened my eyes to how diverse and influential the SEO tool market has become. Depending on what you need, whether it's Clearscope’s content optimization, Ahrefs’ backlink data, or SE Ranking’s affordable all-in-one approach, there’s likely a better fit out there for your workflow and budget.

Personally, I’ve ended up mixing and matching tools based on the task at hand. For example, I use Clearscope when I’m working on content strategy and Ahrefs when I need to dive deep into competitor profiles. No tool is perfect, but each one offers a fresh perspective and a more tailored experience. 

The goal of the article was to give you a glimpse of the tool from the inside. Use it to inspire your points of discussion in demos and walkthroughs. This will help you clear up any confusion around your specific use case for SEO software. 

Looking for more options? Check out the highly-rated SEO tools on G2. 

This article has been updated with new information.