SEO tools are important because every marketer has to raise a search ranking, stand against competition, and improve content strategies. They provide a complete guide about keyword analysis, backlink audits, website audits, and site performance. SEMrush is a great all-in-one SEO tool, but unfortunately, its on-the-spot price makes it impractical for small businesses, startups, and freelancers. Moreover, its complicated interface overwhelms new users. If you’re searching for a SEMrush alternative, there are various free and paid tools that offer great SEO features. Some are keyword research-centric, others are competitor analysis specialists, others monitor backlinks, or track rankings.
Selecting the best alternative is a matter of budget and SEO focus. This guide delves into the top free and paid SEMrush alternatives to assist you in choosing the proper tool to fit your needs, whether you’re seeking a free basic SEO solution or a premium tool with enhanced features.
Why Consider a SEMrush Alternative?
- Excessive Cost – SEMrush is $129.95 a month, which could be out of reach for freelancers and small businesses.
- Limited Free Version – The free plan has limited daily searches with some reporting access.
- Steep Learning Curve – SEMrush possesses complex advanced features that will be overwhelming to new users.
- Excessive Data Complexity – Few users have been known to be overwhelmed by detailed reports and the need for special training.
- Better Alternatives for Specific Tasks – Certain SEO products are more able in certain individual tasks such as keyword research, backlink reports, or tracking rankings.
If you are looking for an effective SEO tool that is easy to use and pocket-friendly, then the following SEMrush alternatives will come in handy in achieving your goals.
Top Free SEMrush Alternatives
Free SEO tools are the best for small businesses that require basic functions like keyword research, competitor analysis, or tracking their rank. Although they lack compared to paid tools, they still offer useful insights.
Ubersuggest (Best Free Overall Alternative)
Ubersuggest is an easy-to-use SEMrush alternative that offers keyword research, domain analysis, and content suggestions. It has a free plan with limited daily searches, which is ideal for companies with little SEO requirement.
- Offers search volume, keyword difficulty, and cost-per-click (CPC) information.
- Backlink analysis and domain summary.
- Historical data access is limited in the free plan.
- Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans begin at $12 per month.
Google Keyword Planner (Best for Keyword Research)
Google Keyword Planner is a free tool meant for Google Ads but can be used for SEO keyword research. It offers accurate data on search volume, competition, and bid prices suggested for keywords.
- Free access to Google’s keyword database.
- Includes keyword suggestions and competition analysis.
- Most suitable for PPC campaigns and general SEO strategies.
- Pricing: 100% free.
Google Search Console (Best for Website Performance Analysis)
Google Search Console is necessary to track the presence of your website in Google search results. It provides keyword performance, site performance, and indexing issue insights.
- Helps analyze organic traffic and CTR.
- Identifies crawl and indexing problems.
- Provides mobile usability and page experience performance reports.
- Pricing: 100% free.
AnswerThePublic (Perfect for Content Ideas)
AnswerThePublic helps provide content ideas using real search queries. It helps marketers define user intent and create content in response to frequently asked questions.
- Provides search queries in visual displays.
- Useful to decide on long-tail keywords.
- Limited daily searches in free version.
- Paid versions start at $9/month; free version available.
SEO PowerSuite (Free Version) (Best for On-Page SEO Analysis)
SEO PowerSuite is an on-desktop SEO tool that provides on-page optimization, rank monitoring, and backlink research. The free plan has limited keyword monitoring features.
- Provides in-depth site audits and on-page suggestions.
- Backlink analysis and keyword research are included.
- Must be installed on a computer.
- Pricing: Free plan is available; paid plans start at $299 per year.
Best Paid SEMrush Alternatives
If you require advanced SEO features and are happy to pay for a paid application, these SEMrush alternatives provide great functionality at affordable prices.
Ahrefs (Best Overall Paid Alternative)
Ahrefs is a top-ranked SEO tool that is renowned for its backlink analysis and keyword research features. It offers competitive insights along with ranking information.
- Huge historical backlink database with trends.
- In-depth keyword research and competitive analysis features.
- Site audit feature to discover technical SEO issues.
- Pricing: $99 per month minimum price.
Moz Pro (Ideal for beginners)
Moz Pro is an in-house SEO suite for companies that need easy-to-use SEO solutions. It offers keyword research, ranking tracking, and domain analysis.
- Simple dashboard to use with SEO metrics.
- Domain authority (DA) and page authority (PA) metrics included.
- Keyword difficulty scoring and link building are also included.
- Pricing: Starts at $99 monthly.
Serpstat (Best Value Option)
Serpstat is an affordable SEO tool that offers keyword research, backlink analysis, and competitor tracking. It is a great SEMrush alternative for small businesses with limited budgets.
- Has PPC information and SERP analysis.
- AI content analysis tool.
- Affordable pricing in comparison to SEMrush and Ahrefs.
- Pricing: Starts at $55 per month.
Mangools (KWFinder) (Best for Keyword Research)
Mangools is a simple tool with a keyword research and SERP analysis focus. It is perfect for small businesses and bloggers who need accurate keyword difficulty scores.
- Easy and intuitive interface.
- Gives accurate keyword difficulty scores.
- Has rank tracking and backlink analysis capabilities.
- Pricing: Begins at $49 per month.
SE Ranking (Best for Rank Tracking)
SE Ranking is a great tool for keyword rank tracking and competitor performance analysis. It offers keyword position updates on a daily basis.
- Accurate and regular rank tracking.
- Competitor analysis and backlink tracking supported.
- Cheaper than SEMrush and Ahrefs.
- Pricing: Begins at $39/month.
Comparison of Free & Paid SEMrush Alternatives
| Tool | Free/Paid | Best For | Key Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ubersuggest | Free & Paid | Overall free alternative | Keyword research, backlink analysis, site audit | Free; Paid plans from $12/mo |
| Google Keyword Planner | Free | Keyword research | Search volume, competition analysis, CPC insights | 100% Free |
| Google Search Console | Free | Website performance analysis | Organic traffic tracking, indexing issues, technical SEO insights | 100% Free |
| AnswerThePublic | Free & Paid | Content ideas | Question-based keyword research, visual data presentation | Free; Paid plans from $9/mo |
| SEO PowerSuite (Free) | Free | On-page SEO analysis | Rank tracking, backlink analysis, site audit | Free; Paid plans from $299/yr |
| Ahrefs | Paid | Backlink analysis & SEO audit | Largest backlink database, competitor research, keyword tracking | Starts at $99/mo |
| Moz Pro | Paid | Beginner-friendly SEO tool | Domain authority (DA) insights, keyword tracking, link-building tools | Starts at $99/mo |
| Serpstat | Paid | Budget alternative | Keyword research, PPC analysis, AI-driven content optimization | Starts at $55/mo |
| Mangools (KWFinder) | Paid | Keyword research | Easy-to-use interface, keyword difficulty scoring, backlink analysis | Begins at $49/mo |
| SE Ranking | Paid | Rank tracking | Daily keyword position updates, competitor tracking, backlink checker | Starts at $39/mo |
Which SEMrush Alternative is Right for You?
The SEMrush alternative to use for your individual needs is determined by the following:
- Best Free Option: Ubersuggest
- Best for Keyword Research: Mangools (KWFinder)
- Best for Backlink Analysis: Ahrefs
- Best Budget Paid Option: Serpstat
- Best Overall Paid Option: Ahrefs
If you are just starting out, Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest are excellent free options. In case you require advanced functionality, Ahrefs and Moz Pro provide top-of-the-line SEO features.
Final Thoughts
Although SEMrush is an effective SEO tool, there are numerous affordable and feature-packed tools for small businesses. For whichever purpose you’re looking for tools – keyword research tools or paid software for competitor analysis – the following options offered here are the best ones.
Use free trials where possible and match features before deciding on a paid plan. The perfect SEO tool will provide you with just what you need to optimize your site, increase ranking, and keep you in front of the competition.
FAQs
Why should I seek a SEMrush alternative?
SEMrush is an effective tool for SEO but at a prohibitively expensive, complex, and under-featured free version is inappropriate for the smaller business market, as well as new consumers, due to the availability of more affordable versions from similar providers.
Which is the best free alternative for SEMrush?
The best free SEMrush alternative depends on your needs. Keyword research is fantastic with Ubersuggest, Google Search Console to track performance, and Google Keyword Planner for PPC and SEO keyword research.
Which paid SEMrush alternative offers the best value?
If you are looking for an economical alternative, Serpstat and SE Ranking provide competitive functionalities at a lower price. For professional SEO and backlink examination, Ahrefs and Moz Pro are the best choices.
Can free SEO tools totally take the place of SEMrush?
Free SEO tools provide helpful suggestions, but they do not have depth in data, keyword tracking, and competitor research. Professional tools like Ahrefs, Moz Pro, and Serpstat offer advanced SEO features.
What is the appropriate SEMrush alternative for my business?
Consider your budget, SEO needs, and must-have features. If you only need basic SEO tools, utilize free tools like Ubersuggest. If you need comprehensive competitor analysis and backlink monitoring, you may want to buy a tool like Ahrefs or SE Ranking.