Semrush alternatives
7 SEO tools tools people switch to from Semrush, with free plans and starting prices checked 2026-10-29.
Short answer
Ahrefs and SE Ranking are the two best Semrush alternatives. Ahrefs has the strongest backlink data and a free tool for sites you own, while SE Ranking is built for smaller budgets.
Semrush alternatives compared
| Tool | Best for | Free plan | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahrefs | backlink analysis and keyword research | Yes, free Ahrefs Webmaster Tools for sites you own and verify | $129/mo (Lite) |
| SE Ranking | agencies and small budgets | No permanent free plan; 14-day free trial, no card required | $129/mo monthly, $103.20/mo billed annually (Core) |
| Moz Pro | domain authority and beginner-friendly reports | No free plan; limited free tools with small monthly query caps | $49/mo (Starter); annual billing saves about 20% |
| Mangools | keyword research for small sites | No free plan; 10-day free trial | Basic $49/mo billed monthly; annual billing is cheaper |
| Ubersuggest | solo site owners | See pricing | $29/mo (Individual) or about $290 lifetime |
| SpyFu | competitor keyword and ad research | No permanent free plan | $39/mo monthly, $29/mo billed annually (Basic) |
| Google Search Console | free data on your own site | Yes, fully free | Free |
1. Ahrefs
Strongest backlink index of the group and a large keyword database. Free Ahrefs Webmaster Tools gives site audits and backlink data for sites you verify. It has no PPC or social modules.
2. SE Ranking
Core includes daily rank tracking, site audits and backlink monitoring for about 10 projects. Cheaper than Semrush's entry plan on annual billing. Its keyword and backlink databases are smaller than Semrush's or Ahrefs'.
3. Moz Pro
Created the Domain Authority metric. Starter tracks 50 keywords, so it suits small sites. Reports are simpler than Semrush's but there is no PPC or social toolkit.
4. Mangools
Five focused tools including KWFinder and SERPChecker, sold as one subscription. Cheaper entry point than Semrush, and the interface is lighter. It does not cover PPC research or content marketing.
5. Ubersuggest
Individual plan allows 150 searches/day. Lifetime pricing is unusual in this category. Data depth and project limits are lower than Semrush.
6. SpyFu
Built around competitor keyword and ad history, going back many years. Pricing is flat rather than per-credit, with Pro + AI at $119/mo monthly. Basic caps search results and exports at 10,000 rows.
7. Google Search Console
First-party Google data: real queries, clicks, impressions and index coverage for sites you verify. It shows no competitor data and no keyword volume. It is free with no usage caps.
Newer Semrush alternatives launched on RankCert
Why people look for a Semrush alternative
- Entry paid plan is $139/mo ($117.33/mo billed annually), with higher plans at $199 and $299/mo
- Free account is limited to 1 demo project and 10 reports/day
- Higher plans bundle AI visibility features that smaller teams may not need
- Advanced tier is custom priced and requires a demo request
Who should stay on Semrush
Stay if you use Semrush for PPC, content, social and SEO in one account, or if your agency already has client workflows and reports built there.
Built a Semrush alternative? List it free and it shows up on this page.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free Semrush alternative?
Google Search Console is free for your own site, and Ahrefs Webmaster Tools is free for sites you own and verify. Neither includes competitor research.
Is Semrush worth the price?
Plans start at $139/mo, so it is worth it if you use multiple modules across SEO, content and ads. For backlink research alone, Ahrefs is the common comparison.
Does Semrush have a free plan?
Semrush lists a free account with 1 demo project and 10 reports per day. Check the live pricing page, as plan names have changed recently.