9 Best Semrush Alternatives for 2025: Free & Affordable Options

Tired of Seeing the Same Old Keyword Research Tools in “Semrush Alternatives” Lists?

If you’ve been using Semrush — or are seriously considering it — you’re probably not looking for just any keyword research tool. 

You want something that closely mirrors what Semrush does: robust SEO insights, deep competitor analysis, reliable keyword data, and maybe even content optimization or PPC features too.

The problem? Most “Semrush alternatives” lists just throw in any tool with a keyword feature and call it a day. They rarely take into account what makes Semrush powerful or why someone might actually be searching for an alternative in the first place.

This list is different. We’ve handpicked tools that don’t just share some overlap with Semrush. Instead, they solve the very problems users often face with Semrush, while delivering comparable (or better) functionality in key areas like SEO research, keyword data, site audits, and content marketing.

Why Look for Semrush Alternatives & Competitors?

There’s no doubt that Semrush is one of the most powerful all-in-one SEO tools on the market. With millions of users and glowing reviews on platforms like G2 and Capterra, it has earned its reputation as a go-to for digital marketers, SEO pros, and content strategists alike.

But that doesn’t mean it’s the perfect fit for everyone.

If you’re here, it’s likely because something about your Semrush experience isn’t quite clicking. Maybe it’s one of these:

• It’s just too expensive. Especially for solo marketers or small teams, Semrush’s pricing feels steep — and adding features or users? That costs even more.
  
• You only get one user seat per plan. Scaling a team? Be prepared to pay a premium.
  
• Features are locked behind projects or plan limits. Want to audit more than a few websites or compare multiple competitors? Better upgrade.
  
• Data reliability isn’t always consistent. From keyword search volume to competitor spend, some users find Semrush’s data lacking precision.
  
• It can be overwhelming. With so many features packed in, it’s easy to feel lost if you only need a few specific tools.
  
• Add-ons and global data cost extra. Want to access advanced reports or global search volume? More hidden costs.
  
• Even the free trial isn’t easy. Requiring a credit card just to test the platform turns many potential users away.
  

We’ve taken all of this into account and carefully selected alternatives that solve these pain points — while still offering the kind of in-depth SEO and marketing features Semrush is known for.

These aren’t basic keyword tools. They’re true Semrush-style platforms with smart pricing, intuitive UX, and powerful insights baked in.

9 Semrush Alternatives You Need to Try Out

1. Writesonic
2. Ubersuggest
3. SE Ranking
4. Serpstat
5. Mangools
6. SpyFu
7. Ahrefs
8. Moz Pro
9. Sistrix

1. Writesonic – AI-Powered Semrush Alternative

An AI-powered all-in-one marketing platform built for SEO, content, and growth.

Call us biased — but there’s a reason we placed Writesonic as the top Semrush alternative. That’s because Writesonic actually integrates with Semrush to generate keyword and SEO insights, without you having to face whatever problem you had with Semrush.

It’s like using Semrush — and a whole lot many tools — in an easy-to-use, more economical, and AI-friendly interface.

Writesonic isn’t just another AI tool. It’s a comprehensive platform that combines keyword research, content creation, SEO optimization, and reporting. Ideal for content marketers, SEO professionals, and digital teams, Writesonic is designed to address the core limitations users face with Semrush — without the steep pricing or complex learning curve.

Key Features

• AI-powered Keyword Generator & Extractor: Discover high-impact keywords with accurate volume, keyword difficulty, and intent data, powered by AI to surface opportunities fast.
  
• Multiple integrations: Integrate popular keyword research platforms, including Semrush, Ahrefs, Google Search Console, and so on with Writesonic.
  
• SEO AI Agent: Get real-time SEO insights, from content optimization and keyword suggestions to full SEO reports — all in one dashboard.
  
• Competitor Gap Analysis: Analyze keyword and content gaps between your site and top competitors to find areas for growth.
  
• SEO-optimized Content Creation: Generate long-form blog posts, landing pages, and product descriptions that are SEO-ready out of the box.
  
• On-page Optimization Tools: Access actionable suggestions to improve readability, keyword usage, metadata, and internal linking.
  
• Integrated PPC & Ad Copy Tools: Go beyond SEO with AI tools for Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and more — ideal for performance marketers.

How Is It Similar to Semrush? Writesonic as a Semrush Alternative

• Provides accurate keyword research with volume, trends, and competition scores.
• Includes competitor analysis features for SEO and content benchmarking.
• Offers SEO audits and optimization tools to improve site and page-level performance.
• Functions as an all-in-one platform for managing SEO, content, and marketing workflows.

How Is It Different from Semrush?

• Built with AI-first workflows for content and SEO automation.
• No hidden costs — unlike Semrush, it doesn’t charge extra for more users or advanced features.
• Simplified interface that’s user-friendly for marketers and content teams, not just SEOs.
• Includes tools for PPC and social media content, expanding beyond traditional SEO.
• Free trial without requiring credit card details — making it easier to test before committing.

Pricing

Writesonic offers a free trial with no credit card required. Paid plans start at $39/month billed annually, with flexible business and agency options that include unlimited user access and advanced features.

Reviews

• G2 Rating: 4.7/5
  
• Capterra Rating: 4.8/5
  

2. Ubersuggest – Affordable Semrush Alternative

A beginner-friendly SEO tool that simplifies keyword research, site audits, and competitor analysis.

Created by Neil Patel, Ubersuggest is a lightweight alternative to Semrush that covers the core SEO needs — keyword tracking, backlink analysis, site health checks — without the steep learning curve or enterprise-level pricing. 

It’s especially suited for solo entrepreneurs, small businesses, and marketers just getting started with SEO.

Key Features

• Keyword Research Made Simple: Easily find keyword ideas along with volume, competition, and seasonal trends, ideal for building content strategies.
  
• Site Audit Reports: Scan your site for technical SEO issues and get clear, prioritized recommendations for fixing them.
  
• Backlink Overview: Analyze your link profile and discover opportunities for earning new backlinks.
  
• Competitor Keyword Analysis: See what keywords your competitors rank for and identify gaps you can target.
  
• Daily Rank Tracking: Monitor how your keywords perform over time, with historical data and SERP movement.
  

How Is It Similar to Semrush? Ubersuggest as a Semrush Alternative

• Offers keyword tracking, SEO audits, and backlink analysis in one tool.
• Includes competitor research features, including domain and keyword comparisons.
• Provides rank tracking with visibility metrics and keyword positions over time.
• Designed for broad SEO visibility — not just keyword suggestions.
  

How Is It Different from Semrush?

• Much simpler and more beginner-friendly interface — great for non-technical users.
• More affordable, especially with its lifetime plan option.
• Lacks some advanced features like PPC research, detailed content audits, or project-based workflows.
• Offers limited data depth compared to Semrush’s massive database, especially for global or enterprise-level research.
• No AI-driven features or automation built into its workflows.
  

Pricing

Ubersuggest offers a free tier with limited access. Paid plans start at $20/month, with a lifetime plan option available starting at $200 one-time for individual users.

Reviews

• G2 Rating: 4.2/5
  
• Capterra Rating: 4.4/5

3. SE Ranking – Complete SEO Platform Similar to Semrush

A full-featured SEO platform offering in-depth tracking, research, and reporting—built for growing teams and agencies.

SE Ranking stands out as a strong Semrush alternative that doesn’t cut corners. From keyword tracking to competitor analysis and SEO reporting, it delivers a comprehensive toolkit with excellent data accuracy and scalability. 

Its pricing and team collaboration features make it particularly attractive for agencies and businesses with multiple users.

Key Features

• Accurate Keyword Rank Tracking: Monitor keyword positions across search engines with high-frequency updates and geolocation support.
  
• Competitor Research & Gap Analysis: Dive deep into competitor keywords, traffic, and backlink profiles to spot opportunities.
  
• Website Audit Tools: Run technical SEO audits and get actionable reports on crawlability, speed, and indexing.
  
• Backlink Monitoring: Track both new and lost backlinks and evaluate referring domains by trust level and toxicity.
  
• SEO Reporting & White Labeling: Generate customizable reports for clients and teams, with branding and automation support.
  
• Marketing Plan & Task Management: Built-in project and workflow management tools for SEO teams.
  

How Is It Similar to Semrush? SE Ranking as a Semrush Alternative

• Provides keyword tracking, backlink analysis, and SEO audits in detail.
• Includes competitor research tools with traffic, keyword, and backlink comparisons.
• Offers comprehensive reporting for internal use or client-facing insights.
• Designed as an all-in-one platform for ongoing SEO project management.
  

How Is It Different from Semrush?

• More affordable multi-user pricing, with plans that include multiple seats by default.
• Less overwhelming UI, offering cleaner navigation for specific use cases.
• Lacks extensive PPC data and advertising research tools found in Semrush.
• Doesn’t require costly add-ons to access core features like white-labeled reports or keyword history.
• Slightly smaller data index than Semrush, though still robust for most use cases.
  

Pricing

SE Ranking’s plans start at $52/month billed annually, including support for multiple users. Custom plans are available for agencies with large teams or specific reporting needs. A free trial is available — no credit card required.

Reviews

• G2 Rating: 4.8/5
  
• Capterra Rating: 4.7/5

4. Serpstat – Comprehensive Semrush Alternative

An all-in-one SEO platform focused on data-driven optimization, with tools for marketers, SEO teams, and PPC specialists.

Serpstat is a well-rounded Semrush alternative with strong features for keyword research, site audits, and backlink tracking. It’s particularly known for offering deep data at a competitive price point, making it a solid choice for teams looking to scale without overspending.

Key Features

• Keyword Research & Clustering: Analyze keyword difficulty, search trends, and group keywords by topic clusters automatically.
  
• Backlink Analysis: Get detailed reports on backlink sources, new and lost links, anchor texts, and domain trust scores.
  
• Competitor Research Tools: Identify top-performing pages, shared keywords, and paid traffic sources for any domain.
  
• Site Audit & Issue Tracking: Perform technical audits and monitor progress as issues get resolved over time.
  
• Market Intelligence & PPC Data: Access ad research tools and insights on competitor ad strategies, creatives, and budgets.
  
• Team Collaboration Tools: Share projects, reports, and data easily across teams, with role-based access.
  

How Is It Similar to Semrush? Serpstat as a Semrush Alternative

• Covers all the major areas: keyword research, backlink analysis, site auditing, and competitor intelligence.
• Offers PPC insights, including keyword-level ad data and competitive spend info.
• Built to support multi-user SEO and marketing teams.
• Includes rank tracking and campaign-level monitoring tools.
  

How Is It Different from Semrush?

• Generally more affordable, especially for teams needing multiple users.
• Slightly less user-friendly UI, with a steeper learning curve than some alternatives.
• Doesn’t match Semrush’s global keyword index in size and depth.
• Some users report data latency or accuracy issues with backlink updates.
• Offers keyword clustering and batch analysis, which Semrush lacks natively.
  

Pricing

Serpstat starts at $50/month billed annually, with custom plans for larger teams and enterprises. All plans support multiple users and projects. A free trial is available (no credit card required).

Reviews

• G2 Rating: 4.6/5
  
• Capterra Rating: 4.7/5

5. Mangools – User-Friendly Site Like Semrush

A sleek, easy-to-use SEO toolkit that’s ideal for freelancers, bloggers, and small teams.

Mangools is best known for its clean interface and straightforward approach to SEO. While it doesn’t try to match Semrush’s vast feature set, it nails the essentials — keyword research, SERP analysis, and rank tracking — making it a great choice for users who want powerful features without complexity.

Key Features

• KWFinder for Keyword Research: Discover keywords with accurate volume, CPC, difficulty, and SERP overview—perfect for both global and local SEO.
  
• SERPChecker & SERPWatcher: Analyze the top search results and monitor daily keyword rankings across locations and devices.
  
• LinkMiner for Backlink Insights: Evaluate backlinks by strength, anchor text, and follow/nofollow status using a simple interface.
  
• SiteProfiler: Get instant SEO metrics like domain authority, trust flow, and top content for any website.
  
• UI Built for Simplicity: Minimal learning curve with visual-first dashboards and intuitive navigation across tools.
  

How Is It Similar to Semrush? Mangools as a Semrush Alternative

• Offers keyword research, backlink analysis, and rank tracking features.
• Provides SERP-level analysis, helping users understand search intent and competitiveness.
• Useful for tracking SEO performance over time, especially for smaller campaigns.
• Supports local SEO research, with geo-specific search results and data.
  

How Is It Different from Semrush?

• Not built for enterprise-level teams—no site auditing or project management tools.
• Lacks PPC data and social media features, unlike Semrush.
• Limited number of keywords and lookups per plan, which can be a bottleneck for large-scale use.
• Prioritizes usability over depth—less granular control but faster for casual or solo users.
• No content marketing tools or AI integrations.
  

Pricing

Mangools starts at $29.90/month (billed annually), making it one of the most affordable options. All plans come with access to the full suite of tools, but with limits based on keyword lookups and tracked terms. A 10-day free trial is available—no credit card needed.

Reviews

• G2 Rating: 4.7/5
  
• Capterra Rating: 4.8/5

6. SpyFu – Competitor-Focused Tool Similar to Semrush

A competitive intelligence tool with a sharp focus on SEO and PPC rival tracking.

SpyFu is designed to give you an edge by showing exactly what your competitors are doing — what keywords they rank for, what ads they’re running, and how much they’re spending. It’s a focused and budget-friendly alternative to Semrush, particularly valuable for marketers who care deeply about competitive strategy.

Key Features

• In-Depth Competitor Research: Uncover organic and paid keywords your competitors target, along with their top-performing pages and backlink sources.
  
• PPC Research Tools: Analyze Google Ads history, ad copy, and spend estimates to refine your paid strategies.
  
• Keyword Research & SERP Analysis: View detailed keyword data, difficulty scores, and actual ranking URLs.
  
• Backlink Outreach & Builder: Find backlink opportunities from competitors and track link acquisition over time.
  
• SEO Reporting Tools: Build white-labeled reports highlighting keyword performance, ranking trends, and competitive movement.
  

How Is It Similar to Semrush? SpyFu as a Semrush Alternative

• Offers SEO + PPC insights, making it useful for hybrid strategies.
• Features competitor-based keyword and ad research, just like Semrush’s competitive gap tools.
• Provides backlink analysis and reporting, supporting off-page SEO efforts.
• Has white-label reporting, ideal for freelancers and agencies.
  

How Is It Different from Semrush?

• Primarily focused on competitor insights—less suited for technical site audits or on-page optimization.
• Doesn’t include project-based workflows or site health tracking.
• No social media or content marketing tools.
• More limited rank tracking features and no native site crawler.
• Simplified UI, making it easier for new users but less customizable.
  

Pricing

SpyFu starts at $33/month billed annually for unlimited searches, users, and data exports — something most tools (including Semrush) don’t offer at that price. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available, but no free trial.

Reviews

• G2 Rating: 4.6/5
  
• Capterra Rating: 4.5/5

7. Ahrefs – Premium Semrush Competitor

A powerhouse SEO toolset trusted by pros for backlink analysis, keyword research, and competitive SEO intelligence.

Ahrefs is often considered the closest true rival to Semrush in terms of features, depth of data, and reliability. It’s particularly known for its massive backlink index and intuitive UI. While it lacks some of Semrush’s PPC and content tools, it more than makes up for it with accuracy, speed, and usability.

Key Features

• Site Explorer for Competitive Research: See organic and paid keywords, traffic estimations, backlink profiles, and top pages for any domain.
  
• Keyword Explorer: Get keyword suggestions with click metrics, difficulty scores, SERP overviews, and parent topic suggestions.
  
• Site Audit Tool: Scan websites for SEO issues, crawlability, and on-page improvements with visual reports and scores.
  
• Rank Tracker: Track keyword positions across devices and locations, with historical performance charts.
  
• Content Explorer: Discover top-performing content by topic or keyword and analyze backlink velocity and shares.
  
• Backlink Index: One of the largest and fastest-updating backlink databases in the industry.
  

How Is It Similar to Semrush? Ahrefs as a Semrush Alternative

• Both provide robust keyword research, rank tracking, backlink auditing, and competitive analysis.
• Strong site audit functionality with crawl diagnostics and issue categorization.
• Designed for SEO professionals, agencies, and content marketers needing full-stack SEO insights.
• Offers content discovery and analysis tools.
  

How Is It Different from Semrush?

• No PPC or ad research tools, unlike Semrush’s advertising toolkit.
• Pricing includes unlimited users on higher plans, whereas Semrush charges per seat.
• Lacks built-in social media tools, which Semrush includes.
• Search volume estimates are considered more accurate by many users.
• Doesn’t require project limits for core features like backlink audits or site crawls.
  

Pricing

Ahrefs starts at $108/month billed annually, with higher-tier plans offering more features, keyword limits, and access to tools like Content Explorer and advanced API access. No free trial is available, but they do offer a 7-day trial for $7 on select plans.

Reviews

• G2 Rating: 4.5/5
  
• Capterra Rating: 4.7/5

8. Moz Pro – Established Semrush Alternative

A trusted SEO suite with a legacy of accurate metrics and beginner-friendly tools.

Moz Pro is known for its clean UI, intuitive tools, and reliable data—particularly its proprietary metrics like Domain Authority (DA) and Page Authority (PA). It’s great for marketers who want solid keyword research, site audits, and link tracking without getting overwhelmed.

Key Features

• Keyword Explorer: Uncover keyword suggestions with monthly volume, difficulty scores, and organic CTR predictions.
  
• Site Crawl & Technical Audit: Scan your website for on-page and crawl issues, with prioritized fixes and weekly recrawls.
  
• Link Explorer: Analyze backlink profiles, track lost/gained links, and measure authority through DA and PA scores.
  
• Rank Tracker: Monitor search rankings over time across keywords, locations, and devices.
  
• On-Page Grader: Get optimization suggestions for individual pages based on keyword targeting and content structure.
  
• Custom Reports: Build shareable, automated reports to track performance metrics and SEO health.
  

How Is It Similar to Semrush? Moz Pro as a Semrush Alternative

• Offers keyword research, backlink analysis, and rank tracking.
• Includes site auditing tools to improve technical SEO.
• Provides custom reports and dashboards, like Semrush’s project view.
• Trusted by SEO professionals and agencies globally.
  

How Is It Different from Semrush?

• Lacks PPC research and ad tracking tools.
• No content marketing or social media scheduling features.
• DA/PA metrics are proprietary and not interchangeable with Semrush’s authority scoring.
• Fewer databases and lower keyword coverage in some regions.
• Interface is more streamlined but less advanced than Semrush’s expansive toolkit.
  

Pricing

Moz Pro starts at $39/month for the Standard plan. Higher tiers unlock additional features like branded reports, higher keyword limits, and API access. A 30-day free trial is available—no credit card required.

Reviews

• G2 Rating: 4.3/5
  
• Capterra Rating: 4.5/5

9. Sistrix – Traffic Analysis Tool Alternative

An SEO visibility platform with a strong focus on SERP analysis, competitive monitoring, and historical data.

Sistrix is highly regarded in the European SEO community, especially among e-commerce and enterprise teams. Its flagship Visibility Index is a reliable metric for tracking how a domain performs across time, search features, and regions.

Key Features

• Visibility Index: Track a website’s search performance over time, updated weekly with historical benchmarks.
  
• SERP Analysis: See what features dominate a keyword’s results—snippets, images, maps, etc.—and how domains compete within them.
  
• Competitor Comparison: Compare up to six domains at once across keywords, rankings, and SERP features.
  
• Link Analysis Tool: Discover new backlinks, anchor text distribution, and linking domain strength.
  
• Content Discovery: Find trending topics and analyze what ranks across different countries or industries.
  
• Mobile & Desktop Split: View keyword rankings separately for mobile and desktop devices.
  

How Is It Similar to Semrush? Sistrix as a Semrush Alternative

• Provides competitive SEO data, backlink tracking, and keyword research.
• Includes visibility trend graphs, similar to Semrush’s domain overview.
• Tracks SERP features and changes over time, helpful for long-term SEO strategy.
• Useful for agencies and enterprise clients working in multiple regions.
  

How Is It Different from Semrush?

• Focuses more on visibility and SERP feature tracking than full-suite SEO tools.
• No site crawler or in-depth audit tool like Semrush.
• Lacks PPC insights, social media tools, or project management features.
• Priced per module, which can be restrictive for users wanting an all-in-one plan.
• Primarily used in European markets, with more limited global reach compared to Semrush.
  

Pricing

Sistrix starts at €119/month. A free demo is available upon request, but there’s no free trial.

Reviews

• G2 Rating: 4.4/5
  
• Capterra Rating: 4.5/5

Semrush Alternatives Comparison Table

Many users search for websites like Semrush or tools similar to Semrush because they need specialized features or better pricing options. Whether you’re looking for Semrush competitors with more affordable plans or free Semrush alternatives to test before committing, this guide covers options for every need and budget.

Here’s a table comparing all the alternatives to Semrush:

Free Semrush Alternatives & Tools

Let’s be honest — no free tool can fully match what Semrush offers across SEO, content, and competitive research. But if you’re just starting out or only need a few core features like keyword suggestions or basic audits, there are a handful of free tools that can get the job done.

Here are some free Semrush alternatives that offer limited yet valuable functionality:

1. Keyword Generator

The Keyword Generator AI-powered tool that gives you fast, high-quality keyword ideas based on any topic or seed term. Great for expanding your content strategy or generating blog ideas without diving into complex research dashboards.

2. Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner was oiginally designed for PPC, but still widely used for SEO. It shows keyword volume ranges, competition levels, and keyword suggestions — straight from Google’s own data source.

3. AnswerThePublic (Free Tier)

AnswerThePublic transforms a keyword into a web of questions, comparisons, and long-tail phrases people are actively searching for. It’s especially useful for building content calendars and optimizing for search intent.

How to Choose the Best Semrush Alternative?

Finding the right alternative to Semrush depends on your specific needs. Whether you want free alternatives to Semrush, cheaper options like Ubersuggest, or comprehensive Semrush competitors like Writesonic, there’s a tool that fits your requirements. Sites like Semrush continue to evolve, so we’ll keep this guide updated with the best Semrush alternatives in 2025 and beyond.

The right alternative depends on your goals:

• Want Semrush-like depth with an AI-powered SEO solution? Writesonic’s SEO AI Agent is built just for that.
  
• better team collaboration? Try SE Ranking or Serpstat.
  
• Prefer simplicity and speed? Tools like Ubersuggest and Mangools can do the trick.
  
• Just exploring? Free tools like Keyword Generator or AnswerThePublic are a great place to start.
  

Each tool on this list was carefully chosen based on its similarity to Semrush and its ability to solve real user frustrations.

Ready to simplify your SEO with the perfect SEMrush alternative?
👉 Try Writesonic’s SEO AI Agent for free and experience keyword research, content creation, and SEO reporting — all in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Semrush Alternatives

What is the best alternative to Semrush?

For most users looking for a comprehensive Semrush alternative, Writesonic offers the tool in a better, AI-powered interface and at a cheaper price. Ahrefs is also another tool with the most similar feature set with competitive analysis, keyword research, and backlink tools, but it’s quite expensive. If budget is a concern, Ubersuggest provides a cheaper alternative to Semrush with core functionality at a fraction of the price.

What are the best free alternatives to Semrush?

The best free Semrush alternatives include Google Keyword Planner for keyword research, Google Search Console for site performance, and Ubersuggest’s limited free tier. While none match Semrush’s full capabilities, combining these free tools can cover many essential SEO tasks without cost.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Semrush that offers similar features?

Yes, Writesonic and SE Ranking are both excellent, cheaper alternatives to Semrush, with entry-level plans starting at about half the price of Semrush’s basic plan. Both tools provide keyword research, rank tracking, site auditing, and competitor analysis features similar to Semrush but at a more affordable price point.

Which Semrush competitors are better for specific SEO tasks?

For comprehensive SEO reports and keyword research, Writesonic is a great alternative to Semrush. For backlink analysis, Ahrefs is often considered superior to Semrush. For local SEO, Moz Pro offers better features. For competitor keyword analysis, SpyFu specializes in this area and may outperform Semrush. The “best” tool depends on your specific priorities and workflow.

Are there any websites like Semrush that specialize in content optimization?

Yes, while not exact Semrush alternatives, tools like Clearscope, Frase, SEO AI Agent, and SurferSEO specialize in content optimization with more advanced features than Semrush offers in this specific area. These sites similar to Semrush focus more on content creation and optimization rather than comprehensive SEO.

Niyati Mahale

Niyati Mahale is a Content Writer @Writesonic. She specializes in artificial intelligence and B2B, with a flair for combining effective storytelling and SEO best practices to create impactful content.