The best Semrush alternatives in 2026
All-in-one SEO suite with keyword, backlink and audit tools plus AI-search tracking. Semrush scores 7.9/10 in our AI SEO tools ranking. It's the top-rated app in this category, but these are the strongest alternatives. Every app below is scored with the same published rubric.
9 alternatives, best first
Full AI SEO tools ranking →- 1
Ahrefs
Best forSEO specialists and agencies who rely on backlink and competitor data
SEO toolset known for backlink data, now with Brand Radar AI-search tracking
Free plan · paid from $29/month
7.8/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 2
SE Ranking
Best forSmall businesses and agencies wanting a cheaper all-rounder
Affordable SEO platform with rank tracking and AI Overviews and ChatGPT trackers
Has that Semrush doesn't: AI writes briefs or full articles
Free trial · from $103.20/month
7.7/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 3
Surfer
Best forContent teams and writers who want to optimise articles before publishing
AI content optimisation that scores drafts live and tracks AI-search visibility
Has that Semrush doesn't: AI writes briefs or full articles · Works inside WordPress or Google Docs
From $49/month
7.7/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 4
Moz Pro
Best forBeginners and small businesses learning SEO
Beginner-friendly SEO suite with Domain Authority and an AI Visibility dashboard
Free plan · paid from $49/month
7.4/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 5
Frase
Best forSmall content teams that want briefs, drafts and AI tracking at a low price
AI content briefs and articles with AI-visibility tracking and auto-publishing
Has that Semrush doesn't: AI writes briefs or full articles · Works inside WordPress or Google Docs
Free trial · from $39/month
7.3/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 6
Clearscope
Best forEditorial teams that write by hand and want a simple quality grade
Premium content grading for writers, with ChatGPT and Gemini query tracking
Has that Semrush doesn't: AI writes briefs or full articles
Free trial · from $129/month
7.2/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 7
Search Atlas
Best forAgencies that want automation across many client sites
SEO platform with the OTTO agent that applies fixes automatically, plus LLM tracking
Has that Semrush doesn't: AI writes briefs or full articles
Free trial · from $79/month
6.9/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 8
Writesonic
Best forMarketers who want AI-visibility tracking and AI content in one tool
Former AI writer turned AI-search visibility platform with content and audits
Has that Semrush doesn't: AI writes briefs or full articles
Free trial · from $79/month
6.9/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 9
Profound
Best forBrand and enterprise marketing teams focused on AI search
Specialist platform for tracking and growing brand visibility in AI answers
Free trial · from Pricing on request
6.8/10★★★★★Visit ↗
Quick answers
What is the best alternative to Semrush?
In our AI SEO tools ranking, Ahrefs scores highest among the alternatives (7.8/10). Best for: SEO specialists and agencies who rely on backlink and competitor data. Semrush scores 7.9/10.
Is there a free alternative to Semrush?
Yes. Ahrefs has a free plan (Ahrefs Free: basic site audit and data for sites you own), and scores 7.8/10 in our ranking.
Why look for a Semrush alternative?
Common reasons people switch: Expensive, and only one user per plan before paying for seats. Two plan families (Classic and One) plus add-ons make pricing confusing. Hostinger notes AI features are missing from the basic tier.