Alternatives Guide

Best Semrush Alternatives in 2026

Looking for Semrush alternatives? We've tested and compared 3+ marketing tools to find the best options for every use case and budget.

3 Alternatives
2 Free Options
4.5 Avg Rating
$29 Lowest Price
01

Top 3 Semrush Alternatives

Our top picks based on features, pricing, and user reviews. These tools offer the best alternatives to Semrush.

#1 Best Overall
Surfer SEO
4.7 Rating
$99/mo Paid From
No Free Tier

Best for: Content writers optimizing for SEO

View Review
#2 Best Value
Ahrefs
4.3 Rating
$29/mo Paid From
Yes Free Tier

Best for: SEO agencies managing domains

View Review
#3 Best Free Option
MarketMuse
4.6 Rating
$99/mo Paid From
Yes Free Tier

Best for: Enterprise content teams at scale

View Review
02

Full Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of Semrush vs all 3 alternatives.

Tool Rating Paid From Free Tier Best For
Semrush Current
4.5 $139.95/mo ✓ SEO agencies with multiple clients
Review Visit
#1 Surfer SEO
4.7 $99/mo — Content writers optimizing for SEO
Review Visit
#2 Ahrefs
4.3 $29/mo ✓ SEO agencies managing domains
Review Visit
#3 MarketMuse
4.6 $99/mo ✓ Enterprise content teams at scale
Review Visit
03

Detailed Reviews

In-depth look at each Semrush alternative with pricing, features, and best use cases.

#1

Surfer SEO

4.7 1,060 reviews

Don't let your content be a shot in the dark

From $99/month

Consider Surfer SEO for lower starting price, higher user ratings, specializes in content writers optimizing for seo.

Strengths
  • Excellent Content Editor
  • Easy to use interface
  • Real-time optimization guidance
Cons
  • Pricing can be high for freelancers
  • Learning curve for advanced features
Read Full Review Visit Website
#2

Ahrefs

4.3 2,925 reviews

Ahrefs is the marketing platform for discoverability

Free tier available

Consider Ahrefs for lower starting price, specializes in seo agencies managing domains.

Strengths
  • Largest backlink database
  • AI search visibility tracking
  • Comprehensive keyword research
Cons
  • Premium pricing barrier
  • Steep learning curve
Read Full Review Visit Website
#3

MarketMuse

4.6 287 reviews

AI Content Intelligence & Strategy Platform

Free tier available

Consider MarketMuse for lower starting price, higher user ratings, specializes in enterprise content teams at scale.

Strengths
  • Proprietary Topic Intelligence
  • Unlimited Content Queries (Research+)
  • Comprehensive SERP Analysis
Cons
  • High Price Point
  • Platform Stability Issues
Read Full Review Visit Website
04

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best alternative to Semrush?
The best Semrush alternative depends on your needs. Surfer SEO is our top pick for most users, offering similar features with more affordable pricing. For budget-conscious users, Ahrefs and MarketMuse offer free tiers worth exploring.
Is there a free alternative to Semrush?
Yes, Ahrefs and MarketMuse offer free tiers. While not as feature-rich as Semrush's paid plans, they're suitable for individuals or small projects.
Why switch from Semrush?
Common reasons to explore Semrush alternatives include: pricing concerns (a free tier), specific feature needs not met by Semrush, desire for simpler interfaces, or need for better integrations with existing tools.
How does Semrush compare to Surfer SEO?
Semrush and Surfer SEO are both strong marketing tools. Semrush excels at SEO agencies with multiple clients, while Surfer SEO is known for Content writers optimizing for SEO. See our detailed comparison above.
Which Semrush alternative is best for small businesses?
For small businesses, we recommend Ahrefs due to its free tier and affordable pricing. It offers the core features most small teams need without enterprise complexity.
Can I migrate from Semrush to an alternative?
Most Semrush alternatives support data import/export. Check each tool's migration documentation. Surfer SEO offers the most straightforward migration path with dedicated import tools and customer support for switching.

Still using Semrush?

Read our complete Semrush review to see if it's still the right choice for you.

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