The best Semrush alternative for backlinks is Ahrefs (from $129 a month), the best value for agencies and local SEO is SE Ranking (from $129 a month, $103.20 billed yearly, with daily rank tracking and white-label reports), and the best for beginners and small budgets is Mangools (from $37.70 a month billed yearly). Semrush itself now starts at $139 a month for its SEO plan.
Best Semrush alternatives in 2026
Ahrefs
The deepest backlink and competitor link data here, plus Keywords Explorer, Site Audit and Rank Tracker. Lite is $129 a month but caps each user at 1,000 credits; Standard at $249 removes the credit cap and adds 2 years of history. Extra users cost $40 to $80 a month each, and there is no free trial (Ahrefs Webmaster Tools is free for your own sites).
SE Ranking
Unlimited keyword, competitor and backlink research with daily tracking for 2,000 keywords on Core at $129 a month ($103.20 yearly), local and map rank tracking from $18.40, and an Agency Pack for white-label reports at $69 a month (annual only). Its database is smaller than Semrush's, so check data for your niche during the 14-day trial.
Mangools
Five simple apps led by KWFinder, from $37.70 a month billed yearly (about $61 monthly). Basic allows 100 keyword lookups per 24 hours and 200 tracked keywords updated weekly, so it suits one site or a blog, not an agency.
Questions buyers ask
What is the best alternative to Semrush?
Ahrefs if backlinks and competitor link research matter most ($129 a month, $249 for unlimited credits). SE Ranking if you run client or local SEO and want daily rank tracking and white-label reports for less ($129, or $103.20 a month billed yearly). Mangools if you are a beginner with one site ($37.70 a month billed yearly).
How much does Semrush cost in 2026?
Semrush's SEO plan is $139 a month or $117.33 a month billed yearly, Starter (SEO plus AI search visibility) is $199, Pro+ is $299 and Advanced is custom. Extra users start at $45 a month. A free account gives limited daily lookups. Prices checked on semrush.com November 14, 2026.
Is Ahrefs better than Semrush?
For backlink research, usually yes: Ahrefs is built around its link index and Site Explorer. Semrush covers more of marketing (PPC, local, content and AI visibility in one account). Watch Ahrefs' credit model: Lite at $129 gives each user 1,000 credits a month, so heavy users need Standard at $249.
What is the cheapest Semrush alternative?
Ubersuggest at $29 a month, $192 a year or $290 once for a lifetime plan (1 user, 1 project, 150 searches a day, weekly rank updates), then Mangools Basic at $37.70 a month billed yearly. Moz Pro has a $49 Starter plan for a single website. Ahrefs and Semrush both have free tools for your own verified site.
What about Moz Pro?
Moz Pro is a solid choice for beginners, with Moz's Domain Authority metric and MozBar. Standard is $99 a month ($79 billed yearly) with 1 user, 3 tracked sites and 300 tracked keywords; Medium is $179 ($143 yearly) with 2 users and 1,500 keywords; a $49 Starter plan covers one website. Its keyword and link data is smaller than Ahrefs' or Semrush's. Checked on moz.com November 14, 2026.
Is Similarweb a Semrush alternative?
Only if traffic and competitive intelligence matter more than SEO workflow. Similarweb's self-serve AEO, SEO and Competitive Intel package is $399 a month or $333 a month billed yearly for 1 user with 6 months of history, and its traffic numbers are modeled estimates, not analytics data. For keyword research and rank tracking alone, SE Ranking or Ahrefs costs less.
Can I get Semrush data for free?
Partly. Semrush's free account allows a few lookups a day, Ahrefs Webmaster Tools is free for sites you verify, and Google Search Console shows your real queries, clicks and positions for free. Paid tools add competitor data, keyword databases and rank tracking for keywords you do not rank for yet.
Writing the content you will rank with? Best AI tools for writing blog posts.
Rebuilding the site itself? Best WordPress alternatives.
Measuring the traffic you win? Best Google Analytics alternatives.