Short answer: Ahrefs is the strongest all-round alternative to Semrush, especially for backlinks. SE Ranking and Mangools are cheaper for smaller sites, Similarweb is better for traffic analysis, and Google Search Console is free for data about your own site.
- Ahrefs backlinks and keyword research
- SE Ranking complete and more affordable
- Mangools simple, good for beginners
- Google Search Console free, data from your own site
Semrush is a complete marketing toolkit: keyword research, competitor analysis, site audits and rank tracking. That makes it powerful but also expensive. These tools cover the same tasks, completely or in part.
Ahrefs
Ahrefs is Semrush’s biggest rival and is known for its backlink index. Keyword research and site audits are also strong. More options on our page with sites like Ahrefs.
Moz Pro
Moz Pro has been around for a long time and introduced the Domain Authority score. The tools are clear and suitable for beginners.
SE Ranking
SE Ranking offers most of what Semrush does, from rank tracking to audits, for a lower price. Popular with agencies and small businesses.
Similarweb
Similarweb focuses on estimates of website traffic and audience, which is useful for market and competitor research.
Mangools
Mangools bundles a keyword tool, a SERP checker and a backlink tool in a simple interface. A good start if you do not need everything.
Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest offers keyword ideas and a site audit with a limited free version.
Google Search Console and Keyword Planner
Free and based on real data: Google Search Console and Keyword Planner shows which searches bring people to your own site, and Google Keyword Planner gives search volume ranges.
How to choose
Decide what you use most: backlinks, keywords, audits or rank tracking. Most tools have a free trial or a free version, so test two of them on your own site before you pay. Check prices on the tools’ own websites, because plans change often.
