10 Tools Like SEMrush for SEO & Keyword Research
Looking for tools similar to SEMrush? Here are 10 powerful alternatives that offer keyword research, rank tracking, and backlink analysis—many at lower prices.
SEMrush has become synonymous with SEO tools, but it's far from the only option. Whether you're looking for something more affordable, simpler to use, or with different features, there are dozens of excellent tools like SEMrush available.
In this guide, I'll break down 10 tools similar to SEMrush, covering their strengths, weaknesses, and who they're best for.
What Makes a Good SEMrush Alternative?
Before diving into specific tools, let's talk about what features actually matter:
- Keyword Research – Search volume, competition, and keyword suggestions
- Rank Tracking – Monitor your positions for target keywords
- Backlink Analysis – See who links to you and your competitors
- SERP Analysis – Understand what's ranking and why
- Site Audit – Find technical SEO issues
Most tools offer these core features. The differences come down to data accuracy, interface design, and price.
10 Tools Like SEMrush
1. Keywords.chat
Keywords.chat takes a completely different approach: instead of dashboards and reports, you simply chat with an AI that has access to real SEO data.
Best for: Indie hackers and small teams who want simplicity over complexity
Key Features:
- Chat-based interface (no learning curve)
- Real-time keyword research
- Rank tracking for projects
- SERP analysis and competitor research
- Backlink monitoring
Why it's like SEMrush: Covers all the essential SEO tasks, just with a radically simpler interface. 58% cheaper too.
2. Ahrefs
Ahrefs is SEMrush's main competitor and offers nearly identical features with what many consider a cleaner interface.
Best for: SEO professionals who need the most accurate backlink data
Key Features:
- Industry-leading backlink index (440+ billion pages)
- Comprehensive keyword research
- Content explorer for finding top-performing content
- Rank tracking and site audit
Why it's like SEMrush: Nearly feature-for-feature equivalent, with some saying Ahrefs has better backlink data.
3. Moz Pro
Moz was one of the original SEO tools and still has a loyal following, especially for their Domain Authority metric.
Best for: SEO agencies who need client reporting and white-label options
Key Features:
- Domain Authority (DA) metric (industry standard)
- Keyword research and tracking
- Site crawl and technical SEO audit
- Link explorer for backlink analysis
Why it's like SEMrush: Full-featured SEO platform with similar tools, though some data is less comprehensive.
4. Mangools (KWFinder)
Mangools offers a suite of 5 simple SEO tools with beautiful interfaces. KWFinder is their keyword research tool.
Best for: Bloggers and content creators focused on finding easy-to-rank keywords
Key Features:
- KWFinder (keyword research with difficulty scores)
- SERPChecker (SERP analysis)
- SERPWatcher (rank tracking)
- LinkMiner (backlink checker)
- SiteProfiler (competitor analysis)
Why it's like SEMrush: Covers all core SEO needs in a more user-friendly package at 1/3 the price.
5. SE Ranking
SE Ranking is an underrated all-in-one platform popular with agencies for its white-label reporting.
Best for: Freelancers and agencies who need white-label client reports
Key Features:
- Keyword research and tracking
- Website audit and on-page checker
- Backlink checker and monitor
- White-label PDF reports
- Marketing plan builder
Why it's like SEMrush: Comprehensive feature set at half the price, with agency-friendly reporting.
6. SpyFu
SpyFu specializes in competitor research, showing you exactly what keywords your competitors rank for and buy ads on.
Best for: Competitive analysis and PPC research
Key Features:
- Competitor keyword research
- AdWords competitor analysis
- Backlink tracking
- SERP analysis
- Historical data (up to 16 years)
Why it's like SEMrush: Strong competitor analysis features, especially for PPC campaigns.
7. Serpstat
Serpstat is an affordable all-in-one tool with a focus on international SEO and multiple databases.
Best for: International businesses doing SEO in multiple countries
Key Features:
- Keyword research (30+ country databases)
- Site audit and page checker
- Backlink analysis
- Rank tracking
- Missing keywords finder
Why it's like SEMrush: Full-featured platform with strong international coverage at a lower price.
8. Ubersuggest
Neil Patel's Ubersuggest is the most affordable professional SEO tool, making it perfect for beginners.
Best for: Beginners and those on a tight budget
Key Features:
- Keyword research and suggestions
- Domain overview and traffic estimates
- Backlink data
- Site audit (basic)
- Chrome extension
Why it's like SEMrush: Covers the basics at the lowest price point, perfect for learning SEO.
9. Sistrix
Sistrix is huge in Europe and offers unique visibility index metrics that many European SEOs swear by.
Best for: European businesses (especially Germany, UK, France)
Key Features:
- Sistrix Visibility Index (unique ranking metric)
- Keyword research and ranking
- Link module for backlinks
- Optimizer for technical SEO
- Ads module for PPC research
Why it's like SEMrush: Modular all-in-one platform, particularly strong for European markets.
10. Majestic
Majestic specializes in backlink analysis with unique metrics like Trust Flow and Citation Flow.
Best for: Link building specialists and agencies focused on backlinks
Key Features:
- Massive backlink database
- Trust Flow and Citation Flow metrics
- Link context and anchor text analysis
- Historical link data
- Bulk backlink checker
Why it's like SEMrush: If you only care about backlinks, Majestic rivals Ahrefs for data depth.
Quick Comparison: Tools Like SEMrush
| Tool | Price | Best Feature | Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keywords.chat | $59 | Chat interface | Fewer advanced features |
| Ahrefs | $129 | Backlink data | Price |
| Moz Pro | $99 | Domain Authority | Smaller index |
| Mangools | $49 | User-friendly | Limited data |
| SE Ranking | $65 | White-label reports | Dated interface |
| SpyFu | $39 | Competitor research | US-focused data |
| Serpstat | $59 | International SEO | Less backlink data |
| Ubersuggest | $29 | Price | Basic features |
| Sistrix | €99 | Visibility Index | Europe-focused |
| Majestic | $49 | Backlink analysis | No keyword tools |
How to Choose the Right Tool
With so many tools similar to SEMrush, how do you pick the right one? Ask yourself:
- What's your budget? – Ubersuggest ($29) vs Ahrefs ($129) is a huge difference
- What features do you actually use? – Don't pay for PPC tools if you only do organic SEO
- How technical are you? – Tools like Keywords.chat are simpler; Ahrefs requires training
- Where are your customers? – International? Consider Serpstat or Sistrix
💡 My Recommendation: Start with a free trial of 2-3 tools. Use each for a week doing your actual SEO work. The tool you naturally reach for is the right one—regardless of price or features.
The Verdict: Do You Really Need SEMrush?
SEMrush is an excellent tool, but it's overkill for most small businesses and indie hackers. Unless you're:
- Managing 50+ client sites
- Running large PPC campaigns
- Need advanced competitive intelligence
- Want 10+ years of historical data
...you'll get 80% of the value from a cheaper alternative at 40-70% of the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tool is most similar to SEMrush?
Ahrefs is the most similar with nearly identical features and pricing ($129/mo vs $140/mo). If you want similar functionality at a lower price, SE Ranking ($65/mo) or Serpstat ($59/mo) offer comprehensive platforms at 40-60% less cost.
Are there tools better than SEMrush?
"Better" depends on your needs. Ahrefs has superior backlink data. SpyFu has better competitor PPC intelligence. Keywords.chat is simpler to use. For most indie hackers, a specialized tool that fits your workflow is "better" than SEMrush's everything-for-everyone approach.
How much does SEMrush cost compared to alternatives?
SEMrush costs $140/month. Alternatives range from $29/mo (Ubersuggest) to $129/mo (Ahrefs). You can save $500-1,300/year by switching to a cheaper alternative with similar core features.
Can I switch from SEMrush to another tool without losing data?
Yes! Export your tracked keywords and rankings from SEMrush (CSV export), then import them into your new tool. Most tools like Ahrefs, Moz, and SE Ranking support CSV imports for rank tracking projects.
Which SEMrush alternative is best for beginners?
Keywords.chat (chat-based, no learning curve) or Ubersuggest (simple interface, affordable). Both are designed for non-technical users, unlike SEMrush which assumes SEO expertise.
Try the Simplest SEMrush Alternative
Keywords.chat gives you all the essential SEO tools in a simple chat interface. No dashboards. No complexity. Just ask and get answers.
Start Free Trial →Still deciding? Reach out with questions at hello@keywords.chat