Semrush is powerful. No doubt about it.
But let’s be honest, it’s not affordable.
If you’re a solo marketer, startup, freelancer, or small business trying to grow your online presence, the monthly cost of Semrush can feel like a stretch. And while it offers a ton of features, you might not need all of them, at least not right now.
So, what do you do if you want smart SEO tools without draining your budget?
You look for reliable, budget-friendly alternatives that still help you rank, research keywords, monitor backlinks, and audit your site.
The good news?
You don’t have to compromise on quality.
Several free and affordable SEO tools cover the essentials, some backed by Google’s data, others built by seasoned marketers and trusted platforms.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- The top 11 Semrush alternatives that offer serious value
- Pros, cons, and key features to help you choose what fits your needs
Let’s start with a quick overview of what makes Semrush such a go-to tool, so you know exactly what you’re comparing.
What is Semrush?
Semrush is a comprehensive digital marketing tool that helps businesses improve their online visibility. It offers features for SEO, content marketing, competitor analysis, PPC, social media management, and more.
Whether you’re managing your site or offering white label SEO services to clients, Semrush provides the insights needed to scale strategies effectively.
Over 10 million marketing professionals worldwide use Semrush to track keyword rankings, audit websites, and discover growth opportunities, whether for content planning, niche edit link outreach, or technical improvements.
Expert Insight:
“Semrush provides all the tools we need to build SEO strategies, track competitors, and optimize content all in one place.”
– Brian Dean, SEO expert and founder of Backlinko
Semrush features
Semrush offers tools under one platform. Key features include:
- Keyword Research: Discover high-volume, low-competition keywords for SEO and PPC campaigns.
- Site Audit: Identify and fix technical SEO issues to improve site performance and crawlability.
- Position Tracking: Monitor your rankings for target keywords across devices and locations.
- Backlink Analysis: Analyze your backlink profile and spy on competitors’ link-building strategies.
- Content Marketing Toolkit: Find content ideas, optimize blog posts, and track brand mentions.
- Traffic Analytics: Get detailed insights into competitors’ traffic sources, bounce rates, and engagement.
- PPC Tools: Plan and optimize paid ad campaigns with CPC data and keyword grouping.
Did You Know?
Semrush’s database includes 26.9 billion keywords and 808 million domains, one of the largest in the industry.
All the data in the world won’t help if your site lacks high-quality backlinks.
You need trusted links from relevant websites that improve rankings and drive traffic.
That’s where a focused link-building approach can make the difference.
Not sure where to start? You’re not alone; many businesses outsource link building to get results faster, with less trial and error.
Best free Semrush alternative
These tools aren’t complete Semrush replacements, but they offer excellent free features for keyword research, backlink tracking, content planning, and more, without costing you a rupee.
1. Google Search Console
Google Search Console is a free tool that enables users to analyze various aspects of their website’s performance in Google search results. It helps track indexing, traffic, and search queries, perfect for monitoring your site’s visibility.
Top Features
- Shows average position, clicks, and impressions for each keyword.
- Identifies technical issues and provides improvement suggestions.
- Displays backlink data and anchor text usage.
- Offers video tutorials to interpret SEO metrics effectively
Pros
- Clear keyword and impression tracking.
- Insight into how your site appears in SERPs.
- Visual query reports and performance breakdowns.
- Helpful for site health monitoring and growth tracking.
Cons
- Data delays and occasional inconsistencies
- Minimal support for .html sitemaps.
- Requires some technical understanding.
- UI may feel complex for beginners.
2. Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is a keyword research tool built for advertisers but widely used by SEOs. It offers real-time data directly from Google to help find high-performing keyword opportunities by region, device, and language.
Top Features
- Generates keyword ideas based on URLs or seed terms.
- Displays competition levels and search volume estimates.
- Supports geographic and language targeting.
- Offers forecast tools for keyword planning.
Pros
- Reliable data from Google itself.
- Supports keyword grouping and filtering.
- Free to use within a Google Ads account.
- Good for SEO and PPC insights.
Cons
- Requires a Google Ads account setup.
- Provides volume ranges, not exact numbers.
- Less effective for long-tail keywords.
- The interface is tailored more toward advertisers.
3. Siteliner
Siteliner is a simple, free SEO tool that scans your website to detect duplicate content, broken links, and internal linking issues. It’s ideal for improving your site’s on-page SEO and content structure without complex setup.
Top Features
- Scans up to 250 pages for free.
- Identifies duplicate content and broken links.
- Maps internal links and page weight.
- Generates exportable site structure reports.
Pros
- Instant results without login.
- Straightforward user interface
- Great for small to medium-sized websites.
- Focuses on technical SEO issues.
Cons
- The free plan is limited to 250 pages.
- Doesn’t include off-page SEO tools.
- Only scans one domain at a time.
- The interface is a bit outdated.
4. Google Trends
Google Trends allows you to explore trending search queries and measure keyword popularity over time. It’s especially useful for content planning, identifying seasonality, and discovering regional differences in search interest.
Top Features
- Compare up to five search terms simultaneously.
- Shows interest over time and by geography.
- Displays trending and breakout topics.
- Supports filtering by category and platform.
Pros
- Ideal for spotting timely content ideas.
- Easy-to-use, clean visuals.
- 100% free with no sign-up required.
- Great for understanding search behavior shifts.
Cons
- Doesn’t show keyword difficulty or volume.
- No site-specific analysis.
- Requires interpretation skills.
- Not suitable for deep SEO audits.
5. Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest is an SEO tool by Neil Patel offering keyword research, content ideas, and basic site audits. Its free version is great for small businesses looking for quick wins and insights into SEO opportunities.
Top Features
- Offers keyword suggestions, CPC, and difficulty metrics.
- Displays top-performing content for any topic.
- Runs basic SEO audits with actionable tips.
- Provides limited backlink analysis.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly dashboard.
- Great value in the free tier.
- Helpful for content and keyword ideas.
- Available as a Chrome extension.
Cons
- Limited to 3 searches/day in the free version.
- Backlink data is less detailed than premium tools.
- Some metrics are gated behind a paywall.
- Regular upsell prompts can be distracting.
6. Serpstat
Serpstat is an all-in-one SEO platform offering free access to features like keyword research, domain analysis, and SEO audits. It’s a powerful tool for small teams exploring SEO without committing to high-priced subscriptions.
Top Features
- Keyword suggestions and SERP analysis.
- On-page audits for SEO health
- Competitor domain comparisons.
- Limited backlink data and rank tracking.
Pros
- Modern UI with helpful visualizations.
- Offers keyword clustering and trend tracking.
- Good starting point for multi-purpose SEO.
- Supports multiple languages and regions.
Cons
- Daily usage is limited in the free plan.
- Many features are locked behind paid plans.
- Backlink index is not as strong as Ahrefs or Semrush.
- May require time to learn all functions.
7. BuzzSumo
BuzzSumo is a content marketing tool focused on discovering top-performing content and its social engagement metrics. It’s perfect for identifying viral content, backlink opportunities, and trending topics.
Top Features
- Searches the most-shared content by keyword.
- Shows who linked to or shared each post.
- Analyze influencers in your niche.
- Tracks performance across different content formats.
Pros
- Fantastic for content strategy and outreach.
- Helps identify content gaps and top competitors.
- User-friendly search filters.
- Provides backlink + engagement metrics in one place.
Cons
- The free plan has limited daily searches.
- Not suitable for full SEO analysis.
- Expensive if you need more access.
- Niche-specific content may return fewer results.
8. Ahrefs Webmaster Tools
Ahrefs Webmaster Tools is a free solution for site owners to audit their website and monitor backlinks. It’s powered by Ahrefs’ robust data and offers premium-grade insights for technical and off-page SEO.
Top Features
- Scans your site for over 100 SEO issues.
- Tracks backlinks, lost links, and referring domains.
- Offers keyword monitoring for verified sites.
- Shows crawl stats and site health scores.
Pros
- Free access to Ahrefs-quality data.
- Helps fix technical SEO errors.
- Accurate and detailed link monitoring.
- Easy integration via site verification.
Cons
- Limited to sites you own or control.
- No access to keyword research or content tools.
- It can be overwhelming for non-technical users.
- No competitor analysis in the free plan.
9. Moz Link Explorer
Moz Link Explorer is a free backlink analysis tool that helps you uncover link-building opportunities, track your link profile, and evaluate competitor websites. It’s ideal for understanding your domain authority and identifying top-performing inbound links.
Top Features
- Shows your domain authority and linking root domains.
- Highlights spam score and lost links.
- Compare backlink profiles with competitors.
- Includes anchor text analysis and link metrics.
Pros
- Clean and beginner-friendly interface.
- Useful for quick backlink audits.
- Offers a strong overview of domain and page authority.
- Free access includes 10 link queries per month.
Cons
- Limited queries in the free plan.
- Doesn’t include keyword research in the free tier.
- Data refreshes may lag compared to premium tools.
- No full site crawl or technical audit features.
10. SE Ranking
SE Ranking offers a suite of free SEO tools, including keyword suggestions, a backlink checker, and a website audit. While it’s known for its paid plans, several tools are available for free and are helpful for quick checks and SEO planning.
Top Features
- Free backlink checker with anchor and domain data.
- On-page SEO checker for quick audits.
- Keyword research and difficulty analysis.
- Website traffic checker and visibility reports.
Pros
- Clean interface with visual graphs.
- Great for beginners exploring multiple SEO angles.
- Provides competitive analysis snapshots.
- Free tools work without a sign-up in some cases.
Cons
- Most tools have usage limits.
- Data is more limited compared to full Semrush/Ahrefs access.
- Some metrics are only available in paid plans.
- Requires switching between multiple tool pages.
11. SERP Forge – Super SEO Analyzer
SERP Forge – Super SEO Analyzer is a powerful tool that provides a detailed breakdown of your website’s SEO health. It analyzes both technical and on-page elements to help improve visibility and site structure.
Best for: In-depth on-page and technical SEO analysis
Top Features
- Full on-page SEO audit
- Analysis of page speed, metadata, headings, and image attributes
- Mobile responsiveness and crawlability check
- Optimization tips for content and structure
Pros
- Offers advanced SEO insights in a simple layout
- Helpful for identifying both major and minor site issues
- Login required, but reports are detailed and exportable
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Final words
You don’t need a premium price tag to run effective SEO campaigns.
Whether you’re just starting or trimming your marketing budget, the right mix of free and affordable tools can still help you compete, grow traffic, and make smarter decisions.
From Google’s ecosystem to platforms like Ubersuggest, Serpstat, and SE Ranking, there’s no shortage of options that offer strong features without draining your wallet.
The key is knowing what you need right now, be it keyword insights, technical audits, or backlink tracking, and picking the tools that match your workflow.
And if you’re ready to take your SEO to the next level, don’t overlook the power of high-quality backlinks.
Our link-building team can help you earn placements on trusted websites that drive traffic and build long-term search authority.
Ready to grow? Let’s talk.
FAQs
Is Semrush worth the price?
Semrush offers a powerful set of SEO tools for keyword research, site audits, backlink analysis, and more. It’s great for professionals and agencies, but the cost can be high if you’re just starting or have a limited budget.
What’s a good alternative to Semrush?
SE Ranking is one of the best alternatives. It’s beginner-friendly, covers most SEO needs like rank tracking, audits, and backlinks, and is more affordable than Semrush.
Which SEO tool is cheaper than Semrush?
If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, Ubersuggest, Mangools, and Serpstat are all worth trying. They offer basic keyword and backlink tools at lower prices, ideal for freelancers or small teams.
Are there any free tools like Semrush?
Yes, tools like Google Search Console, Moz Link Explorer, and Ahrefs Webmaster Tools offer useful SEO data for free. They don’t give everything Semrush does, but they’re great for starting out.
Is Ahrefs better than Semrush?
Both tools are strong in different areas. Ahrefs is often preferred for backlink analysis and site audits. Semrush stands out for content planning, keyword tools, and local SEO support.
Should I use Ubersuggest or Semrush?
Ubersuggest is a good choice if you need basic SEO insights and want a tool that’s easy on the wallet. Semrush is better for in-depth campaigns and larger websites with more SEO needs.
