13 Finest Semrush Options for SEO & PPC Technique | JP
You’re deep into research, poring over keyword reports in Semrush, trying to get a handle on your SEO. It’s helpful… but something’s missing.
Maybe the keyword trends feel a little dated. Maybe the traffic sources don’t tell the whole story. Or maybe you’re switching between too many tools just to get one clear picture of the market.
That’s where the right alternative can make all the difference.
This guide breaks down the top Semrush alternatives, so you can find the one that fits how you actually work.
1. Similarweb
Main features and how you use them
If you’re looking for the most complete alternative to Semrush, Similarweb should be at the top of your list. It’s a full digital intelligence platform designed to show you what’s working across your entire industry, not just your own site.
Website Analysis
Traffic and Engagement
With Similarweb’s Web Intelligence, you can plug in any domain to see real-world traffic stats, visits, bounce rate, visit duration, and top sources. Compare side-by-side with competitors to spot trends and strategy shifts.
Use it to:
- Benchmark your site
- Spot competitor wins and losses
- Track shifts in channel performance
Search
See how much traffic comes from organic vs. paid search, top keywords, which pages bring in visitors, and even how much competitors are spending. Great for spotting SEO and PPC opportunities and justifying budget increases to management.
Audience insights
Break down your audience by country, device, demographics, and interests. Compare with competitors to uncover untapped segments.
Display advertising
See where competitors run display ads, what the creatives look like, and which landing pages they’re using. Reverse-engineer their strategy to plan smarter campaigns.
Market Analysis
This is where Similarweb steps into its own category. While Semrush gives you strong keyword and traffic data, Similarweb gives you the full market picture.
Explore:
- Segments: Compare segments of different sites directly to get an accurate analysis
- Similar Sites: Identify your closest competitors easily
- Geography: Review the traffic share of each of the sites in your market in every country across the globe
- Demand Trends: Analyze the rising search volume of different groups of keywords to get a clear sense of search intent and consumer demand
Rank Tracker
Track keyword performance daily, including local and mobile results. Plus, Similarweb’s Share of Search quadrant shows how your visibility compares to competitors, so you can see not just how you rank, but how much market share you’re really winning.
Keyword Research
From high-volume terms to long-tail gems, Similarweb helps you identify keyword opportunities based on real search behavior, not just what appears in the SERP.
- Keyword Generator: Get fresh keyword ideas with volume, CPC, and trend data
- Paid Overview: Spy on competitors’ paid spend, ad copy, and landing pages
- SERP Snapshot: See what the results page actually looks like for any term
- Website Explorer – Keywords: Reverse-engineer any domain’s keywords, organic and paid
Backlink Analytics
Instead of just dumping a backlink list, Similarweb’s backlinks analysis tool shows which links actually drive impact. You’ll see traffic flowing through backlinks, referring domain quality, and anchor breakdowns, so you can prioritize what matters.
Site Audit Tool
Use our SEO Audit tool to get a complete health check of your site, prioritized by what actually affects your visibility. No more chasing minor issues, Similarweb surfaces what’s hurting your performance the most, and benchmarks you against competitors.
How Semrush Compares to Similarweb
Semrush is an SEO and digital marketing suite, but it’s primarily built around keyword research, rank tracking, and content planning.
Similarweb takes a broader approach. It doesn’t just show how websites rank in search, it shows how they perform across all major digital channels, including paid ads, referrals, and display. You also get real user behavior data, global market visibility, and competitive insights that go beyond SEO.
If your job is to grow market share, spot opportunities before the trend peaks, or align cross-channel strategies across a team, Similarweb gives you the kind of high-level clarity that’s hard to get anywhere else.
2. Lumar
Lumar (formerly Deepcrawl) is built for big, complex websites that need serious technical oversight.
It’s a go-to for SEO teams managing large site structures and looking to stay ahead of performance issues before they impact rankings.
Main features and how you use them
Lumar runs in-depth site crawls automatically, flagging issues like broken links, duplicate pages, and crawlability blockers. The platform’s dashboards help you track site health over time, so you can catch technical problems early, not after traffic dips. You can also connect it with Google Analytics and Search Console to see how those technical issues affect real-world performance.
It’s especially useful for in-house teams working across multiple site versions or managing lots of internal stakeholders, thanks to customizable alerts and workflows.
How it stacks up against Semrush
While Semrush includes basic site audits, Lumar goes deeper, especially for ongoing technical SEO. If you’re managing a massive site and need flexibility plus technical firepower, Lumar’s the better fit. But if you want a more well-rounded SEO tool with content, keyword, and backlink features all in one, Semrush is still the more balanced choice.
3. Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest is a lightweight SEO tool built for beginners, freelancers, and small businesses.
It’s grown beyond basic keyword research to offer a simple, all-in-one toolkit for everyday SEO tasks, without the steep learning curve.
Main features and how you use them
Start by entering a keyword to get a list of related terms, complete with search volume, competition, and seasonality. You’ll also get content ideas based on what’s already ranking, plus how those pages are performing on social media.
Beyond that, Ubersuggest includes straightforward tools for tracking backlinks, monitoring rankings, and running site audits. Everything’s built to be easy to use, even if SEO isn’t your day job.
How Semrush compares to Ubersuggest
Semrush is more powerful, more flexible, and more complex. It offers deeper data and more features, but it also comes with a higher price tag and steeper learning curve. If you’re running a side project or just getting started, Ubersuggest keeps things simple. For more advanced SEO or multi-channel marketing, Semrush gives you more to work with.
4. Mangools
Mangools is an easy-to-use SEO toolkit that’s perfect for beginners and small teams.
It packs five tools into one platform, giving you just what you need, without overwhelming you with extras.
Main features and how you use them
Use KWFinder to uncover keyword ideas, complete with search volume, CPC, and difficulty scores. SERPWatcher keeps tabs on your rankings day by day, while LinkMiner gives you a simple look at who’s linking to your site (and how strong those links are). You also get SiteProfiler for a high-level view of any domain, and SERPChecker to preview search results and spot competitive gaps.
Each tool is clean and intuitive, though they’re housed in separate dashboards, so you’ll switch between them as you work.
How Semrush compares to Mangools
Semrush offers a lot more in terms of scale, data depth, and integrations, plus it keeps everything in one streamlined interface. It’s a better fit for growing teams and multi-channel campaigns. But if you’re just getting started or want a no-fuss SEO setup, Mangools is a solid, budget-friendly option.
5. Ahrefs
Ahrefs is a heavy-hitter built for serious SEO work.
It’s best known for its massive backlink database, but it goes way beyond that, offering deep insights into rankings, keywords, and content performance.
Main features and how you use them
With Site Explorer, you can break down any domain’s top pages, backlinks, and traffic patterns. Keywords Explorer gives you tons of keyword ideas, plus rich SERP-level data to help you pick the right targets. You’ll also get a reliable Rank Tracker, a Content Explorer for discovering top-performing content, and a detailed Site Audit tool to catch and fix SEO issues.
Ahrefs is built for depth, expect lots of filters, detailed graphs, and granular data to dig into.
How Semrush compares to Ahrefs
Both platforms are excellent, but they serve slightly different goals. Ahrefs is ideal if your main focus is technical SEO, content, and backlinks. Semrush, on the other hand, is more of a full-stack platform, with extras like PPC tools, social media tracking, and content marketing features. If you need coverage beyond SEO, Semrush offers the broader toolkit.
6. Moz
Moz is one of the original names in SEO, and it’s still a solid choice for teams who want simplicity without sacrificing core features.
It’s clean, intuitive, and great for marketers who want to stay focused on the fundamentals.
Main features and how you use them
Moz Pro covers all the SEO essentials: keyword research, rank tracking, site audits, and backlink analysis. Keyword Explorer makes it easy to find long-tail opportunities, with a handy “Priority” score to help you pick the best ones to go after. The Site Crawl tool flags technical issues and lays them out in a straightforward checklist, perfect if you’re not super technical but still want to stay on top of site health.
It’s approachable for beginners, but there’s enough depth for small to mid-sized teams to get meaningful insights.
How Semrush compares to Moz
Semrush casts a wider net, with tools for PPC, social media, and content strategy. Moz is simpler and easier to learn, but if you’re managing campaigns across multiple channels, Semrush gives you more flexibility and data to work with.
7. SE Ranking
SE Ranking is a solid all-in-one SEO platform that strikes a nice balance between simplicity and value.
It’s especially popular with small teams and agencies that need core features without the complexity (or cost) of heavyweight tools.
Main features and how you use them
Daily rank tracking is where SE Ranking shines, especially for local and mobile SEO. It also offers keyword research, site audits, backlink monitoring, and even built-in tools for social media scheduling. The white-label reporting makes it a smart choice for agencies, and the interface is clean and beginner-friendly.
It covers all the essentials without overloading you with features you don’t need.
How Semrush compares to SE Ranking
Semrush gives you deeper keyword intel, stronger PPC tools, and more advanced competitor analysis. SE Ranking is easier to learn and more budget-friendly, but if you’re running multi-channel campaigns or need enterprise-level insights, Semrush packs more power.
8. Monitor Backlinks
Monitor Backlinks (now part of SEOptimer) is a simple, no-frills tool for keeping your backlink profile in check.
It’s a great fit for solo marketers and small teams who want to stay on top of links, without getting lost in the weeds.
Main features and how you use them
You can track new and lost backlinks, monitor anchor text, check for broken or spammy links, and quickly disavow anything harmful. It also includes basic rank tracking and competitor link monitoring. The setup is light, the interface is clean, and you’ll get email alerts to stay updated without digging around.
It’s all about clarity, just what you need, nothing you don’t.
How Semrush compares to Monitor Backlinks
Semrush goes much deeper, with advanced link data, competitor gap analysis, and tighter integration across SEO and PPC workflows. Monitor Backlinks is easier to pick up and manage, but Semrush delivers the scale and depth needed to grow your strategy long-term.
9. Majestic
Majestic focus on backlinks, nothing more, nothing less.
If link building is your main priority, this tool gives you the depth and focus to do it right.
Main features and how you use them
Majestic’s strength lies in its proprietary Trust Flow and Citation Flow scores, which help you quickly gauge the quality and authority of backlinks. You can dig into link profiles by domain or URL, explore anchor text distributions, and use the Link Graph to visualize entire link networks. It’s built for serious link analysis, but don’t expect keyword data or site audits here.
How Semrush compares to Majestic
Semrush covers backlinks too, but it’s part of a much broader toolkit that includes SEO, PPC, and content marketing features. Majestic offers sharper link metrics and more specialized analysis, while Semrush gives you everything you need to manage a full digital strategy under one roof.
10. Spyfu
SpyFu really zeroes in on one thing: letting you peek behind the curtain at what your competitors are doing with their search strategy, especially when it comes to paid ads.
It’s not trying to be your all-in-one SEO tool, but it’s really good at showing you exactly what others in your space are up to on Google.
Main features and how you use them
When you use it, you just drop in a competitor’s website and boom – you can see what keywords they’re ranking for, what they’re spending money on, and how their approach has changed over time. Users really like their Ad History feature because it shows you which ads have been running for ages (usually a sign they’re working well). While SpyFu does give you some basics on backlinks and organic keywords, where it really shines is in the PPC intelligence.
How Semrush compares to SpyFu
Semrush basically does everything SpyFu does, plus a whole lot more. You get tools for SEO, PPC, content, social media – the works – all in one place, with more in-depth data and better connections between tools. If you’re just looking to do some quick research on competitors without breaking the bank, SpyFu is great. But if you’re managing a full marketing strategy and want the complete picture, Semrush is probably the way to go.
11. SEO PowerSuite
SEO PowerSuite is a desktop-based SEO toolkit that gives you full control, right from your own machine.
It bundles four apps (Rank Tracker, WebSite Auditor, SEO SpyGlass, and LinkAssistant) and is a favorite for SEOs who want to own their tools and data.
Main features and how you use them
Track rankings, audit your site, analyze backlinks, and manage outreach, all without relying on the cloud. The platform is highly customizable and offers strong support for local SEO. Since it runs on your desktop, you’re in charge of updates and data storage, which can be a plus for privacy-focused users.
How Semrush compares to SEO PowerSuite
Semrush is cloud-based and designed for speed, collaboration, and automation. It also includes extras like ad intel and content tools. SEO PowerSuite is more budget-friendly long-term and keeps your data local, but Semrush is easier to scale, manage as a team, and keep running with minimal effort.
12. Screaming Frog
Screaming Frog is a no-nonsense desktop crawler built for technical SEO audits.
It’s fast, thorough, and trusted by pros who need to dig into site structure and performance issues.
Main features and how you use them
Pop in a URL, and Screaming Frog will crawl your entire site, flagging broken links, duplicate content, missing metadata, slow-loading pages, and more. It’s especially handy for spotting crawlability issues and cleaning up messy site architecture. You can also connect it with Google Analytics, Search Console, and PageSpeed Insights to layer in performance data.
How Semrush compares to Screaming Frog
Semrush covers a wider range of needs, from keyword research to rank tracking and competitive intel. Screaming Frog is laser-focused on crawling and technical diagnostics. In fact, many SEO teams use both: Screaming Frog for in-depth audits, and Semrush to handle everything else.
13. Serpstat
Serpstat ositions itself as a comprehensive SEO solution designed for resource-conscious marketers and smaller teams who need effective tools without significant investment. It delivers essential SEO functionality in an accessible, streamlined, and affordable package.
Main features and how you use them
When you dive into Serpstat, you’ll find everything centralized in one clean dashboard – from researching keywords and monitoring rankings to analyzing backlinks and performing site audits. What really stands out is how great it is for content planning, with some nice features that group and cluster keywords automatically. It’s great that their audit tool doesn’t overwhelm you – it’s quick to run and gives you results you can actually understand, perfect for keeping tabs on your site’s health without the headache.
How Semrush compares to Serpstat
Semrush definitely gives you more comprehensive data, stronger competitive intelligence capabilities, and extra tools for managing paid campaigns and content strategy. But here’s the thing – if you’re working with tight budget constraints or handling everything yourself, Serpstat really delivers where it counts, giving you all the essential features you need without breaking the bank.
Final thoughts
Semrush is a powerhouse, but it’s not the only game in town. Whether you’re after fresher keyword data, a deeper look at competitors, or tools built for simplicity, there’s something on this list that’ll fit the way you work.
But if you’re looking for the best all-around option, Similarweb is it. It gives you the broadest market view, real behavioral data, and full-funnel insights that go way beyond SEO, so you can make smarter decisions, faster.
And the right tool can make all the difference, so if Semrush isn’t working for you, it’s time to try an alternative.
FAQs
What’s the best Semrush alternative overall?
Similarweb is the best choice. It gives you broader competitive insights, real-world traffic data, and full-funnel visibility, so you can see exactly what’s working across SEO, paid, and your entire market.
Which Semrush alternative is best for beginners?
Ubersuggest, Mangools, and SE Ranking are all beginner-friendly, with simple dashboards and affordable plans.
Do I need more than one SEO tool?
Not always, but many teams pair tools, like using Similarweb for competitive intel and another for technical SEO or backlink deep dives.