Semrush alternatives: 3 options worth a look

Looking past Semrush? Here are three alternatives for when the $139/month starting price is too much, or you mainly need content help.

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About Semrush

Keywords, rank tracking, audits and AI visibility in one place; paid plans from $139/month, very limited free account. (Research-based. Read our full Semrush write-up.)

How we picked: these are tools we've already reviewed or compared. Each card says whether we tested it hands-on or relied on research. Facts last checked Oct 15, 2026.

The alternatives

Surfer

SEO content Research-based

Content-focused: plan and optimise articles.

Guides you to write articles that rank and get cited by AI; no free plan.

Our Surfer write-up → · Visit Surfer →

Writesonic

AI writing & AI search visibility Partly tested

Track and improve how AI assistants mention your brand.

Now mainly tracks how your brand shows up in AI answers; plans from $79/month (annual).

Our Writesonic write-up → · Visit Writesonic →

ChatGPT

AI assistant See comparison

Free brainstorming for keyword ideas and outlines (no real search data).

General-purpose assistant with a free plan.

Our ChatGPT write-up → · Visit ChatGPT →

Tool	Category	Our experience
Semrush	SEO toolkit	Research-based
Surfer	SEO content	Research-based
Writesonic	AI writing & AI search visibility	Partly tested
ChatGPT	AI assistant	See comparison

See every tool page: all alternatives · reviews · comparisons.

Sources

Our Semrush write-up (with official sources): last checked Oct 15, 2026

Prices and plans change often. Always confirm on the official site before you buy.

Semrush alternatives: 3 options worth a look (2026)