rankmath vs yoast-seo
RankMath vs Yoast SEO — features, pricing, and which to choose for your WordPress SEO workflow in 2026.
Quick Verdict
The WordPress SEO plugin battle has been brewing since RankMath launched in 2018, challenging Yoast's eight-year head start. While Yoast built the foundation for WordPress SEO with its traffic light system and readability scoring, RankMath arrived with a feature-packed approach that gives you more tools in the free version than most plugins offer in their premium tiers.
The core difference is philosophy: Yoast focuses on simplicity and proven workflows, while RankMath loads you up with advanced features from day one. If you want hand-holding and gentle guidance, Yoast wins. If you want maximum functionality without upgrading, RankMath dominates.
Feature Comparison
RankMath's free version includes features that Yoast locks behind its $99/year premium tier. You get local SEO setup, WooCommerce optimization, advanced schema markup (14+ types), and Google Search Console integration without paying a dime. RankMath also provides unlimited keyword optimization per post, while Yoast's free version limits you to one focus keyword. Yoast's strength lies in its readability analysis and content structure suggestions. The Flesch Reading Ease scoring and transition word detection are more sophisticated than RankMath's basic readability checks. Yoast also offers better internal linking suggestions in its premium version, automatically recommending relevant posts to link to as you write. Both plugins handle technical SEO essentials like XML sitemaps, meta descriptions, and title optimization. RankMath edges ahead with its built-in 404 monitor, redirect manager, and role-based access controls in the free tier. Yoast requires premium for advanced redirects and keeps role management basic even in paid plans.
Pricing Comparison
Both start free, but RankMath's free tier is substantially more generous. Where Yoast gives you basic on-page optimization and readability analysis for free, RankMath throws in local SEO, advanced schema, Google Analytics integration, and rank tracking for up to 5 keywords. Yoast Premium costs $99/year and adds internal linking suggestions, redirect management, and social previews. RankMath Pro starts at $59/year with unlimited rank tracking, Content AI writing assistant, and advanced WooCommerce features. For agencies, RankMath's Business plan at $199/year covers unlimited sites, while Yoast charges $99 per site annually.
Best For
RankMath is better when you want maximum SEO functionality without immediate costs, run multiple WordPress sites, or need advanced features like local SEO and extensive schema markup. It's ideal for SEO-savvy users who can handle more complexity in exchange for more control and built-in tools. Yoast SEO is better when you're new to SEO and want clear, step-by-step guidance without overwhelming options. The interface is cleaner, the learning curve gentler, and the readability analysis more thorough. Choose Yoast if you prioritize content quality scoring over technical SEO bells and whistles.
The Verdict
RankMath wins for most WordPress users in 2025. Unless you specifically need Yoast's superior readability analysis or prefer paying for simpler interfaces, RankMath delivers significantly more value. The free version alone outperforms many premium SEO plugins, and the Pro pricing beats Yoast while including features like AI content assistance. Yoast built the category, but RankMath perfected the execution.