semrush vs se-ranking
Semrush vs SE Ranking — features, pricing, and which to choose for your SEO workflow in 2026.
Quick Verdict
Semrush and SE Ranking both promise comprehensive SEO platforms, but they serve different segments of the market. Semrush is the enterprise-grade heavyweight with deeper data sets and more advanced features, while SE Ranking positions itself as the accessible alternative with competitive functionality at half the price.
The choice typically comes down to budget versus depth. Agencies managing Fortune 500 clients usually need Semrush's extensive keyword database and advanced competitor intelligence. Smaller agencies and in-house teams often find SE Ranking provides 90% of the functionality they need at a much more digestible monthly cost.
Feature Comparison
Semrush dominates in raw data volume and accuracy. Their keyword database covers over 25 billion keywords across 142 countries, while SE Ranking's database is smaller but still substantial. Semrush's Position Tracking is more sophisticated with device-specific tracking and local pack monitoring, whereas SE Ranking offers solid rank tracking but with fewer granular options. For content creation, both platforms now include AI writing tools. Semrush's ContentShake AI integrates directly with their keyword research, automatically pulling semantic keywords and competitor insights. SE Ranking's AI content tools are newer but offer similar functionality at their price point. The biggest difference shows in backlink analysis. Semrush's Link Building Tool and Backlink Audit are industry standards with massive link databases updated frequently. SE Ranking's backlink tools work well for most use cases but lack the depth needed for complex link building campaigns or detailed competitor backlink analysis.
Pricing Comparison
SE Ranking starts at $65/month compared to Semrush's $130/month entry point — exactly half the price. SE Ranking's Essential plan includes 250 tracked keywords and basic SEO tools, while Semrush's Pro plan offers 500 tracked keywords plus their full content toolkit. At the enterprise level, Semrush scales to $530/month for their Business plan with advanced features like historical data and API access. SE Ranking tops out at $259/month for their Enterprise plan, still maintaining significant savings while covering most agency needs. The value equation depends on usage intensity. Heavy SEO users justify Semrush's premium through deeper data and time-saving features. Lighter users often find SE Ranking provides everything they need without the enterprise markup.
Best For
Semrush is better when you're managing large-scale SEO campaigns, need the most comprehensive competitor intelligence, or require advanced features like historical rank tracking and extensive API access. Enterprise agencies and in-house teams with substantial SEO budgets get clear value from the additional data depth and sophisticated tooling. SE Ranking excels for small to medium agencies, consultants, and businesses wanting professional SEO tools without enterprise pricing. The platform covers all essential SEO functions competently, making it ideal for teams that need comprehensive functionality but can't justify $130+ monthly per user.
The Verdict
Choose SE Ranking unless you specifically need Semrush's advanced features or enterprise-scale data. SE Ranking delivers 90% of what most SEO professionals need at half the cost, making it the smart choice for budget-conscious teams. Only upgrade to Semrush if you're managing complex, large-scale campaigns where the additional data depth and advanced features directly impact your results.