10 Cheap Alternatives to SEMrush: Budget-Friendly SEO Tools for 2025

Everyone knows SEMrush dominates the SEO tool market with its all-in-one feature set.

But what are the cheap alternative to semrush, exactly?

In this listicle, youll discover a complete cheatsheet of budget-friendly tools that deliver core SEO features without breaking the bank.

Some are exceptional for keyword research on a shoestring budget.

Some excel in site audits and technical SEO without the hefty price tag.

Some offer lifetime deals that pay for themselves in weeks.

Some integrate AI-driven insights for a fraction of the cost.

Some even let you scale seamlessly as your agency or startup grows.

Let's dive right in.

Why Consider a Cheap Alternative to SEMrush?

SEMrush is undeniably powerful, but its entry price of $139.95/month can strain small budgets. Even with discounts for annual billing, many startups and solopreneurs find the commitment steep.

A cheaper tool might provide all the essentials—keyword research, site audits, backlink checks—at a fraction of the cost. If you only need core features, why pay for extras you wont use?

For lean teams and freelancers, affordable SEO tools lower the barrier to entry and help you reinvest savings into content, ads, or developer support.

Key Features to Consider

• Keyword Research: Volume, difficulty scores, and related terms.
• Backlink Analysis: Referring domains, link quality, and toxic link detection.
• Site Audit & Technical SEO: Crawling errors, missing metadata, and performance insights.
• Rank Tracking: Daily or weekly updates across devices and geolocations.
• User Interface & Reporting: Ease of use, customizable dashboards, and export options.

For a deeper dive into keyword research tools, check out our guide to Long Tail Pro vs Ahrefs.

Top 10 Cheap Alternatives to SEMrush

1. Mangools (KWFinder Suite)

Mangools bundles five tools—KWFinder, SERPChecker, SERPWatcher, LinkMiner, and SiteProfiler—starting at $29.90/month when billed annually. KWFinder remains a standout for uncovering low-competition, high-volume keywords.

• Key Features: Detailed keyword metrics, SERP analysis, daily rank tracking.
• Strengths: Clean UI, reliable keyword difficulty scores, beginner-friendly.
• Weaknesses: Smaller backlink index than SEMrush, limited historical data.

According to 99signals, Mangools rivals major platforms on core research tasks, while keeping costs under $360 per year.

2. Ubersuggest

Neil Patels Ubersuggest offers keyword suggestions, domain overviews, backlink data, and site audits. The free tier is surprisingly generous; paid plans start at $12/month or a lifetime deal of $120.

• Key Features: Keyword ideas, traffic estimates, SEO audit reports.
• Strengths: Clean interface, robust free version, frequent data updates.
• Weaknesses: Limited historical data and occasional backlink count inaccuracies.

In-depth testing by Style Factory Productions revealed reliable domain metrics but cautioned on paid traffic figures. For many small businesses, Ubersuggest covers the essentials for under $150 per year.

3. SE Ranking

SE Ranking is a full-suite SEO platform featuring rank tracking, keyword research, backlink monitoring, and site audits. Plans begin at $39/month with flexible pay-as-you-go credits and discounts for annual billing.

• Key Features: Daily rank checks, white-label reports, competitor discovery.
• Strengths: Comprehensive site audits, strong reporting templates.
• Weaknesses: Steeper learning curve for novices.

Users on SE Rankings blog praise its balance of depth and affordability, making it a solid pick for agencies on a budget.

4. Serpstat

Serpstat combines keyword research, rank tracking, PPC analysis, and site auditing. Its Lite plan starts at $55/month, while Growth is $69/month, covering most SEO essentials.

• Key Features: Batch analysis, keyword clustering, backlink analytics.
• Strengths: PPC data, historical analysis, content marketing tools.
• Weaknesses: Interface can feel cluttered, learning curve for advanced functions.

5. SpyFu

SpyFu excels in competitive intelligence, revealing rivals paid and organic keyword strategies. With plans from $39/month, it offers unlimited searches and keyword tracking.

• Key Features: PPC competitor analysis, keyword rank history.
• Strengths: Deep insights, estimated ad spend data.
• Weaknesses: Lacks a full site audit module.

6. Ranktracker

Ranktracker is dedicated to precise rank monitoring, coupled with keyword suggestions and on-page optimization tips. It starts at $29/month and is ideal for freelancers.

• Key Features: Hourly updates, geolocation filters, keyword suggestion tool.
• Strengths: Affordable, accurate rankings, easy setup.
• Weaknesses: No built-in backlink analysis.

7. SEO PowerSuite

SEO PowerSuite is a desktop-based suite including Rank Tracker, WebSite Auditor, SEO SpyGlass, and LinkAssistant. A one-time license fee of $299 grants unlimited usage, making it one of the best lifetime-deal options.

• Key Features: Extensive backlink database, in-depth site audits.
• Strengths: No recurring fees, unlimited projects.
• Weaknesses: Desktop installation required, fewer collaboration features.

8. GrowthBar

GrowthBar is built for content marketers and startups, offering keyword research, rank tracking, and on-page guidance in a simple browser extension. Plans begin at $29/month.

• Key Features: AI-powered content outlines, competitor insights.
• Strengths: Quick ideation, clean UI.
• Weaknesses: Smaller keyword database.

9. WooRank

WooRank provides instant site reviews, SEO monitoring, and lead-gen tools. Pricing starts at $39.99/month for Premium or $59.99/month for Pro.

• Key Features: Actionable task lists, marketing checklist integration.
• Strengths: Clear to-dos, white-label reporting.
• Weaknesses: Limited backlink data.

10. AnswerThePublic

AnswerThePublic visualizes search queries and prepositions around your keywords. Its Pro plan is $99/month, and while it doesn't track rankings, it excels at content ideation.

• Key Features: Visual keyword maps, question suggestions.
• Strengths: Uncover content gaps, easy exports.
• Weaknesses: No rank tracking or backlink analysis.

Bonus: How to Save Even More on SEO Tools

If youre really watching costs, explore deal hubs like AppSumo for lifetime offers. Many emerging SEO tools launch on these platforms with one-time fees far below monthly subscriptions.

How to Choose the Right Tool

1. Audit Your Needs: List the SEMrush features you use most—keyword magic, site audits, backlink audits—and match them to tool capabilities.
2. Consider Usage Limits: Check query limits, user seats, and data retention policies.
3. Evaluate Scalability: Can the tool grow as your project expands? Look for flexible plans and add-on credits.
4. Trial First: Always start with free trials or money-back guarantees to vet data accuracy and UX.

Conclusion

If SEMrushs pricing is out of reach, these 10 cheap alternative to semrush deliver core SEO power without the premium fee. From Mangools beginner-friendly suite to SEO PowerSuites one-time license, each tool has unique strengths. Assess your priorities—be it deep keyword research, robust site auditing, or competitive intelligence—and pick the option that balances features, data accuracy, and budget. With the right affordable SEO platform, youll optimize your site, track your rankings, and outmaneuver competitors—all while keeping costs under control.