SE Ranking vs Semrush: Which SEO Tools Tool Is Better in 2026?
SE Ranking
From $55Semrush
From $139.95Quick verdict
Overall pick: SE Ranking
The two tools match on every feature in the comparison set, so the decision comes down to budget and positioning. SE Ranking, founded in 2013, starts at $55 flat and is aimed at SMBs and agencies wanting value for money. Semrush, founded in 2008, starts at $139.95 flat and is aimed at marketing agencies and comprehensive SEO and PPC work. Buyers who need the full feature set at the lowest starting cost should pick SE Ranking; buyers who prefer the longer-established vendor and its agency and PPC positioning should pick Semrush.
- SE Ranking's entry plan ($55) is 61% cheaper than Semrush's ($139.95).
- They cover the same 8 of 8 core features we track, so price and UX decide.
Cost calculator
| Tool | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| SE Ranking · flat | $55.00 | $660 |
| Semrush · flat | $139.95 | $1679 |
Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.
Which one should you choose?
| If you need… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-conscious SMB building its first SEO stack | SE Ranking | SE Ranking starts at $55 flat versus $139.95 flat for Semrush, with all eight compared features included in both. |
| Agency wanting value for money across client accounts | SE Ranking | SE Ranking is explicitly positioned for agencies wanting value for money and has the lower starting price. |
| Agency running combined SEO and PPC programs | Semrush | Semrush is positioned for comprehensive SEO and PPC, while SE Ranking's stated best-for list covers SMBs and value-focused agencies. |
| Buyer prioritizing a longer track record | Semrush | Semrush was founded in 2008, five years before SE Ranking's 2013 founding. |
| Team needing keyword research, backlinks, rank tracking, audits, and API together | Tie | Both tools list all eight compared features, including keyword research, backlink analysis, rank tracking, site audit, competitor analysis, content optimization, local SEO, and API. |
Feature comparison: SE Ranking vs Semrush
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ❌ | ❌ |
| Starting price | $55 /mo | $139.95 /mo |
| Keyword research database | ✅ | ✅ |
| Backlink audit & link tracking | ✅ | ✅ |
| Daily rank tracking | ✅ | ✅ |
| Technical site crawler & audit | ✅ | ✅ |
| Competitor organic & paid insights | ✅ | ✅ |
| Content optimization / SEO editor | ✅ | ✅ |
| Local SEO & listing management | ✅ | ✅ |
| Public API & Looker Studio | ✅ | ✅ |
Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.
Pros and cons
SE Ranking
- Lower starting price at $55 flat versus $139.95 flat for Semrush
- Covers all eight compared features, including keyword research, backlinks, rank tracking, site audit, competitor analysis, content optimization, local SEO, and API
- Positioned for SMBs and agencies wanting value for money
- No free plan
- Founded in 2013, later than Semrush's 2008 founding
- Not explicitly positioned for combined SEO and PPC programs
Semrush
- Covers all eight compared features, matching SE Ranking feature for feature
- Founded in 2008, giving it the longer history of the two
- Positioned for marketing agencies and comprehensive SEO and PPC work
- Higher starting price at $139.95 flat versus $55 flat for SE Ranking
- No free plan
- Not explicitly positioned for SMBs or value-focused buyers
At a glance
Accurate, all-inclusive SEO platform at an affordable price.
Founded 2013 · From $55 · 8/8 tracked features
Best for: SMBs, agencies wanting value for money
See SE Ranking alternatives →Leading online visibility and digital marketing suite.
Founded 2008 · From $139.95 · 8/8 tracked features
Best for: marketing agencies, comprehensive SEO & PPC
See Semrush alternatives →FAQ
Is SE Ranking cheaper than Semrush?
Yes. SE Ranking starts at $55 flat, while Semrush starts at $139.95 flat.
Do SE Ranking and Semrush have the same features?
In this comparison they match on all eight features: keyword research, backlink analysis, rank tracking, site audit, competitor analysis, content optimization, local SEO, and API.
Do either of these tools offer a free plan?
No. Both SE Ranking and Semrush list no free plan.
Which tool is older?
Semrush, founded in 2008, predates SE Ranking, founded in 2013.
Which tool is better for agencies?
Both target agencies: SE Ranking is positioned for agencies wanting value for money, while Semrush is positioned for marketing agencies and comprehensive SEO and PPC.
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Data last reviewed: pending verification. All SEO Tools tools →