Pricing side by side
- SE Ranking Core: $129 per month ($103.20 billed annually). Growth: $279 per month ($223.20 billed annually).
- Semrush SEO: $139 per month ($117.33 billed annually). Starter: $199 per month. Pro+: $299 per month. Advanced: $549 per month.
Semrush also has a free plan with 1 demo project and 10 reports per day; SE Ranking offers a 14-day trial without a card instead.
Rank tracking limits
This is where the gap is largest. SE Ranking Core tracks 2,000 keywords daily; Semrush needs Pro+ at $299 per month to reach 1,500 and Advanced at $549 per month for 5,000. A freelancer tracking 1,500-2,000 keywords therefore pays $129 with SE Ranking and $299 with Semrush.
Projects, users and reporting
SE Ranking Core allows 10 projects with 1 manager seat; Growth allows 30 projects and 3 seats. Semrush's SEO and Starter plans monitor 5 websites, Pro+ 15 and Advanced 40, and extra users start at $45 per month each. For client reporting, SE Ranking sells white label through its Agency Pack (+$69 per month, annual), which also adds 30 client seats.
Where Semrush is stronger
Semrush is a broader marketing suite. Its higher plans add historical SEO data, content optimization and keyword cannibalization analysis (Pro+) and share-of-voice and API access (Advanced). Teams that also run advertising or content research in the same tool often prefer it, and its free plan is useful for occasional checks.
Weaknesses of each
- SE Ranking: 1 manager seat and 6 months of history on Core; white label costs extra.
- Semrush: tracking limits are low for the price on the SEO and Starter plans, and extra users add $45 per month each.
How to choose
Pick SE Ranking if keyword tracking volume, audits and client reports are your main work and budget matters. Pick Semrush if you need its wider marketing toolkit and can justify Pro+ or higher. Both can be tested for free: try SE Ranking for 14 days with your own keyword list.
Verdict
For SEO-focused freelancers and agencies, SE Ranking gives more tracking and auditing per dollar. Semrush is worth its higher price when you use its wider marketing features. Start the SE Ranking trial.
Questions
Is SE Ranking cheaper than Semrush?
Yes. SE Ranking Core costs $129 per month with 2,000 tracked keywords; Semrush's SEO plan costs $139 per month with 500.
Does Semrush have a free plan?
Yes: 1 demo project and 10 reports per day. SE Ranking has no free plan but a 14-day trial without a credit card.
Which tool has more tracked keywords for the money?
SE Ranking: 2,000 daily on Core versus 500 on Semrush's SEO plan.
Which is better for agencies?
SE Ranking is cheaper for many tracked keywords and offers white label via the Agency Pack (+$69 per month, annual). Semrush suits agencies that also sell content and advertising services.
Can I try both before paying?
Yes. SE Ranking has a 14-day trial without a card; Semrush has a free plan and a 7-day trial.