# SE Ranking vs Semrush

> SE Ranking is the cheaper choice for rank tracking: its Core plan tracks 2,000 keywords daily across 10 projects for $129 per month, while Semrush's SEO plan tracks 500 keywords across 5 websites for $139 per month. Semrush is the stronger choice if you need its broader marketing toolkit and a permanent free plan. Prices checked in October 2026.

Source: https://tools.getayka.com/se-ranking-vs-semrush/ · Updated 2026-10-10

## Comparison

| | entry_price | free_option | keywords_tracked | projects | users_included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE Ranking | $129/mo (Core); $103.20/mo billed annually | 14-day trial, no card | 2,000 daily | 10 | 1 manager seat |
| Semrush | $139/mo (SEO); $117.33/mo billed annually | Free plan + 7-day trial | 500 daily | 5 websites | extra users from $45/mo |

- **SE Ranking Core, monthly:** $129
- **Semrush SEO plan, monthly:** $139
- **Keywords tracked daily, SE Ranking Core:** 2,000
- **Keywords tracked daily, Semrush SEO plan:** 500
- **Websites, Semrush SEO plan:** 5
- **Projects, SE Ranking Core:** 10
- **Keywords tracked daily, Semrush Pro+:** 1,500
- **Semrush Pro+, monthly:** $299

Semrush and SE Ranking cover the same core jobs: keyword research, rank tracking, competitor analysis and site audits. They differ most in how much tracking you get per dollar and in how far the toolkit extends beyond SEO.

## 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](https://tools.getayka.com/go/se-ranking/default/) 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](https://tools.getayka.com/go/se-ranking/default/).

**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.

---
This page contains affiliate links.