SEO
Semrush: review, pricing, data and alternatives
Semrush lets marketing teams research keywords, analyze competing websites, and detect technical website issues. It tracks search engine rankings and brand visibility in AI answers, and produces marketing reports. A free tier exists; the first paid plan costs $117.33 per month. Access and transparency score: 65/100, #6 of 13 in its category.
What is Semrush?
Semrush lets marketing teams research keywords, analyze competing websites, and detect technical website issues. It tracks search engine rankings and brand visibility in AI answers, and produces marketing reports.
According to its documentation, Semrush lets you:
- research keywords
- analyze competing websites
- detect technical issues on a website
- track search engine rankings
- measure a brand's visibility in AI answers
- produce marketing reports
We file it under SEO, the category of tools to improve search rankings, and it also overlaps with marketing. The category lists 13 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is Semrush Inc., based in United States. The service launched in 2009, which gives it some track record.
Who is it for?
It is mostly useful to these profiles: marketers, content writers, freelancers, and online retailers. The need it covers is simple to state: improve search rankings.
Semrush is a good candidate if:
- you want to try before paying
- you plan to connect it to your tools or automations through its API
Before deciding, run a trial on a real task and measure the time saved: it is the only criterion that really counts.
How much does Semrush cost?
Pricing model: freemium (limited free use, then paid). A free plan is offered, usually limited in volume or features.
The first paid plan costs $117.33 per month (SEO plan, monthly equivalent with annual billing; USD 139 with monthly billing. Specialized modules and options billed separately), according to the pricing page, checked on October 24, 2026.
Per month, that is more expensive than the category median ($44 per month, based on tools with a published price).
To estimate what the same work would cost done directly with an AI model, use our API price calculator. Prices change often: always check the official site before subscribing.
Data and privacy
The publisher does not clearly state where data is hosted. Assume your content may leave your region.
For professional use, check that a data processing agreement (DPA) is offered, and do not send customers' personal data or confidential documents without one.
Exporting your content: PDF pour les rapports. Being able to get your data back makes switching tools easier later.
Three habits apply to every AI tool:
- turn off the use of your content for training if the option exists
- use a work account separate from your personal account
- review everything the tool produces before publishing or sending it
Platforms, languages and API
Semrush runs on: web browser and API.
Interface languages: English.
A public API lets you call it from your own programs or an automation tool, and plug it into an AI agent.
How we scored it
Our 65/100 score does not judge output quality: it measures what can be publicly verified about access to the tool, its openness and how far the publisher can be trusted.
| Criterion | Points | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 25/30 | free tier, published price, French interface |
| Openness | 20/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 20/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
Semrush against other tools in the sEO category:
| Tool | Free | Entry price | API | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semrush | Yes | $117.33 per month | Yes | 65 |
| Ahrefs | Yes | $29 per month | Yes | 70 |
| AuditZap | Yes | $9 one-off payment | Yes | 68 |
| BacklinkGPT | Yes | $149 per month | Yes | 68 |
| LLM Optimizer | Yes | not published | Yes | 68 |
| Writesonic | No | $79 per month | Yes | 66 |
| AirOps | Yes | not published | Yes | 58 |
| Frase | No | $39 per month | Yes | 50 |
Verdict
Semrush is a decent option; compare its price and terms with the category leaders.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
- Public API
- Established since 2009
Limitations
- More expensive than its category median
- Data hosting not disclosed
Avoid if…
- You handle sensitive personal data without a processing agreement
Alternatives
- Ahrefsfree tier
- AuditZapfree tier
- BacklinkGPTfree tier
- LLM Optimizerfree tier
- Writesonic$79 per month
- AirOpsfree tier
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is Semrush free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits. The first paid plan costs $117.33 per month.
Where is Semrush data stored?
The publisher does not clearly say so in its public documentation.
Does Semrush have an API?
Yes, a public API is documented.
What are the alternatives to Semrush?
In the same category: Ahrefs, AuditZap, BacklinkGPT, and LLM Optimizer.
Semrush or Ahrefs: which one to choose?
Semrush starts at $117.33 per month, Ahrefs at $29 per month and our score is 65/100 for Semrush and 70/100 for Ahrefs. Try both on the same task before paying.
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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score