Moz Pro Alternatives: The SEO Tools That Won’t Empty Your Wallet (or Test Your Patience)

Ever stared at your Moz Pro subscription and wondered if the grass is greener (or cheaper) elsewhere? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a solo blogger, a scrappy agency, or just allergic to £150+ monthly bills, this guide will walk you through the best Moz Pro alternatives—free and paid. We’ll compare the heavyweights, the hidden gems, and even show you how to do basic SEO checks for free. No sales fluff, just practical advice (and a few dry jokes).

What Is Moz Pro? (And Why Look for Alternatives?)

Let’s start with the basics. Moz Pro is like the Swiss Army knife of SEO tools. You get:

But here’s the catch: it’s not exactly pocket change. Prices start around £79/$99 a month for the lowest tier. And while Moz’s tools are sturdy, they’re not always the sharpest blade in the drawer—especially if you crave deeper data, fresher backlinks, or more generous limits. Enter: alternatives.

The Top Moz Pro Alternatives (Paid & Free)

Here’s what most people miss: “alternatives” doesn’t mean “worse.” In fact, some Moz rivals outshine it in specific areas—think of it like swapping out your old estate car for a zippier hatchback that actually fits in the parking bay.

Let’s break down the best options with a quick at-a-glance table:

1. Ahrefs: The Backlink Beast

If Moz’s Link Explorer is a family hatchback, Ahrefs’ Site Explorer is a Formula 1 car. You get massive backlink data, fast updates, and content gap analysis that actually makes sense. Downside? It’s pricey, and there’s no real free tier—just a very limited free account. Great for agencies and anyone obsessed with links.

2. SEMrush: The All-Rounder

SEMrush is like the posh department store of SEO tools. It does everything: audits, keyword research, rank tracking, PPC, social media… you name it. The UI is busier than Oxford Circus at rush hour, but the data’s strong. Not cheap, but you get your money’s worth if you use all the bells and whistles.

3. SE Ranking: The Rank Tracker’s Secret Weapon

Bet you didn’t realise: SE Ranking is quietly one of the best-value Moz Pro alternatives out there, especially if you’re tracking lots of keywords. Solid site audit tools, accurate local rank tracking, and a price that won’t make your accountant weep.

4. SERPstat: Budget-Friendly All-Rounder

SERPstat is like a Swiss Army knife… if you bought it from a discount shop. But don’t be fooled: it’s surprisingly powerful for the money, with keyword research, backlink tracking, and site audits. The UI’s a tad quirky, but it gets the job done for most small businesses.

5. Ubersuggest: For Budget Bloggers & Small Sites

If you just want quick keyword ideas and basic audits, Ubersuggest is your mate. It’s simple, affordable, and the free tier is surprisingly generous. Just don’t expect super-fresh data or deep backlink crawling.

6. Mangools: If You Want Simple & Pretty

Mangools wraps up keyword and SERP analysis in a candy-coloured, beginner-friendly dashboard. If Moz Pro feels like an old spreadsheet, Mangools is more like a snazzy app. Free trial only, though.

7. KeywordNumbers: Free, Fast, and No-Nonsense

Need a quick keyword count, SERP snippet check, or on-page SEO analysis? Try KeywordNumbers’ free tools for keyword density, character counting, and more—they’re the digital equivalent of a measuring cup for your meta descriptions. No logins, no faff.

Worked Example: Keyword Difficulty Comparison

Let’s say you want to check the keyword difficulty for “SEO audit tools.” Here’s how three Moz alternatives stack up (as of June 2024):

Notice the numbers don’t match? That’s because each tool uses its own secret sauce. Think of it like three different bathroom scales—all showing different weights, but the trend’s what matters. If one says you’re “heavy” and the others agree, it’s probably time to lay off the biscuits.

And if you want to check how your meta descriptions fit Google’s pixel limits, use this free meta length checker (it’s the tape measure for your snippets, both in characters and pixels—handy for UK and US search results alike).

How to Choose the Right Moz Alternative

Choosing an SEO tool is like picking a car: you don’t buy a Ferrari to drive your nan to Tesco. Ask yourself:

If in doubt, trial a few (most have free plans or trials). And don’t be afraid to mix and match: plenty of SEOs use, say, Ahrefs for backlinks, KeywordNumbers for quick on-page audits, and Ubersuggest for keyword brainstorming.

Questions People Are Actually Asking

What is Moz Pro?

Moz Pro is an all-in-one SEO platform offering tools for keyword research, rank tracking, site audits, and backlink analysis. It’s popular for its clean UI and solid keyword data, but some users find its backlink database less comprehensive than rivals like Ahrefs or SEMrush.

Why might someone look for alternatives to Moz Pro?

Common reasons include the high cost (starting at about £79/$99 a month), wanting fresher or bigger backlink data, or preferring a different user interface. Some just want specific features without paying for the full suite.

Which Moz alternative is best for backlink analysis?

Ahrefs is widely considered the leader for backlink analysis, thanks to its massive link database and speedy updates. SEMrush is also a strong contender, but Ahrefs usually edges it for sheer depth.

Are there any free Moz alternatives?

Yes! Tools like KeywordNumbers offer free keyword tools, SERP snippet checkers, and on-page analysis. Ubersuggest and Mangools offer limited free versions or trials as well. For serious campaigns, paid tools offer more depth, but free options are great for quick checks.

How does SEMrush compare to Moz Pro?

SEMrush offers a broader feature set, including PPC analysis and social media tracking, but is generally pricier. Its data is fresh and its backlink index is strong. Some prefer Moz for simplicity, but SEMrush is favoured by power users who want everything in one place.

Can you mix and match SEO tools instead of using just one?

Absolutely. Many professionals use one tool for backlinks (like Ahrefs), another for keyword research (like KeywordNumbers), and a third for rank tracking. It’s all about finding the right combination for your workflow and budget.

Which tool is best for small businesses or bloggers?

If you’re cost-sensitive, Ubersuggest or KeywordNumbers’ free SEO tools are a good starting point. For those willing to pay a little, SE Ranking or Mangools offer affordable, easy-to-use suites.

Conclusion: Don’t Settle for Second Best (or Second Mortgage)

Moz Pro’s a solid tool, but it’s not your only option. Whether you need deep backlink data, a budget-friendly all-rounder, or just a quick way to check your meta titles, there’s a Moz alternative for every need—free or paid. Ready to take a few for a test drive? Check out KeywordNumbers’ free SEO tools and see what you’ve been missing. Your wallet (and your rankings) will thank you.

Free tools to put this into practice

Reading is one thing — testing your own pages is what moves the needle. Here are the free KeywordNumbers tools that pair best with this guide:

Every one of our free SEO tools is genuinely free to use, with no sign-up required.

Try the Comparison Tool

Good news — there's now a free tool for exactly this. Give our Comparison Tool a go and put this guide straight into practice.