Moz vs SEMrush: Which SEO Tool Wins (And What Are the Smarter Alternatives)?

Ever felt like choosing between Moz and SEMrush is a bit like picking your favourite child—if your children were both expensive, opinionated, and occasionally threw data at you? You’re not alone. Today, we’ll cut through the noise and answer the big questions: Which tool actually suits your SEO needs? How much do they cost (no, really)? And what are the best Moz alternatives if neither quite fits?

From real pricing to hands-on feature breakdowns—and a cheeky look at the tools the pros are using on the sly—you’ll leave with a clear answer (and maybe a new favourite).

Moz vs SEMrush: The SEO Heavyweights in the Ring

Here’s what most people miss: Moz and SEMrush might both be SEO tools, but they approach the game differently. Think of Moz as your reliable estate car—gets the job done, easy to drive, rarely lets you down. SEMrush? That’s your turbocharged SUV: flashy, packed with gadgets, and sometimes a bit much for a quick trip to the shops.

Pricing: The Real Numbers (No Nasty Surprises)

Ever tried to get a straight answer on Moz vs SEMrush pricing? It’s like asking how much a pint costs in London: depends who’s pouring.

If you’re running a site in the UK and want mid-tier Moz Pro, you’re shelling out £145/month (or £1,392/year if you pay up front). SEMrush mid-tier? That’s roughly £200/month or £2,016/year. In American, that’s $179 versus $249.95 per month. For Aussies, expect to pay around AUD $270/month for Moz, AUD $380+ for SEMrush (exchange rates permitting).

Why People Look for Moz Alternatives

Let’s be honest: not everyone needs a Ferrari to pop to the corner shop. Sometimes Moz (or SEMrush) is overkill—or just not the right flavour. Maybe you want:

Or maybe you just fancy something new (we all get that urge).

The Best Moz Alternatives in 2024

Here’s your menu of smart swaps, with a quick lowdown on why they’re worth a look:

1. Ahrefs

The crowd-favourite for backlinks and site audits. Ahrefs is a powerhouse—think of it as the Dyson vacuum of SEO: top-shelf, reliable, and you’ll find dust you didn’t know was there. Pricing starts at $99/month (about £80/€92), but advanced plans get pricey. Check keyword difficulty with our free tool here.

2. SE Ranking

A budget-friendly all-rounder. SE Ranking gives you most of Moz’s features (and a few SEMrush extras) for less cash. Great for agencies, or if you’re running multiple sites. Plans start around $55/month (£45/€50).

3. Mangools

More colourful than your nan’s allotment, with a focus on keyword research and SERP analysis. Very affordable—about $29.90/month (£24/€27) for the basic plan. It’s simple, cheerful, and gets you the data you need. Try the free keyword tools on KeywordNumbers if you want a no-cost taste.

4. Ubersuggest

Neil Patel’s baby. Ubersuggest is the budget alternative: not as deep as the big names, but solid for quick keyword checks and basic site audits. Free tier available, paid from $29/month (£24/€27).

5. KeywordNumbers (Free Tools)

Yes, a shameless plug, but if you just want to check search volume, keyword difficulty, or run a quick SERP check, KeywordNumbers’ free SEO tools are genuinely useful. No credit card, no faff. Sometimes, all you need is a screwdriver—not a toolbox the size of a car boot.

Moz vs SEMrush: Which Should You Choose?

It all comes down to your needs and budget:

Questions people are actually asking

How much does Moz vs SEMrush cost?

Both offer several tiers. Moz Pro starts at $99/month and SEMrush from $129.95/month. Higher plans add more features and cost more. Annual plans give you a discount (around 16-20%).

What’s the Moz vs SEMrush pricing for SEO?

For most SEO use-cases, Moz Pro’s Standard plan is $99/month, while SEMrush’s Pro plan is $129.95/month. If you need advanced features (like big site audits, or PPC data), you’ll pay more: Moz’s Premium is $299/month, SEMrush’s Business is $499.95/month.

How much does Moz vs SEMrush cost per year?

Moz Pro’s entry plan is $950/year (about £770/€880), SEMrush Pro is $1,299.48/year (about £1,040/€1,200). Higher tiers scale up accordingly. Always check current exchange rates.

Are there cheaper Moz alternatives?

Absolutely. SE Ranking, Mangools, Ubersuggest, and KeywordNumbers’ free SEO tools all offer solid features at a fraction of the price (or free).

How do Moz and SEMrush compare for keyword research?

Both are strong, but SEMrush tends to have a larger keyword database and more PPC data, while Moz is a bit easier for beginners and focuses on clean, actionable suggestions.

How do I move SEMrush to another computer or drive?

SEMrush is cloud-based, so you can log in from any device—no need to "move" it. Just sign out on your old machine and in on your new one. For browser extensions, reinstall as needed.

What are the best free SEO alternatives to Moz?

Try KeywordNumbers’ free keyword tools, Google Search Console, and Ubersuggest’s free tier. Great for quick checks without breaking the bank.

Conclusion: Don’t Pay for Bells & Whistles You’ll Never Ring

Choosing an SEO tool isn’t about picking the shiniest dashboard or the one with the most features. It’s about what actually helps you grow traffic, land clients, and sleep at night. If Moz or SEMrush fits—brilliant. If not, there are cheaper, leaner alternatives ready to help (and some are free).

Ready to compare real keyword data, search volume, or difficulty—without the price tag? Try the free Keyword Difficulty Checker or our suite of free SEO tools and see for yourself.

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.