SE Ranking vs Profound: Complete Comparison 2025
Choosing between SE Ranking and Profound can be challenging. Both are solutions, but they have distinct differences. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll analyze features, pricing, and use cases to help you make the best decision.
An all-in-one SEO suite (rank tracking, audits, backlinks, keyword/competitor research, reporting) that adds GEO/AI Search capabilities through an AI Results Tracker (AI Overviews, AI Mode, ChatGPT) and an AI Search add-on to extend AI results tracking and analysis.
- Multi-platform AI tracking (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Gemini)
- Google AI Overviews tracking
- Brand mention tracking
An enterprise-focused GEO / Answer Engine Optimization platform that measures how a brand shows up in AI answers (visibility, share of voice, sentiment, citations), surfaces opportunities (high-volume prompts, influential sources), and helps create/optimize AI-ready content through workflows and automation.
- Multi-platform AI tracking (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Gemini)
- Google AI Overviews tracking
- Brand mention tracking
Key Features Comparison
Here's a detailed breakdown of features offered by each platform:
| Feature | SE Ranking | Profound |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-platform AI tracking (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Gemini) | ||
| Google AI Overviews tracking | ||
| Brand mention tracking | ||
| Citation and source tracking | ||
| Competitive benchmarking / Share of voice | ||
| Automated reporting | ||
| Looker Studio connector | ||
| API access | ||
| Keyword research | ||
| Website/technical audit | ||
| AI content writer/generator | ||
| Free trial available | ||
| AI visibility score/metrics | ||
| Sentiment analysis | ||
| Actionable recommendations | ||
| AI content optimization suggestions | ||
| Historical tracking and trends | ||
| CSV exports | ||
| AI crawler/bot analytics | ||
| Team collaboration / Workspaces | ||
| SSO / Enterprise security | ||
| Free plan available |
Pricing Analysis
Profound is more affordable at $99/month, offering a 136.00 dollars savings compared to its competitor.
Pros and Cons
SE Ranking
- Full-stack: classic SEO + GEO/AI Search layer in one platform
- AI Overviews + AI Mode tracking with source/citation analysis and organic comparison
- Strong add-on ecosystem (AI Search, Content, Local, API) to scale by needs
- Reporting integrations (Looker Studio) helpful for agencies/clients
- Config-based pricing (keywords/limits/add-ons): real cost can vary a lot with usage
- Content features (AI Writer / Content Marketing) depend on add-ons or tier limits
- SEO-suite approach: if you want only pure GEO, it may feel broader than needed
Profound
- Very complete stack: analytics (visibility/citations/sentiment) + demand (Prompt Volumes) + crawl/attribution (Agent Analytics) + content ops (Workflows)
- Broad multi-engine coverage with data captured from real front-end experiences
- Strong enterprise posture (SOC2, SSO, support) and ability to track many engines / multiple entities on Enterprise
- Action-oriented: insights plus integrated content creation/optimization tooling
- Historically enterprise-leaning positioning: access can be more sales-led depending on context
- Starter/Growth are tightly scoped around prompt counts and platform coverage
- If you only need basic prompt tracking, the platform may be broader than necessary
Best Use Cases
Each platform excels in different scenarios:
SE RankingBest for
- 1SMB / in-house SEO: run SEO and track AI visibility (AIO/AI Mode/ChatGPT)
- 2Agencies: client reporting (Looker Studio), multi-project workflows, competitor tracking
- 3GEO/LLMO: identify cited sources in AI Overviews/AI Mode and adapt content strategy
- 4Data teams: integrate via API for internal dashboards and automated workflows
- 5Local SEO: combine local tooling with AI visibility monitoring per market
ProfoundBest for
- 1GEO / LLMO: track visibility, SOV, sentiment, and citations across multiple answer engines
- 2Content teams: create and optimize citation-winning content via templates + workflows
- 3PR & Brand: monitor perception/accuracy and narratives associated with the brand
- 4Tech/SEO: diagnose AI crawlability, understand AI-driven traffic impact, and prioritize fixes
- 5E-commerce: improve product presence in ChatGPT Shopping (placement, attributes, sentiment)
- 6Enterprise: governance, security (SSO/SOC2), dedicated support, and expanded coverage (10 platforms)
Feature Comparison
| Criteria | SE Ranking | Profound |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ||
| Starter Price | $59/mo | $99/mo |
| Standard Price | $109/mo | $399/mo |
| Pro Price | $235/mo | - |
| Number of Features | 12 | 15 |
Conclusion
Both SE Ranking and Profound are excellent solutions. SE Ranking is ideal for smb / in-house seo: run seo and track ai visibility (aio/ai mode/chatgpt), while Profound excels at geo / llmo: track visibility, sov, sentiment, and citations across multiple answer engines. Your choice should depend on your specific needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: SE Ranking or Profound?
It depends on your specific needs. SE Ranking is better for smb / in-house seo: run seo and track ai visibility (aio/ai mode/chatgpt), while Profound excels at geo / llmo: track visibility, sov, sentiment, and citations across multiple answer engines. Consider your priorities and budget before making a decision.
Is SE Ranking more expensive than Profound?
Profound is more affordable at $99/month, offering a 136.00 dollars savings.
What is the main difference between SE Ranking and Profound?
The main difference lies in their focus. SE Ranking offers Automated reporting, while Profound stands out with AI visibility score/metrics. SE Ranking targets smb / in-house seo: run seo and track ai visibility (aio/ai mode/chatgpt), whereas Profound is designed for geo / llmo: track visibility, sov, sentiment, and citations across multiple answer engines.
Which one is easier to use for beginners: SE Ranking or Profound?
Both platforms are designed to be user-friendly. SE Ranking full-stack: classic seo + geo/ai search layer in one platform, while Profound very complete stack: analytics (visibility/citations/sentiment) + demand (prompt volumes) + crawl/attribution (agent analytics) + content ops (workflows). We recommend trying the free version of each to see which interface suits you better.
Which offers the best value for money: SE Ranking or Profound?
Profound offers the most competitive pricing at $99/month. However, the best value depends on which features you actually need. If you require multi-platform ai tracking (chatgpt, perplexity, claude, gemini), SE Ranking might be worth the investment. For multi-platform ai tracking (chatgpt, perplexity, claude, gemini), Profound could be the better choice.
Can I switch from SE Ranking to Profound easily?
Yes, migrating between SE Ranking and Profound is generally possible. Most platforms offer export features that allow you to transfer your data. We recommend exporting your content before switching and checking the import options available on the new platform.
Which is better for small businesses: SE Ranking or Profound?
For small businesses, Profound at $99/month is often the most practical choice due to budget constraints. However, SE Ranking excels at smb / in-house seo: run seo and track ai visibility (aio/ai mode/chatgpt), while Profound is ideal for geo / llmo: track visibility, sov, sentiment, and citations across multiple answer engines. Consider your specific business requirements before deciding.
Are there free alternatives to SE Ranking and Profound?
Both SE Ranking and Profound offer free plans with limited features. These free versions are great for testing or light usage. For more advanced needs, the paid plans unlock additional features and higher usage limits.
Can I use both SE Ranking and Profound together?
Yes, many users combine both tools to leverage their unique strengths. SE Ranking can handle smb / in-house seo: run seo and track ai visibility (aio/ai mode/chatgpt), while Profound takes care of geo / llmo: track visibility, sov, sentiment, and citations across multiple answer engines. This approach can maximize productivity if budget allows.
What are the pros and cons of SE Ranking compared to Profound?
SE Ranking's strengths include full-stack: classic seo + geo/ai search layer in one platform, but it has limitations like config-based pricing (keywords/limits/add-ons): real cost can vary a lot with usage. Profound offers very complete stack: analytics (visibility/citations/sentiment) + demand (prompt volumes) + crawl/attribution (agent analytics) + content ops (workflows), though historically enterprise-leaning positioning: access can be more sales-led depending on context. The best choice depends on which trade-offs matter most to you.
Related Articles
A GEO (AI visibility) platform to analyze how AI models understand your website, get actionable optimization recommendations, track mentions across AI platforms, and benchmark visibility against competitors. vs An all-in-one SEO suite (rank tracking, audits, backlinks, keyword/competitor research, reporting) that adds GEO/AI Search capabilities through an AI Results Tracker (AI Overviews, AI Mode, ChatGPT) and an AI Search add-on to extend AI results tracking and analysis.
A GEO (AI visibility) platform to analyze how AI models understand your website, get actionable optimization recommendations, track mentions across AI platforms, and benchmark visibility against competitors. vs An enterprise-focused GEO / Answer Engine Optimization platform that measures how a brand shows up in AI answers (visibility, share of voice, sentiment, citations), surfaces opportunities (high-volume prompts, influential sources), and helps create/optimize AI-ready content through workflows and automation.
A GEO / AI Search monitoring tool that automatically tracks brand visibility (mentions, link citations, rankings) across multiple AI platforms, with reporting, exports, and a Looker Studio connector. vs An all-in-one SEO suite (rank tracking, audits, backlinks, keyword/competitor research, reporting) that adds GEO/AI Search capabilities through an AI Results Tracker (AI Overviews, AI Mode, ChatGPT) and an AI Search add-on to extend AI results tracking and analysis.