SE Ranking vs Semrush: Complete Comparison 2025
Choosing between SE Ranking and Semrush 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 all-in-one marketing suite focused on SEO and competitive intelligence: keyword research, competitor analysis, technical audits, rank tracking, backlinks, content workflows, reporting, and newer 'AI visibility / AI search' modules (e.g., AI Visibility Toolkit, AI Search Visibility Checker).
- 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 | Semrush |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
| Actionable recommendations | ||
| Free plan available |
Pricing Analysis
SE Ranking is more affordable at $235/month, offering a 264.95 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
Semrush
- Very broad coverage: one platform for most SEO workflows (technical, content, backlinks, competitive, reporting)
- Agency/team-friendly: multi-projects, reporting, exports, templates
- Strong competitive intelligence datasets (domain/keyword/backlink research)
- Growing 'AI search / AI visibility' layer (dedicated toolkit + free checker/benchmarks)
- Rich ecosystem (App Center, add-ons, API by plan) to fit into a marketing stack
- Modular pricing: multiple toolkits/add-ons and plan limits can make total cost grow quickly
- Packaging changes over time (e.g., newer bundles like Semrush One), so comparisons require a clear scope
- Steep learning curve: very feature-dense UI and many reports
- AI visibility features may sit outside the core SEO toolkit (dedicated toolkit), adding extra cost/ops
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
SemrushBest for
- 1Full-stack SEO operations: keywords -> technical audit -> on-page -> backlinks -> rank tracking
- 2Competitive analysis: who ranks, for what, with which pages and strategies
- 3Content teams: topic ideation/briefs and optimize existing content with recommendations
- 4Agencies: client reporting standardization (dashboards, exports, templates) and multi-project management
- 5AI search/GEO: benchmark AI-answer visibility, track prompt-level visibility, and find optimization opportunities
Feature Comparison
| Criteria | SE Ranking | Semrush |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ||
| Starter Price | $59/mo | $139.95/mo |
| Standard Price | $109/mo | $249.95/mo |
| Pro Price | $235/mo | $499.95/mo |
| Number of Features | 12 | 12 |
Conclusion
Both SE Ranking and Semrush are excellent solutions. SE Ranking is ideal for smb / in-house seo: run seo and track ai visibility (aio/ai mode/chatgpt), while Semrush excels at full-stack seo operations: keywords -> technical audit -> on-page -> backlinks -> rank tracking. Your choice should depend on your specific needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: SE Ranking or Semrush?
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 Semrush excels at full-stack seo operations: keywords -> technical audit -> on-page -> backlinks -> rank tracking. Consider your priorities and budget before making a decision.
Is SE Ranking more expensive than Semrush?
SE Ranking is more affordable at $235/month, offering a 264.95 dollars savings.
What is the main difference between SE Ranking and Semrush?
The main difference lies in their focus. SE Ranking offers Citation and source tracking, while Semrush 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 Semrush is designed for full-stack seo operations: keywords -> technical audit -> on-page -> backlinks -> rank tracking.
Which one is easier to use for beginners: SE Ranking or Semrush?
Both platforms are designed to be user-friendly. SE Ranking full-stack: classic seo + geo/ai search layer in one platform, while Semrush very broad coverage: one platform for most seo workflows (technical, content, backlinks, competitive, reporting). 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 Semrush?
SE Ranking offers the most competitive pricing at $235/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), Semrush could be the better choice.
Can I switch from SE Ranking to Semrush easily?
Yes, migrating between SE Ranking and Semrush 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 Semrush?
For small businesses, SE Ranking at $235/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 Semrush is ideal for full-stack seo operations: keywords -> technical audit -> on-page -> backlinks -> rank tracking. Consider your specific business requirements before deciding.
Are there free alternatives to SE Ranking and Semrush?
Both SE Ranking and Semrush 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 Semrush 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 Semrush takes care of full-stack seo operations: keywords -> technical audit -> on-page -> backlinks -> rank tracking. This approach can maximize productivity if budget allows.
What are the pros and cons of SE Ranking compared to Semrush?
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. Semrush offers very broad coverage: one platform for most seo workflows (technical, content, backlinks, competitive, reporting), though modular pricing: multiple toolkits/add-ons and plan limits can make total cost grow quickly. The best choice depends on which trade-offs matter most to you.
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