SEO tools are among the most expensive software subscriptions a small business will encounter — Semrush starts at $120/mo and Ahrefs at $99/mo. This guide breaks down every plan, explains what you actually get at each tier, and highlights affordable alternatives.
Quick Comparison: SEO Pricing at a Glance
| Tool | Free Plan | Paid From | Best For | Score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semrush | Free (10 requests/day) | Pro from $119.95/mo | Full-suite SEO & PPC | 93/100 | Full breakdown → |
| Ahrefs | Free Webmaster Tools | Lite from $99/mo | Backlink & competitor research | 91/100 | Full breakdown → |
| Surfer SEO | No free plan | Essential from $89/mo | On-page content optimisation | 86/100 | Full breakdown → |
| Moz | Free tools available | Starter from $49/mo | Local SEO & beginners | 85/100 | Full breakdown → |
| SE Ranking | 14-day free trial | Essential from $44/mo | Agencies & freelancers | 84/100 | Full breakdown → |
| Frase | 5-day trial ($1) | Solo from $15/mo | AI-assisted content briefs | 84/100 | Full breakdown → |
Detailed Pricing Breakdown
Below you’ll find individual pricing breakdowns for each tool, including hidden costs, plan limits, and our verdict on value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SEO tool has the best free plan?
Semrush, Ahrefs, Surfer SEO, Moz offer a permanent free tier — not just a trial.
What’s the cheapest paid SEO tool?
Pricing varies significantly by team size and features needed. Use the comparison table above to find the best fit for your budget.
Do these tools charge per user or per month?
Most SEO tools use per-user/seat pricing, which means costs scale with your team size. Some (like Klaviyo and Mailchimp) charge based on contact count instead. Check each tool’s full pricing page for the exact model.