Semrush is one of those easy-to-use, all-in-one SEM tools that’s competing with Ahrefs and many other popular keyword and search tools for your loyalty.
But is it worth it?
I tried Semrush myself and ran to see if it could hold up against other keyword search tools I’ve used before.
Here’s what I thought.
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My Verdict – At a Glance
In general, I think the free version of Semrush can give you a good idea of how these platforms work and provide a solid jumping-off point and insight into what these platforms and other keyword research tools look like.
It’s easy enough to use that even the most beginner of beginners will be able to get something out of it without any technical expertise at all. You will get some keyword insights!
However.
I just prefer Ahrefs, as I think it does a better job at keyword research. I think the paid version of Semrush is just not the best on the market, so while I don’t think the tool is a failure, I just can’t recommend it over other options.
What Is Semrush? (Overview)
Semrush is an online visibility management and content marketing platform that’s designed to help businesses optimize their online presence. It offers tools for SEM (Search Engine Marketing)-related functions like keyword research, competitor analysis, SEO audits, content marketing, advertising research, and more.
Semrush is a very popular tool that’s used by SEO professionals, marketers, and businesses to drive organic growth, improve website performance, and refine marketing strategies.
Features Available in the Free Version
- Keyword Research: Limited access to keyword data with basic search volume and keyword difficulty insights.
- Competitor Analysis: Restricted data for competitor traffic, backlinks, and organic search keywords.
- Site Audit: Basic audit capped at 100 pages per crawl with minimal insights.
- Rank Tracking: Limited tracking for a small number of keywords.
- Backlink Analysis: Basic overview of backlinks with fewer link-building recommendations.
- Content Marketing Toolkit: Limited queries for tools like topic research and SEO writing assistant.
Features Only Available in Paid Versions
- Keyword Research: Full database access with advanced metrics and competitor keyword gap analysis.
- Competitor Analysis: Comprehensive traffic, backlink data, PPC insights, and display advertising analytics.
- Site Audit: Detailed technical reports, unlimited crawls (plan-dependent), and recommendations for Core Web Vitals.
- Rank Tracking: Monitor hundreds or thousands of keywords with regional and device-specific tracking.
- Backlink Analysis: Detailed backlink reports, toxic link analysis, and advanced link-building tools.
- Content Marketing Toolkit: Advanced topic research, SEO writing assistant, and content performance tracking.
- API Access: Available in higher-tier plans for bulk data extraction and integration.
- Additional Features: Advanced reporting, white-label solutions, and multi-user access in premium plans.
Who Is Semrush For?
Semrush is designed for businesses, marketers, and professionals looking to boost online visibility and get a competitive leg up in digital marketing. It caters to users at all levels, from beginners exploring SEO to advanced marketers managing large-scale campaigns.
- Small businesses looking for cost-effective SEO and keyword research tools
- Marketing professionals needing in-depth competitor analysis and performance tracking
- Agencies and enterprises managing multiple clients or complex digital campaigns
- Content creators looking to optimize articles for search engines and audience engagement
Is Semrush Legit?
Yes, Semrush is totally legit. It’s a trusted and legitimate tool used by millions of professionals and businesses all over the world. It has plenty of comprehensive features that are user-friendly and built to provide actionable insights for SEO, content marketing, and advertising campaigns.
The platform is regularly updated to keep up with the frequent changes in search engine algorithms so users stay ahead in their digital strategies.
Is Semrush Worth It?
With a free plan available and comprehensive pro plans from about $130 a month, Semrush is sort of worth it.
The free tools are helpful, but I think there are better free and paid tools out there that can do more for less.
If you’re going with a paid tool (or even a free one), I recommend Ahrefs.
Semrush Review
Semrush definitely has some useful features, however, I don’t rate Semrush very highly, especially when you compare it to alternatives like Ahrefs, which I think are just better at data accuracy and overall usability.
While Semrush offers a free version that can be useful for getting a rough idea of traffic and keyword metrics, it falls short in precision. For example, its data on referring domains and backlinks is too often way off the mark, making it unreliable for more advanced SEO or backlink strategies. This inaccuracy is annoying if you're relying on these metrics to make decisions about your digital marketing campaigns.
One of the main draws of Semrush is how easy it is to use. All you have to do is plug a URL into the search bar, and it generates key metrics like traffic, keywords, and backlinks. These insights can serve as a helpful guide, but they’re more of a starting point than something I would take as gospel.
The free version also comes with a lot of limitations, like restricted searches and less comprehensive data, which doesn’t quite cut it for folks like me managing multiple sites or trying to conduct in-depth analysis.
Overall, Semrush is fine for a general overview, but if you need more accuracy and robust features, you’re better off investing in a more reliable tool like Ahrefs.
Semrush Pros and Cons


Pros: What I Like About Semrush
- Comprehensive Features: Semrush offers a wide range of tools for keyword research, competitor analysis, SEO audits, and more, making it an all-in-one platform for digital marketing.
- User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed to be accessible for both beginners and advanced marketers, with intuitive dashboards and actionable insights.
- Constant Updates: Regular updates ensure Semrush stays aligned with the latest search engine algorithm changes, keeping users competitive.
- Free Plan Availability: Semrush provides a free version for users to explore basic features, making it a good starting point for beginners.
- Time-Saving Features: Automated reports and customizable dashboards help save time for marketers managing multiple campaigns.
- Wide Keyword Database: The extensive keyword database helps uncover new opportunities for organic and paid search campaigns.
- Robust Competitor Analysis: Semrush excels at identifying competitors' traffic, keywords, and backlink strategies, offering valuable insights to refine your marketing efforts.
Cons: What I Don’t Like About Semrush
- High Pricing for Paid Plans: While the free version is useful for basic needs, the premium plans start at $129.95/month, which may be expensive for smaller businesses.
- Limited Features in Free Version: The free plan only gives you restricted access to data, limiting its usability for advanced analysis or larger projects.
- Data Inaccuracy: Metrics for backlinks and referring domains are sometimes inaccurate, limiting detailed analysis.
- Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While the interface is user-friendly, mastering advanced tools and maximizing the platform's capabilities can take time.
- Overwhelming Data for Beginners: The sheer volume of data and features can feel overwhelming for users new to SEO and digital marketing.
Semrush Pricing
- Free Plan: Limited features for basic use cases and experimentation.
- Pro Plan ($129.95/month): For individuals and startups with basic needs.
- Guru Plan ($249.95/month): For growing marketing teams with advanced features like historical data and content tools.
- Business Plan ($499.95/month): For agencies and enterprises needing white-label reporting, API access, and higher limits.
Semrush Alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Semrush used for?
Semrush is a platform for improving online visibility through tools like keyword research, SEO audits, competitor analysis, and content marketing.
Is Semrush beginner-friendly?
Yes, Semrush offers an intuitive interface and tools suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
Does Semrush have a free version?
Yes, Semrush has a free plan with limited features like basic keyword research and site audits.
How much does Semrush cost?
Paid plans start at $129.95/month for the Pro Plan, with additional features available in higher-tier plans.
What are some alternatives to Semrush?
Popular alternatives include Ahrefs, Moz Pro, Google Search Console, and Yoast SEO.