To get a competitive edge over your competitors, you need a reliable SEO tool, but the market is filled with hundreds of tools, and it is hard to choose the one among them.
SE Ranking and Semrush are the two popular SEO tools that offer you the tools you need to gain that competitive advantage. But the question is, which tool should you use?
To help you answer this question, I have used both tools extensively, and based on my experience I have brought you this SE Ranking vs Semrush comparison. I have compared these tools based on their ease of use, features, pricing, pros & cons.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
SE Ranking vs Semrush: Quick Comparison (2024)
Here’s a quick comparison of SE Ranking and Semrush to give you an overview before we delve into details;
| Attributes | SE Ranking | Semrush |
| Primary Strength | Complete SEO Tool | All-in-one SEO & SEM tool |
| Pricing | $125 – $333 per month | $129.95 – $499.95 per month |
| Free Trial | 14-Day Free Trial | 14-Day Free Trial |
| Free Plan | Available with limited features | Limited Free Plan ( 10 Searches) |
| Pros | Simple interface, Good keyword research | Complete SEO, SMM, Content Marketing Insights |
| Cons | Limited keyword and backlinks data | Complex interface, Premium Price |
| User Interface | Simple & Intuitive Dashboard | Packed with too much information. |
| Website Analysis | Accurate traffic and backlinks Insights | Dedicated tool (Semrush .Trends) for traffic insights |
| Backlink Analysis | Small database and limited insights | Advanced backlink analysis ( 43 trillion backlinks database) plus propriety crawler |
| Rank Tracker | Robust rank tracking capabilities | Powerful Rank Tracking feature |
| Learning Centre | SE Ranking Academy With Video courses on SEO | Knowledge hub, Semrush Academy with courses taught by industry veterans like Brian Deane. |
SE Ranking vs Semrush: Quick Verdict
SE Ranking and Semrush both function within the SEO tools segment. However, they fall at the opposite end of the spectrum regarding price.
Semrush is a premium tool, while SE Ranking focuses on functionality at affordable costs.
So, which tool is best?
Here’s my quick verdict, in case going through the entire SE Ranking vs. Semrush comparison seems too daunting ( it will be valuable, though).
My Ratings;
- SE Ranking – 4.7/5
- Semrush – 4.9/5
Pick SE Ranking;
For its affordability, in-depth keyword research and outstanding rank-tracking abilities.
Pick Semrush;
For its robust SEO and PPC toolset, supermassive keywords and backlinks database and extreme data accuracy.
Bonus: If you want to know more about how many people use Semrush, check our detailed Semrush Statistics here.
Head-On Feature Comparison Of SE Ranking and Semrush
An SEO tool’s real versatility is reflected in its features. So, let’s compare the amazing features that SE Ranking and Semrush promise to their users;
Keyword Research
| Attributes | SE Ranking | Semrush |
| Keyword Database Size | 3.3 Billion Keywords | 25.2 Billion Keywords |
| Database Quality | Precise, but limited | Extensive and accurate |
| Related Keywords Discovery | Limited by the database | 20 million Keyword ideas for a single keyword |
| Geo Database | 202 geo Database | 142 Geo databases |
Let’s pull the curtain with the keyword research capabilities of SE Ranking and Semrush. If we compare the database, Semrush will appear as a giant dwarfing SE Ranking ( only 3.3 billion keywords) with its staggering 25 billion strong keywords database.
The difference becomes more apparent when you go for keyword suggestions. Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool can churn over 20 million keyword ideas for a given keyword. In comparison, SE Ranking has much fewer suggestions as well as fewer filter options.
Two areas where SE Ranking takes away the points are geo databases and data freshness. SE Ranking pulls keyword data from over 200+ geo databases, surpassing Semrush’s 142 databases.
Likewise, SE Ranking has its own crawler to collect keyword data, while Semrush relies on third-party providers. Proprietor crawler enables SE Ranking to display real-time keyword data, while Semrush might slightly lag in data freshness.
Winner
SE Ranking is excellent for keyword research; however, the sheer magnitude of the Semrush keyword database makes it more reliable. Besides, extensive keyword suggestions, a multitude of filters and additional utilities (Keyword Manager, Traffic Insights, etc.) make Semrush a more powerful keyword research tool.
Rank Tracking
| Attributes | SE Ranking | Semrush |
| Tracking Updates | Daily Updates | Daily Updates |
| Supported Search Engines | Google, Bing, Yahoo | Google Only |
| Keywords Tracked Daily | 10+ Millions | No Data |
| Identify Competitors | Yes | Yes |
Next, let’s evaluate the rank-tracking capabilities of SE Ranking and Semrush. Both tools offer nearly identical interfaces and functionality for rank tracking. You can track daily ranking, top competitors, etc.
Likewise, both tools also reveal traffic insights related to particular keywords you and your competitors are targeting. However, one particular feature that pushes SE Ranking ahead in terms of ease is the guest link feature.
Although Semrush also allows white label reporting, in SE Ranking, you can simply copy the guest link and share it with others to include in the rank tracking process.
I found the process convenient.
Both tools offer a maximum of 5,000 daily keyword tracking, but SE Ranking allows it nearly half the price compared to Semrush. Likewise, you can track keyword rankings in up to 3 search engines in SE Ranking, while Semrush only permits one: Google.
Semrush also allows tracking featured snippets that SE Ranking still doesn’t include. Likewise, you can track keywords across locations and devices, including heat maps and visibility for specific locations.
Winner
SE Ranking and Semrush offer similar rank-tracking functionality. They provide similar depth in data and the same comprehensiveness; therefore, regarding ranking tracking, both tools appear evenly matched.
Backlink Analysis
| Attributes | SE Ranking | Semrush |
| Backlinks | 3 Trillion | 43 Trillion |
| Backlink Identification | Yes | Yes |
| Quality Analysis | Limited | Extensive |
| Lost And New Links | Yes | Yes |
| Competitor’s Backlinks Analysis | Yes | Yes |
Link analysis is an essential aspect of SEO, and Semrush appears more adept at it. Firstly, it has a whopping 43 trillion backlinks database.
Furthermore, Semrush has its own backlink crawler that scans over 25 billion URLs every day. In contrast, SE Ranking max out at a meager 3 trillion referring domains. The staggering difference is also reflected in the results; for demandsage domains, Semrush identified over 172k backlinks, while SE Ranking could only find 24.7k backlinks.
It’s evident that Semrush is more thorough in backlink analysis than SE Ranking.
Winner – Semrush, armed with a massive backlinks database and a super-speedy crawler, churns out more backlink data than SE Ranking.
Website Audits
SE Ranking impresses with its website audits. Although it took longer than expected, the results were detailed. What impressed me the most was the number of pages crawled, which went well over 1,000.
Besides, SE Ranking also neatly displays health scores, core web vitals, SEO issues and link attributes. The Semrush website audits are as detailed as the SE Ranking. However, data visualization is more insightful in Semrush—for example, it neatly segments SEO issues in errors, warnings and notices. SE Ranking does the same, but the graph appears cluttered, and it’s hard to make things out.
That said, SE Ranking came up with over 4k issues, while Semrush displayed around 800 issues for the same URL.
On top of that, SE Ranking displays indexed pages in Google, Yahoo and Bing. I couldn’t find anything like this on Semrush. But Semrush levels up with how it segments details on crawlability, HTTPS, International SEO, Site Performance and Internal Linking. You can expand these segments to view the details.
Winner – The Semrush interface is generally considered complex and cluttered, but the outstanding data visualization for website audits was a real surprise. SE Ranking comes up with the same details, but Semrush wins over with its neat data segmentation and well-stacked information that is easy to comprehend.
Pro Tip: Grab Semrush with a 17% discount using our exclusive discount here!
Pricing: Which Tool Is More Cost-Effective
| Attributes | SE Ranking | Semrush |
| Price Range | $55 – $239 per month | $129 – $499 per month |
| Discount | 20% on annual billing | 17% on annual billing |
| Projects Allowed | 10 – Unlimited | 5 – 40 |
| Users Allowed | 1 – 5 | 1 |
| Additional Users | $40 per month | $40 – $100 per month |
| Add Ons | Agency Pack, Content Marketing, Local Marketing | Trends, Local, Social, Agency Growth Kit, Impact Hero |
SE Ranking Pricing
SE Ranking is hands down a more affordable option compared to Semrush. Its Business Plan ($239 per month) is half the price of Semrush’s business plan, which costs well over $499 a month.
Semrush Pricing
Likewise, Semrush offers only a 17% discount on annual billing. In contrast, SE Ranking offers a 20% discount with its yearly subscription. Besides, the amount of data you can pull is nearly identical in both tools. Semrush only wins over with its sheer number of features and a whole list of add-ons that hugely expand its functionality.
Winner – SE Ranking is undoubtedly a better solution in terms of affordability. Therefore, it will be great for beginners or mid-level SEO professionals. Semrush is costly but extensive and will suit SEO veterans more focused on scalability. We have also shared an exclusive 14-day free trial on Semrush’s Pro and Guru Plans.
SE Ranking vs Semrush – Key Strengths And Weaknesses
SE Ranking and Semrush are both powerful SEO tools with remarkable features. However, they are not free from flaws either. Let’s explore the key strengths and weaknesses of both tools to have a better overview of their functionality;
SE Ranking Pros
- Data accuracy is top-notch
- The user interface is Semrmodern and straightforward.
- Powerful keyword research capabilities.
- Extensive rank tracking features.
- Pulls data from multiple search engines.
- Unique lead generator tool.
- Exception value for money.
- Proprietary crawler, which enables real-time data.
- Enables smooth link disavowing process.
- Considerably cheaper than other tools with similar features.
SE Ranking Cons
- Sometimes, it fails to deliver relevant keywords for specific niches.
- Integration options are limited.
- The support team needs to be more robust.
- Reporting is a bit lousy with limited customization.
Semrush Pros
- Comprehensive digital marketing suite with 55+ SEO and PPC-related features.
- Ultra-detailed traffic and backlink analysis.
- Thorough Competitor analysis.
- Massive keywords and Backlinks database.
- Proprietary writing assistant.
- In-house, super-speedy backlinks crawler.
- Unprecedented insights into keyword evaluation.
- Reputation monitoring on social media platforms.
- Equally Intuitive PPC campaign analysis features.
- Range of add-ons to expand functionality further.
- Numerous integrations with Google Products, Social Networks, AI tools and third-party apps.
Semrush Cons
- Not an affordable SEO solution.
- Number of users allowed is too limited.
- A hefty sum for extra users.
- Add-ons push the price way further.
- The interface is complex and a bit cluttered.
- Involves a steep learning curve.
Note: Explore top SEMrush alternatives for robust digital marketing solutions.
More Semrush Comparison:
Final Thoughts: Semrush is Suitable For All Types Of Businesses
SE Ranking is undeniably an excellent SEO tool with impressive functionality. However, it still needs to cover a lot of ground to match Semrush.
The latter outshines SE Ranking with its exceptionally massive keywords and Backlinks databases as well as the number of features (55+ features).
Consequently, Semrush emerges as a more detailed, powerful and functionally better SEO tool than SE Ranking.
Price is indeed a downside for Semrush, but the abundance of features makes it worth every penny.
So, what’s the bottom line here? Which tool to choose?
The choice is easy; if you are still accommodating yourself with the complexities of SEO, I suggest SE Ranking. It’s super easy to use and doesn’t put a dent in your pocket.
However, if you are well over the learning phase, operate an agency or want to scale, Semrush is a better choice.
