Best SEO tools (October 2026)
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Keyword research, rank tracking, site audits and content optimisation to grow traffic from Google and AI search.
The ranking
- 1
Ahrefs
by AhrefsLowest entry priceSEO toolset known for its backlink index, keyword research and rank tracking, with a free plan for your own site.
Pros
- Free plan or trial
- Rank tracking
Cons
- Content optimisation: check on Ahrefs's site
- Up to 17% off yearly; content tools are a paid add-on
- 2
SE Ranking
by SE RankingMost complete feature setAll-in-one SEO platform with daily rank tracking, audits and content tools at a lower price.
Free plan or trialRank trackingContent optimisationPros
- Free plan or trial
- Rank tracking
- 14-day free trial, no card
Cons
- No drawbacks found in our data
- 3
Surfer
by SurferGood all-round optionContent optimisation tool that scores articles against top-ranking pages and tracks AI-search visibility.
Pros
- Free plan or trial
- Content optimisation
Cons
- Rank tracking: check on Surfer's site
Not yet ranked
We could not confirm these prices on the vendors' pages; they join the ranking automatically once we do.
- Semrush: Large SEO and marketing suite for keyword research, competitor analysis, rank tracking and content. See prices on Semrush's site Alternatives to Semrush
Compare all in a table
| Rank | Product | Score | Entry price (USD) | Free plan or trial | Rank tracking | Content optimisation | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ahrefs | 90 | 29.00 | Yes | Yes | Not confirmed | Visit site |
| 2 | SE Ranking | 81 | 129.00 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Visit site |
| 3 | Surfer | 80 | 49.00 | Yes | Not confirmed | Yes | Visit site |
Entry price is the cheapest paid plan, converted to USD where the vendor prices in another currency. Usage-based prices are not compared.
What to check
Free plan or trial. 3 of 3 confirm it.
Rank tracking. 2 of 3 confirm it.
Content optimisation. 2 of 3 confirm it.
Score: features 30, free plan or trial 20, pricing transparency 25, entry price value 25. Commissions are never part of it. Full method.
Questions
What is the cheapest option?
Ahrefs, from USD 29 per month.
Is there a free option?
1 of the 3 ranked products have a free plan.