Semrush vs Moz: Which SEO Tool Is Better in 2026?
A category-by-category comparison of two of the biggest SEO platforms. We tested both extensively to help you make the right choice.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Semrush | Moz Pro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keyword Database | 26B+ keywords | 1.25B keywords | Semrush |
| Backlink Index | 43T+ backlinks | 40T+ backlinks | Semrush |
| Site Audit Checks | 140+ checks | 40+ checks | Semrush |
| Rank Tracking | Daily updates | Weekly updates | Semrush |
| Content Tools | SEO Writing Assistant, Topic Research | On-Page Grader | Semrush |
| Local SEO | Listing Management | Moz Local (separate) | Tie |
| Unique Metric | Authority Score | Domain Authority (DA) | Tie |
| Learning Resources | Semrush Academy | Moz Academy + Blog | Moz |
| Starting Price | $139.95/mo | $99/mo | Moz |
| Free Trial | 7 days | 30 days | Moz |
Keyword Research
Winner: Semrush. Semrush's keyword database is 20x larger than Moz's (26 billion vs 1.25 billion). This means significantly more keyword suggestions, better long-tail coverage, and more accurate volume data for niche topics. Semrush also includes Keyword Magic Tool (clustered suggestions), Keyword Gap (competitive analysis), and keyword intent classification — features Moz lacks.
Moz's keyword tool is adequate for basic research but can't match Semrush's depth. Where Moz does offer value is their Keyword Difficulty score, which uses a link-based calculation that some SEOs prefer for its accuracy.
Backlink Analysis
Winner: Semrush. Both platforms have comparable backlink index sizes (~40T+), but Semrush's Backlink Analytics provides more actionable data: toxic score assessment, backlink gap analysis (comparing your profile against competitors), historical backlink data, and outreach integration for link building campaigns.
Moz's Link Explorer is solid and provides reliable link data plus their proprietary Domain Authority metric — still one of the most widely referenced authority metrics in the industry.
Site Audit
Winner: Semrush. Semrush's site audit runs 140+ checks covering technical SEO, crawlability, Core Web Vitals, structured data, and more. Moz's Site Crawl covers the basics (broken links, crawl issues, meta tag problems) but with ~40 checks, it's significantly less comprehensive. For serious technical SEO auditing, Semrush is the clear choice.
Pricing & Value
Moz is more affordable at $99/mo vs Semrush's $139.95/mo. However, Semrush includes substantially more features per dollar. If budget is your primary constraint, Moz is a solid choice. If you want the most comprehensive toolkit available, Semrush's premium is justified. Moz does offer a 30-day free trial (vs Semrush's 7 days), giving you more time to evaluate.
Our Verdict: Semrush Wins 7 of 10 Categories
Choose Semrush if: You need the most comprehensive SEO toolkit, larger keyword database, daily rank tracking, competitive analysis, and advanced content tools. Best for agencies, professional SEOs, and serious marketers. Read our full Semrush review.
Choose Moz if: You want a more affordable entry point, simpler interface, excellent educational content, and value the Domain Authority metric for link building outreach. Best for beginners and smaller budgets. Read our full Moz review.
Try the Winner Free
Test Semrush's full feature set with a free 7-day trial — no limitations.
Try Semrush Free →* Affiliate link
Consider Mangools — 90% of the power at half the price
If both tools above feel expensive, Mangools bundles KWFinder, SERPChecker, Rank Tracker, and LinkMiner from $29/mo. Ideal for bloggers, freelancers, and small agencies who need reliable keyword and rank data without enterprise pricing.
Try Mangools Free → * Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no cost to you