Semrush vs Moz: Which SEO Suite is Worth It? (2025)

Quick Comparison

| Starting Price | $99/mo | $139/mo |

| Best For | Beginners, small biz | Power users, agencies |

| Keyword Database | 1.25B keywords | 25B keywords |

| Unique Metric | Domain Authority (DA) | Authority Score |

| Backlink Database | 44T backlinks | 43T backlinks |

| Learning Curve | 2 hours | 2 weeks |

| Site Audit | Basic | ✅ Advanced |

| Content Tools | ❌ Limited | ✅ Full platform |

| Rank Tracking | 300 keywords | 500 keywords |

| Local SEO | ✅ Moz Local included | $20/mo add-on |

| User Reviews | 4.4/5 stars | 4.6/5 stars |

Bottom Line: Moz = Best for Beginners. Semrush = Best for Pros.

Moz Pro: The Beginner-Friendly SEO Suite

What It Does Best

Moz Pro → is the easiest SEO tool to learn. While Semrush overwhelms with 55+ tools, Moz focuses on the essentials with a clean, intuitive interface.

Standout Features:

1. Domain Authority (DA) — Industry-standard metric trusted by SEOs worldwide

2. Link Explorer — Clean backlink analysis (44 trillion backlinks)

3. Keyword Explorer — Excellent Priority Score (combines all metrics into one number)

4. Page Optimization — On-page SEO recommendations that actually work

5. Moz Local — Included on some plans (Semrush charges extra)

Pricing:

- Standard: $99/mo (5 campaigns, 300 keywords, 25K rows)

- Medium: $179/mo (10 campaigns, 1,500 keywords)

- Large: $299/mo (25 campaigns, 3,000 keywords, 200K rows)

- Premium: $599/mo (50 campaigns, custom)

Where It Falls Short

- Smaller Keyword Database — 1.25B keywords vs Semrush's 25B (matters for global SEO)

- No Content Platform — Limited content marketing tools (Semrush has full suite)

- Basic Site Audits — Less technical depth than Semrush

- Fewer Integrations — No Google Data Studio, limited API

- Slower Innovation — Semrush ships new features faster

Who Should Use Moz

✅ SEO beginners learning the craft

✅ Small businesses managing their own SEO

✅ Solopreneurs who don't need 55+ tools

✅ Local businesses (Moz Local included on Medium+ plans)

✅ Anyone who finds Semrush too overwhelming

✅ Domain Authority fans (DA is Moz's proprietary metric)

Semrush: The All-in-One Marketing Platform

What It Does Best

Semrush → is the industry standard for professional SEOs. It's not just an SEO tool—it's a complete marketing platform with PPC, content, social, and competitive intelligence.

Standout Features:

1. Massive Keyword Database — 25B+ keywords across 130 countries

2. Content Marketing Platform — Full workflow from research to distribution

3. Traffic Analytics — See competitors' traffic sources (Moz doesn't have this)

4. Position Tracking — Advanced rank tracking with mobile, local, and SERP features

5. 55+ Tools — Everything from SEO to PPC to social media

Pricing:

- Pro: $139/mo (5 projects, 500 keywords, 10K results/report)

- Guru: $249/mo (15 projects, 1,500 keywords, Content Marketing Toolkit)

- Business: $499/mo (40 projects, 5,000 keywords, API access)

Where It Falls Short

- Overwhelming — 55+ tools = steep learning curve (2+ weeks)

- More Expensive — $139/mo vs Moz's $99/mo ($480/year difference)

- Complex Interface — Harder to navigate than Moz

- No Domain Authority — Authority Score isn't as widely trusted as Moz's DA

- Local SEO Costs Extra — Semrush Local is $20/mo add-on

Who Should Use Semrush

✅ Professional SEO agencies managing multiple clients

✅ Enterprise marketing teams needing full platform

✅ Content marketers running editorial calendars

✅ PPC managers optimizing Google Ads

✅ Global businesses targeting 50+ countries

✅ Power users who want every possible data point

Head-to-Head: 10 Key Features

1. Keyword Research

Semrush WINS

- 25B keyword database vs Moz's 1.25B (20x larger)

Moz:

- Priority Score combines Volume, Difficulty, Opportunity, CTR into one number (genius!)

Verdict: Semrush for global campaigns, Moz for US-focused businesses.

2. Backlink Analysis

TIE

Both have massive databases:

- Semrush: 43 trillion backlinks

- Moz: 44 trillion backlinks

Key Differences:

- Moz: Domain Authority (DA) is the standard metric everyone knows

- Semrush: Authority Score (newer, less trusted but technically superior)

Verdict: Moz if DA matters to you/clients, Semrush for more detailed analysis.

3. Rank Tracking

Semrush WINS

- 500 keywords on Pro plan vs Moz's 300

Moz:

Verdict: Semrush offers more keywords and better tracking features.

4. Site Audits

Semrush WINS

- More technical depth (checks 140+ issues vs Moz's 60+)

Moz:

Verdict: Semrush for technical SEO, Moz for beginners.

5. Content Marketing Tools

Semrush WINS (by a mile)

- Full Content Marketing Platform (Guru+ plans)

Moz:

Verdict: Semrush if content is a priority. Moz lacks this entirely.

6. Competitive Intelligence

Semrush WINS

- Traffic Analytics — See competitors' traffic sources, top pages, ad spend

- Market Explorer — Analyze entire markets, not just competitors

- Advertising Research — Deep PPC competitor analysis

Moz:

Verdict: Semrush for competitive research. Moz has basic competitor features.

7. Local SEO

Moz WINS

- Moz Local included on Medium+ plans ($179+)

Semrush:

- Semrush Local costs $20/mo extra

Verdict: Moz for local businesses (built-in vs $240/year add-on).

8. Ease of Use

Moz WINS

- 2-hour learning curve vs Semrush's 2 weeks

Semrush:

Verdict: Moz for beginners, Semrush for power users willing to invest learning time.

9. Reporting

Semrush WINS

Moz:

Verdict: Semrush for agencies needing custom reports.

10. Value for Money

Moz WINS (for most businesses)

- $99/mo vs Semrush's $139/mo ($480/year savings)

Semrush:

Verdict: Moz for budget-conscious businesses, Semrush if you need advanced features.

Real-World Scenarios: Cost vs Value

Scenario 1: Freelance SEO Consultant (5 Clients)

Moz Pro Standard — $99/mo

- Annual Cost: $1,188

Semrush Pro — $139/mo

- Annual Cost: $1,668

Winner: Moz saves $480/year. Both tools handle 5 clients fine.

Scenario 2: Small Agency (15 Clients)

Moz Pro Medium — $179/mo

- Annual Cost: $2,148

Semrush Guru — $249/mo

- Annual Cost: $2,988

Winner: Semrush. Extra $840/year gets you Content Marketing Platform + covers all 15 clients.

Scenario 3: Enterprise SEO Team (50+ Clients)

Moz Pro Large — $299/mo

- Annual Cost: $3,588

Semrush Business — $499/mo

- Annual Cost: $5,988

Winner: Semrush. You need the scalability + API.

Decision Framework: Which Tool Should You Choose?

Choose Moz If...

✅ You're new to SEO (2-hour learning curve)

✅ You're a small business managing your own SEO

✅ You need Domain Authority metrics (industry standard)

✅ You're a local business (Moz Local included on Medium+ plans)

✅ You prefer simplicity over complexity

✅ Your budget is under $150/mo

✅ You find Semrush too overwhelming

Start with: [Moz Pro Standard - $99/mo (30-day trial) →](/tools/moz)

Choose Semrush If...

✅ You're a professional SEO or agency

✅ You need comprehensive keyword data (25B keywords)

✅ You run content marketing campaigns (need full platform)

✅ You manage PPC alongside SEO

✅ You need competitive intelligence (traffic data, market analysis)

✅ You're targeting global markets (50+ countries)

✅ Your budget is $250+/mo

Start with: [Semrush Pro - $139/mo (30-day trial) →](/tools/semrush)

The "Both" Strategy (For Agencies)

Many agencies use both tools strategically:

- Moz — Quick backlink checks, DA reporting, Moz Local for clients

- Semrush — Deep keyword research, content campaigns, competitor analysis

Total Cost: $99/mo (Moz) + $139/mo (Semrush) = $238/mo

Still cheaper than Semrush Guru ($249/mo) and gives you:

What Real Users Say

Moz Reviews

Positive:

> "Moz's interface is so much cleaner than Semrush. I trained my VA in 2 hours—she was productive immediately. Worth it just for the simplicity." — *Small Business Owner*

> "Domain Authority is what clients understand. I tried explaining Semrush's Authority Score, but everyone asks for DA. Moz just works." — *Freelance SEO*

Negative:

> "Moz feels limited compared to Semrush. Keyword database is smaller, no content tools, site audits are basic. I outgrew it fast." — *SEO Agency*

Semrush Reviews

Positive:

> "Semrush is the Swiss Army knife of SEO. Everything I need is here—SEO, PPC, content, social. No need for multiple tools." — *Head of Marketing, SaaS*

> "Traffic Analytics changed our competitive strategy. We see exactly where competitors get traffic and replicate their wins." — *Enterprise SEO Manager*

Negative:

> "The learning curve is brutal. Took our team 2 weeks to get comfortable. Also, $139/mo is steep for freelancers." — *Freelance Consultant*

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake #1: Choosing Based on Keyword Count Alone

Why it's wrong: Bigger database ≠ better results.

Better approach: If you're US-focused, Moz's 1.25B keywords covers 95% of searches. Semrush's 25B is overkill unless you're targeting global markets.

❌ Mistake #2: Ignoring Learning Curve Costs

Why it's wrong: Tool costs aren't just subscription fees.

Better approach: Calculate training time:

- Moz: 2 hours to onboard ($200 if you bill $100/hr)

- Semrush: 2 weeks = 20 hours ($2,000 in training costs)

Factor this into your decision.

❌ Mistake #3: Not Using Free Trials

Why it's wrong: Both tools offer 30-day trials. Don't decide based on feature lists alone.

Better approach: Test both with real projects. See which interface clicks for you/your team.

❌ Mistake #4: Overlooking Local SEO Value

Why it's wrong: If you're a local business, Moz Local (included on Medium+ plans) saves $240/year vs buying Semrush Local separately.

Better approach: Calculate total cost:

- Moz Medium: $179/mo (includes Moz Local)

- Semrush Pro + Semrush Local: $139 + $20 = $159/mo

Moz is only $20/mo more but includes more rank tracking keywords (1,500 vs 500).

Alternatives to Consider

Before committing, also explore:

- Ahrefs — Best backlink data, $129/mo

- SE Ranking — Budget option, $39-$189/mo

- Ubersuggest — Neil Patel's tool, $29/mo

- Mangools — Simple keyword tool, $49/mo

Read: [Semrush vs Ahrefs 2025 →](/learn/semrush-vs-ahrefs)

Final Verdict: Moz vs Semrush

For Beginners & Small Businesses: **Moz Wins**

Why: Moz's clean interface, 2-hour learning curve, and focus on essentials make it perfect for SEOs under 2 years experience. The $99/mo price point is more accessible, and Domain Authority is the metric clients understand.

Best Plan: [Moz Pro Standard - $99/mo →](/tools/moz)

For Professional SEOs & Agencies: **Semrush Wins**

Why: If you're a full-time SEO, Semrush's depth justifies the premium. The Content Marketing Platform, Traffic Analytics, and 25B keyword database deliver ROI for power users. The learning curve is steep but worth it.

Best Plan: [Semrush Guru - $249/mo (includes Content Marketing Platform) →](/tools/semrush)

For Local Businesses: **Moz Wins**

Why: Moz Local included on Medium+ plans ($179/mo) saves $240/year vs buying Semrush ($139) + Semrush Local ($20) separately. Plus, local rank tracking is built-in.

Best Plan: [Moz Pro Medium - $179/mo →](/tools/moz)

FAQ

Is Moz's Domain Authority better than Semrush's Authority Score?

DA is more widely recognized (launched 2004, industry standard). Authority Score is technically superior (Semrush's algorithm is newer, launched 2019). For client reporting, DA wins because everyone knows it. For internal analysis, both work fine.

Which tool has better keyword research?

Semrush has a larger database (25B vs 1.25B keywords) and more features. But Moz's Priority Score is genius—it combines Volume, Difficulty, Opportunity, and CTR into one number (0-100). Easier to make decisions fast.

Verdict: Semrush for volume, Moz for simplicity.

Can I track the same number of keywords on both tools?

No. On comparable plans:

- Moz Standard ($99/mo): 300 keywords

- Semrush Pro ($139/mo): 500 keywords

Semrush tracks 67% more keywords for 40% higher price.

Which tool is better for agencies?

Depends on agency size:

- Under 10 clients: Moz ($99/mo covers basics)

- 10-25 clients: Semrush Guru ($249/mo, includes Content Marketing Platform)

- 25+ clients: Semrush Business ($499/mo, API + white-label)

Does Moz have a content marketing platform like Semrush?

No. This is Moz's biggest weakness. Semrush Guru+ plans include a full Content Marketing Platform (topic research, SEO templates, writing assistant, content tracking). Moz only offers basic on-page optimization.

If content is 50%+ of your work, Semrush wins.

Which tool is easier to learn?

Moz is 10x easier. You can learn Moz in 2 hours. Semrush takes 2 weeks due to 55+ tools and complex interface.

Analogy:

- Moz = iPhone (does 80% of what you need, dead simple)

- Semrush = Android (does everything, steeper learning curve)

Can I white-label reports on Moz Pro?

Yes, but limited. Moz allows basic logo customization on all plans. Semrush Business ($499/mo) offers full white-label with custom domains.

For agencies needing white-label on a budget, check out SE Ranking ($39-$189/mo with full white-label on all plans).

Which tool is better for international SEO?

Semrush wins. It covers 130+ countries with 25B keywords. Moz is excellent for US/UK/EU but weaker in Asia, Africa, South America.

Next Steps

30-Day Action Plan

Week 1: Test Both Tools

1. Start Moz Pro 30-day trial

2. Start Semrush Pro 30-day trial

3. Run keyword research on same topics

4. Compare backlink data for same domains

5. Run site audits on same websites

Week 2: Compare Core Features

1. Track keywords for 7 days on both tools

2. Test interface speed and usability

3. Generate client reports on both platforms

4. Time how long tasks take (Moz vs Semrush)

5. Get team feedback on which they prefer

Week 3: Calculate ROI

1. List features you'll actually use (ignore the rest)

2. Calculate cost per feature

3. Factor in learning curve time costs

4. Check if you need features only one tool has (e.g., Content Marketing Platform)

5. Make decision

Week 4: Commit & Optimize

1. Subscribe to chosen tool (pay annually for 2-month discount)

2. Cancel the trial you're not keeping

3. Set up all projects/campaigns

4. Train team on chosen tool

5. Create workflow documentation

Start Your Comparison Today:

🔥 [Try Moz Pro Free (30 days) - $99/mo →](/tools/moz)

🔥 [Try Semrush Free (30 days) - $139/mo →](/tools/semrush)

More Comparisons:

📊 [Semrush vs Ahrefs 2025 →](/learn/semrush-vs-ahrefs)

📊 [Moz vs Ahrefs: Which Is Better? →](/learn/moz-vs-ahrefs)

📊 [Semrush vs Moz vs Ahrefs: Ultimate Comparison →](/learn/semrush-vs-moz-vs-ahrefs)

📊 [Best SEO Tools for Small Business →](/learn/ai-seo-tools-small-business)

*Last Updated: November 10, 2025 — Prices verified on official websites*