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SEMrush vs Moz: Key Differences, Pricing, and Which SEO Tool Is Better?

Anastasia Melnyk
Oct 2, 2025
SEMrush vs Moz comparison dashboard 2025

We're comparing two industry giants that empower businesses and marketers with data-driven insights. Both SEMrush and Moz have built strong reputations since the early 2000s. They pioneered backlink analysis and keyword tracking, which shaped modern SEO. Today, millions of businesses rely on these platforms for organic growth.

The key distinction lies in SEMrush vs Moz scope. SEMrush functions as a comprehensive digital marketing suite. It covers SEO, PPC, and social media marketing. Moz focuses exclusively on core search engine optimization. Moz's strengths include local SEO and beginner-friendly site audits.

Your decision should depend on several factors. Consider the depth of keyword research you need. Consider the complexity of the site audits you'll perform. Don't forget about the budget. SEMrush starts at a higher price but includes more tools. Moz leads in usability for beginners. SEMrush caters to advanced users. In terms of data scale, SEMrush's database of over 25 billion keywords surpasses Moz. However, Moz's Domain Authority metric remains an industry benchmark for evaluating website credibility. Let's examine the key differences, pricing tiers, and advantages and disadvantages of each platform.

Key Differences Between Moz and SEMrush

The fundamental difference between Moz and SEMrush lies in their focus and depth. Moz excels at core SEO metrics with clarity and simplicity. SEMrush offers a comprehensive digital marketing platform that extends beyond traditional SEO. Both tools support keyword research, backlink analysis, site audits, rank tracking, and competitive analysis. However, SEMrush's database contains over 25 billion keywords and 43 trillion backlinks. This provides significantly more comprehensive data coverage.

Here's a comparison:

  • Keyword Research. Moz delivers solid suggestions with intent analysis. This helps you understand search behavior. SEMrush's Keyword Magic Tool uncovers millions of ideas. It includes content gaps and emerging trends. SEMrush wins for volume and PPC insights.
  • Backlink Analysis. Moz's Link Explorer highlights Domain Authority and spam scores. This makes it easy to assess the quality of the link. SEMrush's Backlink Audit identifies toxic links and opportunities for improvement. It offers more detailed metrics. SEMrush edges out for comprehensive audits.
  • Site Audits. Moz crawls up to 5,000 pages per month on basic plans. It focuses on essential SEO issues. SEMrush scans unlimited pages and prioritizes issues with actionable fixes. It's more robust for larger websites.
  • Rank Tracking. Both effectively track search positions and Share of Voice. Moz suits local SEO tracking. SEMrush adds device and location filters for global accuracy.
  • Competitive Analysis. Moz offers basic competitor overlap analysis. SEMrush's tools reveal traffic sources, ad strategies, and tactics across channels. SEMrush dominates here.

Which is easier to use, SEMrush or Moz? Moz wins for beginners with its intuitive interface and educational resources. SEMrush's organization suits pros, but its depth can overwhelm newcomers. SEMrush is ideal for comprehensive marketing power. Moz is better for teams prioritizing simplicity. Choose based on your needs. SEMrush drives ROI for agencies managing complex campaigns. Moz suits small teams focused on SEO fundamentals.

Pricing Comparison: How Much Do Moz and SEMrush Cost?

Moz Pro offers four tiers: Standard, Medium, Large, and Premium. SEMrush has three plans: Pro, Guru, and Business. Pricing reflects keyword limits, site audit capacity, and team features. Both offer 20% off for annual billing.

Moz Standard suits beginners at $99/month ($79 annually). Medium at $179/month ($143 annually) adds users and crawls. Large ($299/month, $239 annually) handles agencies. Premium ($599/month, $479 annually) is custom for enterprises.

SEMrush Pro ($129.95/month, $108.33/year) covers the basics. Guru ($249.95/month, $208.33 annually) unlocks historical data. Business ($499.95/month, $416.66 annually) supports large teams with API access.

How much do Moz and SEMrush cost? Here's a comparison:

TierMoz Monthly (Annual)Key Moz LimitsSEMrush Monthly (Annual)Key SEMrush Limits
EntryStandard: $99 ($79)300 keywords, 3 sitesPro: $129.95 ($108.33)5 projects, 500 keywords
MidMedium: $179 ($143)1,500 keywords, 10 sitesGuru: $249.95 ($208.33)15 projects, 1,500 keywords
HighLarge: $299 ($239)3,000 keywords, 25 sitesBusiness: $499.95 ($416.66)40 projects, 5,000 keywords
TopPremium: $599 ($479)Custom LimitsN/AN/A

So SEMrush or Moz? Moz offers better value for small teams with lower entry costs and strong audits. SEMrush excels as an all-in-one solution at higher tiers. Choose based on scale. Moz favors budget-conscious teams. SEMrush provides comprehensive tools worth the investment.

Moz's Approach: Strengths and Weaknesses

Moz is a leading SEO platform, respected since 2004 for pioneering modern SEO tools. It helps businesses optimize sites, track rankings, and analyze competitors. Moz's reputation is built on reliable metrics and a beginner-friendly interface. Its tools empower marketers with actionable insights for organic growth.

Here are the strengths:

  • Strong Backlink Database. Moz's Link Explorer tracks over 40 trillion links. It offers insights into link quality and spam scores.
  • Keyword Explorer. Delivers accurate keyword suggestions with intent and difficulty scores. They are pivotal for targeted help with Moz tools.
  • Domain Authority (DA) Metric. DA predicts a site's ranking potential. It's a trusted industry standard for measuring site strength.

Now, we'll discuss weaknesses:

  • Slower Updates. Data refreshes can lag behind real-time tools. This affects the timely delivery of insights during Google algorithm updates.
  • Limited All-in-One Features. Unlike competitors, Moz lacks PPC or social media tools. It focuses solely on SEO.

How good is Moz at predicting Google? Moz's DA and keyword metrics align well with Google's ranking signals. They provide reliable SEO guidance. However, the platform may miss rapid algorithm shifts. Its backlink database and Keyword Explorer shine for small businesses. Limited features and slower updates mean agencies may need additional tools. They're necessary for comprehensive digital marketing. Moz remains a solid, user-friendly choice for core SEO.

Why SEMrush Stands Out for Modern SEO

Moz Pro vs SEMrush keyword research tools

SEMrush is a powerhouse in digital marketing, outshining competitors in versatility. It excels as a comprehensive toolkit for SEO, PPC, and content marketing. It's ideal for agencies and businesses scaling online campaigns. With over 25 billion keywords and 43 trillion backlinks, its data depth is unmatched. SEMrush drives ROI through integrated tools for modern strategies.

Key strengths include:

  • Competitor Analysis. The tool uncovers rivals' keywords, ads, and traffic sources. It gives a strategic edge in Moz or SEMrush comparisons.
  • PPC Research. Ad Builder and bid analysis optimize paid campaigns. This is unlike Moz's SEO-only focus.
  • Content Marketing Integrations. The Content Analyzer and topic research streamline planning and content creation. They're pivotal for SEO and engagement.
  • Scalability. Supports unlimited site crawls and multi-channel campaigns. This makes it ideal for agencies.

Is Moz or SEMrush better? SEMrush suits businesses needing all-in-one solutions. Its competitor analysis reveals gaps Moz can't match. The tool boosts traffic by 20-30% when used in conjunction with PPC insights. Content tools align with user intent and enhance rankings. Moz is simpler but lacks breadth. For scaling campaigns, SEMrush wins with flexibility. Agencies that juggle SEO, ads, and content choose SEMrush for its robust data and integrations. It's a premium investment for growth-driven teams aiming to dominate search and maximize visibility.

Final Verdict: Which SEO Tool Should You Choose?

Choosing between tools depends on your specific needs, budget, and level of expertise. Both excel in SEO but cater to different users. Moz is renowned for its simplicity and core focus on SEO. SEMrush offers a broader, feature-rich platform. The decision comes down to your goals. Moz suits beginners. SEMrush powers advanced strategies.

Here's a breakdown of Moz or SEMrush:

  • Moz for Beginners. Intuitive interface and affordable Standard plan ($79/month annually) make it ideal for new users.
  • Moz for Small Businesses. Strong audits and Domain Authority deliver focused SEO for small budgets.
  • SEMrush for Advanced Marketers. Keyword Magic Tool and 25B+ keywords suit pros targeting complex campaigns.
  • SEMrush for Agencies. Unlimited crawls, PPC tools, and competitor analysis drive 20-30% traffic growth.
  • SEMrush for Full Suites. Covers SEO, PPC, content, and social, unlike Moz's SEO-only focus.

So, what is Moz in SEO? Both tools shine, but SEMrush offers more for growth. It's an all-in-one suite that tackles multi-channel campaigns. This makes it ideal for agencies scaling quickly. Its competitor insights and content tools maximize ROI at a higher cost ($108.33/month annually). Moz offers precision with DA and user-friendly audits. It's perfect for small teams valuing simplicity.

Choose Moz for focused, accurate SEO on a budget. Pick SEMrush for comprehensive capabilities and scalability. Combine both for ultimate flexibility. SEMrush's depth makes it the go-to choice for ambitious businesses seeking to dominate search rankings.

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