SEO software Category leader
Ahrefs
SEO toolset for backlinks, keywords, site audits and rank tracking
Key features
- Keyword research
- Site audit
- Rank tracking
- Backlink analysis
- Competitor analysis
Our picks · 6 tools reviewed
Best SEO software software for 2026
Helps websites rank in search engines by researching keywords, auditing pages and tracking rankings and backlinks. Below: the names buyers expect to see, the newer tools gaining ground, and how their key features and prices compare. How we pick; nobody pays for a place here.
| Feature |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free plan $29/mo | $103.20/mo | Free plan $117.33/mo | Paid | $97/month | $17/mo |
| Best for | In-house SEOs and small agencies that rely on backlink and competitor research. | Small agencies and freelancers that manage several client sites and send branded reports. | Small and mid-size marketing teams that need keyword, audit and competitor data in one subscription. | Marketing teams and agencies that need to monitor how often AI answer engines mention their brand versus competitors | Content-led agencies and small marketing teams that produce optimized articles for multiple clients. | Marketing teams and agencies that need to monitor brand visibility in AI search answers. |
| Team size | 1–500+ people | 1–500 people | 1–500+ people | 2–500+ people | 1–500 people | 2–500+ people |
| Keyword research | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not listed | Yes | Not listed |
| Site audit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Rank tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not listed | Yes | Not listed |
| Backlink analysis | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Competitor analysis | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not listed | Not listed | Yes |
| Content optimization | Not listed | Yes | Not listed | Not listed | Yes | Not listed |
| Visit | Visit | Visit | Visit | Visit | Visit | Visit |
Category leaders
The best-known SEO software tools: the ones most buyers shortlist.
SEO software Category leader
SE Ranking
All-in-one SEO platform with rank tracking and white-label reports
Key features
- Keyword research
- Site audit
- Rank tracking
- Backlink analysis
- Competitor analysis
- Content optimization
SEO software Category leader
Semrush
SEO, AI search visibility and competitor research in one platform
Key features
- Keyword research
- Site audit
- Rank tracking
- Backlink analysis
- Competitor analysis
Rising picks
Newer tools with real traction and a clear difference from the leaders.
SEO software Rising
Peec AI
Track brand visibility in ChatGPT, Perplexity and Gemini
SEO software Rising
Rankability
Content research, briefs and AI visibility tracking for SEO teams
Key features
- Keyword research
- Rank tracking
- Content optimization
SEO software Rising
Rankscale
Track how your brand appears in ChatGPT, Perplexity and AI Overviews
Key features
- Competitor analysis