Independent head-to-head
Moz Pro vs Semrush
Both are on our shortlist, and most people only need one. Here is where each genuinely wins.
Is a broader platform worth paying for over a simpler entry point?
Choose Semrush if you will use its PPC, advertising and site-audit features alongside SEO; choose Moz Pro if you need a low-cost starting point ($49/month against $139) and Domain Authority reporting. Moz's development pace and link index are its stated weak points.
Moz Pro
Backlink Analysis ToolsThe originator of Domain Authority, now the smallest of the majors.
Semrush
Backlink Analysis ToolsThe broadest all-in-one SEO and marketing platform.
Decision view
Compare what changes the answer
| Decision factor | Moz Pro$49/mo | Semrush$139/mo |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $49/mo | $139/mo |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | 7 days | 7 days |
| Best for | Teams who report on Domain Authority to clients or stakeholders, and beginners who want a gentler on-ramp. | Teams who need SEO, PPC and competitor research from one subscription and will genuinely use more than the SEO toolkit. |
| Not for | Anyone doing serious competitive link analysis, where the index gap is decisive. | Solo operators who only need keywords and rankings — you will pay for a marketing suite and use a keyword tool. |
Shared answers are dimmed so trade-offs stay visible.
Plan comparison
Published plans as recorded on each vendor’s pricing page on its verification date. Limits and add-ons differ between vendors, so compare at your own volume.
Moz Pro
| Plan | Monthly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $49 | — |
| Standard | $99 | — |
| Medium | $179 | — |
| Large | $299 | — |
Semrush
| Plan | Monthly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SEO | $139 | SEO toolkit only. |
| Pro+ | $299 | Adds AI visibility tooling. |
| Advanced | $549 | — |
Where Moz Pro wins
- Domain Authority remains the industry's common currency in reporting
- Approachable interface with genuinely good learning material
- 7-day trial on Moz's own site; longer trials (such as 30 days) are only occasionally offered through partner links or promotions
Where Semrush wins
- Widest feature coverage of any single SEO subscription
- Intent labels and clustering are the best in class for research at scale
- Strong PPC and advertising data that competitors largely lack
Moz Pro or Semrush?
Choose Semrush if you will use its PPC, advertising and site-audit features alongside SEO; choose Moz Pro if you need a low-cost starting point ($49/month against $139) and Domain Authority reporting. Moz's development pace and link index are its stated weak points.
Teams who report on Domain Authority to clients or stakeholders, and beginners who want a gentler on-ramp.
Teams who need SEO, PPC and competitor research from one subscription and will genuinely use more than the SEO toolkit.
What decides it
- Breadth
- Semrush covers SEO, PPC and competitor research from one subscription; Moz focuses on SEO, local listings and its authority metrics.
- Price gap
- Moz Pro's entry plan is $49/month against Semrush's $139 SEO plan — but our review notes Moz is priced close to competitors that now offer more at its higher tiers.
- Index
- Both reviews describe Moz's link index as smaller; Semrush's is respectable but not the largest.
- Audience
- Beginners and DA-reporting teams lean Moz; teams running SEO plus paid search lean Semrush.