Moz is one of the oldest and most recognized names in SEO, known for its domain authority (DA) scores, keyword research tools, rank tracking, and site auditing features. Moz Pro offers a beginner-friendly interface and solid reporting for digital marketers and SEO professionals alike. However, as SEO tools evolve, many teams are looking for faster, deeper, or more cost-effective alternatives to Moz in 2025.
Whether you’re tracking your search rankings, auditing websites for technical issues, or researching backlinks and competitors, there are now several SEO platforms that outperform or outprice Moz. From local SEO tools to all-in-one cloud platforms, these Moz alternatives offer specialized capabilities for agencies, freelancers, and in-house teams.
This article covers the top Moz alternatives for SEO audits, link research, content strategy, and keyword tracking in 2025.
What is Moz?
Moz is a cloud-based SEO software suite that includes tools for keyword research, backlink analysis, on-page optimization, rank tracking, and site audits. It is widely used for domain authority scores and has a long-standing reputation in the SEO community. Moz Pro is best suited for small businesses and digital marketers but may fall short for agencies needing deeper insights, broader integrations, or flexible pricing.
Why Look for Moz Alternatives?
1. Limited Backlink Database: Compared to Ahrefs or Semrush, Moz’s backlink index is smaller and updates less frequently.
2. Slower Site Crawler: Moz’s crawler may miss deeper technical SEO issues that tools like Screaming Frog can detect.
3. Expensive for Feature Set: For the price, some users find other platforms offer better value and more insights per dollar.
4. No Real-Time Data: Keyword and ranking data often lags behind what’s available in other platforms.
5. Better Reporting and Customization Elsewhere: Modern tools offer better dashboards, APIs, and client reporting features.
Top Moz Alternatives (Comparison Table)
| # | Tool | Free Plan | Best For | Deployment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ahrefs | No | Backlink + keyword research | Cloud |
| #2 | Semrush | Yes (limited) | All-in-one SEO and PPC | Cloud |
| #3 | SE Ranking | Yes | Rank tracking + reporting | Cloud |
| #4 | Serpstat | Yes (limited) | Keyword + site audit | Cloud |
| #5 | Ubersuggest | Yes | Keyword + content ideas | Cloud |
| #6 | SpyFu | Yes | Competitor SEO + PPC | Cloud |
| #7 | Screaming Frog | Yes | Technical SEO auditing | Desktop |
| #8 | Surfer SEO | No | Content optimization | Cloud |
| #9 | Nightwatch | Yes (trial) | Local + mobile rank tracking | Cloud |
| #10 | Mangools | Yes (trial) | Simple SEO toolkit | Cloud |
Detailed Alternatives to Moz
#1. Ahrefs
Ahrefs is one of the most comprehensive SEO tools available. It offers best-in-class backlink analysis, keyword research, and competitor tracking — and is widely used by SEO pros.
Features:
- Extensive backlink database
- Site audit and rank tracking
- Content Explorer and keyword gaps
- Real-time link discovery
- Trusted domain rating (DR) metrics
#2. Semrush
Semrush is a powerful digital marketing suite offering SEO, content, PPC, and social tools. It replaces Moz for teams wanting all-in-one marketing and reporting.
Features:
- Domain and keyword analytics
- Backlink database and audit tools
- On-page SEO checker
- Competitive gap analysis
- Social media and PPC tracking
#3. SE Ranking
SE Ranking is an affordable SEO platform with flexible pricing and powerful features. It’s a great Moz alternative for freelancers, SMBs, and agencies.
Features:
- Accurate rank tracking
- Website audits and backlink checks
- White-label reports
- Keyword tools and research
- Team collaboration features
#4. Serpstat
Serpstat is a full-service SEO platform that focuses on keyword research, rank tracking, and technical site audits. It’s good for international SEO and large-scale keyword projects.
Features:
- Keyword clustering + analysis
- Site audit with issue scoring
- Rank tracking by region/device
- Domain and URL analysis
- API + team dashboards
#5. Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest is a budget-friendly Moz alternative for keyword research, site audits, and backlink tracking. It’s ideal for content marketers and solopreneurs.
Features:
- Keyword ideas + traffic estimations
- Content explorer and suggestions
- Technical SEO site audit
- Competitor domain overview
- Free tier and affordable plans
#6. SpyFu
SpyFu offers deep insights into competitor keywords, backlinks, and ad strategies. It’s a strong Moz replacement for SEO + PPC research.
Features:
- Competitor SERP and keyword overlap
- Historic ranking and ad data
- Domain SEO reports
- Unlimited exports on all plans
- White-label SEO reporting
#7. Screaming Frog
Screaming Frog is a desktop crawler that excels at technical SEO audits. It’s a top Moz alternative for identifying on-site SEO issues fast.
Features:
- Find broken links, redirects, metadata
- Scan titles, headers, and schema
- Custom extraction and JavaScript rendering
- Integrates with GA, GSC, and APIs
- Free version for up to 500 URLs
#8. Surfer SEO
Surfer SEO focuses on on-page SEO and content strategy. It’s a Moz alternative for optimizing content to rank with NLP-based keyword suggestions.
Features:
- Content Editor for blog optimization
- SEO audit for published pages
- Integration with Jasper, WordPress, GDocs
- Topic clusters and keyword mapping
- Built-in content scoring
#9. Nightwatch
Nightwatch is a sleek platform built for accurate rank tracking, especially for local SEO. It’s a Moz alternative for agencies and businesses with geo-targeted strategies.
Features:
- Track rankings by zip code or country
- Keyword grouping and tagging
- Backlink tracking and monitoring
- SEO reports + Google Data Studio integration
- Simple UI and white-labeling
#10. Mangools
Mangools offers a suite of SEO tools (KWFinder, SERPChecker, LinkMiner) with a friendly interface. It’s perfect for marketers looking for quick insights without the clutter.
Features:
- Keyword research via KWFinder
- Backlink tracking with LinkMiner
- Rank tracking and SERP analysis
- Easy-to-use UI and browser extension
- Affordable pricing with free trial
Conclusion
Moz Pro helped define modern SEO — but in 2025, more flexible, powerful, and budget-friendly alternatives are available. Whether you need real-time backlink data, better local rank tracking, or advanced content optimization, there’s a Moz competitor that fits your needs and workflow.
Choose Ahrefs or Semrush for full-featured suites. Try SE Ranking, Ubersuggest, or Serpstat for cost-effective SEO platforms. Use Screaming Frog for deep audits or Surfer SEO for content ranking. The best Moz alternative depends on your goals, your budget, and how you want to grow your organic presence.
FAQs
What are the best Moz alternatives in 2025?
The best Moz alternatives in 2025 are:
- Ahrefs
- Semrush
- SE Ranking
- Serpstat
- Ubersuggest
- SpyFu
- Screaming Frog
- Surfer SEO
- Nightwatch
- Mangools
Is Moz still good for SEO?
Yes, Moz is still widely used for keyword and link analysis, but some tools now offer faster updates and deeper feature sets.
Which Moz alternative is best for backlinks?
Ahrefs and Semrush both have larger and faster backlink databases than Moz.
What’s the best budget Moz alternative?
Ubersuggest, SE Ranking, and Mangools offer great SEO value at a lower monthly cost.
Which tool is best for technical SEO audits?
Screaming Frog is a leader in technical site auditing and metadata analysis for on-site SEO.
