MarketMuse vs Semrush (2026): Pricing, Features & Which to Choose

Who comes out ahead

Based only on the facts in our directory. The right pick still depends on the job you need done.

Lower starting price
Not comparable
Not comparable: MarketMuse does not list a price
Free plan
Semrush
Only Semrush has one
Higher rating
Semrush
4.2 against 4.5
Same job?
Yes
Both are SEO tools

Side by side

Compared on	MarketMuse	Semrush
Our rating	4.2	4.5Better
Starts at	Not listed	$139/mo
Free plan	No	YesBetter
Category	SEO	SEO
Plans	FreeFree	Pro$139/mo Guru$249/mo Business$499/mo
Key features	Among the first platforms applying NLP to content strategy, since 2013 Automated content inventories and AI-driven content planning Large keyword database via the Grepwords acquisition Free tier for limited use Acquired by Siteimprove in an October 2024 agreement	Broader marketing suite extending beyond SEO into paid ads and social One of the largest, most recognized platforms in this category Free tier for limited use Operating since 2008 Competitive research spanning organic and paid channels together
Pros	Pioneering, long-refined content-intelligence methodology Free tier available to test core functionality Now backed by Siteimprove's broader analytics and accessibility suite	Broader marketing scope connects SEO to paid and social strategy directly Free tier available to start before a paid commitment Long operating history and strong industry recognition
Cons	Recent acquisition may bring product changes as integration with Siteimprove proceeds Deeper content-planning features require a paid plan No longer operates as a fully independent standalone company	Among the higher prices in this category for full access Broader marketing scope may include capability a pure-SEO buyer doesn't need Breadth of features adds a real learning curve for newcomers
Company	MarketMuse, Inc., founded 2013	Semrush, founded 2008

Prices come from each vendor's pricing page, last checked 20260703. Check the vendor before you buy.

FAQ

Questions people ask

Is MarketMuse better than Semrush?

In our reviews MarketMuse scores 4.2 and Semrush scores 4.5. The better pick depends on the job. MarketMuse: One of the pioneering content-intelligence platforms, now part of Siteimprove. Semrush: One of the category's largest platforms, extending well beyond SEO into a full marketing suite.

Which is cheaper, MarketMuse or Semrush?

MarketMuse: see pricing. Semrush: from $139/mo.

Do MarketMuse and Semrush have free plans?

Only Semrush has a free plan.

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