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The best SEO tools for small business

By Web Tool Ratings editors · Updated · How we rate

We may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks. How we make money.

Most small businesses don’t need a $139+/month suite. Start with free Google tools, then add one affordable paid tool.

The full list

1

Best budget competitor research

SpyFu

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.3 · Best for small businesses and PPC marketers researching competitors cheaply

From $29/mo billed yearly.

Category
SEO
Free plan
No
Paid from
$39/mo
Billed yearly
$29/mo
From $39 /moVisit SpyFu Full review
2

Best cheap entry

Ahrefs

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.5 · Best for sEOs focused on backlinks and competitor research

Starter from $29/mo plus free Webmaster Tools.

Category
SEO
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
$29/mo
From $29 /moVisit Ahrefs Full review
3

Best for beginners

Moz Pro

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.2 · Best for beginners and small businesses that want an approachable SEO suite

Friendly suite from $49/mo.

Category
SEO
Free plan
No
Paid from
$49/mo
From $49 /moVisit Moz Pro Full review
4

Best all-in-one when you grow

Semrush

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.4 · Best for marketers who want SEO, PPC and content research in one tool

From $139/mo; local SEO tools available.

Category
SEO
Free plan
No
Paid from
$139/mo
Billed yearly
$117.33/mo
From $139 /moVisit Semrush Full review
5

Best for content

Surfer

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.2 · Best for content teams writing SEO articles

From $49/mo billed yearly.

Category
SEO
Free plan
No
Paid from
$59/mo
Billed yearly
$49/mo
From $59 /moVisit Surfer Full review

Compared at a glance

ToolOur ratingCategoryFree planPaid fromYear 1 (cheapest paid)
SpyFu 4.3/5SEONo$39/mo$348
Ahrefs 4.5/5SEOYes$29/mo$348
Moz Pro 4.2/5SEONo$49/mo$588
Semrush 4.4/5SEONo$139/mo$1,408
Surfer 4.2/5SEONo$59/mo$588

Checked Oct 10, 2026. Details change: confirm on the provider’s site.

Start free with the best free SEO tools. Compare Moz vs Semrush.

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