On-page SEO content editor and AI writer that scores content against top-ranking SERP competitors.
Frase vs Semrush
Features, pricing, strengths and trade-offs — and which one fits your situation.
The verdict
Summary
Frase is best for content teams that research, write and optimize articles for both Google and AI answers, while Semrush is best for marketing teams that need the broadest SEO, competitor and AI visibility data. Only Semrush offers backlink analysis. Frase has a medium learning curve, compared with high for Semrush. Neither has a permanent free plan, but you can start with a free trial.
Which should you choose?
Choose Frase if…
- You need content teams that research, write and optimize articles for both Google and AI answers
- You're one of: content marketers and seo writers, agencies producing client articles, teams optimizing content for ai search
- You want something quicker to learn
- Covers research, writing, publishing and monitoring in one tool
Choose Semrush if…
- You need marketing teams that need the broadest SEO, competitor and AI visibility data
- Backlink analysis matters to you
- You're one of: in-house marketing teams, seo and digital agencies, enterprises tracking many competitors
- One of the largest keyword and backlink databases
At a glance
| Frase | Semrush | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Content teams that research, write and optimize articles for both Google and AI answers | Marketing teams that need the broadest SEO, competitor and AI visibility data |
| Free plan | Trial only | Trial only |
| Starting price | From $39/mo | From $117.33/mo |
| Learning curve | Medium | High |
| Platforms | Web, API | Web, API |
| Ideal for | Content marketers and SEO writers, Agencies producing client articles, Teams optimizing content for AI search | In-house marketing teams, SEO and digital agencies, Enterprises tracking many competitors |
Feature comparison
| Frase | Semrush | |
|---|---|---|
| Keyword research | Limited | Yes |
| Backlink analysis | No | Yes |
| Rank tracking | Limited | Yes |
| Technical site audit | Yes | Yes |
| Content optimization editor | Yes | Content Toolkit add-on |
| AI article writer | Yes | Content Toolkit add-on |
| AI search / LLM visibility tracking | Yes | Higher bundles or add-on |
| Local SEO | No | Local Toolkit add-on |
| API access | Yes | Top plans only |
IncludedLimited / higher plansNot available— Not confirmed
Security & enterprise
| Frase | Semrush | |
|---|---|---|
| Business / enterprise plan | Yes | Yes |
| SSO (SAML / OIDC) | Enterprise plan | On request (SAML) |
| SCIM user provisioning | — | — |
| SOC 2 | Type II | — |
| ISO 27001 | — | — |
| HIPAA (BAA available) | — | — |
| GDPR DPA | — | Yes |
| Data residency options | — | No |
| No training on your data | — | — |
| Audit logs | — | — |
| Admin controls | Enterprise plan | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
From each vendor's security documentation. "—" = not confirmed. What to ask vendors · Compare all tools
What each tool does
Frase
Frase is a content platform that combines SERP research, briefs, an AI writing agent, SEO and GEO scoring, publishing and ongoing monitoring in one workflow. It was rebuilt and relaunched in January 2026 around AI search visibility, tracking brand mentions in ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity and Google AI. It is used by content marketers, agencies and in-house SEO writers.
Key features- SERP research and content briefs
- AI agent that drafts and optimizes articles
- Dual SEO and GEO content scoring
- AI visibility tracking across major AI assistants
- Content Guard monitoring and auto-optimization of published pages
- Publishing to WordPress, Webflow, Sanity, Wix or FraseCMS
Semrush
Semrush is a digital marketing suite whose SEO toolkit covers keyword research, competitor analysis, backlink analysis, position tracking and site audits, with separate toolkits for content, local SEO, advertising, social and AI visibility. Its AI features track how brands appear in ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity and Google's AI answers. It is used by in-house marketing teams, agencies and enterprises.
Key features- Keyword research and keyword gap analysis
- Backlink analytics and backlink audit
- Position tracking
- Technical site audit including AI-readiness checks
- AI visibility tracking of prompts and brand sentiment
- Separate Content, Local, Social and Ads toolkits
Pricing
Frase
7-day free trial (no card). Starter $39/mo annual ($49 monthly); Professional $103/$129; Scale $239/$299; Enterprise custom.
Semrush
7-day free trial. SEO toolkit from $117.33/mo billed annually; higher bundles $165-$456/mo; Enterprise custom.
Prices last checked September 2026. Plans change often — confirm on each vendor's site.
Pros and cons
Frase
Strengths- Covers research, writing, publishing and monitoring in one tool
- AI visibility tracking included on every plan
- API and MCP server for agent-driven workflows
- Free trial without a card
- No backlink analysis
- Keyword research is lighter than full SEO suites
- Monthly article and audit page quotas on each plan
- No local SEO features
Not ideal for: SEO specialists who need backlink data, deep keyword databases or rank tracking at scale should pair it with or choose a suite like Semrush or SE Ranking.
Semrush
Strengths- One of the largest keyword and backlink databases
- Covers SEO, PPC, content and competitor research
- Detailed competitive analysis features
- Limited free account available
- Expensive, and costs rise quickly with extra seats and toolkits
- Content, local and AI visibility tools are sold as separate toolkits or higher bundles
- API access limited to the top plans
- Large feature set takes time to learn
Not ideal for: Bloggers and small businesses on a tight budget can cover the basics with Mangools or SE Ranking at lower cost.
Integrations
Frase
Semrush
FAQ
What is the main difference between Frase and Semrush?
Frase is built for content teams that research, write and optimize articles for both Google and AI answers; Semrush is built for marketing teams that need the broadest SEO, competitor and AI visibility data. Key differences: Semrush offers backlink analysis.
Is Frase or Semrush cheaper?
Frase starts from $39/mo and Semrush starts from $117.33/mo (as of September 2026). On entry price, Frase is cheaper — but compare what each plan includes, since limits differ. Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site.
Do Frase and Semrush have free plans?
Neither has a permanent free plan, but you can start with a free trial.
Which is easier to use, Frase or Semrush?
Frase is generally quicker to learn (Frase: medium, Semrush: high learning curve).
What are good alternatives to Frase and Semrush?
Other seo tools worth comparing include Surfer SEO, SE Ranking and NeuronWriter.
Alternatives
Other seo tools to compare
All-in-one SEO platform: rank tracking, site audit, keyword/competitor research and AI search visibility.
Budget-friendly NLP/semantic content optimization and AI writing tool based on SERP analysis.