| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $225/month | $199/month |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Free Tier | ||
| Free Trial | ||
| Best For | Startups | SMBs |
| Tool Type |
Who each tool is built for, what it does best, and how much effort it takes to get started.


SEO Mode helps startups get noticed online by listing them in 100+ directories automatically. This means more sales, more traffic, and better domain authority while you focus on growing your business.
Semrush is a tool for boosting your online presence. It helps with SEO, content, social media, and more.
SEO Mode is decent but feels a bit overpriced for what it offers; there are better options out there that provide more comprehensive features at a lower price point. If you're serious about SEO, you might want to shop around before committing.
Semrush is a powerhouse for serious marketers, but it can feel overpriced for small businesses or those just starting out. If you're ready to invest in your growth, it's worth every penny; otherwise, you might want to explore cheaper alternatives.
Choose SEO Mode if you want a specialized tool that does one thing exceptionally well. Starts at $225/month.
Choose Semrush if you want the industry standard with the widest ecosystem and integrations. Starts at $199/month.
On price alone, Semrush wins at $199/month. But cheaper isn't always better — check the feature breakdown above.
SEO Mode is a niche user acquisition tool built for startups, starting at $225/month. Automate directory submissions to boost SEO and domain authority effortlessly.
Choose SEO Mode if:
See all Semrush alternatives or browse the User acquisition directory.
Semrush is a essential user acquisition tool built for smbs, starting at $199/month. Semrush provides comprehensive digital marketing tools, enabling businesses to enhance their online presence and drive growth.
Choose Semrush if:
See all SEO Mode alternatives or browse the User acquisition directory.
Let's talk money — because that's usually what drives the decision for startups and growth teams.
SEO Mode starts at $225/month with 2 pricing tiers. Priced for startups — won't wreck your runway.
Semrush starts at $199/month with 3 pricing tiers. Reasonable pricing for scaling teams.
Our take: Semrush is the more affordable option at $199/month vs $225/month. Check the feature comparison above to see if the savings come with trade-offs. We always list monthly billing rates — not the discounted annual price that makes everything look cheaper.
It depends on your team size, budget, and priorities. SEO Mode is a niche user acquisition tool built for startups, starting at $225/month. Semrush is a essential option aimed at smbs, starting at $199/month. See the feature comparison above for a detailed side-by-side.
SEO Mode starts at $225/month, while Semrush starts at $199/month. Semrush is more affordable on paper. Keep in mind: the cheapest plan isn't always the best deal. Compare what you get at each tier, not just the starting price. We always list monthly billing rates, not discounted annual prices.
Both are seo/aeo/geo tools, so most teams pick one to avoid redundancy and extra costs. That said, some teams use both for different segments or use cases — just make sure the overlap doesn't waste your budget.
Neither tool offers a permanent free tier. Check each tool's site for current trial offers.
Most user acquisition tools support data export. Start by exporting your data from your current tool, then check the new tool's import documentation. Many offer migration assistance or onboarding calls to help with the switch.
| Niche |
| Essential |
| Category | User acquisition | User acquisition |
| Subcategory | SEO/AEO/GEO | SEO/AEO/GEO |
| Plans | Authority Builder: $225 Content Powerhouse: $275 | Starter: $199/mo Pro+: $299/mo Advanced: $549/mo |
| Description | Automate directory submissions to boost SEO and domain authority effortlessly. | Semrush provides comprehensive digital marketing tools, enabling businesses to enhance their online presence and drive growth. |
| Actions |
Switching user acquisition tools doesn't have to be painful. Here's a practical migration checklist:
Budget for 1-2 months of overlap during the transition — it's worth the cost to avoid data loss.
Both SEO Mode and Semrush are legitimate user acquisition tools with real users and proven track records. The "best" choice depends entirely on your team, your budget, and your priorities.
If ecosystem and integrations matter most, Semrush is the industry standard with the widest third-party support.
Don't overthink it. Pick the tool that solves your biggest current pain point, test it for a week, and commit. The worst decision is no decision — spending months comparing tools while your user acquisition workflow sits broken.
Explore SEO Mode alternatives · Semrush alternatives · Full directory