Best 10 Surfer SEO Alternatives for SEO & Content Teams in 2024

Let’s face it – Surfer SEO has been the go-to tool for content optimization for years.

But it’s not the only tool. There are various Surfer SEO alternatives with more advanced features, affordable pricing, and a better approach to content optimization.

If you’re looking to explore alternatives to Surfer SEO you’re at the right place. This blog post covers the top 10 Surfer SEO alternatives that you can go for. Here’s what you’ll discover:

• Tool that offers some unique features.
• Options that might fit your budget better.
• Alternatives that can help you streamline content workflow.

Whether you’re a content creator, digital marketer, or business, you can find options here to help boost your content’s performance and search rankings. So, let’s get started.

How we selected the best Surfer SEO alternatives

Wondering how we selected the best ones out of so many available options? Well, here are 5 factors we considered:

• Functionality: Feature check over anything else! We sorted out the tools that offer similar (or even better!) features as compared to the Surfer SEO.
• Interface: Next, we prioritized intuitiveness and ease of use. Why waste time on complicated interfaces when you can go for tools that are easy to use?
• Pricing: Choosing a tool that offers good value for money is very important. From budget-friendly to premium, we listed down tools of all types.
• Reviews: We checked what real users are saying about the product to get the lockdown on each tool’s performance.
• Customer support: Great customer support can make or break your journey. We sorted and picked the best ones.

Reasons to consider alternatives to Surfer SEO

Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider Surfer SEO alternatives:

• Pricing: Surfer SEO is a bit expensive, which might not be feasible for small businesses or freelancers.
• Learning curve: The amount of data and suggestions provided by Surfer SEO can be overwhelming for the users, leading to a high learning curve.
• Features: Depending on your industry or content type, you might need specialized features that Surfer SEO doesn’t offer. Some alternatives cater to specific niches or content types more effectively.
• Manual adjustments: Though Surfer SEO provides great recommendations, some suggestions might not align with every content type, and manual changes might be required.

Remember, the best tool is the one that fits YOUR specific needs and workflow. So, let’s explore these alternatives and find your perfect match!

Top 10 Surfer SEO alternatives to try in 2024

Here’s a more detailed comparison of our top picks:

1. Writesonic

Writesonic is one of the best Surfer SEO alternatives, providing a comprehensive set of tools to create and optimize your content and make it rank well on the SERPs.

Writesonic is an AI-powered content creation and optimization powerhouse that helps to 10x the content creation process while maintaining top-notch SEO standards. It leverages advanced AI models to come up with high-quality and contextually relevant content across diverse areas.

The tool is ideal for content marketers, bloggers, SEO professionals, and businesses looking for Surfer SEO alternatives that offer more features at a lower cost. Moreover, the robust set of features, user-friendly interface, and extensive template library are what sets it apart from other tools in the market.

Key Features:

• Offers various SEO tools like Keyword Research, Topic Clustering, On-Page SEO Checker, and more.
• Access to 100+ AI content generation templates.
• Plagiarism checker to ensure originality.
• Integration with popular platforms like WordPress and Zapier.
• AI Article Writer to generate high-quality and SEO-optimized articles in seconds.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface, suitable for beginners.
• Offers various free SEO tools.
• Comprehensive AI content creation and optimization tools.
• Affordable pricing plans for businesses of all sizes.
• Regular updates and improvements in features.
• Excellent customer support and educational resources.

Cons:

• May require some fine-tuning for highly technical or specialized content (but hey, that’s true for all AI tools!)

Pricing:

Writesonic offers a free trial where you get 25 credits for free. The paid plan starts at $12/month.

Ratings:

G2: 4.7/5

Capterra: 4.8/5

Why go for Writesonic over Surfer SEO?

If you’re looking for a tool that goes beyond Surfer SEO capabilities, go for Writesonic. It helps you create superior quality, SEO-optimized content at a lower cost. Additionally, the SEO toolkit offered by Writesonic is way better than Surfer SEO, ensuring that all content is original and ready to make its mark on the web.

Unlike Surfer SEO’s complex interface, Writesonic offers a very user-friendly interface, which is suitable for beginners. And the best part? The comprehensive set of content creation tools, along with the best AI SEO tools offered by Writesonic, makes it a smart choice for people looking to automate their entire content creation and optimization process.

Why do I like this tool?

As a content marketer, I love how Writesonic provides tools for every use case, starting from generating content ideas to optimizing content so that it ranks well.

The AI Article Writer is a game-changer, allowing you to generate well-researched, SEO-optimized articles in minutes. Plus, the affordable pricing makes it accessible to businesses of all sizes, helping them get access to top-tier SEO and content creation tools.

When comparing it with Surfer SEO, here are 3 quick reasons why I would recommend Writesonic: A comprehensive set of features, affordable pricing, and a user-friendly interface. The tool has been a fantastic addition to my AI toolkit.

2. Frase

Next comes Frase, another Surfer SEO alternative that helps to do research, generate outlines, create content, and optimize it to rank higher on SERPs. The tool is ideal for anyone looking to generate SEO-optimized content at an affordable price.

Frase is best known for its SEO workflow, where you just need to add a keyword phrase, and it will come up with questions people also ask, search results, and more. It also lets you create an outline by calculating how long the article needs to be, how many headers need to be there, and other SEO elements.

Key Features:

• AI-powered content optimization.
• Question research for comprehensive content creation.
• Content brief generator.
• Quick SERP analysis.
• Integration with popular writing tools.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.
• Helps in understanding user intent.
• Excellent for creating in-depth, authoritative content.
• Provides actionable content optimization suggestions.

Cons:

• Frase primarily focuses on content optimization and less on content creation.
• Glitchy at times, which can lead to delays.

Pricing:

Frase.io offers a free trial. The paid plan starts at $15/month.

Ratings:

G2: 4.8/5

Capterra: 4.8/5

Why go for Frase over Surfer SEO?

Frase excels in helping you create comprehensive content that answers user questions, which is crucial for topic authority. Unlike Surfer SEO, Frase offers a question research feature that is particularly powerful, giving you insights that can help in creating high-quality content.

Why do I like this tool?

I like how Frase focuses on creating content that truly serves the needs of the users. However, if given the choice of a top-notch content creation and optimization tool, Writesonic is hands down the best tool to go for.

3. Marketmuse

Marketmuse is another Surfer SEO alternative best for creating impactful content strategies. It’s ideal for teams looking for deep insights and data-driven content planning.

The tool quickly analyzes the entire website to come up with personalized insights, helping you plan your content in an effective manner. In short, Marketmuse helps to automate the content audit process and helps to find what’s working and what’s not quickly.

Key Features:

• AI-driven content planning and strategy.
• Comprehensive competitor analysis.
• Content optimization suggestions.
• Topic modeling for content clusters.

Pros:

• Deep, data-driven insights for content strategy.
• Excellent for building topic authority.
• Powerful competitor analysis features.
• Helps in creating comprehensive content plans.

Cons:

• A steep learning curve is involved.
• Can be a bit expensive for small businesses and freelancers.

Pricing:

Marketmuse offers a 7-day free trial. The paid plan starts at $149/month.

Ratings:

G2: 4.8/5

Capterra: 4.8/5

Why go for Marketmuse over Surfer SEO?

If your priority is creating a killer content strategy, Marketmuse can be a good Surfer SEO alternative. Its AI-driven insights are particularly valuable for larger teams looking to scale their content operations effectively.

Why do I like this tool?

Marketmuse provides an in-depth analysis and offers personalized recommendations. Also, check out the 9 best SEO competitor analysis tools.

4. Clearscope

Clearscope is another powerful content optimization tool that has gained a good reputation as a Surfer SEO alternative, especially among enterprise-level content teams.

The tool uses AI to analyze the top-performing content and provide data-driven insights to improve the overall search engine performance. It helps to create content that not only ranks well but also provides value to the readers.

Key Features:

• Keyword discovery and content briefs.
• Real-time content editor with optimization score.
• Content optimization recommendations based on top-performing content.
• Integration with tools like Google Docs, WordPress, and more.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with clear and actionable recommendations.
• Focuses on the overall quality of the content and not just the keyword usage.
• Excellent tools for optimizing existing content and creating new SEO-optimized content.

Cons:

• Expensive as compared to other Surfer SEO alternatives.
• Limited keyword research capabilities as compared to other tools.
• Lacks various customization options.

Pricing:

Clearscope’s pricing starts at $189/month for the Essentials plan, with higher tiers available for larger teams and enterprises.

Ratings:

G2: 4.9/5

Capterra: 4.9/5

Why go for Clearscope over Surfer SEO?

Clearscope offers a more holistic approach to content optimization as compared to Surfer SEO. While both tool provides recommendations, Clearscope places an emphasis on content quality and relevance, which helps to create high-quality and valuable content.

Why do I like this tool?

The tool not only tells you to stuff keywords but also helps you understand which topics and concepts to cover to create valuable content. Moreover, Clearscope integrates with both Google Docs and WordPress, which streamlines the workflow.

5. Semrush

Next on the list of alternatives to Surfer SEO comes Semrush – a comprehensive digital marketing tool for SEO, content marketing, PPC, and more.

Semrush’s AI writing assistant helps to enhance the content by optimizing it for keywords, improving readability, maintaining tone of voice, and ensuring originality. The tool provides suggestions for readability, word count, originality, and tone. It’s a go-to tool for people looking to come up with SEO-optimized content.

Key Features:

• Real-time data and insights for content optimization.
• Readability analysis, tone of voice recommendations, and plagiarism detection.
• Compatible with Google Docs, Microsoft 365, and WordPress.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.
• Part of a comprehensive SEO toolkit.
• Real-time content optimization suggestions.
• Maintain a consistent tone and style throughout content pieces.

Cons:

• Comes with Semrush subscription, which can be a bit expensive for some users.
• A steep learning curve is involved.

Pricing:

SEMrush offers a 7-day free trial. Paid plans start at $139.95/month for the Pro plan, with higher tiers available for larger teams and agencies.

Ratings:

G2: 4.5/5

Capterra: 4.7/5

Why go for Semrush over Surfer SEO?

While Surfer SEO focuses on content optimization primarily, Semrush offers a much wider range of SEO tools, giving you a more holistic view of SEO. So, if you’re looking for a tool that can handle not only content optimization but also keyword research, backlink analysis, and more, Semrush can be a great choice for you.

Why do I like this tool?

For those already invested in the SEMrush ecosystem, the Writing Assistant is a no-brainer. It provides solid content optimization capabilities without the need for an additional tool.

6. Ahrefs

Ahrefs is a powerful Surfer SEO alternative, offering a wide range of features like keyword research, competitor analysis, backlink checker, and more.

While it’s not primarily a content optimization tool like Surfer SEO, its robust SEO features make it a strong alternative for content teams looking to improve their search performance. It can be your go-to tool for backlinks, keyword research, and content gap analysis.

Key Features:

• Site explorer for in-depth competitor analysis.
• Rank Tracker for monitoring your SERP performance.
• Backlink checker and link-building tools.

Pros:

• Comprehensive set of SEO tools.
• User-friendly interface.
• Offers free access to a few tools.

Cons:

• Does not offer a content assistant like Surfer SEO.
• Might be expensive for small businesses and individuals.

Pricing:

Ahrefs offers Ahrefs Webmaster Tools, where you get free limited access to a few features. The paid plan starts at just $129/month.

Ratings:

G2: 4.5/5

Capterra: 4.7/5

Why go for Ahrefs over Surfer SEO?

If you’re looking for a tool that can offer detailed insights for backlink profiles, keyword ranking, and more, go for Ahrefs. However, if you are looking for a tool that can help you end-to-end, from content generation to optimization, you can try Writesonic.

Why do I like this tool?

I love how Ahrefs offers detailed insights.

7. Topic

Next comes Topic, another great Surfer SEO alternative that helps to research, outline, and optimize your content. It has a unique approach to content optimization that focuses on creating comprehensive content briefs.

Topic analyzes top-ranking content for your target keywords and provides detailed outlines and recommendations to help you create content that covers all the necessary aspects of a topic.

Key Features:

• AI-powered content brief generator
• SERP analysis
• Content grader
• Keyword suggestions
• Competitor content analysis
• Readability scoring
• Integration with popular writing tools

Pros:

• User-friendly and clean interface.
• Excellent for creating comprehensive content briefs.
• Ensures that the content covers all the necessary points.

Cons:

• Expensive as compared to other tools.
• AI-generated outlines can sometimes be inaccurate.

Pricing:

Topic’s paid plan starts at $99/month.

Ratings:

G2: 5/5

Capterra: 5/5

Why go for Topic over Surfer SEO?

Topic is an easy-to-use content planning tool, unlike Surfer SEO, which is an expert-level SEO tool with a complex interface.

Why do I like this tool?

Topic’s focus on content briefs sets it apart from the other SEO tools. It analyzes top-performing content and provides detailed outlines, which is invaluable for creating comprehensive, authoritative content.

However, Topic is primarily a content planning tool. If you’re looking for an all-in-one SEO tool, it’s better to go for Writesonic.

8. Dashword

Dashword is another great alternative to Surfer SEO, which helps create high-quality content briefs, optimize content for SEO, and monitor performance.

Dashword’s strength lies in its ability to analyze top-ranking content and provide detailed insights on what you need to include to compete.

Key Features:

• Content optimization suggestions
• SERP analysis
• Content brief generator
• Topic clustering
• Readability analysis
• Competitor content gap analysis
• Integration with Google Docs

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with actionable recommendations.
• Regular updates based on the user feedback.

Cons:

• Lacks AI content generation features. Only suitable for planning.
• May have a learning curve for users new to content optimization.

Pricing:

Dashboard offers a free report. The paid plan starts at $99/month.

Ratings:

G2: NA

Capterra: NA

Why go for Dashword over Surfer SEO?

Surfer SEO gives you an in-depth analysis, which can be a bit confusing for beginners. Dashboard, on the other hand, shows exactly what you need to improve your content, which gives clarity and ultimately helps to save a lot of time.

Why do I like this tool?

Dashboard is a good tool for creating a content strategy, but when it comes to topic clustering, I mostly prefer using Writesonic.

9. Page Optimizer Pro

Page Optimizer Pro is an on-page SEO and content optimization tool that helps you create, optimize, and maintain high-quality content on Google. The advanced tool helps to zoom in on the tiniest details that can make a huge impact on your rankings.

Page Optimizer Pro provides detailed recommendations based on the top-ranking pages for your target keywords.

Key Features:

• Detailed on-page SEO analysis
• Competitor analysis for target keywords
• Content optimization suggestions
• Chrome extension for easy analysis

Pros:

• Affordable pricing.
• Detailed and actionable recommendations.
• Regular updates based on SEO trends.

Cons:

• May not be suitable for beginners as it requires some SEO knowledge.
• Focuses primarily on on-page SEO and is not a comprehensive tool like other alternatives.

Pricing:

Page Optimizer Pro offers a 7-day free trial. The paid plan starts at $34/month.

Ratings:

G2: 5/5

Capterra: 4.9/5

Why go for Page Optimizer Pro over Surfer SEO?

While both tools focus on on-page optimization, Page Optimizer Pro offers a more granular approach to page analysis. If you’re looking for detailed, actionable recommendations for optimizing individual pages, Page Optimizer Pro is an excellent choice.

Why do I like this tool?

I appreciate Page Optimizer Pro’s laser focus on on-page SEO. The detailed recommendations are incredibly valuable for fine-tuning your content for specific keywords.

10. SE Ranking

SE Ranking is another popular Surfer SEO alternative that offers a comprehensive SEO toolkit. It guides you through every step of your optimization journey with actionable and in-depth insights.

SE Ranking offers a wide range of tools, including keyword research, competitor analysis, content editor, rank tracker, and so on. The tool is best known for its user-friendly interface.

Key Features:

• A complete SEO toolkit.
• SEO keyword tools.
• Backlink monitoring and analysis.
• Competitor SEO/PPC research.
• Website audit and on-page SEO checker.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.
• Affordable and flexible pricing plans.

Cons:

• High learning curve.
• The tools are not as comprehensive as other alternatives available in the market.

Pricing:

SE Ranking offers a 14-day free trial. The paid plan starts at $65/month.

Ratings:

G2: 4.8/5

Capterra: 4.7/5

Why go for SE Ranking over Surfer SEO?

SE Ranking offers a more comprehensive SEO toolkit at a more affordable price point. If you’re looking for an all-in-one SEO solution that won’t break the bank, SE Ranking is an excellent alternative to Surfer SEO. However, if you are looking for an even more affordable SEO tool that offers many more features, try Writesonic.

Why do I like this tool?

I like the reporting feature, which is particularly valuable for agencies and consultants looking to present professional reports to clients.

Get your hands on the best Surfer SEO alternative – Writesonic

And, there you go! 10 best Surfer SEO alternatives that you can try out.

From Writesonic – an all-in-one content generation and optimization tool to Page Optimizer Pro, there’s a tool out there for every SEO need and budget.

Remember, the best tool for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and level of SEO expertise. Whether you’re looking for an all-in-one solution like Writesonic, a content optimization powerhouse like Clearscope, or a content brief generator like Topic, there’s an alternative to Surfer SEO that’s perfect for you.

And the best part? Most of these tools offer free trials or demos. So, why not start with the comprehensive SEO tool Writesonic? Its user-friendly interface, comprehensive toolkit, and affordable pricing make it a perfect Surfer SEO alternative.

Start your free trial now and see the difference for yourself!

Pragati Gupta

Pragati Gupta is a Content Marketer @Writesonic, specializing in AI, SEO, and strategic B2B writing. Leveraging the power of Generative AI, she produces high-impact content that drives superior ROI.