Offer types and what they really cost
Usually genuine
- Yearly billing discounts
- Free trials and refund windows
- Permanent free plans
Check carefully
- First-year prices that renew higher
- Codes with narrow eligibility
- "Lifetime" deals on young products
Before using any SEO tool offer
- Confirm on the vendor siteOffers change without notice.
- Read the renewal priceIntroductory prices often end after year one.
- Check the plan limitsA cheap plan that is too small is not a saving.
SEO tools aren’t cheap, and the vendors use a mix of free trials, free accounts, annual billing and occasional promotions to win new customers. Offers change often, so this article doesn’t quote prices, trial lengths or discount sizes. Each tool page on this site has a plan table showing the current price and the date it was checked.
Semrush
Check Semrush’s site for whether a free trial is currently available on the plan you want; the vendor sets the trial terms. If you do start a trial, use it to run a full keyword research sprint and site audit on a real project. Annual billing is usually cheaper per month than monthly billing, so compare both options before you pay.
If you’re switching from another tool, it’s worth running both side by side before committing. Check current Semrush pricing →
Mangools
Mangools is a popular entry-level option for keyword research, and its pricing page lets you create a free account before you pay. Its entry plan suits bloggers and content site operators who need keyword research and rank tracking without the overhead of an all-in-one platform.
Compare monthly and annual billing in the plan table before signing up. Check current Mangools deals →
SE Ranking
SE Ranking covers rank tracking, site audit, keyword research and backlink analysis in one platform. If a free trial is offered (the vendor sets its length), set up a complete campaign during it so you have real data to judge.
Its mid-range plans are aimed at freelancers and small agencies. Check whether annual billing is discounted at the time you buy. Check current SE Ranking deals →
Serpstat
Serpstat positions itself as a budget all-in-one platform. Its interface has fewer refinements than Semrush and its data focus differs from Ahrefs, but it covers the fundamentals.
If you come across a Serpstat coupon code, treat it as a code the vendor has published: Serpstat sets eligibility and the amount at checkout. Check current Serpstat deals →
Morningscore
Morningscore’s pricing page offers a free trial without a credit card. Its gamified interface, with missions and levels, is designed to make it beginner-friendly.
Compare monthly and annual billing in the plan table before you upgrade.
Keysearch
Keysearch is one of the more affordable dedicated keyword research tools. If you only need keyword research and rank tracking, it’s worth comparing on price. If you come across a Keysearch discount code, treat it as a code the vendor has published: Keysearch sets eligibility and the amount at checkout. Check current Keysearch deals →
Tips for Getting Maximum Value From Free Trials
- Set up a complete project before your trial ends: keywords tracked, site crawled, competitors added. You’ll have real data to evaluate.
- Run the same keyword list through 2-3 tools during their trials and compare their volume estimates against your own GSC data.
- Try the export functionality. If you’re going to use a tool long-term, the quality of CSV and PDF exports matters.
- Check the limits before signing up for annual billing. Tracked keywords, projects and crawl credits all have caps that vary by plan.