Is Semrush Free?

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the backbone of digital marketing. To compete online, businesses need accurate keyword data, competitor insights, and backlink tracking. One of the most trusted platforms for this is Semrush.

But a common question arises: Is Semrush free? Many users want to know if they can access Semrush’s premium features without paying. Others hear about free trials, limited accounts, or bundled services like SastaTools and get confused.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything about Semrush’s free options. We’ll cover the official freemium account, trial offers, and whether Semrush is really free through platforms like SastaTools. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to use Semrush for free, when to upgrade, and what works best for your needs.

What “Free” Really Means in SEO Tools

Before diving into Semrush specifically, it’s important to clarify what “free” usually means in SaaS tools. Many platforms use the word free, but the experience varies.

• Free trial: Temporary access to full features, often requiring a credit card.
• Freemium model: A free account with permanent but strict limits on usage.
• Completely free tools: Standalone features or apps offered without payment or signup.

Semrush uses a combination of these approaches. It has a free account with limits, a trial period for premium features, and certain free tools available without an account. Understanding the difference is the first step in managing expectations.

Official Semrush Free Account

Semrush does offer a free account. This is the easiest way to start using the platform without entering billing details. You can sign up with just an email and get immediate access.

However, this free account comes with restrictions. You only get about 10 daily searches across tools like Keyword Overview or Domain Overview. You can also create up to 5 projects, but each project is limited in scope.

With the free account, you can run site audits on up to 100 pages, track 10 keywords in Position Tracking, and check limited backlink data. It’s not enough for large campaigns, but it works for beginners and small websites.

The benefit of the free account is that it’s permanent. Unlike a trial, it doesn’t expire. You can always log in and perform limited tasks. For someone testing SEO tools for the first time, this is a good starting point.

Semrush Free Trials

Semrush also offers free trial periods for its premium plans. Normally, the trial lasts 7 days. During this time, you can use Semrush Pro, Guru, or Business with full access.

Some partners, like MasterBlogging, extend this trial to 14 days. This gives you two full weeks to test every tool, from keyword research to content optimization. The extended trial is a great way to see the value before committing.

It’s important to note that free trials require a credit card. You won’t be charged during the trial, but you must cancel before the period ends if you don’t want to continue. If you forget, the subscription will automatically renew at the regular price.

Trials are best used strategically. Plan your SEO research ahead of time, then run as many audits, keyword checks, and backlink analyses as possible during the trial. Export the data so you can keep working with it even after your trial ends.

What You Can Actually Do for Free in Semrush

Even without a paid subscription, Semrush’s free tools are powerful. Here are some practical tasks you can perform:

1. Keyword Research
   You can run 10 daily searches in the Keyword Overview or Keyword Magic Tool. Each search gives you up to 10 suggestions. For niche websites, this is enough to find long-tail keywords.
2. Competitor Analysis
   The free account lets you analyze 10 domains per day. You’ll see traffic estimates, authority scores, and top keywords. It’s a quick way to benchmark your site against competitors.
3. Rank Tracking
   Position Tracking allows you to monitor 10 keywords. For a small site, this helps track progress and visibility over time.
4. Site Audit
   You can audit up to 100 URLs. The audit checks for broken links, missing meta tags, and technical issues. Even fixing a few problems can improve SEO performance.
5. Backlink Analysis
   Limited backlink data is available in the free account. You can see referring domains, anchors, and new or lost links. This helps identify opportunities for link-building.
6. Content Tools
   Semrush includes the SEO Writing Assistant and Content Template. With a free account, you can use them with limited credits. This is useful for improving one or two important pages.

These features may seem small, but when used smartly, they provide real SEO insights without cost.

Is Semrush Free on SastaTools?

This is where confusion often arises. People ask: If I get Semrush through SastaTools, is it free? The answer is no.

SastaTools is a platform that offers cheap access to premium tools. Instead of paying Semrush directly, you subscribe to SastaTools and get bundled access. The subscription covers Semrush along with other marketing and design tools.

So, while you don’t pay Semrush’s full price, you’re still paying SastaTools. That means Semrush is not free on SastaTools. It’s simply more affordable.

Many people mistake this for “free” because they aren’t paying Semrush directly. But technically, you’re paying a reduced fee to SastaTools for shared or bundled access.

How to Maximize Free Access Before Paying

If you’re not ready to invest in a premium plan, you can still get great value out of Semrush’s free tools and trials. The key is to be strategic with your usage.

1. Prioritize your tasks. Since you only get 10 searches a day, use them wisely. Focus on your most important keywords or competitors. Don’t waste searches on low-priority ideas.

2. Batch your research. Plan ahead before starting a free trial. Make a list of keywords to research, domains to analyze, and content to optimize. Then run all your tasks within the trial period.

3. Export your data. Before your trial or quota ends, download your reports. You can save keyword lists, backlink reports, and site audits as CSV or PDF files. This way, you still have the data even after access is restricted.

4. Combine with other free tools. Use Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or Ahrefs’ free tools to fill in gaps. A mix of free services can cover a lot of SEO ground.

5. Use SastaTools smartly. If you need extended access but can’t afford Semrush directly, consider SastaTools. It’s not free, but it’s a cost-effective alternative for freelancers and small businesses.

By following these tips, you can get real SEO insights without overspending.

When to Upgrade to Paid Plans

At some point, the free account won’t be enough. Here are signs that it’s time to upgrade:

• You hit the daily search limit too often.
• You manage multiple websites with hundreds of pages.
• You need to track more than 10 keywords.
• You want deeper backlink data for link-building campaigns.
• You’re running an agency or working with several clients.

Upgrading unlocks the full potential of Semrush. You’ll get unlimited searches, larger audits, and advanced features like historical data, content marketing toolkit, and API access.

For most small websites, the Pro plan is enough. If you’re running content-heavy projects or managing clients, the Guru plan is more suitable. Large companies often need the Business plan for enterprise-level reporting.

The investment is high, but the return in SEO performance can easily justify the cost if used effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Semrush free forever?

Yes, Semrush offers a free account that never expires. However, it has strict limits. You can only run about 10 searches per day and track 10 keywords. It’s useful for testing but not enough for serious SEO campaigns.

How long is the Semrush free trial?

The official Semrush free trial is 7 days. Some partners, like Master Blogging, extend it to 14 days. Both versions give you complete access to premium features.

Do I need a credit card for the free trial?

Yes, you need to enter your payment details to activate the trial. You won’t be charged if you cancel before it ends. If you forget, the subscription renews automatically.

Is Semrush free on SastaTools?

No, Semrush is not free on SastaTools. Instead, SastaTools gives you cheaper access as part of a bundled subscription. You pay SastaTools a smaller fee and get Semrush plus other tools.

Can I cancel Semrush after the free trial?

Yes, you can cancel at any time before the trial ends. Once canceled, your account switches back to the free version. You will still have limited access to some tools.

What can I do with the free Semrush account?

You can run keyword searches, analyze competitor domains, audit up to 100 pages, track 10 keywords, and check limited backlinks. It’s enough for small sites or learning SEO basics.

Which Semrush plan should beginners start with?

Beginners should start with the Pro plan. It has the right balance of features and affordability. If you manage multiple websites or need content marketing tools, consider upgrading to the Guru plan.

Conclusion

So, is Semrush free? The answer depends on how you define “free.” Semrush does offer a free account, but it comes with heavy restrictions. It also provides 7–14 day free trials for premium features, though these require a credit card and expire quickly.

If you’re asking whether Semrush is free on SastaTools, the answer is no. SastaTools simply makes Semrush more affordable by bundling it with other tools. You’re still paying, but the cost is much lower than buying Semrush directly.

The bottom line: use the free account to test the basics, try the free trial to explore premium features, and consider SastaTools if you want budget-friendly access. Once your business grows and your SEO needs expand, upgrading to a paid plan directly with Semrush is often the smartest long-term investment.