Comparison · 7 min read
CoolSEO vs Semrush: which one for a small business?
Semrush is the SEO pros' benchmark, CoolSEO an SEO and AI consultant for small businesses. Prices, features, AI visibility: the honest comparison.
Published October 6, 2026 · by Alexandre
In short
Pick Semrush if you're an SEO professional who needs very complete databases (keywords, backlinks, competitors, ads): it's the benchmark, from €134 per month (SEO plan, price checked on October 6, 2026). Pick CoolSEO if you run your own site without being an expert: it tells you what to fix first, measures whether AI cites you and tracks your site every week, from $29 per month.
Semrush and CoolSEO don't target the same people. This comparison helps you choose based on your profile, without claiming one replaces the other in everything.
Semrush in short
Semrush is a very complete suite used by agencies and marketing teams: a huge keyword database with volumes, backlink analysis, rank tracking, competitor research, ads and social media. It's a powerful tool that takes time and knowledge to get the most out of.
CoolSEO in short
CoolSEO is an SEO and GEO tool designed for freelancers and small businesses. It audits the site for Google and AI, ranks fixes by impact and explains them step by step (with the copy to paste), asks Gemini your customers' real questions and tracks the site every week. Frosty, the built-in consultant, prepares the week's actions.
Point-by-point comparison
| Semrush | CoolSEO | |
|---|---|---|
| For whom | SEO professionals, agencies, marketing teams | Freelancers, local businesses, small companies, agencies wanting a simple tool |
| Entry price (monthly) | €134 (SEO plan, checked October 6, 2026) | $29 (Solo, launch price), free audit with no account |
| Keyword database and volumes | Very complete, with volumes | Real searches from Google suggestions; volumes coming soon |
| Backlink analysis | Very complete | Ideas to earn links; detailed measurement coming soon |
| AI visibility | AI features depending on plans (see their site) | Real question asked to Gemini, cited competitors, sources, weekly tracking |
| Step-by-step fixes | Recommendations to interpret | Yes, ranked by impact, with copy to paste and a guide per CMS |
| Learning curve | Powerful but demanding | Designed for non-experts |
When to pick Semrush
- You do SEO for several clients and need precise search volumes and backlink analysis.
- You also run ads and social media in the same tool.
- You have the time and expertise to use very rich data.
When to pick CoolSEO
- You run your own site (local business, freelancer, small company) and want to know what to do, not just numbers.
- You want to know whether ChatGPT, Gemini or Perplexity recommend you, and why competitors get ahead.
- Your budget is limited: CoolSEO costs much less, and the audit is free.
Can you use both?
Yes: some agencies use a complete suite for deep research, and CoolSEO to explain priorities simply to their clients and track AI visibility. For a small business on its own, CoolSEO is usually enough to get started.
Frequently asked questions
Is CoolSEO an alternative to Semrush?
For a small business running its own site, yes: CoolSEO covers the audit, priorities, real keywords, writing and AI visibility, for much less. For an SEO professional needing detailed volumes and backlinks, Semrush remains more complete.
How much does Semrush cost compared with CoolSEO?
Semrush's SEO plan is €134 per month (checked October 6, 2026); CoolSEO Solo is $29 per month (launch price), and the audit is free.
Does CoolSEO measure visibility in ChatGPT?
CoolSEO currently asks Gemini, with Google Search grounding; ChatGPT and Perplexity are already built in and will be turned on soon.
Go further
Does AI cite your business?
The free audit checks your site on Google and asks Gemini a real question about your market, in a minute.