Alternatives · SEO Content
BuzzSumo alternatives
As of Oct 23, 2026, the highest-graded BuzzSumo alternative is Semrush (2.2 GPA). It's also the best free one.
BuzzSumo compared with 5 alternatives: Semrush, Brand24, Exploding Topics, Semrush AI PR Toolkit and Ahrefs.
BuzzSumo is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $159 per month, billed annually ($199 billed monthly). 3 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 2 more offer a free trial.
Listings checked up to Oct 23, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| BuzzSumoThis tool | Free trial · from $159/mo | Trial only | Web, Browser extension |
| Semrush | Free plan · from $117.33/mo | Yes | Web |
| Brand24 | Free trial · from $199/mo | Trial only | Web, iOS, Android |
| Exploding Topics | Free plan · from $39/mo | Yes | Web |
| Semrush AI PR Toolkit | Free trial · from $149/mo | Trial only | Web |
| Ahrefs | Free plan · from $29/mo | Yes | Web, Browser extension |
How each one differs from BuzzSumo
Semrush
SEO suite for keyword research, rank tracking and AI search visibility
- Semrush starts at $117.33 per month, billed annually ($139 billed monthly).
- Semrush has a free plan, which BuzzSumo lacks.
- Semrush lists no browser extension, which BuzzSumo has.
- Semrush also covers rank tracking and site audit.
- Semrush does not cover research and link outreach, which BuzzSumo does.
Suits: Freelancers and in-house marketers who want research, tracking and audits in one account
Brand24
Social listening across social networks, news, blogs and podcasts
- Brand24 starts at $199 per month, billed annually ($249 billed monthly).
- Brand24 also lists iOS and Android apps.
- Brand24 lists no browser extension, which BuzzSumo has.
- Brand24 does not cover research, keyword research, backlink analysis and link outreach, which BuzzSumo does.
Suits: Marketing and PR teams tracking what people say about a brand online
Exploding Topics
Database of rising topics, products and startups, by search growth
- Exploding Topics starts at $39 per month for 100 tracked trends (billing basis not shown).
- Exploding Topics has a free plan, which BuzzSumo lacks.
- Exploding Topics lists no browser extension, which BuzzSumo has.
- Exploding Topics does not cover research, reports, backlink analysis and link outreach, which BuzzSumo does.
Suits: Content teams choosing topics before they become crowded
Semrush AI PR Toolkit
Media database, pitching and monitoring, formerly Prowly
- Semrush AI PR Toolkit starts at $149 per month, billed annually.
- Semrush AI PR Toolkit lists no browser extension, which BuzzSumo has.
- Semrush AI PR Toolkit does not cover research, keyword research and backlink analysis, which BuzzSumo does.
Suits: Marketers new to PR who want a guided way to pitch journalists
Ahrefs
SEO toolset for backlinks, keyword research, audits and rank tracking
- Ahrefs starts at $29 per month, billed monthly.
- Ahrefs has a free plan, which BuzzSumo lacks.
- Ahrefs also covers rank tracking and site audit.
- Ahrefs does not cover research, reports and link outreach, which BuzzSumo does.
Suits: SEOs who spend most of their time on backlinks and competitor research
Limits worth knowing in BuzzSumo
- There has been no free plan since February 2023; new users get a trial of Suite limited to 50 searches.
- Cancelling stops renewal but is not refunded: annual and monthly plans run to the end of the paid term.
- The journalist database starts at PR & Comms, and the API is priced on request.
- Invoicing is only for Enterprise plans paid yearly; all other plans are paid by card.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to BuzzSumo?
The alternatives to BuzzSumo in this directory are Semrush, Brand24, Exploding Topics, Semrush AI PR Toolkit and Ahrefs. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with BuzzSumo.
Is there a free alternative to BuzzSumo?
Yes. Semrush, Exploding Topics and Ahrefs have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which BuzzSumo alternatives work on Android?
The BuzzSumo listing does not include an Android app. Brand24 lists one.
Which BuzzSumo alternatives work on iOS?
The BuzzSumo listing does not include an iOS app. Brand24 lists one.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 17, 2026 to Oct 23, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.