The 10 must-have SEO rank tracking tools of 2023
Struggling to make sense of the ever-changing landscape of search engine optimization? Stress no more! Debugbar got you covered with the top 10 SEO rank tracking software of 2023.
From well-established heavyweights to agile newcomers, these tools will help you conquer the wild world of SEO and drive your website to the top.
What is a rank tracker software?
A rank tracker is a software that measures and monitors a website’s organic ranking position in the search engine result pages (SERPs) for specific target keywords.
It supplies information on current keyword rankings and track fluctuations over time, helping you identify trends and measure the effectiveness of your optimization efforts.
The ultimate goal is to secure a high ranking on the first page, as top positions attract more clicks, increasing traffic and conversions.
This type of tool is therefore essential to any SEO professional.
Also read : Keyword Insights: find the best performing keywords with AI
Why is it important to use a rank tracking tool?
Rank tracking tools play a pivotal role in optimizing your SEO strategy and harnessing lucrative business opportunities. By closely monitoring keyword rankings and gathering essential insights, these tools can effectively contribute to your enterprise’s growth.
Some key benefits of using rank tracking tools include:
- Monitoring keyword rankings for multiple pages, enabling you to keep a close eye on their performance.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of your SEO efforts and identifying areas for improvement.
- Receiving alerts when your keyword rankings decline, allowing you to take prompt corrective measures.
- Analyzing competitor rankings to discover new keyword opportunities and refine your SEO strategy.
- Enhancing overall visibility and driving more organic traffic towards your website.
- Identifying keyword opportunities to boost revenue and improve your website’s bottom line.
As you can see, a ranking tracking tool can be very useful. But to do so, you need to choose an effective one… And it’s true that in the midst of all the tools out there, it’s sometimes difficult to identify the right one.
That’s why Debugbar has come up with the 10 best ranking tools of 2023.
#1 – Semrush: The intelligent approach to data-driven SEO
Are you ready for an all-in-one solution that caters to all your SEO and marketing needs? Semrush has carefully curated a toolbox brimming with features designed to streamline your workflow and bolster your website’s performance. Let’s dive into the details.
Key features of Semrush
Semrush offers an extensive suite tailored to deliver a complete SEO and marketing workflow. Some notable features include:
- Position tracking: Monitor your overall rankings, keyword distribution, keyword cannibalization, competitors, featured snippets, and more.
- Customizable metrics: Track top 100 search results, average position, estimated daily traffic in graphical and numerical forms.
- Voice share: Gauge your site’s performance across combined searches (exclusive to Semrush premium users).
- Email alerts and data export: Set up email notifications and export data in PDF format.
- Keyword management: Simultaneously track multiple keywords and manage an SEO campaign.
- Competitor inspection: Keep tabs on your rivals’ keywords.
- Advanced functionalities: Conduct keyword research, explore backlink opportunities, generate detailed competition audit, study paid keyword data, monitor social media performance, and much more.
Semrush: how much does it cost?
Accommodating various budget limitations, Semrush offers several pricing tiers:
| Pricing Plan | Features | Price |
| Free | Monitor 10 keywords and manage a single SEO project. | Free |
| Pro | Track 500 keywords across all projects. | $119.95/month |
| Guru | Follow 1,500 keywords. | $2,299/year |
| Business | Keep an eye on 5,000 keywords. | $4,499/year |
Semrush pros & cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Comprehensive suite of SEO and marketing tools | High cost, especially for smaller businesses |
| Customizable metrics and advanced functionalities | Limited access to advanced features in lower-tier plans |
| Competitive intelligence and client keyword tracking | Restricted free trial with only 10 queries per day |
| User-friendly interface and frequent updates |
In a nutshell: Semrush is a comprehensive and robust platform that meets the diverse needs of SEO professionals and digital marketers. Its impressive array of features makes it possible to take a holistic and intelligent approach to SEO and marketing efforts. However, smaller businesses might find the pricing structure a bit steep, with the lower-tier plans offering limited access to advanced functionalities.
Nonetheless, Semrush is undoubtedly a top-of-the-line tool worth considering for those in search of an all-encompassing solution.
Is SemRush too expensive for you? Want to compare with another tool? Then here’s a tool that might interest you
#2 – Moz Pro: Comprehensive SEO suite packed with precision and speed
Moz Pro brings together an all-inclusive toolkit that meets all your SEO objectives, including a reliable rank tracking tool.
Are you ready for a daily dose of accuracy and speed in your search engine optimization journey? Let’s explore the world of Moz Pro.
Key features of Moz Pro tools
Moz Pro offers an extensive suite of SEO tools, such as:
- Rank Tracking: Create campaigns to monitor chosen keywords across various periods and devices.
- Competitor inspection: Add competitors directly to campaigns for comparison against historical data.
- Keyword suggestions and ranking: Suggests new target keywords and ranks them according to difficulty.
- Rapid and accurate results for all your SEO needs: A perfect choice if you prioritize competitor monitoring, quick results, keyword research, and other optimization tools.
How much does Moz Pro cost?
Moz Pro offers various pricing plans to suit your budget and business size:
| Pricing Plan | Price |
| Standard plan | $99/month |
| Medium plan | $179/month |
| Large plan | $249/month |
| Premium plan | $599/month |
All plans include 24/7 support and an onboarding session.
With Moz Pro’s features and an array of praise from industry experts, this rank checker tool can help supercharge your SEO efforts.
Enjoy easy-to-understand visual reports, competitive advantages, and on-demand site explorations with Moz Pro.
Moz Pro pros & cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Comprehensive SEO toolkit including rank tracking | Pricing may be on the higher side for smaller businesses |
| Daily updates and geolocation support | Limited free trial period |
| User-friendly interface with visual reports | |
| Effective keyword research and competitor analysis tools |
In a nutshell: Moz Pro has earned its place as a top contender among SEO rank tracking tools. It offers users a comprehensive suite of features, including rank tracking, competitor inspection, and keyword research, all wrapped up in a user-friendly interface with stellar visual reports.
The only drawbacks to Moz Pro are its potentially high price point for smaller businesses and its limited free trial period. Regardless of these drawbacks, Moz Pro remains a fantastic option for those in search of a comprehensive and dependable SEO toolkit.
As you can see, MozPro is pretty good. But there are plenty of other interesting tools. So let’s continue our ranking and take a look at AhRefs.
#3 – Ahrefs: Mastering SEO analysis and optimization with one comprehensive tool
Say goodbye to scattered tools and scattered processes. Ahrefs merges SEO analysis, content optimization, and rank tracking into one intuitive platform.
Are you ready to experience the power of Ahrefs? Hold onto your keyboard, because we’re about to explore this industry favorite in detail!
Key features of Ahrefs tools
Ahrefs is renowned for its plethora of superb functionalities that simplify SEO analysis and optimization, including:
- SERP feature tracking: Capture keyword rankings on specific elements, such as thumbnails, knowledge graph cards, and “people also ask” sections.
- Visual data: Interactive graphs allow you to visualize your visibility, performance, and progress relative to competitors.
- Competitor tracking: Compare up to 10 rivals against your site and assess differences in visibility, average position, and traffic.
- Ranking updates: Schedule email reports that keep you informed about changes in SERP positions.
- Filters and tags: Segment keywords by tag or filter for quick access to the information you need.
- Domain Rating (DR): Assess domain authority based on backlink profiles using Ahref’s well-known metric.
- Keyword alerts: Monitor ranking fluctuations in real-time by setting up alerts for particular keywords.
- Ranking comparison: Observe how your enterprise has evolved over time by comparing past and current search rankings.
- Client keyword tracking: Manage clients’ keyword lists and rankings efficiently for a well-organized experience.
- Keyword categorization: Tagging system simplifies segmentation of winning and losing keyword groups.
Ahrefs: is it affordable?
Ahrefs offers flexible pricing plans to accommodate various budgets:
| Pricing Plan | Price |
| Lite plan | $990/year |
| Standard plan | $1,990/year |
| Advanced plan | $3,990/year |
| Enterprise plan | $9,990/year |
| Monthly billing | Available |
Ahrefs pros & cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| All-in-one platform for SEO analysis and optimization | Rank tracking updates occur every 3-7 days – not ideal for daily monitoring |
| User-friendly interface and feature-rich toolbox | |
| Reliable competitor tracking and keyword comparison tools | |
| Flexible pricing options based on size and budget |
In a nutshell: Ahrefs has received glowing reviews from many SEO professionals. However, some users cite Ahref’s rank tracking update frequency as a weak point, especially for those who prefer daily updates.
Regardless of this minor drawback, Ahrefs remains a powerful tool for masterfully optimizing your SEO strategy.
But it may not be right for you. If that’s the case, don’t panic, there are other tools in stock!
#4 – MonsterInsights: Real-time data and user-friendly Google Analytics for WordPress
MonsterInsights is a formidable WordPress plugin offering you a real-time data analytics experience directly from your WordPress dashboard.
With this tool, you can easily track and monitor your SEO performance in SERPs, making it a perfect choice for those who primarily focus on Google search results.
Let’s delve deeper into the details of MonsterInsights.
Key features of MonsterInsights
MonsterInsights delivers a compelling suite of functionality right inside your WordPress dashboard, featuring:
- Real-time Google Analytics: Seamlessly integrated with Google Analytics to provide you with real-time reports and insights about your website’s performance.
- SEO ranking report: Track up to 50 specific Google search terms, showing their respective positions in SERPs.
- Clicks, impressions, and CTR data: Monitor vital metrics like clicks, impressions, and click-through rates.
- WordPress integration: Experience the simplicity of accessing all essential data without leaving your WordPress dashboard.
- Search Console report: Review the top 50 Google search terms for your website and their ranking positions.
- Annotations: Add site annotations directly to your MonsterInsights reports to keep tabs on significant changes, such as meta title tag updates or new blog posts targeting high-traffic keywords.
MonsterInsights: how much does it cost?
MonsterInsights offers budget-friendly pricing options, starting at $99.50 per year:
| Pricing Plan | Price |
| Plus plan | $99.50/year (includes access to Search Console reports) |
| Pro plan | $199.50/year |
| Agency plan | $399.50/year |
MonsterInsights pros & cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Real-time Google Analytics data in WordPress | Limited to WordPress websites and Google search results |
| User-friendly interface and seamless WordPress integration | Requires connecting Google Search Console with Google Analytics |
| Affordable pricing for small businesses | |
| Effective keyword ranking monitoring within WordPress |
In a nutshell: MonsterInsights is an excellent choice if you are seeking a user-friendly solution tailored for WordPress websites that primarily focus on Google as their primary search engine.
This tool’s integrated features and simplicity make it a powerful ally in tracking the impact of SEO changes and keywords on your website traffic.
#5 – AccuRanker: Experience the world’s fastest and most accurate rank tracking
Bask in the glory of speed, accuracy, and convenience with AccuRanker. This powerful rank tracking software is designed to cater to SEO professionals and marketing agencies who crave real-time ranking updates, data segmentation, and an exceptional user experience.
Let’s explore the fascinating world of AccuRanker in detail.
Key features of AccuRanker
AccuRanker boasts an impressive array of features that make it stand out from other keyword rank tracking tools:
- Instant and on-demand ranking updates: Request immediate updates whenever you want with just a click.
- SERP History: Discover the SERP features driving traffic to your site.
- In-depth audit: Segment and filter your data, which can also be shared with colleagues.
- Third-party tool integrations: Integrate with digital marketing tools such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Google Sheets, Adobe Analytics, Google Data Studio, and Databox.
- Unlimited domain management: Add and manage unlimited domains, tag landing pages, and organize a large volume of keywords.
- Multi-search engine support: Including non-US audiences and mobile/desktop indexes.
- YouTube channel performance tracking.
How much does AccuRanker cost?
AccuRanker offers flexible pricing options based on the number of keywords you want to track:
- Starting at $99/month (billed annually) for 1,000 keywords.
- Save 10% when paying yearly.
- Custom plans available with more than 10,000 keywords.
- Enjoy a 14-day free trial without providing payment details.
AccuRanker pros & cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Fast and accurate rank tracking | Limited historical data import |
| Instant and on-demand ranking updates | |
| Robust third-party integrations | |
| User-friendly interface and features |
In a nutshell: Endorsed by industry professionals, AccuRanker is a clear favorite for its precise ranking results, advanced data segmentation capabilities, and ease of organizing large keyword data.
Make your SEO game stronger by leveraging the power of AccuRanker’s versatile features and lightning-fast tracking.
#6 – All in One SEO (AIOSEO): The complete SEO toolkit for WordPress websites
Built for WordPress website owners, All in One SEO (AIOSEO) is a comprehensive SEO plugin that more than 3 million site owners already trust.
It provides a complete suite of tools to easily optimize your WordPress site for higher search rankings.
Let’s discover why AIOSEO is an absolute must-have.
Key features of AIOSEO
AIOSEO is packed with powerful functionalities designed to streamline your SEO optimization process:
- TruSEO Page Analysis: Assess your on-page SEO with actionable suggestions to improve your optimization.
- Unlimited keywords: Target and manage as many keywords as needed for your site.
- SEO Audit Checklist: Follow a comprehensive checklist to ensure your site is following best SEO practices.
- Custom breadcrumbs: Enhance the user experience and internal linking structure with customizable breadcrumb trails.
- Smart Schema Markup: Implement structured data markup for better search engine understanding.
- WooCommerce SEO: Optimize product pages and categories for better search visibility.
- Statistic extension: Track your keywords and gain search insights directly from your WordPress dashboard.
- Keyword Position & Ranking Widgets: Set easy-to-achieve SEO goals, such as getting 1-5 articles in the top 10 search results, and monitor progress using intuitive reports.
- Content ranking report: Identify content decay, performance trends, and additional helpful details such as last updated date for each URL, decay rate, and individual URL SEO data.
Pricing
AIOSEO offers various pricing plans to suit your needs:
| Pricing Plan | Price |
| Basic plan | Starts at $49.60/year |
| Elite plan (including search statistics) | Costs $299.60/year |
AIOSEO pros & cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Comprehensive SEO toolkit for WordPress websites | Specifically tailored to WordPress websites |
| User-friendly interface and in-depth recommendations | Search statistics only available in higher-tier plans |
| Keyword tracking and ranking widgets | |
| Affordable pricing options for smaller budgets |
In a nutshell: AIOSEO is a powerful SEO plugin for WordPress sites, equipped with a comprehensive suite of optimization tools designed to deliver the best results.
With its plethora of features, user-friendly interface, and affordable pricing plans, AIOSEO is an essential choice for businesses building on the WordPress platform.
#7 – Google Search Console: A free and comprehensive resource to boost your SEO game
Google Search Console is an indispensable free tool that empowers businesses and individuals, especially those new to SEO, with valuable search query insights for their website.
Offering detailed information on clicks, impressions, domain positions in Google SERPs, and much more, this resource is an essential part of any successful SEO strategy.
Key features of Google Search Console
Google Search Console stands out for its wealth of user-friendly, valuable features designed to help you improve your website’s search performance:
- Detailed search query examination: Understand the search queries driving users to your site.
- Performance reports: Access extensive data on clicks, impressions, and average domain position in Google SERPs.
- Alerts and notifications: Receive alerts if Google detects specific issues with your site.
- Optimization tools: Optimize your site for AMP, mobile usability, and rich results.
- Individual page ranking monitoring: Track rankings of individual pages and identify your most popular queries.
- Geographic click origin and device usage data: Gain insight into where clicks originate and which devices are used to access your pages.
- Sitemap submission: Submit sitemaps to help rank your pages.
- Page experience and core web vitals insights: Ensure your website performs well by monitoring these important indicators.
- Detailed reports: Generate and export comprehensive reports for analysis.
Google Search Console pros & cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Completely free to use | Provides average ranking positions rather than precise ones |
| Detailed search query examination and performance reports | Lacks real-time ranking updates |
| User-friendly dashboard and intuitive features | |
| Invaluable optimization tools for AMP, mobile usability, and rich results |
In a nutshell: Although Google Search Console may not offer real-time ranking updates and only provides average ranking positions, its unbeatable price (totally free) makes it a must-have tool for any website owner.
Its user-friendly dashboard, detailed reports, and valuable optimization tools can help you make well-informed decisions to enhance your website’s search engine performance.
Explore the full potential of Google Search Console and take your SEO game to the next level!
#8 – SE Ranking: A robust and comprehensive rank tracking solution
Elevate your SEO performance with SE Ranking, a powerful and comprehensive rank tracking tool designed with medium to large enterprises, marketing agencies, and SEO professionals in mind.
Packed with impressive features and a user-friendly interface, SE Ranking is your one-stop solution to monitor SERPs effectively.
Let’s take an in-depth look at this remarkable tool.
Key features of SE Ranking
SE Ranking presents an all-inclusive toolbox to cater to your SEO needs, featuring:
- SERP feature tracking: Monitor search engine results pages (SERPs), map search results, and ads.
- Competitor monitoring: Keep track of up to 20 competitors.
- B2B services: Access white label services, API access, and collaborative projects.
- Multiple search engine support: Review your site’s performance across all major search engines including Google, Bing, Yahoo, Yandex, and YouTube.
- Web-based platform: Conveniently track keywords and audit sites online.
- Local and mobile keyword ranking tracking: Analyze keyword rankings based on geographical locations and devices.
- 14-day free trial: Test the platform without any commitment.
Flexible pricing plans
SE Ranking offers fair and flexible pricing options starting from $23.52 per month, with various subscription plans available:
| Pricing Plan | Price | Features |
| Essential plan | $39/month | 250 to 750 keywordsTen websitesSite audit for 40,000 pagesMonitoring of 6,000 backlinksCompetitive and keyword researchMarketing planPage audit for 150 pages |
| Pro plan | $89/month | Essential plan features1,000 to 1,750 keywordsUnlimited websitesSite audit for 250,000 pagesMonitoring of 30,000 backlinksBacklink verification for 100 domains per dayThree user seatsWhite label features |
| Business plan | $189/month | Pro plan features2,500 to 20,000 keywordsSite audit for up to 700,000 pagesMonitoring of up to 90,000 backlinksStandard backlink verification per dayPage audit for up to 750 pagesTen user seatsKeyword database expansion: 25,000API |
SE Ranking pros & cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Comprehensive range of SEO features and tools | Somewhat complex pricing structure |
| User-friendly interface and clean keyword dashboards | Feature-heavy interface can be overwhelming for some users |
| White label services and collaboration tools | |
| Flexible and fair pricing options |
In a nutshell: Despite some minor drawbacks, SE Ranking remains a highly recommended tool for its accurate data, white label services, and collaboration features. With its extensive features and powerful analytics, SE Ranking can propel your SEO strategy to new heights.
#9 – SERPWatcher: Streamlined and visual rank tracking for all your SEO needs
Redefine your SEO game with SERPWatcher, an efficient and potent SERP monitoring tool that consolidates all crucial data on one screen.
Not only does it present critical insights but also prioritizes user experience with visually appealing graphical representations. Embrace simplicity, speed, and proficiency with this tool.
Key features of SERPWatcher
SERPWatcher’s array of impressive features ensures you stay ahead in the competitive world of SERPs:
- Performance Index: Gauge your site’s organic traffic potential based on current keyword positions and search volume.
- Daily ranking updates: Stay informed with daily email alerts.
- User-friendly interface: Easy to set up, intuitive, and visually appealing.
- Localized data: Obtain localized ranking insights from over 50,000 locations for local SEO strategies.
- Device-based results: Get specific ranking information for desktop and mobile search results.
- Interactive reports: Maintain complete visibility on your website’s performance via easy-to-read interactive reports.
- Event-based alerts: Configure email notifications based on specific events or milestones.
- SERP Previews: Visualize SERPs and obtain daily rankings.
Pricing plans
SERPWatcher offers a 10-day free trial, followed by premium plans to accommodate diverse budgets:
| Pricing Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price |
| Mangools Basic | $49/month | $29.94/month (billed annually) |
| Mangools Premium | $69/month | $39.90/month (billed annually) |
| Mangools Agency | $129/month | $79.90/month (billed annually) |
SERPWatcher pros & cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Affordable and comprehensive rank tracking tool | Limited keyword history for the basic plan |
| User-friendly interface and visually appealing reports | Higher-tier plans may be costly for small businesses |
| Localized data and device-specific results | No API access in lower-tier plans |
| 10-day free trial available |
In a nutshell: Industry professionals such as Carlo Barajas (SurfaceSEO) and Irena Zobniow (Insightland) endorse SERP Watcher for its affordability, ease of use, and effectiveness in tracking a large number of keywords.
If you seek a user-friendly, visually oriented, and cost-effective SEO solution that provides a holistic view of your website’s performance, this tool can be your go-to tool.
Well, we’ve already seen quite a few tools, and you’ll no doubt have identified one or two that might be right for you. But we’ve still got one more to go.
#10 – Nightwatch: Sophisticated rank tracker tool tailored for local SEO and agencies
Nightwatch provides a versatile suite of SEO tools, focusing on daily rank tracking of keywords across multiple search engines.
It’s the ideal choice for local businesses, SEO professionals, and digital marketing agencies that require an all-inclusive platform.
Key features of Nightwatch
Nightwatch offers a feature-rich suite to support your local SEO efforts, some of which include:
- Over 100,000 data centers: Access valuable data from a wide range of sources.
- Compatibility with most search engines: Track keywords across Google, YouTube, DuckDuckGo, Bing, and more.
- Keyword discovery tool: Unearth new keyword opportunities with ease.
- White-label reports: Generate custom reports devoid of branding.
- Site audit tool: Analyze your website’s performance and optimize it effectively.
Pricing plans
Nightwatch presents a variety of plans to suit different budgets and requirements:
| Pricing Plan | Monthly Price |
| Starter plan | $39/month |
| Optimize plan | $99/month |
| Agency plan | $369/month |
All plans come with a 14-day free trial to help you assess the platform thoroughly before committing.
Pros & cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Advanced custom segmentation feature | Dashboard may appear cluttered for some users |
| Incredibly accurate data | No free plan available |
| Ideal for local businesses | |
| Includes additional SEO tools |
In a nutshell: Nightwatch has garnered praise from industry professionals such as Andrew Jacobson from 9thCO, who lauds the tool’s ability to track global and individual keyword performance and its breakdown by geography.
With daily rank tracking across various search engines and a user-friendly interface, Nightwatch is set to optimize your local SEO efforts with precision.
That’s it, our ranking of the best ranking tools is over! But as we’ve said a lot, we’re going to sum it all up for you.
Also read : How to Maximize Your Website’s SEO Potential
Best SEO rank checker software: what to remember
To summarize, we have explored a range of powerful and versatile rank tracker softwares designed to improve your website’s search engine rankings and optimize your overall SEO strategy.
Here are the key takeaways from the top 10 SEO rank tracking tools of 2023:
- Semrush: Comprehensive all-in-one SEO and marketing suite, suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- Moz Pro: Accurate rank tracker with fast results, perfect for competitor audit and long-term keyword tracking.
- Ahrefs: Complete SEO platform with advanced SERP feature tracking and visual data representations.
- MonsterInsights: User-friendly Google Analytics integration for WordPress, focusing on real-time data and Google search results.
- AccuRanker: Fast, accurate rank tracking with advanced data segmentation capabilities and third-party integrations.
- All in One (AIOSEO): Comprehensive SEO toolkit specifically tailored for WordPress websites, offering keyword tracking and ranking widgets.
- Google Search Console: A free and essential tool providing extensive search query examination, performance reports, and optimization tools.
- SE Ranking: Robust and comprehensive rank tracking solution with competitor monitoring, white label services, and collaboration features.
- SERPWatcher: Streamlined rank tracking with visually appealing reports, localized data, and device-specific results.
- Nightwatch: Sophisticated rank tracking tailored for local SEO and agencies, offering advanced custom segmentation and accurate data.
Remember to assess each rank tracker tool carefully based on your business requirements, target audience, budget constraints, and user preferences.
By selecting the right rank tracker software for your specific needs, you can successfully elevate your website’s search engine rankings and drive substantial growth in the competitive world of SEO.
