Close vs Semrush
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Close and Semrush. We compare features, pricing, ease of use, and value for money to help you make the right choice in 2026.
Reviewed by the Ikaroa team · Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
Semrush edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.5/5. However, Close (4.3/5) may be the better fit if you prioritise Inside sales teams that live on the phone and need built-in communication tools. Read on for the full breakdown.
Close vs Semrush at a Glance
Close
★ 4.3Close is a CRM built specifically for inside sales teams. It combines calling, email, and SMS in one platform, designed to help reps close more deals faster.
Starting from: £42/user/month
Best for: Inside sales teams that live on the phone and need built-in communication tools
Read full review →Semrush
★ 4.5Semrush is the most comprehensive SEO and digital marketing toolkit on the market. It offers keyword research, site audits, competitor analysis, backlink tracking, content marketing tools, and PPC research. Used by agencies and in-house marketing teams worldwide as their primary SEO platform.
Starting from: £100/month
Best for: Agencies and marketing teams wanting the most comprehensive SEO and digital marketing toolkit
Read full review →Close vs Semrush Feature Comparison
Here is how Close and Semrush compare across the features that matter most. We have tested both platforms extensively across client implementations.
| Feature | Close | Semrush |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | No | No |
| Starting Price | £42/user/month | £100/month |
| Best For | Inside sales teams that live on the phone and need built-in communication tools | Agencies and marketing teams wanting the most comprehensive SEO and digital marketing toolkit |
| Our Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Mobile App | Yes | Limited |
| Email Marketing | No | No |
| Automation | Limited | Limited |
| Reporting | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Extensive | Limited |
| API Access | Limited | Limited |
| Ikaroa Exclusive Discount | N/A | N/A |
Close vs Semrush Pricing
Pricing is often the deciding factor. Here is a full breakdown of what each platform charges at every tier:
Close Pricing
Startup
£42/user/month
- ✓Pipeline view
- ✓Task management
- ✓Built-in calling
- ✓SMS
Professional
£66/user/month
- ✓Everything in Startup
- ✓Email sequences
- ✓Power dialer
- ✓Call recording
Enterprise
£105/user/month
- ✓Everything in Professional
- ✓Predictive dialer
- ✓Custom roles
- ✓Call coaching
Semrush Pricing
Pro
£100/month
- ✓5 projects
- ✓500 keywords to track
- ✓10,000 results per report
- ✓SEO, PPC, and research tools
Guru
£190/month
- ✓15 projects
- ✓1,500 keywords
- ✓30,000 results per report
- ✓Content marketing toolkit
Business
£350/month
- ✓40 projects
- ✓5,000 keywords
- ✓50,000 results per report
- ✓API access
Not sure which to pick?
Our team has implemented both Close and Semrush for clients. We can help you decide based on your specific needs.
Close Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Built-in calling, email, and SMS
- •Designed specifically for sales teams
- •Power and predictive dialer
- •Clean, fast interface
- •Excellent API
✗Cons
- •No marketing features
- •Expensive compared to alternatives
- •Limited customisation options
- •Smaller integration ecosystem
- •No free plan
Semrush Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Most comprehensive SEO toolkit available
- •Excellent keyword research database
- •Strong competitor analysis tools
- •Content marketing features included
- •Regular feature updates and improvements
✗Cons
- •Expensive, especially for individuals
- •Per-user pricing adds significant cost
- •Can be overwhelming for beginners
- •Some data can be less accurate for UK-specific searches
- •Learning curve for the full toolkit
Our Verdict: Close vs Semrush
Both Close and Semrush are solid options, but they serve different needs. Having implemented both for multiple clients, here is our recommendation:
Choose Close if you need Inside sales teams that live on the phone and need built-in communication tools. With a starting price of £42/user/month and a rating of 4.3/5, it offers built-in calling, email, and sms.
Choose Semrush if you need Agencies and marketing teams wanting the most comprehensive SEO and digital marketing toolkit. Starting at £100/month with a 4.5/5 rating, it excels at most comprehensive seo toolkit available.
Still not sure? Talk to the Ikaroa team. We have helped hundreds of businesses make this exact decision, and we are happy to point you in the right direction.
🎁 Get either product at a discount through Ikaroa Partners
Consider Open Doors Instead
Why choose between Close and Semrush? Open Doors gives you the best features of both in one platform, for less. It is an all-in-one CRM with email marketing, SMS, funnels, booking, invoicing, automation, and more, starting at just £97/month with unlimited contacts.
Need implementation help?
Ikaroa can set up Close or Semrush for your business, migrate your data, and train your team. We have done it dozens of times.
Free consultation. No obligation.