Surfer SEO
AI-powered content optimization and SEO strategy platform
Scalenut
AI-powered SEO content research and writing platform
Frase
AI-powered SEO content research and optimization tool for writers
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Surfer SEO wins with an 8.6 consensus score thanks to its industry-leading content scoring algorithm and real-time optimization suggestions that writers can follow as they draft. Scalenut takes second with its combined research-to-writing workflow at 8.0, making it a strong all-in-one option. Frase rounds out the trio at 7.7 — its content briefs are excellent but its writing tools lag behind the competition.
SCORE BREAKDOWN
DEEP DIVE
Surfer SEO
AI-powered content optimization and SEO strategy platform
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"Surfer SEO has cemented its position as the leading content optimization platform by expanding aggressively into AI search visibility with AI Tracker, Pre-Publish Review for AI-friendly structure, one-click Auto-Optimize for both Google and AI search engines, and Brand Knowledge context injection — effectively bridging traditional SEO and the emerging GEO landscape. However, the total cost of ownership remains the platform's Achilles heel, with the Essential plan at ~$99/mo and critical add-ons like AI Tracker ($95/mo) and SERP Analyzer ($29/mo) pushing the real cost well beyond the base price for full functionality."
"Surfer SEO makes on-page optimization practical with a content editor and real-time scoring for topical coverage. It’s effective for building briefs and tightening drafts, but it can nudge teams toward formulaic writing if the score becomes the goal, and pricing adds up quickly."
"Surfer SEO stabilizes its position in 2026 as the high-end choice for serious SEOs, with its new 'Surfy' AI assistant and deep AI Visibility tracking capabilities. It's expensive, but for teams who need to guarantee their place in both Google and LLM search results, it's a necessary investment."
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Content marketers and writers who want data-driven SEO optimization for articles
Scalenut
AI-powered SEO content research and writing platform
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"Scalenut delivers the best value-for-money all-in-one SEO content platform at $39/mo, with Cruise Mode automating the entire workflow from keyword cluster to finished draft in a way no competitor has matched at this price point. However, the keyword database remains noticeably smaller and less accurate than established platforms, the AI-generated content requires significant editorial oversight to avoid generic phrasing, and the competitor analysis capabilities are too rudimentary for teams with serious SEO requirements."
"Scalenut is an end-to-end workflow for SEO content research, planning, drafting, and optimization, with newer emphasis on AI visibility and GEO-style audits. It can be an efficient way to move from keywords to publishable outlines, but drafts still need a human editor for specificity and accuracy."
"Scalenut creates a compelling niche in 2026 as the 'Growth' choice, offering aggressive pricing and solid 'Cruise Mode' automation for scaling content production. With starter pricing dropping to 0/mo, it offers the best bang-for-your-buck for teams needing GEO and SEO features at scale."
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Small teams wanting an affordable all-in-one SEO content research and writing tool
Frase
AI-powered SEO content research and optimization tool for writers
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"Frase has undergone a remarkable transformation into a Content Intelligence Platform with AI-powered contextual topic analysis, one-click Auto Optimize for both SEO and GEO, AI Search Tracking across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and Claude, plus a conversational AI Agent wrapping 92 tools in one interface. The Content Opportunities feature with Google Search Console integration proactively surfaces decaying content and quick wins, and the addition of Brand Voice governance, programmatic SEO, and multi-language support make this a far more capable platform than its previous iteration suggested."
"Frase is a solid research-and-brief tool for writers who want SEO guidance while they outline and draft, with briefs that can cut a lot of planning time. The workflow is useful, but pricing (and add-ons) can climb quickly, and user reviews frequently flag support and billing friction."
"Frase in 2026 pivots to being your 'Strategic AI Copilot' with its new Agent capabilities, offering a more guided approach to content strategy than competitors. It remains a solid, more affordable alternative to Surfer, though it lacks some of the deep data granularity of the market leader."
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Individual writers and bloggers who need affordable SEO content research and briefs
PRICING COMPARISON
| Surfer SEO | Scalenut | Frase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | — | ✓ Limited free trial available | — |
| Pro Price | $89/mo | $39/mo | $15/mo |
| Team / Enterprise | $179/mo | $79/mo | $115/mo |
RELATED BATTLES
/// SYS_INFO Methodology & Disclosure
How we rate: Each AI model receives the same structured prompt asking it to evaluate each tool across profession-specific criteria on a 1-10 scale. Models rate independently — no model sees another's scores. Consensus score = average of all three judges. Agreement level = score spread.
Profession criteria: Tools are evaluated on criteria specific to writers workflows, including quality, ease of use, pricing value, and domain-specific capabilities.
Affiliate disclosure: Links to tool signup pages may earn us a commission. This never influences AI ratings.