Last Updated: February 2026
Quick Verdict: Frase excels at content research and brief creation with better pricing for small teams ($39-103/mo). Surfer SEO wins for on-page optimization depth and NLP analysis but costs more ($79-175/mo). Choose Frase for research-first workflows; choose Surfer for optimization-first workflows.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Frase | Surfer SEO |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Content briefs, research, AI writing | On-page optimization, SERP analysis |
| Starting Price | $39/mo (annual) | $79/mo (annual) |
| AI Writing | ✅ Included in all plans | ✅ Included (limited articles) |
| Content Briefs | ✅ Excellent (industry-leading) | ⚠️ Basic |
| SERP Analyzer | ✅ Good | ✅ Excellent (500+ signals) |
| NLP Optimization | ✅ Good | ✅ Industry-leading |
| Internal Linking | ⚠️ Suggestions only | ✅ Auto internal linking |
| GEO (AI Search) | ✅ AI Visibility tracking | ✅ AI Tracker |
| Content Audit | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Free Trial | 7 days | 7-day money-back |
What Is Frase?
Frase is an AI-powered SEO content platform focused on research and content intelligence. Originally known for its exceptional content brief generation, Frase has evolved into a full-stack SEO tool with AI writing, optimization, and now GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) capabilities.
Core Strengths:
- Industry-leading content briefs and research
- AI writing with brand voice customization
- Question research (People Also Ask analysis)
- Competitive content gap analysis
- AI Search Visibility monitoring (ChatGPT, Perplexity, etc.)
Target Users: Content teams, SEO agencies, freelance writers who prioritize research and planning before writing.
What Is Surfer SEO?
Surfer SEO is the gold standard for on-page content optimization. Using NLP analysis and 500+ ranking signals, Surfer reverse-engineers what makes top-ranking content succeed and provides real-time optimization guidance.
Core Strengths:
- Real-time Content Score (industry standard metric)
- Deep NLP and semantic analysis
- SERP Analyzer with granular data
- Auto internal linking suggestions
- Coverage Booster (pulls facts from LLMs)
- Grow Flow (weekly SEO tasks)
Target Users: SEO professionals, content agencies, marketing teams who prioritize optimization and measurable rankings.
Pricing Comparison (2026)
Frase Pricing
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Articles/Month | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $49 | $39/mo | 10 | 1 user, basic research |
| Professional | $129 | $103/mo | 40 | 3 users, content calendar, internal linking |
| Scale | $299 | $239/mo | 100 | 5 users, auto linking, API access |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom | Custom | SSO, white-label, dedicated support |
Add-ons: Extra seats $29/mo, pay-as-you-go overages available.
Surfer SEO Pricing
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Articles/Month | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | $99 | $79/mo | 30 | 1 user, 5 AI articles |
| Scale | $219 | $175/mo | 100 | 4 users, 20 AI articles |
| Enterprise | From $999 | Custom | Custom | API, custom integrations |
Add-ons: Rank Tracker $8.50/100 keywords, extra AI articles $15 each.
Price-to-Value Analysis
For Solo Users:
- Frase Starter ($39/mo) vs Surfer Essential ($79/mo) = Frase is 51% cheaper
- But Surfer includes 30 articles vs Frase’s 10
For Small Teams (3 users):
- Frase Professional ($103/mo) vs Surfer Scale ($175/mo) = Frase is 41% cheaper
- Frase includes more AI writing; Surfer has deeper optimization
Verdict: Frase offers better value at every tier, but Surfer’s optimization depth may justify the premium for serious SEO teams.
Feature Deep-Dive
Content Briefs
Frase: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Industry Leader)
Frase built its reputation on content briefs. Their system:
- Analyzes top 20 SERP results automatically
- Extracts headers, questions, topics from competitors
- Generates comprehensive outlines with suggested word counts
- Includes “People Also Ask” questions
- Provides external source recommendations
A typical Frase brief gives writers everything they need to create comprehensive content without additional research.
Surfer SEO: ⭐⭐⭐ (Adequate)
Surfer’s brief capability exists but feels secondary:
- Basic outline generation from SERP analysis
- Header suggestions based on competitors
- Less depth in topic coverage
- More focused on optimization than research
Winner: Frase — If content briefs are central to your workflow, Frase is significantly better.
On-Page Optimization
Surfer SEO: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Industry Leader)
Surfer’s Content Editor is the gold standard:
- Real-time Content Score (0-100) as you write
- NLP-powered keyword suggestions with exact frequencies
- Semantic term recommendations
- Structure analysis (paragraphs, images, word count)
- Competitor comparison panel
- Coverage Booster pulls facts from LLMs and top pages
The Content Score has become an industry benchmark—many SEOs won’t publish without hitting 80+.
Frase: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very Good)
Frase’s optimization is solid but less granular:
- Topic Score based on keyword coverage
- Suggested terms to include
- Competitive comparison
- Less emphasis on exact keyword frequency
- More holistic “topic coverage” approach
Winner: Surfer SEO — For pure on-page optimization, Surfer’s depth is unmatched.
AI Writing
Frase: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
AI writing is deeply integrated into Frase’s workflow:
- Generate full articles from briefs
- Brand Voice customization (learns your tone)
- Section-by-section generation
- AI Hero Images (included in plans)
- No additional cost for AI features
Surfer SEO: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Surfer added “Surfy” AI assistant:
- Integrated AI writing in Content Editor
- Custom voice settings
- AI article generation (limited per plan)
- Extra AI articles cost $15 each
- Good quality, but feels like an add-on
Winner: Frase — More generous AI limits and better integration.
SERP Analysis
Surfer SEO: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Surfer’s SERP Analyzer is comprehensive:
- 500+ ranking signals analyzed
- Correlation data for every factor
- Exact competitor word counts, headers, images
- Backlink data integration
- Page speed insights
- Mobile vs desktop comparison
Frase: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Frase provides good SERP insights:
- Top 20 results analysis
- Content structure breakdown
- Question extraction
- Less granular on technical factors
- More focused on content signals
Winner: Surfer SEO — Deeper technical analysis.
Internal Linking
Surfer SEO: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Surfer offers auto internal linking:
- Scans your entire site
- Suggests relevant internal links
- Can auto-insert links in published content
- Identifies orphan pages
- Improves site architecture automatically
Frase: ⭐⭐⭐
Frase provides linking suggestions:
- Identifies internal link opportunities
- Manual implementation required
- Less automated than Surfer
- Scale plan required for full features
Winner: Surfer SEO — Auto-linking is a significant time-saver.
GEO (AI Search Optimization)
Both tools now address AI search visibility (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, etc.):
Frase:
- AI Search Visibility monitoring
- Tracks mentions across 2-8 platforms (by plan)
- Historical visibility data
- Optimization recommendations for AI citations
Surfer SEO:
- AI Tracker (5 daily prompts on Essential)
- Coverage Booster pulls LLM-sourced facts
- Monitors AI search presence
- More limited tracking on lower plans
Winner: Tie — Both are addressing GEO; Frase has more platforms, Surfer has Coverage Booster.
Best Use Cases
Choose Frase If You:
✅ Need comprehensive content briefs before writing
✅ Have a research-first content workflow
✅ Want more affordable pricing for teams
✅ Prioritize AI writing features
✅ Create content calendars and plan ahead
✅ Need to track AI search visibility across many platforms
✅ Work with freelance writers who need detailed briefs
Choose Surfer SEO If You:
✅ Prioritize on-page optimization and Content Score
✅ Need deep NLP and semantic analysis
✅ Want auto internal linking features
✅ Already have content and need to optimize existing pages
✅ Trust data-driven, correlation-based recommendations
✅ Need Rank Tracker integration
✅ Work in competitive niches requiring precise optimization
Workflow Comparison
Frase Workflow (Research → Write → Optimize)
Best for: Teams that plan extensively before writing.
Surfer Workflow (Analyze → Optimize → Rank)
Best for: Teams focused on hitting optimization benchmarks.
Integration Ecosystem
Frase Integrations
- WordPress (direct publishing)
- Google Docs
- Google Search Console
- Content calendars
- API (Enterprise only)
Surfer SEO Integrations
- WordPress
- Google Docs
- Contentful
- Jasper AI
- Semrush
- API (Scale+ plans)
Verdict: Similar coverage; Surfer has more third-party SEO tool integrations.
Pros and Cons Summary
Frase
Pros:
- Best-in-class content briefs
- More affordable at every tier
- Generous AI writing included
- Strong AI search visibility tracking
- Excellent for content planning
Cons:
- Less granular on-page optimization
- No auto internal linking (manual suggestions only)
- Smaller user community than Surfer
- Fewer third-party integrations
Surfer SEO
Pros:
- Industry-standard Content Score
- Deepest NLP optimization available
- Auto internal linking
- 500+ ranking signals analyzed
- Large community and ecosystem
Cons:
- More expensive at every tier
- AI articles cost extra after limits
- Can feel overwhelming for beginners
- Less focus on research/planning phase
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both Frase and Surfer together?
Yes, and many power users do. Use Frase for research and briefs, then optimize final content in Surfer’s Content Editor. This combines best-in-class research with best-in-class optimization.
Which tool is better for beginners?
Frase is more approachable. The workflow (research → brief → write) is intuitive. Surfer’s depth can overwhelm newcomers with data.
Which has better AI writing?
Frase includes more generous AI limits and has AI writing as a core feature. Surfer’s AI is good but feels like an add-on with stricter limits.
Do I need both for good SEO?
No. Either tool alone can produce ranking content. The choice depends on your workflow preference: research-first (Frase) or optimization-first (Surfer).
Which tool integrates better with other SEO tools?
Surfer SEO has more native integrations with tools like Jasper and Semrush. Frase focuses more on its own ecosystem.
Is the Content Score actually important?
Yes, for Surfer users. Studies show correlation between higher Content Scores and rankings. But it’s not magic—quality content with a lower score can still rank.
Which is better for agencies?
Depends on your model. Frase is better for agencies that deliver briefs to writers. Surfer is better for agencies that handle optimization in-house.
Final Verdict
Choose Frase If:
You want better value, comprehensive research, and AI writing as core features. Ideal for content teams that plan before they write and need detailed briefs for writers.
Best plan: Professional ($103/mo) for most teams.
Choose Surfer SEO If:
You want industry-leading optimization, auto internal linking, and data-driven recommendations. Ideal for SEO professionals who prioritize hitting optimization benchmarks.
Best plan: Scale ($175/mo) for teams; Essential ($79/mo) for solo users.
The Power User Move:
Use both — Frase for research and briefs, Surfer for final optimization. Total cost: ~$180-280/mo for a workflow that covers every angle.
Ready to try Frase? Start your 7-day free trial. Prefer Surfer SEO? Get started with a 7-day guarantee.
📊 Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature | Frase | Surfer SEO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content Optimization | AI-powered research & writing | On-page SEO optimization | 🏆 Tie (different focus) |
| Pricing (Starter) | $15/month (4 articles) | $89/month (10 articles) | 🏆 Frase |
| SERP Analysis | Built-in SERP research | Advanced SERP analyzer | 🏆 Surfer SEO |
| Content Templates | AI-generated outlines | Data-driven content editor | 🏆 Surfer SEO |
| Keyword Research | Basic keyword insights | Comprehensive keyword tools | 🏆 Surfer SEO |
| User Interface | Clean, intuitive design | Complex but powerful | 🏆 Frase |
| Team Collaboration | Basic sharing features | Advanced workspace tools | 🏆 Surfer SEO |
| Content Generation | AI writing assistant | Optimization guidelines only | 🏆 Frase |
💰 Detailed Pricing Breakdown (2026)
Understanding the true cost of these SEO tools requires looking beyond the headline prices to understand what you actually get for your investment:
Frase Pricing Structure
- Solo Plan ($15/month): 4 articles per month, unlimited users, basic analytics
- Basic Plan ($45/month): 30 articles per month, team collaboration, priority support
- Team Plan ($115/month): Unlimited articles, advanced analytics, custom integrations
- Add-ons: Additional AI-generated content at $35 per 20 articles
Surfer SEO Pricing Structure
- Lite Plan ($89/month): 10 articles, 1 user, basic content editor
- Pro Plan ($179/month): 30 articles, 5 users, full feature access
- Business Plan ($299/month): 70 articles, 10 users, priority support
- Enterprise (Custom): Unlimited articles, unlimited users, dedicated success manager
Cost Per Article Analysis:
- Frase Solo: $3.75 per article (15/month = 4 articles)
- Surfer Lite: $8.90 per article ($89/month = 10 articles)
- Value Winner: Frase offers significantly better value for content-heavy strategies
🎯 Use Case Scenarios: When to Choose Which
Choose Frase If You Need:
- AI-Powered Content Creation: Generate first drafts, outlines, and content briefs automatically
- Budget-Conscious Content Strategy: Maximum content production with minimal investment
- Content Research Efficiency: Quickly analyze top-ranking pages and extract key insights
- Beginner-Friendly SEO: Simple interface without overwhelming technical details
- Question-Based Content: Excellent “People Also Ask” research and optimization
- Small Team Operations: Solo creators or small teams under 5 people
Choose Surfer SEO If You Need:
- Advanced Technical SEO: Comprehensive on-page optimization with data-driven insights
- Enterprise-Level Analytics: Deep SERP analysis, competitor tracking, and performance monitoring
- Large Team Collaboration: Multiple users, role management, and workflow automation
- Existing Content Optimization: Auditing and improving already published articles
- Keyword Strategy Development: Comprehensive keyword research and gap analysis
- Agency-Level Reporting: Client-ready reports and white-label capabilities
⚙️ Workflow Integration Analysis
How these tools fit into your existing content creation and SEO workflows can significantly impact their effectiveness:
Frase Workflow Integration
Content Creation Pipeline:
- Step 1: Input target keyword or topic
- Step 2: Auto-analyze top 10 SERP results
- Step 3: Generate AI content brief with suggested headings
- Step 4: Use AI assistant to write content sections
- Step 5: Optimize content based on competitor analysis
- Step 6: Export to WordPress, Google Docs, or other platforms
Integration Capabilities:
- WordPress plugin for direct publishing
- Google Docs add-on for collaborative editing
- Zapier connections for workflow automation
- Chrome extension for research while browsing
Surfer SEO Workflow Integration
Optimization Pipeline:
- Step 1: Keyword research and cluster analysis
- Step 2: Create content editor based on top competitors
- Step 3: Write/paste content into optimization editor
- Step 4: Follow real-time optimization suggestions
- Step 5: Audit content score and missing elements
- Step 6: Publish and track performance over time
Integration Capabilities:
- WordPress plugin with content editor integration
- Google Search Console data synchronization
- Semrush and Ahrefs data integration
- API access for custom workflow development
📈 Learning Curve and Skill Requirements
Frase Learning Journey
Beginner Level (Week 1):
- Set up account and understand basic interface (30 minutes)
- Generate first content brief and understand SERP analysis (1 hour)
- Use AI writing assistant for content creation (2 hours)
- Complete first optimized article (4-6 hours total)
Intermediate Level (Month 1):
- Master question research and FAQ optimization
- Develop content templates for recurring topics
- Integrate with existing content workflows
- Understand analytics and performance tracking
Surfer SEO Learning Journey
Beginner Level (Week 1-2):
- Understand keyword research and clustering (2-3 hours)
- Learn content editor and optimization scores (3-4 hours)
- Practice with SERP analyzer and competitor research (4-5 hours)
- Complete first fully optimized article (8-10 hours total)
Advanced Level (Month 2-3):
- Master advanced keyword strategies and content gaps
- Develop comprehensive content cluster strategies
- Utilize team collaboration and workflow features
- Create automated reporting and monitoring systems
🛠️ Support and Resources Comparison
Frase Support Ecosystem
- Knowledge Base: Comprehensive help articles with screenshots and tutorials
- Video Academy: Step-by-step video courses for all skill levels
- Email Support: Available on all plans, typically responds within 24 hours
- Community: Active Facebook group and Slack community
- Live Chat: Available for Team plan subscribers during business hours
- Onboarding: Free setup call for Team plan customers
Surfer SEO Support Ecosystem
- Surfer Academy: Extensive training materials and certification programs
- Help Center: Detailed documentation with advanced use cases
- Live Chat: Available on all paid plans during extended hours
- Priority Support: Business plan includes priority queue and phone support
- Dedicated Manager: Enterprise clients get assigned success managers
- Webinars: Regular training sessions and feature updates
🔍 Feature Deep Dive: Content Research
Frase Research Capabilities
SERP Analysis Features:
- Automatic analysis of top 10-20 search results
- Content gap identification and topic modeling
- Question extraction from “People Also Ask” sections
- Related keyword and topic suggestions
- Competitor content length and structure analysis
AI Research Assistant:
- Generates content outlines based on top competitors
- Suggests relevant statistics and data points
- Identifies content angles and unique perspectives
- Recommends internal linking opportunities
Surfer SEO Research Capabilities
SERP Analyzer Features:
- Comprehensive analysis of up to 100 top-ranking pages
- Detailed on-page SEO factor analysis
- Backlink profile and domain authority insights
- Technical SEO factor evaluation (page speed, mobile optimization)
- Content structure and formatting analysis
Keyword Research Tools:
- Keyword clustering and topic grouping
- Search volume and keyword difficulty metrics
- Competitor gap analysis and opportunity identification
- Local SEO keyword research capabilities
🌍 Alternative SEO Content Tools
While Frase and Surfer SEO are leading options, several alternatives deserve consideration based on specific needs:
Premium Alternatives
- Clearscope: Advanced content optimization with team collaboration features ($170/month)
- MarketMuse: AI-powered content strategy and gap analysis ($7,200/year)
- BrightEdge: Enterprise-level content performance platform (Custom pricing)
Budget-Friendly Options
- Page Optimizer Pro: Simple on-page optimization tool ($34/month)
- NeuronWriter: AI content optimization with competitive pricing ($69/month)
- Content King: Real-time SEO monitoring and optimization ($49/month)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use both tools together effectively?
Yes, many SEO professionals use both tools in complementary ways. Use Frase for content research and initial drafting, then optimize the final content in Surfer SEO for technical perfection.
2. Which tool is better for beginners?
Frase is generally more beginner-friendly due to its intuitive interface and AI assistance. Surfer SEO requires more SEO knowledge but offers more comprehensive optimization.
3. Do these tools work for all content types?
Frase: Excellent for blog posts, articles, and FAQ content. Less effective for product pages or highly technical content.
Surfer SEO: Works well for all content types including e-commerce, technical documentation, and multimedia content.
4. How accurate are the optimization recommendations?
Both tools provide data-driven recommendations based on current top-ranking pages. However, SEO success depends on multiple factors including content quality, user experience, and domain authority.
5. Can I export content from these platforms?
Yes, both platforms allow content export in various formats (HTML, Word, Google Docs). You maintain full ownership of content created within these tools.
6. Do these tools support languages other than English?
Frase: Supports 25+ languages for content research and optimization.
Surfer SEO: Supports 20+ languages with varying levels of keyword data availability.
7. What’s the typical ROI timeframe for these investments?
Most users see improved search rankings within 2-3 months of consistent use. However, significant traffic increases typically require 6-12 months of optimized content publication.
8. Are there any content limitations I should know about?
Frase: Monthly article limits based on plan. Additional content available through add-on purchases.
Surfer SEO: Article limits based on plan tier. No restrictions on content editing or optimization attempts per article.
