Frase vs Surfer SEO
Comparing the complete SEO platform vs the optimization specialist.
Last updated: October 2025
Trusted by companies including ActiveCampaign, Asurion, Career Karma, Coursera, Deltek, Digitas, Extra Space, FindLaw, GitLab, Hennessey, Kraken, Merkle, Microsoft, Oracle, PTC, Talkspace, Thermo Fisher, Thomson Reuters, Toptal, Under Armour.
At a Glance
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Frase Recommended | Surfer SEO |
|---|---|---|
| SEO Research & Analysis | ||
| SERP analysis | ||
| Keyword research | ||
| Content briefs | ||
| Competitor analysis | ||
| Google Search Console integration | ||
| Content Creation | ||
| AI content writing | ||
| Content editor | ||
| AI chat assistant | In-editor AI assistance | |
| AI image generation | Built-in, unlimited | |
| Multilingual content creation | 100+ languages | 8 languages |
| Unlimited AI words | No word limits | Limited |
| Complete workflow (research → write → optimize) | End-to-end platform | Limited Optimization-focused |
| Content Optimization | ||
| SEO optimization | ||
| GEO optimization (AI search) | ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, etc. | GEO integrated into content generation |
| Real-time content scoring | ||
| Content audit | ||
| Proactive Monitoring | ||
| Content Opportunities monitoring | Proactive GSC alerts | |
| Visibility alerts | Track ranking changes | |
| Automated content recommendations | AI-powered suggestions | |
| AI Search Tracking | ||
| ChatGPT citation tracking | 5 platforms | AI Tracker add-on |
| AI Search Tracking pricing | From $49/mo Add-on or bundled | $95/mo Add-on only |
| Tracked queries | 50-350 prompts Based on tier | 25+ Limited details |
| Daily refresh | ||
| Brand & Team Features | ||
| Brand voice control | Voice training + governance workflows | Custom Voice, Global Brand Voice |
| Content governance | Approval workflows | |
| Team workflows | Full collaboration suite | Limited Basic features |
| Multi-user collaboration | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Google Docs | ||
| WordPress | ||
| Chrome Extension | Optimize anywhere | |
| API access | ||
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price (monthly) | $49 | $49 Discovery plan (limited) |
| Features at $49/mo | Full platform included SEO + GEO + AI writing + images + monitoring | Basic plan Limited articles, no AI Tracker |
| Get Started Free | 2 content docs + 1 Rank-Ready included | 7 days trial |
| Value for teams | Excellent - more features, lower cost | Lower - fewer features, higher cost |
Which Should You Choose?
- ✓Want a complete end-to-end platform (research, write, optimize, monitor) instead of juggling multiple tools
- ✓Create content in 100+ languages (vs Surfer's 8 languages)
- ✓Need unlimited AI words without credit limits or usage anxiety
- ✓Want proactive Content Opportunities alerts showing what to update before rankings drop
- ✓Need GEO optimization for AI search engines (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Gemini)
- ✓Want built-in AI image generation directly in your editor
- ✓Need enterprise-grade content governance — approval workflows, content rules, and team permissions on top of brand voice
- ✓Want more features at the same $49/mo starting price — full platform vs basic plan
Read verified Frase reviews from 500+ users →
- •Only need content optimization (not full content creation)
- •Want the most comprehensive SERP analysis available
- •Prefer Surfer's optimization-focused approach over an all-in-one platform
- •Have budget for Standard ($99/mo) or higher plans
- •Already have writing tools and just need optimization
The Main Differences
Frase: Covers the entire content workflow—research, write, optimize, generate images, track performance. Everything in one platform.
Surfer SEO: Primarily focused on optimization. You'll need separate tools for AI writing and other parts of your workflow.
Frase: Optimizes your content to perform well in AI search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Gemini. Create content that gets cited by AI platforms—critical for the future of search.
Surfer SEO: Also offers GEO optimization integrated into content generation and its AI Tracker add-on ($95/mo). Both platforms address AI search, but Frase bundles GEO into the base platform at no extra cost.
Frase: Starts at $49/month with more features included. Better value for teams that need a complete solution.
Surfer SEO: Also starts at $49/month (Discovery plan), but the entry tier includes fewer features. Comparable coverage requires the Standard plan ($99/mo) plus AI Tracker add-on ($95/mo).
Frase: Brand voice training plus content governance layer — approval workflows, content rules, and team permissions that ensure every piece of content stays on-brand before it goes live. Built for enterprise teams managing content at scale.
Surfer SEO: Offers brand voice features (Custom Voice, Global Brand Voice, Brand Knowledge), but lacks content governance — no approval workflows, content rules, or structured team permissions for editorial control.
Frase: Industry-leading 100+ language support for creating SEO-optimized content in multiple languages. Ideal for global teams and international content strategies.
Surfer SEO: Limited to 8 languages, which may restrict international content capabilities.
Frase: Unlimited AI-generated words with no credits, no caps, no usage anxiety. Write as much content as your team needs without worrying about running out of credits.
Surfer SEO: Credit-based system with usage limits that can create budget uncertainty and may restrict content production.
The Key Differentiator: The Frase Agent
Surfer SEO gives you powerful optimization tools—but you navigate between them, configure each one, and manually coordinate your workflow.
The Frase Agent understands your optimization goals and executes complete workflows autonomously. Just describe what you want in natural language, and the Agent handles everything.
With the Frase Agent
"Optimize my article on 'content marketing' to beat the top 3 competitors and score above 85%"
→ Agent analyzes SERP, identifies gaps, suggests improvements, and guides you to a winning score
Without an Agent (Surfer SEO)
Open SERP analyzer → Review each competitor manually → Switch to content editor → Check NLP terms → Manually implement suggestions
→ Multiple dashboards, manual analysis, constant switching
80+ Specialized Skills via Natural Language
Frase brings 80+ specialized skills — from SERP analysis to content generation to GEO optimization — all through natural conversation. No learning curve, no tool switching, no manual workflows.
Total Cost Comparison
- ✓ SEO research
- ✓ AI content writing
- ✓ Content optimization (SEO + GEO)
- ✓ Content Opportunities monitoring
- ✓ Brand voice + content governance
- ✓ Image generation
- ✓ Team workflows
Nearly 4x the cost of Frase for comparable capabilities
Switching from Surfer SEO to Frase?
What to Expect:
- • Import your content and keywords
- • Set up your brand voice profile
- • Configure team workflows
- • Training on Frase's unique features (GEO optimization, Content Opportunities, etc.)
Bonus:
You'll gain GEO optimization, Content Opportunities monitoring, and content governance workflows—features Surfer doesn't offer at any price.
Ready to make the switch?
Get started free today and see why teams choose Frase over Surfer SEO.