Frase Alternatives
Frase scores 1.3 on Trustpilot, so what are the real alternatives? We compare Surfer SEO, MarketMuse, ClearScope, and a fully managed option for 2026.
By Wonda Editorial Team
If you've been using Frase for content creation and SEO optimization, you're not short on reasons to explore what else is out there. Whether you're hitting usage limits, frustrated by billing practices, or looking for a tool that better fits your workflow, exploring frase alternatives is a smart move. The landscape of AI-powered SEO content tools has matured significantly, and several strong contenders deserve your attention.
| Tool | Starting Price (Annual) | Best For | Trustpilot Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frase | $39/month | AI-assisted content briefs & SEO writing | 1.3/5 (51 reviews) |
| Surfer SEO | $49/month | On-page optimization & content editing | 4.4/5 (213 reviews) |
| MarketMuse | Custom pricing | Topic authority & content strategy | N/A |
| ClearScope | $129/month | Real-time content grading & optimization | N/A |
What Frase Offers, and Where It Falls Short
Frase covers the full content lifecycle: SERP analysis, AI-generated briefs, multiple drafting modes, built-in SEO scoring, and publishing integrations with WordPress, Webflow, and Google Docs. Its Starter plan ($39/month, billed annually) includes 10 AI-optimized articles and 50 audit pages per month, while the Scale plan ($239/month) bumps that to 100 articles and 1,000 audit pages. It also offers GEO features to track brand mentions across LLM platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude.
User sentiment, however, tells a different story. As of early 2026, Frase holds a 1.3 out of 5 on Trustpilot based on 51 reviews.
What Users Like
- Strong SEO capabilities and SERP research
- Time-saving content brief generation
Common Complaints
- Hidden costs and unexpected charges
- Poor customer support and slow response times
- Difficulties canceling subscriptions or obtaining refunds
What Real Users Are Saying
The review data available as of February 2026 is telling. Surfer SEO's 4.4/5 Trustpilot score across 213 reviews reflects a broadly satisfied user base, with praise for SEO effectiveness and workflow improvements. Criticism tends to focus on cost rather than reliability.
Frase's 1.3/5 across 51 reviews is harder to ignore: even users who like the product's functionality describe billing disputes, lack of transparency around AI model usage, and unresponsive support. For MarketMuse and ClearScope, no Trustpilot data is currently available, so direct comparison isn't possible on that dimension.
Surfer SEO: The Most Balanced Alternative
Surfer SEO is the most direct Frase alternative for teams focused on content optimization. Its Content Editor provides real-time NLP-based keyword recommendations, structure guidance, and word count targets. The Outline Builder generates detailed article briefs, and Surfer AI can take a topic from research to a full draft in one workflow.
Key Differentiators
- AI Tracker: Monitors brand mentions across ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude, similar to Frase's GEO features
- AI Content Humanizer: Refines AI-generated text to sound more natural
- Integrations: Google Docs, WordPress, Contentful, Zapier, and a ChatGPT Chrome extension
Pricing starts at $49/month (Discovery plan, billed annually), going up to $299/month for the Peace of Mind plan with 100 AI articles per month. Read more in our dedicated Surfer SEO breakdown.
MarketMuse: Built for Content Strategy at Scale
MarketMuse takes a different approach. Rather than focusing on the writing process, it's built around topic authority and content planning. Its AI analyzes your entire content inventory, identifies gaps, clusters related topics, and generates detailed briefs with recommended headings, word counts, and internal linking opportunities. It also assigns personalized difficulty scores so you can prioritize realistically winnable topics.
Key Details
- Best suited for teams managing large content libraries or building topical authority
- No public pricing, contact sales for a quote
- Free plan available with 10 queries per month; meaningful usage requires a paid subscription
Learn more in our MarketMuse overview.
ClearScope: Precision Optimization for Content Teams
ClearScope is a strong option for teams that want rigorous, data-driven content grading. Enter a target keyword and ClearScope benchmarks your content against top-ranking pages, complete with a letter grade (F to A++), recommended word count, readability scores, and a list of terms to include. Its real-time editor updates your grade as you write, and it integrates with Google Docs, WordPress, and Microsoft Word.
Notable Features
- Content decay detection: Connects with Google Search Console to surface underperforming pages
- AEO tracking: Tracks citations in AI-driven platforms for answer engine optimization
Pricing starts at $129/month for the Essentials plan (20 AI drafts, 20 topic explorations, 50 content inventory pages). The Business plan runs $399/month, notably higher than Frase's entry point. For a deeper look, see our ClearScope explainer.
How Wonda Approaches Content Differently
All the tools above are software platforms. They give you infrastructure, but strategy, execution, and ongoing optimization still fall on your team. That's where most companies struggle, not from lack of tools, but from lack of consistent, high-quality output.
Wonda operates as a fully managed AI content engine: keyword research, writing, SEO and LLM optimization, and publishing directly into your CMS. Articles are continuously updated to stay competitive, and the AI is refined based on performance data. It's a white-glove service for companies that want their blog to drive organic traffic without building an internal content operation.
Which Frase Alternative Is Right for You?
| Your Priority | Best Pick |
|---|---|
| Reliable on-page optimization with strong reviews | Surfer SEO |
| Building topical authority across a large site | MarketMuse |
| Precise content grading and post-publish monitoring | ClearScope |
| Fully managed content, no tool management needed | Wonda |
Whatever's driving you away from Frase, there are credible frase alternatives in 2026 that cover every budget and use case. The right choice comes down to whether you need a better tool, or whether you'd rather skip the tooling entirely and have experts handle your content end-to-end.
Why are people looking for Frase alternatives in 2026?
As of early 2026, Frase holds a 1.3 out of 5 on Trustpilot. Common complaints include hidden costs, unexpected charges, poor customer support, and difficulties canceling subscriptions or obtaining refunds, even among users who appreciate its SEO features.
How does Surfer SEO compare to Frase?
Surfer SEO offers real-time NLP keyword recommendations, an AI Content Humanizer, and integrations with Google Docs, WordPress, and Zapier. It starts at $49/month and holds a 4.4/5 Trustpilot score across 213 reviews, significantly higher than Frase's rating.
When is MarketMuse a better choice than Frase?
MarketMuse is best suited for teams managing large content libraries or building topical authority. It analyzes your entire content inventory, identifies gaps, clusters related topics, and assigns personalized difficulty scores to help you prioritize winnable keywords.
What does ClearScope cost and what makes it stand out?
ClearScope starts at $129/month for the Essentials plan, which includes 20 AI drafts and 50 content inventory pages. It stands out with real-time content grading from F to A++, content decay detection via Google Search Console, and answer engine optimization tracking across AI platforms.
Is there a Frase alternative that handles content creation entirely for you?
Wonda operates as a fully managed AI content engine. It handles keyword research, writing, SEO and LLM optimization, and publishing directly into your CMS. Articles are continuously updated based on performance data, removing the need to manage any content tools yourself.