Quick Answer
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MarketMuse pricing varies by team size and features, ranging from $0 to $999 per per month in 2026. Your actual cost depends on the tier you choose, contract length, and negotiated discounts.

Use the interactive pricing calculator to estimate your exact cost based on team size and requirements.

  • Free tier: Yes
  • Billing: Monthly and annual (save 15-20%)
  • Hidden costs: Add ~35% for implementation, support, and training

MarketMuse offers 5 pricing tiers: Free, Optimize, Research, Strategy, Enterprise. Standard paid plans include Free at $0/per month, Optimize at $99/per month, Research at $249/per month. The Optimize plan is solo content creators and small businesses publishing regularly who need ai-guided content briefs and topic tracking.

Compared to other ai seo tools software, MarketMuse is positioned at the premium price point.

Last verified: January 2026 | Sources: 18 pricing pages and reviews

MarketMuse is an AI-powered content strategy and optimization platform that helps content teams create comprehensive, search-optimized content at scale. Unlike basic SEO tools, MarketMuse uses natural language processing and machine learning to analyze content quality, identify topic clusters, generate detailed content briefs, and provide competitive intelligence. The platform is particularly popular among content marketers, SEO professionals, and agencies managing large content portfolios who need data-driven insights to improve rankings and content quality. MarketMuse's pricing is structured around tracked topics, content briefs, and team collaboration features, with plans ranging from a limited free tier to enterprise packages with custom AI training.

All MarketMuse Plans & Pricing

Plan Monthly Annual Best For
Free users: 1queries: 10 Free Free 0 Individuals with low content volume who want to test MarketMuse's AI-powered content strategy tools
Optimize sites: 1users: 1 $99 /per month $82.42 /per monthSave 17% Solo content creators and small businesses publishing regularly who need AI-guided content briefs and topic tracking
Research sites: 1users: 3 $249 /per month $208.25 /per monthSave 16% Marketing teams and agencies building comprehensive content strategies with multiple writers and unlimited research queries
Strategy sites: 1users: 5 $499 /per month $458.25 /per monthSave 8% Agencies and large content teams at mid-market or enterprise companies publishing high volumes of SEO content
Enterprise sites: Customusers: Unlimited Contact Contact Large enterprises with extensive content operations requiring custom features, dedicated support, and volume pricing
View all features by plan

Free

  • 1 user
  • 10 queries per month
  • Access to all 5 applications (Optimize, Research, Compete, Questions, Connect)
  • Limited AI features
  • No tracked topics
  • No content briefs
  • No strategy documents
  • Basic site analysis
  • Community support

Optimize

  • 1 site
  • 1 user
  • 100 tracked topics
  • 5 content briefs per month
  • 1 strategy document per month
  • 100 queries per month
  • Topic Navigator
  • Keywords tool
  • SERP analysis
  • Site Heatmap
  • Content optimization scores
  • Competitor analysis
  • Email support
  • 17% discount with annual billing ($999/year)

Research

  • 1 site
  • 3 users
  • 1,000 tracked topics
  • 10 content briefs per month
  • 3 strategy documents per month
  • Unlimited queries
  • All Optimize features
  • Enhanced article briefs
  • Advanced SERP analysis
  • Competitive intelligence
  • Multi-user collaboration
  • Priority support
  • Premium walkthrough included
  • 17% discount with annual billing ($2,499/year)

Strategy

  • 1 site
  • 5 users
  • 10,000 tracked topics
  • 20 content briefs per month
  • Access to all 9 brief types
  • 5 strategy documents per month
  • Unlimited queries
  • All Research features
  • Advanced content planning
  • Team analytics and reporting
  • Workflow automation
  • API access (limited)
  • Priority support
  • Premium walkthrough included
  • Quarterly business reviews
  • 9% discount with annual billing ($5,499/year)

Enterprise

  • Multiple sites
  • Unlimited users
  • Custom tracked topics limit
  • Custom content briefs allocation
  • Unlimited queries
  • All Strategy features
  • Custom AI model training
  • Full API access
  • White-label options
  • Dedicated account manager
  • 1:1 onboarding and training
  • Private training sessions
  • Advanced reporting and analytics
  • Custom integrations
  • SLA guarantees
  • 24/7 priority support
  • Quarterly business reviews
  • Content strategy consulting
  • Volume discounts available
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Hidden Costs to Budget For

Watch for 13 hidden costs
  • Implementation Costs: For small to medium-sized businesses (1-10 users), implementation typically costs $5,000-$10,000. Larger enterprises may face $15,000-$30,000 in implementation costs, with organizations over 100 users potentially spending $50,000+ for extensive customization and integration. Implementation includes account setup, content inventory, workflow configuration, and team training.
  • Content Brief Overages: Each plan includes a specific number of content briefs per month (5, 10, 20). With older pricing models, content briefs cost 1 credit = $25 on Standard plans. If you exceed your monthly allocation, you may need to upgrade tiers or purchase additional briefs.
  • Managed Briefs Premium: Managed Briefs (where MarketMuse creates briefs for you) cost 4 credits instead of 0 for self-serve briefs, significantly increasing costs for teams wanting full-service content planning.
  • First Draft Generation: AI-generated first drafts cost 3 credits each (1 for the Content Brief + 2 for content generation), estimated at $75 per draft. This adds up quickly for high-volume content production.
  • Additional Credits: Credits are expensive and provide high-value AI functionality. While credits don't automatically replenish monthly, you can purchase more on an as-needed basis. Exact pricing for additional credits requires sales contact.
  • Limited Annual Credits: All paid plans include limited credits annually. The Pro Plan at $499/month provides only 12 credits per year, which may be insufficient for active content teams.
  • Multi-Site Access: All non-enterprise plans are limited to 1 site. If you manage multiple domains or brands, you'll need Enterprise pricing, which requires custom quotes.
  • API Access Restrictions: Limited API access begins at the Strategy tier ($499/mo), but full API capabilities require Enterprise pricing for custom integrations and automation.
  • Pricing Changes and Limitations: Multiple customer reviews mention MarketMuse 'often changes the pricing plan, sudden increase in cost adding limitation to what we paid for,' indicating pricing instability that may affect long-term budgeting.
  • Query Limitations on Lower Tiers: The Optimize plan limits you to 100 queries per month. Query searches are crucial inputs for all core applications (Optimize, Research, Compete, Questions), so heavy users may quickly exceed limits.
  • Training and Onboarding: 1:1 onboarding, private training sessions, and dedicated account managers are only available on Enterprise plans. Lower tiers rely on self-service documentation and basic email support.
  • Premium Support: 24/7 priority support, SLA guarantees, and dedicated customer success managers are restricted to Enterprise plans. Lower tiers receive standard email support only.
  • Annual Billing Requirement for Discounts: Annual billing provides significant savings (17% on Optimize/Research, 9% on Strategy), but monthly billing penalizes you with higher per-month costs. No monthly option exists for Enterprise.
Tip

Ask your MarketMuse sales rep about these costs upfront. Getting them in writing before signing can save you from surprise charges later.

Full hidden costs breakdown →

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How much does MarketMuse cost?

MarketMuse pricing starts with a limited free plan (10 queries/month), then $99/month for Optimize (100 tracked topics, 5 briefs), $249/month for Research (1,000 topics, 10 briefs, 3 users), and $499/month for Strategy (10,000 topics, 20 briefs, 5 users). Enterprise pricing is custom. Annual billing saves 9-17% depending on the tier.

02 Does MarketMuse have a free trial?

Yes, MarketMuse offers a 7-day unlimited free trial with no credit card required. This gives access to premium features to evaluate the platform. There's also a permanent free plan with 10 queries/month for basic testing.

03 Does MarketMuse have a free plan?

Yes, MarketMuse offers a free plan with 1 user and 10 queries per month. The free plan includes access to all 5 applications (Optimize, Research, Compete, Questions, Connect) but excludes tracked topics, content briefs, and strategy documents. It's best for individuals with low content volume testing the platform.

04 What are content briefs and how much do they cost?

Content briefs are AI-generated outlines that guide writers on what to include in content for maximum SEO impact. Plans include 5 (Optimize), 10 (Research), or 20 (Strategy) briefs per month. Historically, briefs cost 1 credit = $25 on standard plans. Managed Briefs (full-service) cost 4 credits. Enterprise gets custom allocations.

05 What happens if I exceed my content brief limit?

If you exceed your monthly content brief allocation, you'll need to either wait until the next billing cycle, upgrade to a higher tier, or contact sales to purchase additional briefs. MarketMuse doesn't advertise overage pricing publicly.

06 How much does MarketMuse Enterprise cost?

MarketMuse Enterprise pricing is custom based on team size, features, and usage volume. Implementation costs for enterprises can range from $15,000-$50,000+ depending on complexity. Monthly subscription costs vary significantly but are designed for organizations with 10+ users and multiple sites.

07 Is there a discount for annual billing?

Yes, MarketMuse offers 17% savings on annual billing for Optimize ($999/year vs $1,188/year monthly) and Research ($2,499/year vs $2,988/year monthly), and 9% savings on Strategy ($5,499/year vs $5,988/year monthly). Enterprise plans typically require annual commitments.

08 Can I cancel MarketMuse at any time?

Yes, you can cancel your MarketMuse subscription at any time. Access continues until the end of your current billing period. However, be aware that some reviews mention challenges with sudden pricing changes affecting existing customers.

09 What are tracked topics and why do they matter?

Tracked topics are keywords or topic clusters that MarketMuse monitors for content gaps, opportunities, and performance. Limits are 100 (Optimize), 1,000 (Research), or 10,000 (Strategy). Tracking more topics enables better content strategy and competitive intelligence.

10 How many users are included in each plan?

Free and Optimize include 1 user, Research includes 3 users, Strategy includes 5 users, and Enterprise offers unlimited users. Additional user seats are not available on non-enterprise tiers - you must upgrade to the next plan.

11 How does MarketMuse compare to Clearscope and Surfer SEO pricing?

MarketMuse starts at $99/month vs Clearscope at $189/month and Surfer SEO at $89/month. MarketMuse is mid-priced but offers deeper content strategy and topic research capabilities than Surfer, while Clearscope is more expensive but provides unlimited content optimization. MarketMuse is best for comprehensive content strategy vs Surfer's per-article optimization or Clearscope's unlimited grading.

12 What's included in implementation costs?

Implementation includes account setup, content inventory analysis, workflow configuration, team training, and integration setup. Costs range from $5,000 (small teams) to $50,000+ (enterprise), with larger organizations requiring more extensive customization and multi-site configuration.

13 Are there any hidden fees or surprise costs?

Yes, watch for: implementation fees ($5,000-$50,000+), content brief overages ($25+ per brief), managed brief premiums (4x cost), first draft generation ($75 per draft), additional credits purchases, API access restrictions, and multi-site requirements (Enterprise only). Customer reviews also mention unexpected pricing changes.

14 Is MarketMuse worth the price?

MarketMuse is worth it for content teams serious about comprehensive SEO strategy, topic authority building, and competitive content intelligence. At $99-$499/month, it's a premium investment best suited for teams publishing 10+ articles monthly. Solo bloggers may find better value with cheaper alternatives like Surfer SEO ($89/mo) or Clearscope's pay-per-optimization model.

15 Can I negotiate MarketMuse pricing?

Enterprise pricing is negotiable, especially for larger teams (10+ users) and annual commitments. Standard tier pricing (Free, Optimize, Research, Strategy) is fixed, but you can leverage annual billing for 9-17% automatic discounts. Best negotiation opportunities occur at quarter-end or year-end.