Plugins make it easier to position your site on WordPress, but does it matter more which one you choose? I’d venture to say no, because a plug-in is just a tool, and it’s the knowledge that counts most. However, it’s worth doing a Rank Math vs Yoast comparison – it’s the small differences that determine which plugin you use better.
1. key features
The plugin is primarily designed to make it easier to set meta tags, create a sitemap or evaluate content for SEO. So the main functions of both WordPress plugins are quite similar. In the free version on WordPress, Yoast SEO and Rank Math primarily allow you to:
- Set unique meta title and meta description,
- Setting up canonical links,
- Generate a site map,
- Setting breadcrumps (crumb navigation),
- Google Search Console integration,
- Evaluating content for SEO.
RankMath boasts features that Yoast doesn’t, such as automatically adding alt attributes for graphics, editing .htaccess and robots.txt files, and complete integration with Divi. However, I don’t think this disqualifies Yoast, especially for people who are new to SEO.
2. content evaluation
Both plugins evaluate the content you publish on your site for SEO. Here, in my opinion, Rank Math wins because it gives more accurate results. First, the Yoast SEO plugin allows you to set 1 keyword for the text, in the free version of Rank Math you can choose up to 5 keywords (the first one is the main phrase). The plugin suggests how many keywords should appear in the content and where to place them. For more detailed tips, see
RankMath’s guide
.
In addition to phrases, Rank Math also evaluates internal linking, readability and title and content. Your text is rated on a scale of 0-100. Of course, it is worth aiming for a hundred, but I know from experience that it is not easy. For ease of use, Rank Math supplements the rating with colors:
- green (score >81) – you do not need to write content rated 100/100, if Rank Math marks it green, it is already good,
- Yellow (51-80) – you can still work on the text, for example, put internal links or graphics,
- red (<50) – this is how the plug-in lets you know that the text is completely unoptimized for keywords.
Yoast SEO also evaluates content, but the results are less accurate – you only see colors (green, yellow, red), without an exact value. Of course, here you are also aiming for green. You can set only one phrase for the text, but there is also an option to find related keywords (if you use SEMRush).
3. premium version
Earlier I talked about the features available in the free versions of the plug-ins. But how does the Rank Math vs Yoast clash compare when premium is taken into account?
Rank Math offers three pricing plans:
- PRO – $59 per year (excluding VAT) – tracking 500 keywords, 15 AI tips for content, plug-in supports unlimited personal pages,
- BUSINESS – $199 per year (excluding VAT) – tracking 10,000 keywords, 125 AI tips for content, plug-in supports up to 100 client sites,
- AGENCY – $499 per year (excluding VAT), tracking of 50,000 keywords, 600 AI leads for content, plug-in supports up to 500 client sites.
You can find a full list of each plan’s features here:
here
.
Yoast mainly offers one enhanced version:
Yoast SEO Premium
. The plug-in costs $99 per year (excluding VAT). In particular, it offers more advanced content analysis, automatic 404 redirects and the ability to use related keywords.
4 Interface
Finally, I leave the interface, which is very important for some and not at all for others. Rank Math boasts on its official site that it has a better-organized interface than Yoast and other competing plugins. However, I believe that this is a subjective matter, and you can compare the appearance of the plugins for yourself in the screens above and in the articles on
Rank Math
i
Yoast SEO
.
Rank Math vs Yoast: summary
What is the final outcome of the Rank Math vs Yoast SEO duel? In my opinion, Rank Math has a slight advantage. However, it’s worth remembering that a plugin is just a tool: whichever one you choose (even the free version!) you can get started with optimization for SEO. Want to get to the next level? Think not only about the paid version of the plug-in, but most importantly to expand your knowledge. Get back to me or look at my social media – there I share my experience.
