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Discover the ultimate comparison between Rank Math and Yoast SEO plugins and find out why we ditched Yoast. Uncover the key features, performance, and benefits of Rank Math that outshined Yoast in our experience.

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Many WordPress plugins promise to help users rank their websites on Google.

 But, the two currently topping the chart are Yoast and Rank Math. And the question several people are asking is the one to used for their site.

If you’re reading this post, you’re probably weighing your options and contemplating which of the two SEO tools to use.

From our experience using the two plugins, Rank Math is a more fitting SEO tool for your WordPress website. We dumped Yoast for Rank Math, without looking back, and we’ll explain why in this Rank Math vs Yoast comparison article.

Let’s get started.

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How We Found Rank Math to be Better Than Yoast

During the period we used Yoast, the tool was dependable. 

But guess our reaction when we discovered we could get the same features — and more — without paying $99 per year? We decided to put RankMath to the test.

After installing Rank Math, the first thing we noticed was the lighter plugin size. While Yoast was over 32 MB, Rank Math was under 12 MB. Consequently, this meant less strain on our website’s resources.

Using the tool, we found it performed better for keyword analysis and schema setup with better loading time. These are all critical search engine optimization areas. 

Like Yoast, Rank Math did have a pro plan.

However, we noticed that the latter offers several features for free that we could only access with Yoast premium plan. Also, Rank Math Pro pricing cost less than Yoast’s. 

The deal breaker was that we could use Rank Math Pro on unlimited websites. Meanwhile, Yoast charged a fee for each additional domain.

All these made us ditched Yoast. 

As you read on, you’ll get a clearer picture of how both tools compare.

What Is Rank Math?

Rank Math is a simple SEO plugin for WordPress websites. It’s a tool trusted by top SEO companies such as Ahrefs, Semrush, Moz, and HubSpot. You can do a lot with Rank Math, including:

• Configure your website’s optimization settings
• Track and measure keyword rankings
• Perform in-depth SEO analysis on your website
• Generate and embed over 20 schema types to your website
• Create better content with an AI assistant
• Bulk editing SEO details

How To Set Up Rank Math

Setting up Rank Math was straightforward for us. You’ll find the tool in the WordPress plugin directory:

Install and activate it. Then, you only have to follow the easy setup wizard to have it working on your website:

The setup wizard automatically configures all required settings, so you only need to click through different steps to authenticate. You should be done in a matter of minutes.

What Is Yoast?

Yoast is undoubtedly the most popular WordPress SEO plugin. Almost every WordPress website owner that’s particular about optimization has tried it at least once. Overall, the tool has more than 13 million users.

With Yoast, you can:

• Create search engine-friendly content
• Build internal links
• Make your content more readable with a Flesch rating
• Add structured data to your website
• Integrate with third-party tools

How To Set Up Yoast

It takes two clicks to add Yoast to your website from the WordPress plugin directory:

If you’re a first-time user, the plugin brings up a configuration wizard as shown below: 

However, sometimes the wizard doesn’t come up, which means you’ll have to configure it manually:

Manual configuration may take some time to finish with the many settings.

Having sorted how to set up these plugins, now, let’s do an apple-to-apple comparison of their features.

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO: Ease of Use

Rank Math Ease of Use

Rank Math’s interface is a simple one. It displays on a right-aligned tab as you create your WordPress posts:

You can access and configure critical settings to optimize your website from the displayed tab. If you want to configure the tool from the main dashboard, here’s what you get:

We found the dashboard easy to navigate, and you should have no problems with it, too.

Yoast Ease of Use

Here’s what the Yoast SEO interface looks likes:

It’s relatively straightforward and, as a result, intuitive. We never had much difficulty operating the tool.

If you use Yoast, you’ll know the plugin options also feature on the right side on every post and page you create:

With the above, you get real-time SEO feedback on your content.

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO Ease of Use Verdict

Both Yoast and Rank Math are easy to use. So, in this aspect, it’s a draw.

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO: Keyword Optimization

Rank Math Keyword Optimization

Rank Math lets you optimize your content for the right keywords. You can add multiple target phrases, up to five with the free version. From first-hand experience, we confirm you can add up to five with the free version:

Meanwhile, the Pro version supports unlimited phrases. 

Furthermore, the tool includes an autosuggest. We leveraged this feature to find other related keywords to enrich our content.

Another feature that helped was keyword comparison, thanks to the Google trend integration:

At a glance, you’ll know which keywords are easier to rank than others.

Yoast Keyword Optimization

Keyword optimization is one of Yoast SEO’s flagship features. It lets you easily add focus keyphrases directly from the WordPress editor:

However, you can only optimize for one keyword unless you have a premium account. This is one of the primary reasons why we dumped the tool for Rank Math.

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO Keyword Optimization Verdict

Rank Math is our winner here. Yoast SEO only supports one keyword for optimization with the free version, while Rank Math supports five.

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO: Schema Generator 

Rank Math Schema Generator

Rank Math natively supports different structured data types. You can apply them seamlessly with the built-in schema generator:

Notably, this feature helps our web pages appear as featured snippets on SERPs. You’ll find the schema generator on pages as you create content to publish:

All you need to do is select the schema type you want to add and save. You can also add a custom structured data code and save it as a template for later use.

Yoast Schema Generator

You won’t get a schema generator with Yoast. Rather, the plugin works with Schema.org to automatically add structured data to web pages. To use this feature, you first need to configure the site representation settings:

Then, you set the default schema type of different web pages:

That’s all. Subsequently, new web pages you publish will include the associated schema.

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO Schema Generator Verdict

Rank Math is the better tool since it comes with a schema generator. However, considering structured data in general, both plugins are reliable.

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Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO: Redirection

Rank Math Redirection

From our experience using Rank Math, the tool supports seamless HTTPS redirects. 

In particular, you can redirect to any URL, irrespective of its content. The option is accessible directly from the plugin dashboard:

First, toggle it on, then click “Settings” to configure the redirections. You’ll get a display like this:

To set up redirection, click “Add New” at the top. Then, you’ll get the below form:

The entries are relatively much. However, it’s best to complete them all for optimal results. 

Yoast Redirection

Yoast features a Redirect manager for handling HTTPS redirections. Here’s what you get when you launch it:

The Redirect Manager is simple as evident from the above image. You only need to select the redirect type and enter the old and new URLs. Then, click the button to add. Note that you can only access this feature with a premium plan.

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO Redirection Verdict

While Yoast SEO supports simpler redirection, Rank Math still takes the crown. When configuring redirects, you want it to be as detailed as possible to avoid issues. And Rank Math assures that. 

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO: 404 Monitor

Rank Math 404 Monitor

Sometimes, we encounter link breaks with our URLs. We rely on the Rank Math 404 monitor to quickly find and fix such errors:

When you click it, you get a list of all 404 errors your website has recorded. These include errors due to visitor mistakes or site downtime, among others. 

An advanced 404 Monitor is also available:

It’ll log more details when collating 404 errors, but you need a pro plan to access it.

Yoast 404 Monitor

WD couldn’t access a native 404 Monitor tool like Rank Math with Yoast. We could only check for 404 errors via third-party integrations. In particular, we used the Google Search Console integration. But you can also use Bing Webmaster Tools or Yandex Webmaster.

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO 404 Monitor Verdict

Yoast features no particular 404 Monitor. Meanwhile, Rank Math has a regular and advanced 404 monitor. Accordingly, the winner is Rank Math.,

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO: Instant Indexing

Rank Math Instant Indexing

Rank Math uses the IndexNow protocol to facilitate instant indexing:

Thanks to this feature, our website links get indexed by Google and Bing faster. Once activated, Rank Math will automatically submit your newly published links to search engines. 

This implies no more inserting your URLs manually on Google Search console. If you have old URLs not on SERPs, you can also batch-submit them to the Instant Indexing tool.

Yoast Instant Indexing

Yoast lacks a native instant indexing tool. We usually employ a third-party plugin to submit URLs to search engines. Or we submit them directly.

Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean search engines won’t index your links if you use Yoast. Yoast SEO still supports sitemap linking, which is another option for indexing. The drawback is it could take longer for indexing to occur.

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO Instant Indexing Verdict 

Yoast is yet to integrate an instant indexing feature in its infrastructure. Therefore, Rank Math takes the lead yet again.

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO: Sitemap Tool

Rank Math Sitemap Tool

You can create and apply sitemaps to your WordPress website with Rank Math. Based on our first-hand experience, configuring sitemaps with the tool isn’t complex. As a matter of fact, you can do it during the initial setup:

When configuring sitemaps, Rank Math lets you apply the following settings:

• Links per sitemap
• Images in sitemap
• Include feature images 
• Exclude terms

Yoast Sitemap Tool

XML sitemap generation is one of Yoast SEO’s foremost features. We noticed that each sitemap can contain up to 1,000 links:

Notably, Yoast SEO breaks sitemaps into small versions. That way, it’s easier to manage and keep track of links.

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO Sitemap Tool Verdict 

Here, it’s a draw as Rank Math and Yoast SEO feature dependable XML sitemap generators.

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO: ACF Support

Rank Math ACF

Rank Math supports advanced custom fields (ACF) for better schema markup. This feature particularly helped our pages rank, as we could include author expertise, among other details.

However, the feature isn’t native. You’ll first need to install the Advanced Custom Fields plugin:

Afterward, you activate it from the Rank Math module:

Then, proceed to create and add custom fields to your schemas.

Yoast ACF

Like Rank Math, Yoast works with an external tool for ACF. The tool in question ACF Content Analysis for Yoast SEO:

After installing, the ACF option appears under Yoast’s settings. Next, you only need to select the schema content to which you want to add the fields. Here’s a screenshot if you’re adding it to posts:

Accordingly, you add the content field name in the provided box and save.

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO ACF Support Verdict 

Neither Yoast nor Rank Math has a native ACF tool. Both use an integration, so there’s no winner.

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO: Integrations

Rank Math Integrations

Rank Math integrates with many third-party tools, most especially WordPress plugins. When we tried it, here are some integrations we found workable:

• Elementor page builder
• Divi page builder
• Google Analytics
• WooCommerce
• IndexNow

Yoast Integrations

With Yoast SEO, we got access to the following integrations:

• Elementor page builder
• Semrush 
• Wincher 
• Zapier
• WordProof
• WooCommerce
• Easy Digital Downloads

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO Integrations Verdict 

The would-be winner is Yoast, as the plugin supports more integrations than Rank Math. However, note that most Yoast integrations are only for premium users.

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO: Customer Support

Rank Math Customer Support

Rank Math allows users to submit queries via a contact form on the website. Otherwise, you can access the knowledge base with its extensive collection of articles and guides.

However, in our experience, the best support option with Rank Math is to submit a topic via the WordPress plugin forum. You’ll get replies from Rank Math team members and other users who have had similar problems.

Yoast Customer Support

You can access live chat from the Yoast Contact page. The support team promises 24/7 support, but responses may take hours to come.

So, we recommend using the Yoast Help Center and Developer Docs for on-time help. Both are well detailed. You can as well get support via the WordPress plugin forum. 

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO Customer Support Verdict

In terms of support, Yoast takes the upper hand due to live chat availability. Yoast also has more helpful resources compared to Rank Math.

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Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO: Pricing 

Rank Math Pricing

You can use Rank Math for free and access many tools, just as we did. But you’ll have to pay for a pro plan if you need more SEO functionalities. Here are the available pricing options:

• Pro Plan: $4.92 per month
• Business Plan: $16.59 per month
• Agency Plan: $41.59 per month

We currently use the Pro Plan and attest that it’s worth the price. However, note that all plans are charged annually. 

Yoast Pricing

One major downside with Yoast is that the free plan is highly limited. You won’t get much from the plugin if you don’t pay a subscription. And there’s just one simple premium plan, which costs $99 annually.

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO Pricing Verdict

Rank Math is more cost-friendly than Yoast, as you may not need a subscription. If you decide to subscribe, you pay around $59 annually, which is about $40 cheaper than Yoast Pro.

Rank Math Unique Selling Points

Here are some aspects where Rank Math takes the lead over Yoast:

• More tools and features are available for free.
• You pay less when you decide to subscribe.
• You get more schema types to boost your website’s ranking.
• Your posts rank on SERPs quickly with Instant Indexing.
• You can optimize up to five keywords without a premium plan. 
• The 404 monitor tool ensures you don’t miss any site errors.
• You can better configure your site’s URL redirects.

Yoast Unique Selling Points

With the Yoast plugin, here are areas where you get the upper hand:

• You can connect with more tools via Zapier integration.
• You get better customer service when you need it.
• The sitemap manager lets you store up to 1,0000 links per file.
• You get a large user community since Yoast is famous. 

Our Verdict

It’s again clear why we dumped Yoast SEO for Rank Math by looking at their selling points.

Rank Math leads in more areas than its competitor. You get better keyword optimization, faster indexing, deeper redirect configurations, and cheaper pricing.

Nevertheless, that Rank Math is more efficient than Yoast doesn’t make the latter completely undependable. The popular plugin also has the upper hand in integration,  sitemap management, and customer support.

Rank Math and Yoast Similarities

Rank Math and Yoast share many similarities, including:

• Both are WordPress plugins and easy to set up
• Both support keyword optimization 
• Both have free and premium versions
• Both work for sitemap and Schema
• Both supports ACF and HTML redirects
• Both allow third-party integrations

Yoast and Rank Math Differences

Here are what makes Yoast and Rank Math different:

• Rank Math supports instant indexing, while Yoast doesn’t.
• You cannot monitor 404 errors with Yoast, but you can with Rank Math.
• Yoast supports a Zapier integration, but such isn’t obtainable with Rank Math.
• Rank Math has a schema generator, while Yoast simply adds structured data automatically.
• The Rank Math Pro plan is more affordable than Yoast’s.
• Yoast requires a premium subscription for each website. However, Rank Math allows unlimited websites with premium plans.
• Yoast offers live chat support, but the best with Rank Math is the WordPress plugin forum.

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO: Advantages

Rank Math Advantages

• Intuitive interface
• Detailed HTTPS redirects
• Schema generator 
• Five keywords with free plan
• Relatively affordable Pro plan
• Advanced 404 monitor
• Instant indexing tool
• Unlimited websites with Pro

Yoast Advantages

• Easy to use
• Simple redirect manager
• High-capacity sitemap manager
• Unlimited keywords with the premium plan 
• Zapier integration
• Dependable customer support

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO Advantages Verdict

Rank Math offers more advantages, both in quantity and quality.

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO: Disadvantages

Rank Math Disadvantages

• No native ACF tool
• Fewer integrations 
• No live chat support

Yoast Disadvantages

• The free plan is relatively limited
• Pricing is more expensive 
• Lacks a native 404 monitor 
• No instant indexing tool

Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO Disadvantages Verdict

You’ll experience more limitations with Yoast than Rank Math. The latter has fewer disadvantages.

Final Verdict: Which Is Better Between Rank Math and Yoast?

It was clear our preference was Rank Math. We’re sure you now understand our reasons after reading this review post.

If you’re a Yoast user, know we’re not wholly condemning the tool. But the fact is that you’ll get better functionality and affordability if you migrate to Rank Math. What’s most interesting is that you can use Rank Math for free. 

So, launch your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the Plugin directory. Install the Rank Math plugin and see how it works. If you find the tool workable, which you sure will, continue using it at no cost.

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Rank Math Vs Yoast SEO: Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Rank Math SEO Plugin Better Than Yoast?

From our analysis of the two SEO plugins, Rank Math is better than Yoast. One major reason is that you can do more with Rank Math without paying. Meanwhile, Yoast is less dependable if it’s not the pro version. Also, the Rank Math Pro version doesn’t cost as much as Yoast’. In particular, you’ll pay about $40 less each year.

Why Should I Buy the Rank Math Pro SEO Plugin for WordPress?

You should buy the Rank Math Pro plugin if you need more functionality. Typically, the pro version has more features than the free one. For example, you can optimize content with five keywords with the free tool. While that’s impressive, it’s nothing compared to the premium version that supports unlimited keywords for optimization.

What Is the Difference Between Yoast SEO vs. Rank Math SEO Plugin?

The difference between Yoast and Rank Math is that Rank Math offers more SEO tools for free. Also, Rank Math has features like Instant Indexing and 404 monitor, which Yoast lacks. In a different category, Yoast supports more third-party integrations than Rank Math.

Is a Yoast SEO Premium Subscription Worth It?

Yoast SEO Premium subscription is worth it as that’s the only way you get all the plugin’s tools. However, at $99 per year, it’s notably more expensive than an option like Rank Math, which costs around $59 annually.

What Happens if I Run Yoast and Rank Math Simultaneously?

If you run Yoast and Rank Math simultaneously, your website can develop multiple SEO errors as both plugins try to take control. It’s recommended to only use one SEO tool at a time.