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Ahrefs vs Buffer

Ahrefs: All-in-one SEO suite for backlinks, keywords and site audits, with built-in AI helpers. Buffer: Plan and schedule social posts, with an AI assistant for ideas. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.

Quick verdict

Ahrefs

Best for: Marketers and SEO specialists who need deep search data.

Stands out for: Very large, trusted data set; Free webmaster tools for your own site.

Buffer

Best for: Small businesses and creators managing social media.

Stands out for: Simple and beginner-friendly; Free plan for a few channels.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Ahrefs, Buffer
Visit ahrefs.com (opens in a new tab)Visit buffer.com (opens in a new tab)
What it isAll-in-one SEO suite for backlinks, keywords and site audits, with built-in AI helpers.Plan and schedule social posts, with an AI assistant for ideas.
Pricing
PaidSome free webmaster tools
Free + Paid
Free to useNoYes
CategoryAI Marketing & SEOAI Marketing & SEO
Editor rank#1 in category#6 in category
Made byAhrefsBuffer
Best forMarketers and SEO specialists who need deep search data.Small businesses and creators managing social media.
Key features
  • Backlink and competitor analysis
  • Keyword research and rank tracking
  • Technical site audits
  • AI content helpers and AI search visibility tracking
  • Schedule across social networks
  • AI post ideas and rewrites
  • Simple analytics
Pros
  • Very large, trusted data set
  • Free webmaster tools for your own site
  • Simple and beginner-friendly
  • Free plan for a few channels
  • Supports major social networks
Cons
  • Full plans are costly for very small businesses
  • Free plan limits channels and posts
  • Analytics are basic on lower tiers
Use it to
  • See which sites link to a competitor
  • Find keywords your site could rank for
  • Audit your site for technical SEO problems
  • Schedule posts across social networks
  • Generate post ideas with the AI assistant
  • Review simple engagement analytics
Web app
iPhone & iPad
Android
Chrome extension

Ahrefs vs Buffer: questions

Is Ahrefs better than Buffer?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Ahrefs slightly higher overall in AI Marketing & SEO, but Buffer can be the better fit: Small businesses and creators managing social media.

Which is free, Ahrefs or Buffer?

Buffer can be used for free (free + paid), while Ahrefs is paid.

Can I use Ahrefs and Buffer together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example see which sites link to a competitor with Ahrefs, and schedule posts across social networks with Buffer.

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