Ahrefs vs Pencil
Ahrefs: All-in-one SEO suite for backlinks, keywords and site audits, with built-in AI helpers. Pencil: Generative AI platform for making and testing image and video ads for social channels. 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.
Pencil
Best for: E-commerce brands and agencies that need lots of ad variations.
Stands out for: Fast way to produce many creatives; Keeps assets on brand.
Side-by-side comparison
| Visit ahrefs.com (opens in a new tab) | Visit trypencil.com (opens in a new tab) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | All-in-one SEO suite for backlinks, keywords and site audits, with built-in AI helpers. | Generative AI platform for making and testing image and video ads for social channels. |
| Pricing | PaidSome free webmaster tools | Free trial |
| Free to use | No | No |
| Category | AI Marketing & SEO | AI Marketing & SEO |
| Editor rank | #1 in category | #21 in category |
| Made by | Ahrefs | Pencil |
| Best for | Marketers and SEO specialists who need deep search data. | E-commerce brands and agencies that need lots of ad variations. |
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Ahrefs vs Pencil: questions
Is Ahrefs better than Pencil?
Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Ahrefs slightly higher overall in AI Marketing & SEO, but Pencil can be the better fit: E-commerce brands and agencies that need lots of ad variations.
Which is free, Ahrefs or Pencil?
Neither has an ongoing free plan: Ahrefs is paid and Pencil is free trial.
Can I use Ahrefs and Pencil together?
Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example see which sites link to a competitor with Ahrefs, and create ten versions of a product ad with Pencil.