VS

Ahrefs vs Semrush

Ahrefs: All-in-one SEO suite for backlinks, keywords and site audits, with built-in AI helpers. Semrush: An SEO and marketing suite with AI writing and visibility tools. 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.

Semrush

Best for: Marketers managing SEO and paid search.

Stands out for: Very broad feature set; Large keyword and backlink data.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Ahrefs, Semrush
Ahrefs
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Semrush
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What it isAll-in-one SEO suite for backlinks, keywords and site audits, with built-in AI helpers.An SEO and marketing suite with AI writing and visibility tools.
Pricing
PaidSome free webmaster tools
Free trial
Free to useNoNo
CategoryAI Marketing & SEOAI Marketing & SEO
Editor rank#1 in category#3 in category
Made byAhrefsSemrush
Best forMarketers and SEO specialists who need deep search data.Marketers managing SEO and paid search.
Key features
  • Backlink and competitor analysis
  • Keyword research and rank tracking
  • Technical site audits
  • AI content helpers and AI search visibility tracking
  • Keyword and competitor research
  • Site audit
  • AI content and AI search visibility
Pros
  • Very large, trusted data set
  • Free webmaster tools for your own site
  • Very broad feature set
  • Large keyword and backlink data
  • All-in-one marketing suite
Cons
  • Full plans are costly for very small businesses
  • Expensive for small teams
  • Steep learning curve for beginners
Use it to
  • See which sites link to a competitor
  • Find keywords your site could rank for
  • Audit your site for technical SEO problems
  • Research keywords and competitors
  • Audit a website for technical SEO issues
  • Track rankings over time
Web app

Ahrefs vs Semrush: questions

Is Ahrefs better than Semrush?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Ahrefs slightly higher overall in AI Marketing & SEO, but Semrush can be the better fit: Marketers managing SEO and paid search.

Which is free, Ahrefs or Semrush?

Neither has an ongoing free plan: Ahrefs is paid and Semrush is free trial.

Can I use Ahrefs and Semrush together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example see which sites link to a competitor with Ahrefs, and research keywords and competitors with Semrush.

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