Ahrefs vs Semrush
Full side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and use cases to help you pick the right tool.
Bottom line: Ahrefs is both cheaper and higher-rated - a strong pick for most teams.
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Ahrefs | Semrush |
|---|---|---|
| Free | No | No |
| Starter | $29/mo | $139/mo |
| Pro | $179/mo | $249/mo |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom |
Ahrefs is cheaper at the Starter tier ($29/mo vs $139/mo).
Feature Matrix
| Feature | Ahrefs | Semrush |
|---|---|---|
| Largest backlink index | Yes | - |
| Keywords Explorer with 10B+ keywords | Yes | - |
| Site Explorer | Yes | - |
| Content Explorer | Yes | - |
| Rank Tracker | Yes | - |
| Keyword research with 25B keywords | - | Yes |
| Competitor domain analysis | - | Yes |
| Site audit tool | - | Yes |
| Rank tracking | - | Yes |
| Content marketing toolkit | - | Yes |
When to Choose Each
Choose Ahrefs if you need...
- +Best backlink data in industry
- +Accurate keyword difficulty scores
- +Content gap analysis
Choose Semrush if you need...
- +Most comprehensive SEO data
- +Excellent competitor research
- +Strong content tools
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Ahrefs or Semrush?
Ahrefs scores higher in our review (4.7/5 vs 4.6/5). However, Semrush may be a better fit depending on your specific needs and budget.
Is Ahrefs cheaper than Semrush?
Yes, Ahrefs is cheaper at the Starter tier ($29/mo).
What is the difference between Ahrefs and Semrush?
Ahrefs focuses on largest backlink index and keywords explorer with 10b+ keywords, while Semrush emphasizes keyword research with 25b keywords and competitor domain analysis. Ahrefs is best for Marketerss, Agenciess, Developerss, Freelancerss, while Semrush suits Marketerss, Agenciess, Startupss, Enterprises.