Semrush vs Ahrefs
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 | Semrush | Ahrefs |
|---|---|---|
| Free | No | No |
| Starter | $139/mo | $29/mo |
| Pro | $249/mo | $179/mo |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom |
Ahrefs is cheaper at the Starter tier ($29/mo vs $139/mo).
Feature Matrix
| Feature | Semrush | Ahrefs |
|---|---|---|
| Keyword research with 25B keywords | Yes | - |
| Competitor domain analysis | Yes | - |
| Site audit tool | Yes | - |
| Rank tracking | Yes | - |
| Content marketing toolkit | Yes | - |
| Largest backlink index | - | Yes |
| Keywords Explorer with 10B+ keywords | - | Yes |
| Site Explorer | - | Yes |
| Content Explorer | - | Yes |
| Rank Tracker | - | Yes |
When to Choose Each
Choose Semrush if you need...
- +Most comprehensive SEO data
- +Excellent competitor research
- +Strong content tools
Choose Ahrefs if you need...
- +Best backlink data in industry
- +Accurate keyword difficulty scores
- +Content gap analysis
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Semrush or Ahrefs?
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 Semrush cheaper than Ahrefs?
Yes, Ahrefs is cheaper at the Starter tier ($29/mo).
What is the difference between Semrush and Ahrefs?
Semrush focuses on keyword research with 25b keywords and competitor domain analysis, while Ahrefs emphasizes largest backlink index and keywords explorer with 10b+ keywords. Semrush is best for Marketerss, Agenciess, Startupss, Enterprises, while Ahrefs suits Marketerss, Agenciess, Developerss, Freelancerss.