Semrush vs Ahrefs
A side-by-side comparison of features and pricing to help you choose.
Semrush
All-in-one SEO, content & competitive research
$139/mo
From ~$139/mo; add-ons for extra users & data
Ahrefs
The backlink & keyword research powerhouse
$129/mo
From ~$129/mo; no free trial, but free webmaster tools
At a glance
| Spec | Semrush | Ahrefs |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $139/mo | $129/mo |
| Budget tier | Premium | Premium |
| Complexity | Advanced | Intermediate |
| Primary category | SEO & Content | SEO & Content |
| Integrations | 50+ | 20+ |
| Founded | 2008 | 2010 |
Feature comparison
Semrush offers 8 of 9 tracked seo & content features; Ahrefs offers 8.
| Feature | Semrush | Ahrefs |
|---|---|---|
| Keyword research | ||
| Rank tracking | ||
| Backlink analysis | ||
| Site audit | ||
| Competitor analysis | ||
| Content optimization | ||
| Free plan | ||
| API & webhooks | ||
| Priority / 24-7 support |
Semrush
Pros
- Enormous toolkit covering SEO, PPC, content & social
- Massive keyword and competitor database
- Excellent for competitive gap analysis
Cons
- Pricing is high for individuals
- Limited results/users per seat on base plan
- Can feel sprawling for a focused SEO task
Ahrefs
Pros
- Widely regarded best-in-class backlink data
- Clean, fast, focused interface
- Free Webmaster Tools for your own site
Cons
- No free trial (paid trial only in some regions)
- Row/credit limits can frustrate heavy users
- No PPC or social tooling like Semrush
The verdict
The right pick depends on your priorities. Choose Semrush if you value marketing teams that want one platform for seo, ppc, and content. Choose Ahrefs if you need seo specialists who prioritize backlink and keyword data quality.
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