Ahrefs
Comprehensive SEO toolset for backlink analysis, keyword research, and competito...
SEMrush
All-in-one marketing toolkit with SEO, PPC, content, and competitive intelligenc...
Ahrefs vs SEMrush: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of Ahrefs and SEMrush covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
Quick Overview
Ahrefs
- Best for: Link builders, Content marketers
- Starting price: $99/mo
- Category: seo tools
- Founded: 2011
SEMrush
- Best for: Full-stack marketers, Agencies
- Starting price: Free
- Category: seo tools
- Founded: 2008
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between Ahrefs and SEMrush.
| Feature | A Ahrefs | S SEMrush |
|---|---|---|
| Keyword Research | ||
| Backlink Analysis | ||
| Rank Tracking | ||
| Site Audit | ||
| Content Explorer | ||
| Competitor Analysis | ||
| API Access | ||
| White Label |
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, Ahrefs edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Ahrefs offers better overall user satisfaction. SEMrush remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize full-stack marketers.
SEMrush
Best for Full-stack marketers and Agencies. Most comprehensive toolkit.
Try SEMrushPros & Cons
Ahrefs Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best backlink database
- Accurate rank tracking
- Great content explorer
- Clean interface
- Regular updates
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited local SEO
- No phone support
- Credit-based pricing
SEMrush Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most comprehensive toolkit
- Great for PPC
- Content marketing tools
- Social media features
- Agency features
Cons
- Expensive
- Overwhelming interface
- Limited users per plan
- Data accuracy varies
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
Ahrefs
subscription- 5 projects
- 500 tracked keywords
- 10K crawl credits/month
- 20 projects
- 2000 tracked keywords
- 500K crawl credits/month
- 50 projects
- 5000 tracked keywords
- 1.5M crawl credits/month
- Unlimited projects
- 10K tracked keywords
- 5M crawl credits/month
SEMrush
subscription- 5 projects
- 500 tracked keywords
- 10K results per report
- 15 projects
- 1500 tracked keywords
- 30K results per report
- 40 projects
- 5000 tracked keywords
- 50K results per report
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose Ahrefs if you need:
- Link builders
- Content marketers
- SEO agencies
- Competitor research
- Best backlink database
- Accurate rank tracking
Choose SEMrush if you need:
- Full-stack marketers
- Agencies
- PPC managers
- Content teams
- Most comprehensive toolkit
- Great for PPC
Ahrefs vs SEMrush FAQ
What are the main differences between Ahrefs and SEMrush?
Ahrefs focuses on link builders with best backlink database, while SEMrush excels at full-stack marketers with most comprehensive toolkit. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is Ahrefs or SEMrush better for small businesses?
SEMrush offers a free tier which is great for small businesses starting out. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers Ahrefs's lower starting price of $99/month.
What is the pricing difference between Ahrefs and SEMrush?
Ahrefs starts at $99/month, while SEMrush starts at $129.95/month with a free tier available. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can Ahrefs integrate with SEMrush?
While direct integration may vary, both Ahrefs and SEMrush support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Ahrefs integrates with Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Slack, while SEMrush works with Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Google Ads.
Which tool is easier to use, Ahrefs or SEMrush?
Based on user reviews, Ahrefs generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.8 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. Ahrefs is known for accurate rank tracking.
Does Ahrefs or SEMrush offer better customer support?
Both Ahrefs and SEMrush provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. Ahrefs offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of Ahrefs compared to SEMrush?
Ahrefs's main advantages include: Best backlink database, Accurate rank tracking, Great content explorer. Compared to SEMrush, it's particularly strong for link builders.
What are the cons of Ahrefs compared to SEMrush?
Ahrefs's potential drawbacks include: Expensive, Limited local SEO. SEMrush may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from Ahrefs to SEMrush or vice versa?
Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.
Which tool is best for seo tools in 2026?
In 2026, Ahrefs leads in this comparison with a 4.8 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. Ahrefs excels for link builders, while SEMrush is ideal for full-stack marketers.