Semrush vs Ahrefs
Semrush is an all-in-one SEO and marketing suite covering keyword research, competitor analysis, site audits, rank tracking and paid-search research, while Ahrefs is an SEO toolset known for its backlink index alongside keyword research, audits and rank tracking. They are compared because both are widely used by agencies, in-house teams and freelancers for the same core SEO workflow, and both include a single user seat on their plans. Semrush suits teams that want SEO, PPC, content and social research in one account, and Ahrefs suits practitioners who prioritize link and keyword data depth over breadth.
Which should you choose?
Choose Semrush if
- Agencies running SEO and PPC for multiple clients
- In-house marketing teams that need competitor intelligence
- Content teams that want research and optimization in one suite
Choose Ahrefs if
- Link builders and digital PR teams
- SEO professionals who prioritize data quality over breadth
- Content teams researching topics across multiple search engines
Cheapest to start
Ahrefs · From $29/mo
Free plan
Semrush, Ahrefs
Highest editor rating
Semrush · 4.7
| Compare | Semrush |
|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes |
| Starting price | From $139/mo |
| Editor rating | 4.7 |
| Ease of use | Moderate (3/5) |
| Category | SEO |
| Pricing model | Free account with daily request caps. Paid plans billed monthly: SEO $139, Starter $199, Pro+ $299 and Advanced $549 per month. 7-day free trial. |
| Plans |
|
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, Browser extension, API |
| Integrations | Facebook & Instagram, Google Analytics, Google Workspace, LinkedIn, WordPress |
| Best for |
|
| Pros |
|
| Cons |
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| AI assistant | Yes |
| API access | Yes |
| Backlink analysis | Yes |
| Browser extension | Yes |
| Competitor analysis | Yes |
| Content optimization | Yes |
| Keyword research | Yes |
| Mobile app | Yes |
| Rank tracking | Yes |
| Reporting & dashboards | Yes |
| Roles & permissions | No |
| Site audit | Yes |
| White-label / custom branding | Yes |
Common questions
- Is Semrush cheaper than Ahrefs?
- Ahrefs starts lower, at $29 a month against $139 for Semrush. Both figures are the entry paid plan billed monthly, checked against each vendor's own pricing page. Higher tiers and add-ons can change the comparison, so price the plan you actually need.
- Does Semrush or Ahrefs have a free plan?
- Both do. Semrush and Ahrefs each offer a free tier, so you can try either without paying.
- How long is the Semrush and Ahrefs free trial?
- Semrush offers a 7-day free trial. Ahrefs does not offer one.
Our verdict
Choose Semrush if you want SEO, PPC, content, social and local research in one subscription, daily rank tracking by location and device, or white-label reporting for clients; the entry SEO plan starts at about $139 per month, the free account is limited to about ten requests per day, and there is a 7-day trial. Choose Ahrefs if backlink data is your priority or you want a lower entry point; the Starter tier is about $29 per month with tight credit limits, Lite is about $129 and Standard about $249, and Ahrefs Free gives you data on sites you verify ownership of, though there is no free trial. Both score 3 out of 5 for ease of use and include only one user on lower plans, with extra seats sold separately. They differ on API access: Ahrefs includes API and MCP access from Lite upward, while Semrush does not publish API access as part of its standard plans. Semrush integrates with Google Analytics, Google Workspace, WordPress, Meta and LinkedIn, while Ahrefs lists only Google Analytics.
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