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Semrush is the broader marketing suite: SEO, content, PPC, social and AI search visibility. Ahrefs is the SEO specialist, best known for backlink data and a cleaner interface. Entry plans cost roughly the same (~$117-$129/mo billed yearly); both charge for extra users.
| Ahrefs | Semrush | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Value | 3.9/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Features | 4.8/5 | 4.9/5 |
| Ease of use | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Output quality | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Category | SEO | SEO |
| Free plan | Yes: Ahrefs Webmaster Tools for your own sites | Limited free account (10 requests/day) |
| Cheapest paid plan (monthly) | $29/mo | $139/mo |
| Same plan billed yearly | - | $117.33/mo |
| Top plan | Advanced: $449/mo | Advanced: $549/mo |
| Seats | Per user | 1 user per plan; extra seats cost more |
| Trial / refund | Starter plan instead of trial | 7-day trial on some plans |
| Platforms | Web, API | Web, API |
| Best for | SEOs focused on backlinks and competitor research | Marketers who want SEO, PPC and content research in one tool |
You run paid ads as well as SEO, want content marketing tools, or track visibility in AI search.
Link building and competitor backlink research are central, or you prefer a simpler interface. Its free Webmaster Tools are also great for your own sites.
Both have huge databases; results vary by market. Try both on your own niche.
Still deciding between these two? Ask a question and we will answer it here.
Ahrefs
Semrush