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Quick verdict

Ahrefs edges it overall, winning 3 of 4 rating categories. Ahrefs is cheaper to start ($29 vs $125).

Choose Ahrefs if…

You’re sEOs focused on backlinks and competitor research. The SEO toolset famous for its backlink index, with keyword research, site audit and rank tracking. Free Webmaster Tools cover your own sites.

Visit Ahrefs
Choose Similarweb if…

You’re competitive research and market sizing beyond SEO. Market and competitor intelligence: estimated website traffic, sources, audiences and keyword data for any site, used by marketers, sales teams and investors.

Visit Similarweb

Side by side

AhrefsSimilarweb
Our rating4.5/54.3/5
Value3.9/53.6/5
Features4.8/54.7/5
Ease of use4.3/54.4/5
Output quality4.8/54.5/5
CategorySEOSEO
Free planYes: Ahrefs Webmaster Tools for your own sitesLimited free data; free trial
Cheapest paid plan (monthly)$29/mo$125/mo
Same plan billed yearly - -
Top planAdvanced: $449/moSelf-service: $125/mo
SeatsPer userPackage-based
Trial / refundStarter plan instead of trialFree trial
PlatformsWeb, APIWeb, browser extension
Best forSEOs focused on backlinks and competitor researchCompetitive research and market sizing beyond SEO

Ahrefs: pros & cons

  • Best-in-class backlink data
  • Clean, fast interface
  • Useful free Webmaster Tools
  • Expensive for small sites
  • Usage-based limits on lower tiers

Read the full Ahrefs review

Similarweb: pros & cons

  • Best for estimating any site’s traffic and sources
  • Free extension for quick checks
  • Covers apps, ads and audiences
  • Self-service from $125/mo
  • Serious use needs custom packages

Read the full Similarweb review

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