Ahrefs vs Surfer
Ahrefs
SurferWe may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks. How we make money.
Quick verdict
Ahrefs edges it overall, winning 3 of 4 rating categories. Ahrefs is cheaper to start ($29 vs $59).
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 AhrefsChoose Surfer if…
You’re content teams writing SEO articles. A content-optimization tool: it scores your article against top-ranking pages and guides keyword use, structure and length, with an AI writer.
Visit SurferSide by side
| Ahrefs | Surfer | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Value | 3.9/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Features | 4.8/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Ease of use | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Output quality | 4.8/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Category | SEO | SEO |
| Free plan | Yes: Ahrefs Webmaster Tools for your own sites | No: 7-day money-back |
| Cheapest paid plan (monthly) | $29/mo | $59/mo |
| Same plan billed yearly | - | $49/mo |
| Top plan | Advanced: $449/mo | Peace of Mind: $359/mo |
| Seats | Per user | Multiple seats on higher plans |
| Trial / refund | Starter plan instead of trial | 7-day money-back guarantee |
| Platforms | Web, API | Web, Google Docs & WordPress add-ons |
| Best for | SEOs focused on backlinks and competitor research | Content teams writing SEO articles |
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
Surfer: pros & cons
- Clear, actionable content scores
- Integrates with Google Docs and WordPress
- AI writing built in
- Not a full SEO suite
- Monthly billing is pricey
Questions from readers
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