Semrush vs Ahrefs
Which is better, Semrush or Ahrefs?
Semrush wins this comparison. Semrush edges out for most users due to breadth of features.
- Semrush score
- 9.3/10
- Ahrefs score
- 9.2/10
- Semrush price
- From $139.95/mo
- Ahrefs price
- From $129/mo
Choose Semrush if you need
- Largest keyword database
- Best competitor research
- All-in-one platform
Choose Ahrefs if you need
- Best backlink index
- Clean UI
- Content Explorer
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Semrush | Ahrefs |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Starting Price | $139.95/mo | $129/mo |
| Free Plan | No | No |
| Free Trial | Yes | No |
| Ease of Use | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Value for Money | 8/10 | 8.2/10 |
Detailed Comparison
Keyword DB
Semrush wins25B vs 9B keywords
Backlinks
Ahrefs winsAhrefs superior
Ease of Use
Ahrefs winsAhrefs slightly cleaner
Semrush has a larger keyword database and broader feature set. Ahrefs has superior backlink data. Both are excellent tools.
Final Verdict
Semrush wins this comparison
Semrush edges out for most users due to breadth of features.
When neither is right
The highest-rated other AI SEO Tools we review:
- Screaming Frog SEO Spider 9/10 · From $185/mo (free plan available) · best for technical seos, agencies running client site audits
- Surfer SEO 8.9/10 · From $89/mo · best for content marketers, seo writers
- SE Ranking 8.8/10 · From $55/mo · best for small agencies, in-house seo teams
Keep researching
Some links on this page may be affiliate links. They never affect our scores or rankings — see our affiliate disclosure and scoring methodology.
Semrush vs Ahrefs — FAQs
Which is better, Semrush or Ahrefs?
Semrush wins our comparison. Semrush edges out for most users due to breadth of features. Overall scores: Semrush 9.3/10, Ahrefs 9.2/10.
What is the difference between Semrush and Ahrefs?
Semrush leads on keyword db (25B vs 9B keywords). Ahrefs leads on backlinks (Ahrefs superior) and ease of use (Ahrefs slightly cleaner).
Is Semrush cheaper than Ahrefs?
Ahrefs is cheaper to start: $129/month against $139.95/month for Semrush. Semrush has no free plan and offers a free trial; Ahrefs has no free plan.
Should I choose Semrush or Ahrefs?
Choose Semrush if you need largest keyword database and best competitor research. Choose Ahrefs if you need best backlink index and clean UI.