Semrush vs Ahrefs: Full Comparison (2026)
Quick Answer
Semrush is the more complete digital marketing suite (SEO + PPC + social + content). Ahrefs has the best backlink database and a more focused, powerful SEO toolset.
Semrush vs Ahrefs at a Glance
| Dimension | Semrush | Ahrefs | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease Of Use | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 | Ahrefs |
| Features | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | Semrush |
| Overall | 7.5/10 | 7.3/10 | Tie |
| Pricing | 5.5/10 | 5.0/10 | Semrush |
| Support | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 | Semrush |
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Semrush | Ahrefs |
|---|---|---|
| Pro / Lite | $140/monthly | $129/monthly |
| Guru / Standard | $250/monthly | $249/monthly |
| Business / Advanced | $500/monthly | $449/monthly |
| Enterprise | $14990/annual |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Semrush | Ahrefs |
|---|---|---|
| API access | Yes | Yes |
| Backlink analysis | Yes | Yes |
| Competitor analysis | Yes | Yes |
| Content briefs | Yes | No |
| Content optimization | Yes | Yes |
| Historical data | Yes | Yes |
| Keyword research | Yes | Yes |
| PPC tools | Yes | No |
| Rank tracking | Yes | Yes |
| SERP analysis | Yes | Yes |
| Site audit | Yes | Yes |
| White label | Yes | No |
Ease Of Use: Semrush vs Ahrefs
Ahrefs' cleaner interface is easier to navigate. Semrush can feel overwhelming.
Features: Semrush vs Ahrefs
Semrush covers SEO + PPC + social + content. Ahrefs is pure SEO.
Overall: Semrush vs Ahrefs
Semrush for breadth; Ahrefs for backlink depth and focused SEO.
Pricing: Semrush vs Ahrefs
Similar premium pricing, but Semrush offers more tools per dollar including PPC and social.
Support: Semrush vs Ahrefs
Semrush has phone support and more extensive learning resources.
Our Recommendation
Choose Semrush for all-in-one digital marketing including PPC and social. Choose Ahrefs for best-in-class backlink analysis and pure SEO focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Semrush better than Ahrefs?
It depends on your needs. Semrush is better for all-in-one digital marketing (SEO + PPC + social). Ahrefs has a superior backlink index and is preferred by SEOs who want focused, powerful link analysis tools.
Which is cheaper, Semrush or Ahrefs?
They're similarly priced. Semrush Pro starts at $140/mo; Ahrefs Lite at $129/mo. But Semrush includes PPC and social tools that would cost extra with Ahrefs.
Do Semrush or Ahrefs have free plans?
Both offer limited free tiers. Semrush has a free account with restricted access. Ahrefs offers free webmaster tools for verified site owners.