Ahrefs vs Moz Pro: Which SEO Tools Tool Is Better in 2026?
Ahrefs
From $129Moz Pro
From $99Quick verdict
Overall pick: Tie
Moz Pro is the lower-cost entry point at $99 versus $129 for Ahrefs, and it is the only one of the two with local SEO and listing management, so local-focused and budget-sensitive buyers should lean Moz Pro. Ahrefs positions itself around backlink and organic search research and is aimed at link builders and technical SEO professionals. Neither tool offers content optimization, so buyers needing an SEO content editor must look elsewhere. Choose based on whether local SEO or a lower starting price matters more than Ahrefs' backlink-focused positioning.
- Moz Pro's entry plan ($99) is 23% cheaper than Ahrefs's ($129).
- Only Moz Pro offers: local seo & listing management.
Cost calculator
| Tool | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| Ahrefs · flat | $129.00 | $1548 |
| Moz Pro · flat | $99.00 | $1188 |
Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.
Which one should you choose?
| If you need… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Local business wanting listing management | Moz Pro | Moz Pro includes local SEO and listing management; Ahrefs does not. |
| Link builder focused on backlink research | Ahrefs | Ahrefs is positioned as a gold standard backlink index and lists link builders among its best-fit users. |
| Buyer minimizing starting cost | Moz Pro | Moz Pro starts at $99 flat versus $129 flat for Ahrefs. |
| Technical SEO professional running site audits | Ahrefs | Ahrefs lists technical SEO professionals as a best-fit audience and includes a technical site crawler and audit. |
| Team needing a content optimization editor | Tie | Neither Ahrefs nor Moz Pro offers content optimization. |
Feature comparison: Ahrefs vs Moz Pro
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ❌ | ❌ |
| Starting price | $129 /mo | $99 /mo |
| Keyword research database | ✅ | ✅ |
| Backlink audit & link tracking | ✅ | ✅ |
| Daily rank tracking | ✅ | ✅ |
| Technical site crawler & audit | ✅ | ✅ |
| Competitor organic & paid insights | ✅ | ✅ |
| Content optimization / SEO editor | — | — |
| Local SEO & listing management | — | ✅ |
| Public API & Looker Studio | ✅ | ✅ |
Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.
Pros and cons
Ahrefs
- Strong backlink positioning as a gold standard backlink index
- Includes keyword research, backlink analysis, rank tracking, site audit, competitor analysis, and API
- Aimed at link builders and technical SEO professionals
- Starting price of $129 flat is higher than Moz Pro's $99
- No content optimization feature
- No local SEO or listing management
Moz Pro
- Lower starting price at $99 flat
- Includes local SEO and listing management, which Ahrefs lacks
- Includes keyword research, backlink analysis, rank tracking, site audit, competitor analysis, and API
- Longer operating history, founded in 2004
- No content optimization feature
- Starting price is flat rather than per-seat, so cost scaling by team size is not specified
At a glance
Gold standard backlink index and organic search research.
Founded 2010 · From $129 · 6/8 tracked features
Best for: link builders, technical SEO professionals
See Ahrefs alternatives →Pioneering SEO software with Domain Authority metrics.
Founded 2004 · From $99 · 7/8 tracked features
Best for: in-house SEOs, local business rankings
See Moz Pro alternatives →FAQ
Is Ahrefs cheaper than Moz Pro?
No. Ahrefs starts at $129 flat, while Moz Pro starts at $99 flat.
Does Moz Pro include local SEO?
Yes. Moz Pro includes local SEO and listing management; Ahrefs does not.
Do both tools offer content optimization?
No. Neither Ahrefs nor Moz Pro includes a content optimization or SEO editor feature.
Which tool is better for backlink analysis?
Both include backlink audit and link tracking, but Ahrefs is positioned around its backlink index and targets link builders.
Do both tools have a free plan?
No. Neither Ahrefs nor Moz Pro offers a free plan according to the provided data.
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Data last reviewed: pending verification. All SEO Tools tools →