Ahrefs vs Semrush: Which SEO Tools Tool Is Better in 2026?

Ahrefs

From $129

Semrush

From $139.95

Quick verdict

Overall pick: Semrush

Choose Ahrefs if your work centers on link building and technical SEO, since it provides the core research and audit tools at a lower starting price of $129. Choose Semrush if you need content optimization or local SEO capabilities, which Ahrefs lacks, for $139.95. Both offer keyword research, backlink analysis, rank tracking, site audits, competitor analysis, and API access, so the decision hinges on whether the extra features justify the higher price.

Ahrefs's entry plan ($129) is 8% cheaper than Semrush's ($139.95).
Only Semrush offers: content optimization / seo editor, local seo & listing management.

Try Ahrefs →Try Semrush →

Cost calculator

Team size: 5 users

Tool	Monthly	Yearly
Ahrefs · flat	$129.00	$1548
Semrush · flat	$139.95	$1679

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
Link building and backlink-focused campaigns	Ahrefs	Ahrefs includes backlink analysis and is positioned for link builders, with a lower starting price of $129 versus $139.95.
Content optimization and SEO editing	Semrush	Semrush includes content optimization, while Ahrefs does not offer this feature.
Local SEO and listing management	Semrush	Semrush includes local SEO features, whereas Ahrefs does not.
Technical SEO audits and site crawling	Tie	Both tools include technical site crawler and audit features.
Budget-conscious buyers needing core SEO tools	Ahrefs	Ahrefs starts at $129 flat, which is lower than Semrush's $139.95 flat starting price, while both cover keyword research, backlinks, rank tracking, and site audits.

Feature comparison: Ahrefs vs Semrush

Feature	Ahrefs	Semrush
Free plan	❌	❌
Starting price	$129 /mo	$139.95 /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

Lower starting price at $129 flat compared to Semrush at $139.95 flat.
Strong backlink analysis and organic search research focus, suited for link builders.
Includes keyword research, rank tracking, site audit, competitor analysis, and API access.
Founded in 2010 with a tagline emphasizing the gold standard backlink index.

Does not offer content optimization features.
Does not offer local SEO or listing management features.
No free plan available.

Try Ahrefs →

Semrush

Includes content optimization and local SEO features that Ahrefs lacks.
Comprehensive suite for marketing agencies and combined SEO & PPC work.
Covers all core features: keyword research, backlink analysis, rank tracking, site audit, competitor analysis, and API.
Founded in 2008 with a tagline focused on online visibility and digital marketing.

Higher starting price at $139.95 flat compared to Ahrefs at $129 flat.
No free plan available.
May include features beyond the needs of buyers focused solely on backlinks or technical SEO.

Try Semrush →