When it comes to search engine optimization (SEO) tools, Semrush and Ahrefs are some of the most popular, offering users an A-Z toolkit for optimizing their site’s SEO. If you’re like most businesses, purchasing both doesn’t make sense. That’s why we’re breaking down Semrush vs. Ahrefs.
Is Semrush or Ahrefs better?
Semrush and Ahrefs are effective and reliable SEO tools, but which is better depends on your business’s unique needs. Typically, Semrush is considered the better tool because of its larger database, broader features (like for advertising, content creation, and social media marketing), and pricing model.
Learn the basics of Semrush and Ahrefs
Learn more about Semrush and Ahrefs before diving into our comparison:
What is Semrush?
Semrush is a paid marketing software that includes toolkits for SEO, social media, paid advertising, and content marketing. Businesses use Semrush for keyword research, competitor analysis, content creation, and more.
What is Ahrefs?
Ahrefs is a paid SEO tool (though verified site owners can access a free version of Ahrefs) focusing on on-page, off-page, and technical SEO. Businesses use Ahrefs for keyword research, competitor analysis, website maintenance, content optimization, and more.
What is the difference between Semrush and Ahrefs?
The main difference between Semrush and Ahrefs is Semrush is a marketing software while Ahrefs is an SEO tool. Additional differences include their pricing model (Ahrefs uses a paid subscription plus credits) and databases (Semrush has a larger database than Ahrefs).
Compare Ahrefs and Semrush
Compare Ahrefs and Semrush below:
| Area | Ahrefs | Semrush |
| Cost | Paid subscription, plus credit system | Paid subscription, plus optional add-ons |
| Toolkits | SEO | SEO Local SEO Social media Paid advertising Content marketing |
| Customer support | Help center Online chat | Help center Online chat Phone |
| Usability | Easier to learn | Harder to learn |
| Reviews | Pros User-friendly interfaceActive communityEducational resources Cons Pricing modelLimited local SEO dataData refresh times | Pros Comprehensive toolkitRegular updatesLarge database Cons Learning curvePlan limitationsSpeed |
| Website audit | Site health score Prioritized issues Issue descriptions Custom segments Audit history | Site health score Prioritized issues Crawl comparison Multiple export options |
| Rank tracking | Keyword tags Competitor comparison Google Search Console integration | Keyword tags Competitor comparison Cannibalization health score Featured snippet tracking Mobile app Algorithm update position tracking |
| Competitor analysis | Backlinks Traffic Keywords Paid keywords Changes over time | Backlinks Traffic Keywords Paid keywords Changes over time Competitor lists |
| Backlink analysis | Referring domains Referring IPs Backlink gap Top anchor text URL rating (Ahrefs metric) | Referring domains Referring domain categories Backlink gap Top anchor text Authority Score (Semrush metric) |
| Keyword research | Keyword metrics (volume, competition, and cost per click) Keyword gaps Keyword lists Custom keyword metrics (Ahrefs value, Ahrefs traffic potential) | Keyword metrics (volume, competition, and cost per click) Keyword gaps Keyword lists |
How to choose between Ahrefs vs. Semrush
Now that you’ve viewed our Ahrefs and Semrush comparison, you can start thinking about which is right for you. When choosing a paid SEO tool, there are a few considerations — especially if you’re selecting a tool for your team vs. yourself.
Here are our tips for choosing between Ahrefs vs. Semrush:
1. Outline your requirements
Start by outlining your requirements, like the following:
- Budget
- Capabilities, like keyword research and SEO audits
- Access, like if multiple users will use the same account or one account per user
Reference your requirements against Semrush’s and Ahrefs’ pricing plans. Depending on your budget and required capabilities, one tool might be the only option. For example, if you want a tool that can assist with content, you’ll likely lean towards Semrush since Ahrefs doesn’t have a content toolkit.
2. Build your score sheet
Next, create a score sheet based on your needed capabilities, like keyword research.
The purpose of this sheet is to provide you and your team a place to store your thoughts on each tool’s features, like keyword research or SEO audits. This sheet can also keep you accountable for explaining why you liked or disliked a feature vs. saying you “just didn’t like it.”
3. Test your options
Finally, you can start testing your options.
With Semrush, you’ll have access to a free seven-day trial. In comparison, Ahrefs provides a freemium version of its software for verified site owners. You’ll need to review each tool’s pricing plans to determine the package you need to evaluate.
You may need to sign up for a paid plan depending on your needs.
4. Choose your SEO tool
Once you and your team have some hands-on experience with Semrush and Ahrefs, you can rate your experiences. Based on your reviews, you can decide whether to purchase a full-time subscription to either of these tools or rethink your options.
Which will you choose — Semrush or Ahrefs?
When it comes to Semrush or Ahrefs there is no correct answer. Even our team has different preferences for these SEO tools! Luckily, both offer the option to preview them for free, which you can use to familiarize yourself with their offerings.
P.S. If you’re looking for professional help with your SEO, contact us today to learn more!
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