Ahrefs is one of the best SEO tools around.
But in light of its recent updates, many people started looking for Ahrefs alternatives.
We’ve often compared Ahrefs to the most popular SEO tools and rarely found a competitor that could beat them in terms of quality of data.
However, while Ahrefs is the best SEO tool in our book, they have been creeping up their prices and reducing how many credits each plan gets.
So I can’t blame you for looking around for alternatives.
In this post, we’ve listed the best alternatives to Ahrefs and what you’ll miss out on if you pick it.
1 Semrush
Matches core Ahrefs features
Decent data
Extra tools for SMM and PPC
Clunkier interface
Not as good at keyword research
Many people migrated away from Ahrefs because of its recent pricing update.
And Semrush has been a favorite destination for these people.
Not without reason – Semrush is an excellent SEO tool and a great alternative to Ahrefs.
Let’s see why.
Semrush Features
Semrush’s feature set is more or less similar to what you get with Ahrefs. The biggest difference is that Semrush is not just focused on pleasing search engines. It also has features to help you with Google Ads, social media marketing, and more.
These are Semrush’s main features:
Comprehensive Keyword Research – To see what your audience is searching for.
SERP Analysis – To get an overview of your niche.
Site Audit – To improve your on-page and technical SEO.
Backlink Checker – Perfect for kickstarting your outreach process.
Data Quality
VS
Semrush’s keyword data is not on par with Ahrefs.
Honestly, nothing offers as much value and consistent data quality as Ahrefs does.
It’s the reason we still recommend it, even after the controversial pricing updates.
That being said, Semrush still has qualitative data. Its keyword research tools and SEO metrics are pretty on-point, and competitor analysis is not too bad, either. As far as SEO software goes, Semrush is a great tool.
Semrush vs Ahrefs
Overall, Semrush and Ahrefs are pretty similar. But there are slight differences.
Semrush has worse keyword data and a worse tool layout, especially for the SERP checker.
And overall, I like Ahrefs’ interface better. For more info, check out our data study where we examine traffic estimates from popular SEO tools.
User Interface And Our Experience
Semrush is not as easy to navigate or pretty as Ahrefs.
But it’s good enough, and you shouldn’t have difficulty making the most out of it.
We found WAY more success using Ahrefs – but Semrush can still meets your needs.
Pricing
Semrush has a pricing scheme that is very similar to that of Ahrefs.
But it offers way more features and caps for the cheaper subscriptions.
So, if you need an all-in-one SEO tool but want to get it at the lowest price possible, Semrush is a decent alternative to Ahrefs.
Conclusion
Ahrefs vs Semrush is a showdown that is as old as SEO tools.
And we’re decidedly on the Ahref’s side.
But we recognize the merits of Semrush – and that’s why it’s our recommendation for the best Ahrefs alternative.
2 Ubersuggest
Affordable (even the free tools are helpful)
Beautiful interface
Decent data quality
Not as comprehensive as Ahrefs
Not qualitative data for low-volume keywords
Ubersuggest is a trendy alternative to Ahrefs. And for a good reason.
It’s complex, has plenty of the features you’d find in Ahrefs, and it’s MUCH cheaper.
But it’s not quite on par with Ahrefs.
So, let’s find out who can make the most out of Ubersuggest.
Ubersuggest Features
Ubersuggest has all the tools you’d expect from an SEO tool in its price range. However, its Backlink data, SERP tools, and even keyword data are not quite up to Ahrefs’ level.
Here are Ubersuggest’s main features:
Keyword Analysis – To find the best SEO opportunities in your niche.
Site analysis – To get an overview of your domain, top pages, and more.
Backlink analysis – To understand what works in your niche and who you need to reach out to.
Data Quality
VS
Ubersuggest was a free option for the budget-tight affiliate marketer when it came out.
But it has come a long way since then.
Currently, Ubersuggest is just as good as your average keyword research tool – if not better.
Sure, it’s still not at the same level as Ahrefs.
Especially when it comes to low-traffic keywords, as shown in the screenshots above.
But it’s good to get you started. Plus, the domain and backlink data are helpful.
Ubersuggest vs Ahrefs
Ubersuggest may have come a long way. But it’s nowhere near the level of Ahrefs yet. It’s missing crucial tools, like advanced SERP analysis, complex data segmentation, and Ahrefs’ useful filters.
Not to mention, Ahrefs’ data is of higher quality.
You get insights that are nowhere to be found in Ubersuggest, especially when researching keywords.
On the other hand, Ubersuggest is much easier to use and slightly prettier.
User Interface And Our Experience
Ubersuggest is very pretty.
Its interface is one of its biggest perks. Everything is intuitive, and the color coding helps analyze SERPs/keywords quickly.
If you’re a beginner, Ubersuggest is one of the best alternatives you can pick. For more, read our Ubersuggest review.
Pricing
Ubersuggest has a useful free version.
If you’re a beginner and want to get a feel of keyword research tools, try it.
If you like it and want a paid version, Ubersuggest is still WAY more affordable than Ahrefs.
$12/month as a starting point is good, even if the research caps can get annoying.
Conclusion
If you want an Ahrefs alternative, you’re probably looking for a more affordable option.
And that’s why Ubersuggest is one of the best budget alternatives.
There are better tools on this list. But Ubersuggest mixes functionality and pricing really well. Give it a try for free:
3 SERPStat
Very affordable
Matches most Ahrefs core features
Decent data quality
Not as good at keyword research
Overal lower quality than Ahrefs
SERPStat is the best compromise between data quality, features, and pricing.
You’d be hard-pressed to find any other SEO tool with so much under the hood and such an affordable price tag.
SERPStat Features
SERPStat has a stacked tool set, especially for keyword research.
This is what SERPStat can do:
Keyword Research – To find and track the best SEO opportunities.
Page Audits – Complete with keyword improvement suggestions.
SERP Crawler – To better understand your competition.
Data Quality
VS
Serpstat’s data isn’t on par with Ahrefs or Semrush. It’s not as useful and doesn’t have as many data filters.
All of this makes it harder to find low-hanging SEO fruit with SERPStat.
But it can still be useful for things like SERP analysis, or basic backlink data.
SERPStat vs Ahrefs
SERPStat is cheaper than Ahrefs, but that’s the only thing it’s got going on for it.
Ahrefs has a better interface, data filters, data quality, and features.
User Interface And Our Experience
Visuals are not SERPStat’s forte.
It has a very crowded interface, and it can get really hard at times to figure out what goes where.
This is especially bad compared to Ahrefs, which has an excellent interface. If you want to find out more, read our SERPStat review.
Pricing
Serpstat’s pricing is its biggest perk. It’s not really cheap, but when you consider the perks and amount of tools you get, the cost is pretty good.
It’s not just a budget alternative to Ahrefs.
It’s a discount Ahrefs.
Conclusion
If you want as much as possible from your SEO tool, but don’t want to pay too much, SERPStat is your best bet.
4The Mangools Suite
Beginner-friendly
Affordable
Pretty good interface
Not so good at bulk research
Doesn’t have high-quality data all the time
The Mangools Suite is probably the best Ahrefs alternative if you’re a beginner.
They’re affordable, easy to navigate, and pretty powerful.
Mangools Features
Mangools has a simple and extremely easy-to-use suite for keyword research, SERP analysis, and more.
Here are the Mangools Suite tools:
KWFinder – Their most popular tool, very good at keyword research.
SERP Checker – To analyze the SERP for important keywords.
SERP Watcher – A pretty decent rank tracker.
Link Miner – Useful backlink analysis.
Site Profiler – To get a good audit of your site and your competitor’s site.
Data Quality
VS
Mangools has a good reputation, and we’ll echo that.
While it’s not the best tool if you need A TON of results or research for big sites, it’s great if you’re getting started.
The data quality is good enough.
Mangools vs Ahrefs
The Mangools suite has evolved a lot in the last few years.
Today, it rivals all of Ahrefs’ core features.
But when you consider all the small features, data filters, and options in Ahrefs, Mangools is only better when it comes to interface.
User Interface And Our Experience
We like KWFinder, Mangools’ crowning jewel.
In fact, we used it exclusively to start a site we later sold. For more on that story, read our KWFinder review.
In our experience, the Mangools suite is straightforward to use. And it’s very pretty.
That’s why we recommend it to beginner affiliates.
Pricing
Mangools is not just easy to use.
It’s also affordable.
Granted, the Mangools Suite used to be much cheaper. But for $35/month, it’s still much more affordable than most entries on this list.
Conclusion
If you’re a beginner affiliate marketer or online blogger, look no further.
The Mangools suite is cheap, powerful, and well-designed.
5 SEO Power Suite
Great agency support
Decent feature match
Good data
Desktop app
Not the best backlink database
The SEO Powersuite is not your average web app.
It’s a comprehensive SEO desktop suite with advanced research and white labeling.
Not to mention, it’s been through a major visual overhaul recently.
SEO Power Suite Features
SEO Power Suite is one of the few Ahrefs alternatives that stick to a desktop app.
Here’s what you’ll find in that app:
Rank Tracker – With advanced data segmentation to keep an eye on everything.
Keyword research – To find growth opportunities.
Website Auditing – Perfect to understand what your site needs.
Link Assistant – To figure out the best backlink opportunities.
SEO Spyglass – To get the scoop on your competitors.
Data Quality
The SEO PowerSuite is very comprehensive, and it’s one of the longest-lasting alternatives out there.
Their data doesn’t disappoint, either.
It’s especially good at reporting data for marketers who want to get the scoop on their customers’ online presence.
SEO Power Suite vs Ahrefs
SEO Power Suite and Ahrefs have more or less the same core features.
The only notable differences are the interfaces (Ahrefs is prettier and easier to use) and the fact that SEO Power Suite is a desktop app.
However, the SEO Power Suite is a better choice for agencies since it has great white label reporting.
User Interface And Our Experience
SEO Power Suite went through a visual revamp recently.
Which is a good thing. It was REALLY ugly before that.
So even if it’s not the best-looking app (and definitely not the easiest to use), at least now it looks like it was made in this century.
Pricing
SEO Power suite has good prices – $500/year for its agency plan comes down to about $40/month. And that’s the most expensive plan.
Conclusion
SEO Power Suite’s desktop app and complex dashboards aren’t for everyone.
But if you’re an agency and you’re looking for an alternative to Ahrefs, SEO Power Suite can help:
6 Moz Pro
Great competitor metrics
All-in-one suite
Moz Bar is really useful
Not the best keyword research tool
Interface lags behind in some areas
Moz Pro is a big name in the SEO world.
Heck, they even created metrics that have become industry-standard.
But is it a good choice today?
Can it still compare with big names in the industry, like Ahrefs or Semrush?
Let’s find out.
Moz Pro Features
On paper, Moz Pro has everything it needs to compete with Ahrefs.
Here are its main features:
Competition Analysis – Plenty of features to get data on your competitors.
Keyword Research – To identify low-hanging SEO fruit.
SERP analysis – To understand your niche and organic traffic competitors
Link Research – To kickstart your link-building efforts.
Data Quality
Moz Pro’s site audits aren’t as deep as we’d like.
And its keyword research is not as exhaustive as what you’ll find in Ahrefs.
But overall, Moz offers decent data quality.
Moz Pro vs Ahrefs
Even if Ahrefs has some more tweaks and tricks, they’re pretty much on-par when it comes to core features.
The pricing’s very similar too.
You’re definitely not getting a bad deal with Moz, especially if you need to do competitor research.
But overall, Moz Pro is not as easy to use and consistent as Ahrefs.
User Interface And Our Experience
Moz Pro is overall easy to get into.
Its Moz bar is also handy for quick research when browsing the web. It‘s simpler and easier to use than what you get from Ahrefs.
But we’ve had issues with Moz Pro. For example, its database for keywords can be ten times lower than Ahrefs’s.
Pricing
Moz Pro’s pricing is almost identical to that of Ahrefs.
The cheapest plan is $99/month; if you want ample limits, you’ll need to pay $179/month.
But Moz also has some other things going for it. They offer some free SEO tools and a 30-days money-back guarantee.
Conclusion
Moz Pro is a comprehensive SEO toolkit.
And it’s one of the best Ahrefs alternatives if you’re looking for something to study your competition in-depth.
7 Majestic
Great backlink data
Comprehensive suite of features
Good feature match
Slightly clunky interface
Cheaper plans have strict caps
Backlink data is crucial for organic growth.
It’s the only way to understand your competition’s link profile, find link-building opportunities, and vet potential placements.
Ahrefs has A LOT of tools to help you access link data.
So can Majestic compete?
Majestic Features
Majestic is usually touted as a great Ahrefs alternative for link data. So yeah, it can compete.
But that’s not its only strong point.
Majestic is a comprehensive, all-in-one SEO solution, and it includes features like:
Link Analysis – To augment your link-building efforts.
Keyword Research – To find organic traffic opportunities.
Site Explorer – To understand your technical presence and your competition.
Rank Tracker – Perfect for staying up to date to your site’s progress.
Data Quality
For keyword research, Majestic’s data quality can be hit or miss.
But when it comes to backlink data, Majestic is a strong choice.
Their 8 trillion URLs database guarantees you’ll get the best information. For link-building purposes, Majestic is a strong Ahrefs alternative.
Majestic vs Ahrefs
Majestic and Ahrefs both have features to cover the same needs.
Keyword research, site analysis, backlink data – both have all of them.
But Majestic is slightly harder to navigate.
And it’s more focused on delivering hard data.
By comparison, Ahrefs gives you high-quality data and easy access to multiple types of information.
User Interface And Our Experience
Majestic is not the prettiest alternative to Ahrefs.
But it’s not the ugliest either. It’s decent to get started with.
It’s currently going through a visual overhaul, so there is room for improvement in the future.
Pricing
Majestic is probably one of the few entries on this list that limits access to many features on its cheapest plan.
So the lite plan is affordable, but it won’t have everything we discussed.
If you want to make the most out of Majestic, you’ll need to get its Pro plan.
Even then, it’ll still be as expensive as Ahrefs’ cheapest plan.
Conclusion
Ahrefs has better link data than Majestic.
But if you’re looking for a more affordable SEO tool that can compete with Ahrefs’ backlink data, Majestic is the way to go:
8 Screaming Frog
Very affordable
Super useful data
Desktop app
Fit for experienced users
If you need to do comprehensive site audits, there’s probably no tool that will serve you as well as Screaming Frog.
However, this is not your average SEO web app.
So, let’s dig in.
Screaming Frog Features
Screaming Frog is a huge name in the industry, and it can give you access to more data about a particular site than any other entry on this list.
But it’s also different since it’s a desktop app with unique navigation.
Here are Screaming Frog’s main features:
In-depth site crawls – To unearth the most minute details for you to fix.
Find broken links – To avoid being penalized by Google.
Generate XML Maps – Perfect for improving indexing.
Schedule audits – To do all of this in advance.
Data Quality
Screaming Frog may be a bit harder to use than Ahrefs (or most entries on this list), but its data quality makes it worth your while.
Its data is qualitative, and it can point you towards specific issues about your site.
You usually won’t find these advanced issues in Ahrefs.
So from a technical SEO point of view, Screaming Frog’s data is super valuable.
Screaming Frog vs Ahrefs
Screaming Frog is much harder to use than Ahrefs.
For starters, it’s a desktop app, so it takes longer to get started.
Even with everything set up, Screaming Frog is not for everyone. Unless you’re an experienced SEO or webmaster, you won’t be able to make the most out of its reports and features.
But if you have some experience and you want to REALLY tidy up a website, it can be a great alternative.
User Interface And Our Experience
The fact that Screaming Frog is a desktop app is a plus for some people.
But not for us, or most people looking for an Ahrefs alternative.
So there’s that obstacle to get over.
But even after you install Screaming Frog, its interface is a bit outdated, and it can take a while to understand how to use every dashboard and feature this tool offers.
Pricing
Screaming Frog has a free version if you want to check out a limited version of its features.
Even if you get the paid version, it’s still an affordable tool.
$209/year is a steal.
Conclusion
Screaming Frog is not your average SEO tool.
But for site analysis, it’s one of the best Ahrefs alternatives.
For the low price point, you can buy it together with another tool just for its site analysis capabilities.
9 SE Ranking
Affordable
Beautiful interface
Very good feature match
Keyword research is not always top-notch
Not that big of a database
If you like Ahref’s rank tracker, then SE Ranking might be the right alternative for you.
Don’t worry; you’re not sacrificing features. SE Ranking is an all-in-one SEO tool, so you get the complete package.
SE Ranking Features
SE Ranking can take care of mostly everything that Ahrefs or Semrush can, including:
Advanced Rank Tracker – To understand how your pages progress over time.
Keyword research – To find new keywords to target.
On-page SEO checker – To improve your standings.
Multichannel Marketing – SE Ranking helps you manage social media as well.
Data Quality
VS
SE Ranking can drop the ball for some low-volume keywords.
But that’s common among all alternative tools we mentioned.
Beyond that, SE Ranking’s data quality is pretty much on par with your average SEO tool.
SE Ranking vs Ahrefs
Some of SE Ranking’s features aren’t extremely useful.
And some of them don’t compare to what Ahrefs offers.
Overall, SE Ranking is an excellent choice if you need Ahrefs’ toolset but have a limited budget.
User Interface And Our Experience
SE Ranking’s interface is probably its only perk that’s at the same level as Ahrefs.
We actually recently got to play around with the tool and see what it can do.
And I think it offers an outstanding user experience and interface.
Pricing
SE Ranking is very cheap for a complete SEO toolkit.
The tools we mentioned for under $30/month are excellent.
And since SE Ranking is a relatively new tool, you might want to jump on it now. If it keeps growing, it will definitely raise its prices as well.
Conclusion
SE Ranking is a newcomer to the block of SEO tools.
But it’s gaining popularity fast.
If you want to see what it can do first-hand, check it out:
So Which Ahrefs Alternative Is Good For You?
We’d still advise you to go for Ahrefs.
It’s the best SEO tool all around, and it will help you with everything your website needs to flourish. Read our Ahrefs review to find out why.
But if you:
- Are disappointed with Ahrefs’ recent updates
- Want something cheaper
- Want a different SEO toolkit
- Need something more beginner-friendly
Then tools like Semrush, Ubersuggest, or SERPStat are the best Ahrefs alternatives.
