Is Ahrefs better than Semrush in 2026?

It depends on your needs. Both rated 4.6/5 by users. Ahrefs excels at seo toolset with industry-leading backlink analysis and keyword research, while Semrush focuses on all-in-one seo and digital marketing toolkit for professionals. Ahrefs starts at $129/mo; Semrush starts at $139.95/mo.

Which is cheaper, Ahrefs or Semrush?

Ahrefs starts at $129/mo; Semrush starts at $139.95/mo. Ahrefs starts at $129/mo, and Semrush starts at $139.95/mo.

Can I migrate from Ahrefs to Semrush?

Most users can switch between these tools. Semrush supports data import from Ahrefs. Plan 1-3 days for migration depending on data volume and team size.

What are the key differences between Ahrefs and Semrush?

Ahrefs uniquely offers Keyword Explorer, Site Explorer, Rank Tracker. Semrush uniquely offers Keyword Research, Rank Tracking, Competitor Analysis. Both share 3 features including Backlink Analysis, Site Audit, API Access. Ahrefs starts at $129/mo; Semrush starts at $139.95/mo. Founded in 2011 and 2008 respectively.

When was this Ahrefs vs Semrush comparison last updated?

This comparison was last updated on May 13, 2026. We review and refresh our comparisons regularly to reflect the latest pricing, features, and ratings from Ahrefs and Semrush.

Home›SEO Tools›Compare›Ahrefs vs Semrush

Updated May 13, 2026 · Independent Analysis

AhrefsvsSemrush

Capability Overview

Ahrefsvs Semrush

★ 4.6/5+0.1 vs Semrush

Only in Ahrefs

✦ Keyword Explorer
✦ Site Explorer
✦ Rank Tracker

From $129/mo(cheaper)3M+ users users · est. 2011

View Full Review Try Ahrefs Free

Semrushvs Ahrefs

★ 4.5/5-0.1 vs Ahrefs

Only in Semrush

✦ Keyword Research
✦ Rank Tracking
✦ Competitor Analysis

From $139.95/mo(pricier)10M+ users users · est. 2008

View Full Review Try Semrush Free

Pricing Features Pros & Cons At a Glance FAQ Related

Pricing Intelligence

Ahrefs saves you $10.949999999999989/user/movs Semrush

Ahrefs Plans

Paid plans only

LiteBest Value

$129/mo

• 1 user
• 5 projects
• 500 tracked keywords

Standard

$249/mo

• 1 user
• 20 projects
• 1,500 tracked keywords

Advanced

$449/mo

• 3 users
• 50 projects
• 5,000 tracked keywords

Full Ahrefs Pricing Breakdown →

Semrush Plans

Paid plans only

ProBest Value

$139.95/mo

• 5 projects
• 500 keywords to track
• 10k results per report

Guru

$249.95/mo

• 15 projects
• 1.5k keywords
• Historical data

Business

$499.95/mo

• 40 projects
• 5k keywords
• API access

Full Semrush Pricing Breakdown →

Feature Matrix

3 differences found across 15 standardized features

Feature

Ahrefs

Semrush

Local SEO

✗

✓

White Label

✗

✓

PPC Research

✗

✓

Total (raw)

Pros & Cons Face-Off

Evaluative strengths and weaknesses — not feature lists

Ahrefs

Pros

+Best backlink database in the industry
+Excellent keyword data accuracy
+Strong content gap analysis
+User-friendly interface

Cons

−No free plan (only limited free tools)
−Expensive for small businesses
−No social media or PPC tools

Semrush

Pros

+Most comprehensive SEO toolkit
+Excellent competitor intelligence
+Huge keyword database (26B+ keywords)
+Regular feature updates

Cons

−Expensive starting price
−Overwhelming for beginners
−Limited seats on lower plans

At a Glance

User Rating

4.6/5vs4.5/5

Ahrefs

▲

Semrush

Starting Price

$129/movs$139.95/mo

Ahrefs

Semrush

▲

Feature Count

15 featuresvs15 features

Ahrefs

Semrush

User Base

3.0Mvs10.0M

Ahrefs

Semrush

▲

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Ahrefs vs Moz Pro →Ahrefs vs SE Ranking →Ahrefs vs Screaming Frog SEO Spider →Semrush vs SISTRIX →Ahrefs Alternatives →Semrush Alternatives →

Authored by ComparEdge Editorial·Reviewed by ComparEdge EditorialExpert verified·Updated May 13, 2026·Our methodology