Head-to-head
Semrush vs Ahrefs
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Our pick: Semrush. Semrush is the broader marketing suite: SEO plus advertising, content, local and social toolkits, a free plan and a 7-day trial, which suits teams that want one subscription for growth.
| Factor | Semrush Our pick | Ahrefs |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | SEO and marketing suite with AI visibility tracking | SEO toolset with web analytics, social and AI visibility (Brand Radar) |
| Keyword database | 28B keywords, per the official site | 41.9B keywords tracked, per the official site |
| Backlinks | 43T backlinks, per the official site | Site Explorer and Content Explorer |
| Rank tracking | Plans track 500 to 5,000 keywords daily | Rank Tracker and GSC Insights |
| Other toolkits | Advertising, local, social, PR, content | Web analytics, social manager, report builder |
| Free option | Free plan (1 demo project, 10 reports/day) and 7-day trial | Free tools and a “Start for Free” option; terms on the official site |
| Pricing | SEO $117.33/mo billed annually ($139 monthly); Starter $165.17; Pro+ $248.17; Advanced $455.67 | See official pricing page |
Why we pick Semrush
- More than SEO: advertising, local, social, PR and content toolkits sit in the same suite.
- Transparent entry points: a free plan and a 7-day trial let you test on your own domain first.
- Clear plan limits: published plan limits show how many sites and keywords you can track.
- AI visibility: tracks how your brand appears in AI search answers.
When a competitor may fit better
- Ahrefs reports a larger keyword database (41.9B) and is popular with link-building and backlink-focused specialists.
- Ahrefs may also suit solo SEOs who want a tool focused on SEO alone.
Verdict
If organic traffic is one part of a wider marketing plan, Semrush gives you more under one roof. If you are a pure SEO and link-building specialist, trial Ahrefs alongside it.
Read the full Semrush review · All comparisons
Figures come from each vendor’s own public pages at the time of writing and can vary by region, currency and promotion. Always confirm on the official sites before you buy. Last verified: 2026-10-12