Semrush vs Ahrefs
These are the two biggest SEO suites. Both now track visibility in AI search alongside keyword and backlink data, and both have main plans that start above $100 a month.
Quick verdict
Semrush is the most complete all-in-one suite and the safe default if search is a core channel. Ahrefs is the pick if backlink and keyword data matter more than extra modules. It also has a $29/month Starter plan and a free tier for your own site if you want to start smaller.
Who each is best for
Semrush is best if you want SEO, AI visibility, local, content and advertising tools in one platform, and you'd use the 5 websites and 500 daily-tracked keywords on the entry SEO plan.
Ahrefs is best if backlinks and keyword research are your priority, you want more tracked keywords on the entry plan (750), or you'd rather start with the $29/month Starter.
Pricing and features
| Semrush | Ahrefs | |
|---|---|---|
| Free option | Free $0: 1 demo project, 10 reports a day | Ahrefs Free for data on your own site; Starter $29/month |
| Entry plan | SEO $139/month, or $117.33/month billed annually | Lite $129/month |
| Entry limits | 5 websites, 500 keywords tracked daily | 5 projects, 750 tracked keywords, 6 months of history, 1 user |
| Next plans | Starter SEO + AI Search $199/month; Pro+ $299/month | Standard $249/month; Advanced $449/month |
| AI search tracking | AI visibility reports and custom prompt monitoring on SEO; 50 prompts tracked daily on Starter | 5 tracked AI prompts on Lite, 10 on Standard, 20 on Advanced; Brand Radar |
| Extra users | Paid add-on (see pricing page) | Lite: add up to 2 users at $40/month each |
| Annual billing | Save up to 17% | Save up to 17% |
| Our verdict | The most complete SEO suite: keywords, audits, backlinks and competitor data, now with AI visibility tracking. The safe default if search is a core channel. | Best-in-class backlink and keyword data with a clean interface. Pick it over Semrush if links and research matter more than all-in-one features. |
Pricing and features come from each vendor's official pages, checked Oct 18, 2026. Vendors change plans often, so confirm on their site before you buy.
What the entry plans give you
Semrush's SEO plan costs $139/month, or $117.33/month billed annually. It covers 5 websites and 500 keywords tracked daily, with basic keyword research, competitor analysis, Position Tracking, Site Audit and AI visibility reports. Ahrefs Lite costs $129/month for 5 projects, 750 tracked keywords, 6 months of historical data and 5 tracked AI prompts, with API and MCP access listed on the plan.
Starting smaller
If $129+ a month is too much while you're getting started, both have a lighter option. Semrush's free plan allows 10 reports a day on a demo project. Ahrefs offers Ahrefs Free for data on your own site and a $29/month Starter for keyword ideas and competitor checks.
AI search visibility
Both now measure how brands show up in AI answers. Semrush builds AI visibility into its SEO plans and tracks 50 prompts daily on Starter. Ahrefs includes tracked AI prompts on every main plan plus Brand Radar for brand visibility in LLMs. If AI search is your focus, also see the AEO and GEO tools in our SEO category.
Our take
In Best AI SEO, AEO & GEO Tools, Semrush is "the most complete SEO suite" and "the safe default if search is a core channel". Ahrefs has "best-in-class backlink and keyword data with a clean interface". Pick Ahrefs over Semrush if links and research matter more than all-in-one features.
Bottom line
Semrush if you want one platform for everything search. Ahrefs if links and research come first. Ahrefs Lite ($129/mo) costs less than Semrush SEO billed monthly ($139/mo), while Semrush SEO drops to $117.33/mo on annual billing.
See the full picks: Best AI SEO, AEO & GEO Tools · Best for Marketing & Advertising
FAQ
Is Semrush or Ahrefs better?
Semrush if you want one platform for everything search. Ahrefs if links and research come first. Ahrefs Lite ($129/mo) costs less than Semrush SEO billed monthly ($139/mo), while Semrush SEO drops to $117.33/mo on annual billing.
When should I choose Semrush?
Choose Semrush if you want SEO, AI visibility, local, content and advertising tools in one platform, and you'd use the 5 websites and 500 daily-tracked keywords on the entry SEO plan.
When should I choose Ahrefs?
Choose Ahrefs if backlinks and keyword research are your priority, you want more tracked keywords on the entry plan (750), or you'd rather start with the $29/month Starter.
Sources
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