Ahrefs vs Semrush.
Different strengths. Different costs. Here’s what to weigh before you choose.
Compare the plans as well as the brands. These prices may have different billing commitments and capacity limits; they are not equivalent quotes.
| What matters | Ahrefs | Semrush |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Search marketing toolkit for keyword research, backlink and competitor analysis, site audits and rank tracking, with website analytics tools. | Search marketing research and monitoring platform with keyword analysis, site audits, competitor research and AI visibility options. |
| Listed plan | Lite | SEO |
| Base price | $129 / mo | $139 / mo |
| Pricing conditions | Includes one user, five unverified projects, 750 tracked keywords and 100,000 crawl credits. Up to two additional users cost $40 each monthly. Enabled usage overages and optional add-ons are extra. | Current SEO + AI Search pricing page lists SEO at $139 monthly. Older knowledge-base price differs; current checkout should take precedence. |
| Documented capabilities | seo, analytics | seo, analytics |
| Free plan | Yes, with limits | Yes, with limits |
| Trial | Not verified | Trial available; offer length depends on program or plan |
| Integrations | Not yet verified | Google Analytics, Google Search Console |
| Benefits (editorial) | Combines keyword, backlink and technical SEO research. Lite publishes explicit project, keyword and crawl allowances. | Combines keyword, competitor and technical site research. Free account provides limited reports before purchase. |
| Limitations | Lite has only six months of historical data and a user-credit allowance. Additional users and enabled overages can increase the subscription cost. | Additional users incur separate charges. Broader toolkits and reporting options can add to base cost. |
| Typical fit (editorial) | Marketing agency, Creator & newsletter, Professional services, E-commerce, Local business | Marketing agency, E-commerce, Professional services |
| AI, support & ease of use | Confirm plan-specific AI limits and support. Ease of use has not been independently tested. | Confirm plan-specific AI limits and support. Ease of use has not been independently tested. |
| Evidence | Sources checked 2026-10-09 → | Sources checked 2026-10-07 → |
| Your next step | Visit AhrefsStandard provider link; no commission currently earned. | Visit SemrushStandard provider link; no commission currently earned. |
Use-case recommendations
Consider Ahrefs when…
Combines keyword, backlink and technical SEO research.
Check first: Lite has only six months of historical data and a user-credit allowance.
Consider Semrush when…
Combines keyword, competitor and technical site research.
Check first: Additional users incur separate charges.
Make the decision on your terms
Test your real workflow, calculate the full team and usage cost, and confirm export options before migrating. A higher advertised feature count does not necessarily create a better fit.
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