Ahrefs is one of the most popular and widely-utilized SEO tools. It offers many features for studying your competitors, building links, doing keyword research, checking your website for SEO issues, researching popular content, and tracking rankings. Its vast database, with over 11 billion keywords and over 400 billion indexed pages, gives Ahrefs users accurate data.
What really makes Ahrefs stand out is its web crawling abilities—it has one of the strongest backlink databases around, an absolute gold mine for folks looking for link-building opportunities.
But Ahrefs might not be the right fit for everyone. It’s on the pricier side of SEO solutions, which might be too much for small to medium businesses just starting with SEO. Also, while Ahrefs takes pride in its datasets, the number of features it offers for the price is quite limited. In particular, agency clients would need to use alternatives tools to cover their reporting needs
So, if you’re trying to find the best Ahrefs alternatives, this article is for you. Let’s dive into these options together.
What could be the reasons for people seeking Ahrefs alternatives?
Ahrefs has maintained a loyal user base over the years. However, are these users truly satisfied with the tool? Many reviews suggest that a significant number of people continue to pay a premium price for Ahrefs primarily because they have become accustomed to its interface.
And what shortcomings are we referring to here? Here, we’ve highlighted the most frequently mentioned issues reported by users of this tool.
- Cost: As we touched on earlier, Ahrefs isn’t cheap. Its prices start at $99 for a basic Lite package with limited features. The option for in-house marketing teams starts at $399. Notice the word here is ‘starts,’ because as the folks behind the tool stress, the “baseline price doesn’t include additional charges that may pop up if you go over your plan’s limits.” This pricing model can be a hurdle for small to medium-sized businesses as well as agencies. Some have voiced that the total bill can hit a whopping $8,000 per year with an annual subscription and extra monthly fees. Ahrefs most expensive subscription plan will cost you even more—$9990 plus extra fees per every additional users, daily ranking checks and hundreds of dollars per extra credits. That kind of budget opens up many other options in the market.
- Frequent price hikes: Even if you’re okay with the current price tag on Ahrefs, you’ll need to stay on your toes. Users have grumbled about regular price increases, which bumps up the entry point for this tool and might have you hunting for alternatives sooner than you think.
- Limited features: Ahrefs does a great job with general SEO, but it’s missing some bells and whistles you can find with its rivals. For example, it doesn’t offer a specialized tool for local SEO pros, leaving them to dig up info from other sources. Unlike its more cutting-edge competitors, it’s also lagging on on-page optimization or content creation tools.
- Reports for clients: If you represent an SEO agency, and you need a tool that dishes out in-depth, tailor-made reports, Ahrefs may not be the best choice. As it stands, the tool does not provide this feature, although the pricing page indicates that a report-sharing option should be available soon, starting from the Standard package and upwards.
These points, taken together, have some users eyeing Ahrefs alternatives that might be a better fit for their specific needs and budget.
Criteria for choosing Ahrefs alternatives
To provide you with the most comprehensive SEO software comparison and insight into each tool’s different features, we’ve built our tool reviews around a few key points that will be the basis for comparing them with Ahrefs.
- Functionality: What kind of features does the SEO tool have? Are they advanced enough to give you deep insights? How much can users change the tool and the data it shows?
- User Interface: How many steps does a user take to get where they want? How long does it take? Is the tool easy to use, well-organized, or messy and hard to understand? Can someone new to SEO easily use it?
- User Reviews: What are people saying about the tool? Does it have a good name for itself? Why are people leaving good or bad reviews about the tool?
- Price: Does the SEO tool have different price plans that fit different budgets without taking away too much access or use?
Alright, to better understand the differences between Ahrefs and its competitors, let’s begin with a description of Ahrefs according to the criteria proposed above.
Functionality
Boasting one of the largest backlink databases, Ahrefs offers in-depth backlink analysis capabilities along with opportunities to research competitors and keywords, run a site audit, or track website rankings. You can find backlink gaps, the best keywords to target, identify broken links, and see where your competitors outrank you. However, users have raised concerns about Ahrefs keyword search volumes, traffic estimates, and lack of specific content and local SEO features. You may need to resort to additional tools or services to cover these areas.
Interface
While Ahrefs has a steeper learning curve than some competitors, it rewards users who take the time to learn its intricacies. Although not the most modern, the interface is relatively easy to use. Once accustomed to it, it enables smooth navigation and efficient use of its various features. Overall, users rated ease of use at 4.5 stars out of 5.
User reviews
Ahrefs has been well received by users, earning 4.7 out of 5 stars on Capterra, 4.6 on G2, and 8.7 out of 10 stars on TrustRadius. One of its users has lauded it as “One of the all time greatest SEO tools for Digital marketers” praising its wide range of features and immense database.
Price
Ahrefs offers a variety of pricing plans, beginning with its Lite package at $99 a month. This basic subscription includes 75 trackable keywords, 2,500 maximum rows per a report, weekly keyword updates, and 100,000 crawl credits per month for each site audit. Ahrefs provides advanced plans ranging from $199 to $999 per month for those needing more comprehensive features and higher usage limits. However, it’s important to note that the cost can increase for additional users and daily ranking data updates. One drawback is that users must monitor their credit limit carefully to avoid exceeding their selected plan and incurring additional charges.Regardless of plan choice, Ahrefs offers two months free if you pay annually.
Best Ahrefs alternatives to try in 2023
1. SE Ranking
SE Ranking is a comprehensive all-in-one SEO platform. This software offers a great balance between cost and functionality, making it one of the best alternatives to Ahrefs. It’s not just the price tag that’s appealing, though. SE Ranking goes the extra mile with features that Ahrefs lacks while maintaining user-friendly navigation.
Its attractive price, ease of use, and many available options make it a great choice, especially for small and medium businesses. Moreover, thanks to the fact that SE Ranking excels in offering extensive custom reporting options, it’s also a great tool for agencies. This aspect also receives recognition from users who rate SE Ranking’s custom reports at 8.9, surpassing Ahrefs’ score of 8.4.
Functionality
SE Ranking offers a comprehensive set of SEO tools, positioning it as a strong competitor to Ahrefs. Among other things, it offers keyword rank tracking, website auditing, keyword suggestions, and SEO / PPC competition research. It also comes with robust backlink analysis and monitoring tools, which allow you to generate 1500 to 15000 backlink reports per month. You can use as many filters as you need and no additional charges will apply.
Additionally, it incorporates less common features such as keyword grouping and page change monitoring the latter being of great help for SEO agencies that need to keep track of all the activities happening on their clients’ sites. SE Ranking extends its agency capabilities even further by offering a lead generation widget and white labeling (not available in Ahrefs), which helps agencies communicate their results more openly and build customer loyalty.
Something worth noting is SE Ranking’s keyword database. It spans the entire globe, supporting 190 countries, while Ahrefs only supports 171 countries. SE Ranking constantly improves its algorithms to better define keyword search volume and traffic estimates. With the latest update, SE Ranking’s traffic estimates got very close to the Google Search Console data. Also, SE Ranking tends to focus on more quality keywords when extending its databases. This allows the tool to spot more keyword opportunities than other tools—including Ahrefs—do.
Unlike Ahrefs, SE Ranking stays up-to-**** and doesn’t restrict itself to traditional, well-known features. It provides AI-based tools, like On-Page SEO Checker and AI writing assistant. As a result, users give SE Ranking’s product direction a 9.4 out of 10, edging out Ahrefs’ score of 9.1.
Interface
Compared to Ahrefs’ interface, which may seem to be outdated, the user interface of SE Ranking is modern, straightforward, and easy to navigate.
SE Ranking provides clear, visually appealing dashboards that give a comprehensive overview of SEO results, with data visualized through charts and graphs for easy understanding. The platform also stands out for its customizable reports, allowing users to select and present data according to their needs.
When it comes to ease of use, SE Ranking also outperforms Ahrefs. On the G2 platform, users rate this aspect of SE Ranking at 9.3 out of 10 points, while Ahrefs received a score of 8.9. A similar gap is noticeable on the Capterra platform, where the scores are 4.7 versus 4.5 out of 5 points, with SE Ranking again taking the lead.
User reviews
SE Ranking scores high in user reviews, with an overall rating of 4.8/5 stars from over 1,100 reviews on G2, and 4.7/5 stars from 270 reviews on Capterra. Users have applauded its range of features, data accuracy, and fair pricing. One of its users called it even as a “game-changer for SEO,” particularly valuing its user-friendly interface and ease of use.
Price
SE Ranking’s pricing structure offers a variety of options designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users, from individual entrepreneurs to small and medium businesses and even agencies. The monthly costs range from $55 to $570, presenting a more affordable option for users compared to Ahrefs, which paid plan starts at $99. Moreover, with SE Ranking’s Pro and Business plans you are not limited to the number of clients’ projects. With Ahrefs, you can add 5 to 100 projects without verifying your site ownership and sharing site data with Ahrefs.
Similar to Ahrefs, SE Ranking also offers a 20% discount for those who choose annual billing.
For organizations requiring multiple user accounts, SE Ranking is more cost-effective. For instance, their $109 monthly plan offers three user seats, and the $239 plan provides five. In contrast, Ahrefs charges an additional $20 to $50 per month for each user added to actively use the account.
Additionally, it’s important to take into account the tools’ rank tracking capabilities. For instance, Ahrefs’ packages offer between 750 to 10,000 total tracked keywords with WEEKLY checks, while SE Ranking provides between 750 to 15,000 tracked keywords checked DAILY. To get daily updates with Ahrefs you’ll need to add extra $100-250 to your monthly bill.
2. Spyfu
SpyFu, launched in 2005 as a ‘spy’ tool, has progressively evolved its suite of tools to become a comprehensive platform for keyword research and competitor analysis. It’s a budget-conscious platform offering a user-friendly interface alongside intelligent PPC features. SpyFu is particularly renowned for its focus on competitive analysis within the SEO and PPC realms, specifically in the areas of keywords, content, and backlinks. By scrutinizing the successful strategies implemented by your competitors, SpyFu aims to refine your approach, enhance your rankings, and lower costs.
Functionality
SpyFu and Ahrefs offer many valuable SEO features, and the choice between them should depend on your needs. SpyFu stands out for its advanced competitor analysis capabilities, including a powerful Ad History feature that provides extensive insights into a competitor’s PPC ad strategy, such as ad copy, landing pages, and estimated ad spend. This tool is particularly helpful in tracking the evolution of competitors’ advertising strategies over time, serving as a unique source of inspiration and insight.
However, SpyFu has its limitations. While it offers basic rank-tracking and robust keyword research features, it falls short in terms of technical and on-page optimization tools. Its backlink databases are also not as extensive as those provided by Ahrefs.
Interface
Regarding ease of use, SpyFu and Ahrefs are pretty comparable. SpyFu scored 8.7 out of 10 in this category, while Ahrefs edged slightly ahead with a score of 8.8.
SpyFu offers a relatively user-friendly interface that allows for seamless navigation. Its visually appealing dashboard significantly enhances the user experience.
The dashboard is designed for swift and efficient access to critical data, such as SEO Research, PPC Research, Keyword Research, Backlinks, Reports, and more.
However, if a modern and easy-to-use interface primarily drives your preference for an SEO tool, we recommend considering other options, such as the previously mentioned SE Ranking.
User reviews
SpyFu, while not as widely recognized as Ahrefs, garners high praise within its dedicated user base. It holds a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating from over 140 reviews on Capterra. It also enjoys a 4.6 out of 5 stars rating on G2, based on close to 500 reviews and 8.3 out of 10 stars from 130 reviews on TrustRadius.
Notably, a representative from a marketing agency described it as an “Underrated tool for prospecting,” emphasizing how the tool effectively assists in identifying and targeting prospects already investing in paid traffic.
Price
SpyFu’s subscription plans are noticeably more affordable than those offered by Ahrefs. SpyFu’s Basic plan begins at $39 per month, unlike Ahrefs’s initial plan, which is priced at $99 monthly. The Professional plan from SpyFu is available for $79 per month.
In the Team’s plan, SpyFu includes five user logins, whereas Ahrefs charges for each additional login regardless of the plan.
Moreover, SpyFu provides over a decade of historical data, while Ahrefs only provides two years’ worth.
API access is part of SpyFu packages starting at $79 per month, while Ahrefs reserves this feature for users of the $999 per month Enterprise plan.
Significantly, SpyFu offers a higher number of trackable keywords. For instance, SpyFu’s $299 package includes 40k weekly tracked keyword rankings, while the more expensive Ahrefs package, priced at $100 more, only offers tracking for 5,000 keywords.
3. Semrush
Semrush is considered as the closest tool to Ahrefs. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that while both tools are powerful, they each have different strengths. The choice of Ahrefs is often driven by its excellent backlink indexing feature, whereas SEMrush is primarily valued for its extensive functionality.
Let’s further explore their differences.
Functionality
Semrush stands out for its extensive toolset, covering a broad spectrum of functionalities such as keyword research, website auditing, on-page SEO, local SEO, competitor analysis, content marketing, rank tracking, link building, and social media management.
Semrush offers unique insights, such as its proprietary Share of Voice metric and Product Listing Ads data collection for optimizing Google Shopping campaigns. However, these advanced features are accessible only with higher-tier pricing plans.Semrush breadth of features notably surpasses what Ahrefs offers. So, if your primary criterion for choosing an SEO tool is the richness of features, Semrush would be better than Ahrefs. However, some users have mentioned that Semrush’s many features can sometimes complicate navigation and tool discovery.
Interface
Based on user reviews, one of the most frequently cited drawbacks of Semrush is its complex interface, which can be challenging for beginners to navigate. Some users acknowledged that the somewhat cumbersome design can make finding the necessary information difficult. While both Ahrefs and Semrush are regarded as advanced tools with substantial learning curves, Ahrefs generally outperforms Semrush in terms of user-friendliness, scoring 8.9 compared to Semrush, with 8.4 out of 10 stars on G2.
Nonetheless, if you’re already acquainted with Semrush or willing to dedicate the time to learn its workings, you’ll likely find this tool immensely valuable.
User reviews
Semrush holds a respectable standing, garnering 4.6 out of 5 stars on G2, 4.4 out of 5 stars on Gartner, and an 8.9 out of 10 rating on TrustRadius. As mentioned before, many reviews point out its lack of user-friendliness as its main cons.
Price
Semrush, while offering a free trial and a very basic free version, does come at a significant cost. The most affordable plan is priced at $119.95 per month, offering five projects (or sites), the tracking of 500 keywords, and 10,000 results per report, indicating the number of data rows available. For more features, including Looker Studio integration, Content Marketing Toolkit, historical data, and more, you’d need to upgrade to either the $229.95 or $449.95 per month plans.
Note that each plan only permits one user to be logged in at a time, necessitating the purchase of additional seats for multiple users.
In comparison, Ahrefs, although also not cheap, can be more budget-friendly than Semrush.
4. Mangools
If you find both Ahrefs and Semrush too complex and costly for your needs, we have an alternative recommendation for you. Its pricing structure is evident in its target market, primarily small businesses. Its unique and striking design is sure to leave a lasting impression!
Functionality
In terms of functionality, Mangools offers fundamental features such as keyword research, competitor analysis, backlink analysis, rank tracking, and search engine results page (SERP) analysis.
Where Mangools shines is through its robust keyword research tool, KWFinder. This unique feature aids users in identifying optimal long-tail keywords to enhance website content for better search engine visibility.
Currently, it does not offer tools for crawl analysis, site speed, or technical audits, which could limit certain users.
While Mangools may not possess as broad a feature set as Ahrefs, it is a compelling choice for small businesses, bloggers, and freelancers, given its competitive pricing and the beneficial features it delivers.
Interface
If you mainly care about a simple user interface, you have just found what you are looking for.
“An excellent product featuring user-friendly tools and supportive customer service” is a standard user comment when reviewing Mangools. They often commend its simplicity, ease of use, and its accessibility for beginners in their feedback, scoring it a remarkable 9.8 out of 10 for ease of use.
User reviews
While Mangools is not as popular as Ahrefs, it doesn’t lag in quality. It boasts a 4.6/5 star rating on G2 and a 4.7/5 on Capterra.
The user interface and customer service receive particular praise. However, some users have expressed concerns about the daily limit of 100 search terms. A few highlight its limited database, marking a significant difference between Mangools and Ahrefs.
Price
Mangools is definitely cheaper than Ahrefs. It presents a pricing structure with three paid plans to accommodate diverse user requirements. The Basic plan comes at $49 per month, the Premium plan is $69 per month, and the Agency plan is $129 per month.
For those choosing to commit for a year, Mangools offers a substantial 35% discount, making the Basic plan an extremely cost-effective choice at merely $29.90 per month on an annual billing cycle.
For those wanting to test the waters first, Mangools provides a 10-day trial period.
5. Moz Pro
Moz Pro is another comprehensive suite of SEO tools, often considered an alternative to Ahrefs. To simplify the intricacies of SEO, Moz Pro aims to make the field more understandable and manageable. It allows users to avoid spending excessive time navigating complex spreadsheets and leveraging the data to make more informed decisions. Let’s see how users rate it!
Functionality
Regarding functionality, Moz Pro offers a comprehensive suite of professional SEO tools. These tools include key functionalities such as keyword research, rank tracking, website audits, on-page optimization, link research, and custom reporting.
An interesting feature is the Keyword Explorer tool, which aids in discovering how individuals are locating your online presence. This tool guides you in pinpointing the right target keywords. Additionally, Moz Pro enables tracking of local and national rankings across Google, Yahoo, and Bing.
However, compared to Ahrefs and other alternatives, Moz Pro lacks flexibility. Currently, it doesn’t appear to be under active development like, for instance, SE Ranking, which offers AI-powered tools. Moz’s users have pointed out the absence of new features being added over an extended period, leading them to rely on other tools to fulfill all their SEO needs. In terms of meeting requirements, users rated this criterion at 8.5/10, while Ahrefs earned a slightly higher score of 9.2/10.
Interface
Moz Pro doesn’t score highly in terms of the user interface, with many users considering it outdated compared to more modern solutions, such as Mangools or SE Ranking.
Regarding ease of use, Moz Pro even lags behind Ahrefs, which is still considered relatively challenging.
Users’ significant concern is Moz Pro’s lack of visually appealing and easily understandable graphical data presentations.
User reviews
While Moz Pro has a solid presence on review platforms, it doesn’t top the charts compared to other Ahrefs alternatives. On G2, it scores 4.4 out of 5 stars. On Gartner, it’s rated 4.7 out of 5 stars. TrustRadius gives it a score of 8.1 out of 10.
It’s worth noting that user feedback often mentions two critical areas where Moz Pro could improve: the user interface and the value for the price, considering the number of features offered. Users frequently suggest that the interface feels outdated, and some feel the functionality doesn’t fully justify the cost.
Price
The entry-level Moz Pro (Standard) plan matches Ahrefs’ pricing at $99 per month. Although it offers a more significant number of keywords (1,200 compared to 750), it falls short in functionality.
When evaluating the value for money, Moz Pro earns a score of 4.1/5, slightly lower than Ahrefs’ rating of 4.3/5.
6. SEO PowerSuite
SEO PowerSuite is an extensive SEO software often considered a primary Ahrefs competitor. The tool is acclaimed for its ability to automate, personalize, and generate SEO reports. Therefore, this software is worth considering if you’re seeking Ahrefs alternatives due to comprehensive report customization needs.
Functionality
SEO PowerSuite offers various robust SEO functions that cover all the basic SEO needs.
The software suite comprises four applications: Rank Tracker for keyword tracking and analysis, WebSite Auditor for technical and on-page optimization, SEO SpyGlass for investigating backlink opportunities, and LinkAssistant for planning link prospecting and outreach.
A feature that sets it apart from Ahrefs is the provision of personalized white-labeling, potentially making it more appealing to SEO agency users. Additionally, it provides a Content Management Dashboard and Google Analytics Integration, features not present in Ahrefs.
Interface
Based on user feedback, maneuvering through this SEO tool can be challenging. Despite being robust and comprehensive, it necessitates the installation of four separate applications on your computer. Users highlight the tool’s steep learning curve and note that its user interface is less intuitive or user-friendly than other market competitors.
User reviews
While being a dependable tool, it still ranks among the lesser-rated options on our list. With ratings of 4.3 out of 5 on Capterra, 8.8 out of 10 on TrustRadius, and 4.5 out of 5 on G2, SEO PowerSuite’s aggregate score based on reviews is relatively consistent.
Price
SEO PowerSuite offers an indefinite free plan, providing unlimited keyword tracking, auditing, crawling up to 500 URLs, and tracking and auditing up to 1,100 links. Any additional features such as scheduled reports, data exporting, and project saving are unavailable in this plan, and their absence might be significantly felt.
As for paid plans, they cost $299 and $499 per year, which seems a relatively high price for an SEO tool not available in the cloud.
7. Raven Tools
Raven Tools, while underrated, is a complex SEO and reporting tool offering integrated solutions for managing your digital marketing and advertising data. Despite not being as prominently recognized, it is a tool that can consolidate your digital marketing efforts onto a single platform.
Functionality
Raven Tools has various tools and features such as competitor research, website auditing, rank tracking, backlink tracking, keyword research, and social media reporting. Among its standout features is the “Link Spy” tool, which allows you to keep tabs on your competitors and uncover new backlink opportunities.
Furthermore, it boasts over 20 integrations with platforms such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and Google/Bing/Facebook ads, positioning it favorably against similar tools like Ahrefs.
Nonetheless, some users have reported technical issues with connections with third-party software, necessitating frequent contact with technical support to resolve back-end errors.
In addition, user ratings hint at potential difficulties navigating the tool due to its broad scope of data and functionality, earning it a functionality score of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Capterra.
Interface
Raven Tools has received mixed feedback regarding its user interface. Some users find it overly complex and time-consuming, and there are reports of it lacking fundamental data, particularly from Google Ads.
Although there are some positive comments regarding its ease of use, most users have reported technical issues, suggesting a potentially difficult user experience. As a result, this tool has a lower ease-of-use rating than Ahrefs (8.4 vs. 8.9 out of 10 points). Hence, if a user-friendly interface is your top priority, you should consider alternatives to Ahrefs or Raven Tools.
User reviews
Raven Tools holds its ground with good ratings, garnering 4.4 out of 5 stars on Capterra, 4.2 on G2, and 4.5 on Gartner. On TrustRadius, its rating is somewhat lower, scoring 7.7 out of 10.
The lowest ratings are related to ease of use and the current direction of its development.
It’s important to consider that Raven Tools doesn’t have as many total reviews as Ahrefs, so a direct comparison may not provide the whole picture.
Price
Raven Tools provides five pricing tiers with monthly charges from $49 to $479, rendering it a more budget-friendly solution than Ahrefs. Intriguingly, access to all features is granted even with the least expensive plan, though there are some restrictions compared to the costlier alternatives. However, it’s important to note that users have given it a lower rating for its value for money, which is a crucial factor to consider when selecting this tool.
8. Seobility
Seobility is an entry-level SEO toolset, designed to enhance a website’s ranking. Despite its absence of advanced features preferred by seasoned SEO professionals, it provides a user-friendly interface perfect for novices in SEO.
Functionality
Seobility boasts essential SEO features, encompassing on-page SEO audits, backlink analysis, link-building tools, and rank tracking. It also provides additional tools, such as the TF*IDF tool, for enhancing content creation and optimization.
One noteworthy aspect is its comprehensive on-page SEO audit function. It meticulously scans all linked website pages, identifying and displaying optimization issues or errors. Users can schedule regular scans to track a website’s ongoing optimization progress. Post each scan, Seobility compiles a detailed report and alerts users in the event of serious problems.
Despite its robust offerings, some beginner users have reported that the tool’s reports occasionally lack detailed explanations. It could make it challenging for them to comprehend and rectify identified errors.
Interface
While views on Seobility’s user interface vary, its ease-of-use score is notably high (9.1 out of 10 on G2), surpassing that of Ahrefs at 8.9. Users widely appreciate the platform’s simplicity, though some find its aesthetics somewhat dated. Moreover, users indicate the need to navigate multiple pages to create a comprehensive to-do list, which can be slightly inconvenient.
User reviews
Despite its lower profile and fewer reviews, Seobility has earned positive feedback from its users. It has shown commendable performance, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars on G2 and 4.7 out of 5 stars on Capterra. One user hailed it as “A great service that delivers everything you’d anticipate from an SEO analysis, and a few unexpected features as well.”
Price
Seobility offers three different plans with varying features. The initial plan is free and allows users to analyze up to 1000 web pages per crawl, conduct 10 keyword analysis, and check 100 external links. Additionally, users can make up to five tool requests daily, including the SEO Checker, TF*IDF Tool, Keyword Research Tool, and more.
For those interested in the paid options, there are two plans to choose from. The Premium plan costs $50 per month and is designed for small to mid-sized businesses and even offers a free trial. The Agency plan, priced at $200, caters to large websites, companies, and agencies.
These prices make it a more affordable option than Ahrefs.
9. Cognitive SEO
CognitiveSEO, a lesser-known yet powerful Ahrefs alternative, is a comprehensive digital marketing strategy tool designed to fuel your brand’s growth online. It’s robust in terms of SEO functionalities and excels in its capabilities for team collaboration and project management.
Functionality
With features like content optimization, site auditing, backlink analysis, rank tracking, SEO dashboard, marketing reports, and an SEO API, CognitiveSEO can cater to a wide range of digital marketing needs. It’s convenient regarding features like penalty recovery and content optimization.
Additionally, cognitiveSEO offers a conducive workspace for different teams or a diverse range of clients. It frees sharing assets, files, or even code snippets with other developers.
Integration with various apps, including Trello and Google Drive, is another strong point for cognitiveSEO. This feature enables discussions and comments on tasks or files within the team, fostering a collaborative work environment.
Unique features such as real-time Penguin monitoring, instant email alerts for SERP changes, and tracking of desktop, mobile, and local ranks on all international markets make cognitiveSEO an efficient tool. The ability to white-label the entire toolset and schedule customized PDF reports adds another layer of personalization to the experience.
Interface
In terms of ease of use, cognitiveSEO has been rated 8.1 out of 10 by users, which is slightly lower than the rating for Ahrefs. User feedback suggests that cognitiveSEO may not offer the most intuitive interface and its performance could be improved, particularly with regard to its keyword research tool. Additionally, it appears to be more suitable for agencies and larger enterprises, as opposed to smaller businesses or solo entrepreneurs.
User reviews
Despite not being as renowned as competitors like Semrush and Ahrefs, cognitiveSEO maintains a positive reputation with favorable user reviews. It earned a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on G2 and 8 out of 10 stars on TrustRadius. In their reviews, users commonly mention its complex interface and frequent technical problems as downsides. On the other hand, they highlight top-notch customer support as one of cognitiveSEO’s most commendable aspects.
Price
Despite not being as popular as other Ahrefs and Semrush alternatives, cognitiveSEO carries a high price tag. Its most affordable plan starts at $129 per month, which allows tracking 1,500 keywords, analyzing 200,000 inbound links, carrying out 150 content audits, and analyzing 50,000 links per site. This plan includes two user seats, five campaigns, and Google Analytics integration.
Considering the steep price and complexity of use, this tool might not be the optimal choice for small businesses and beginner users.
10. Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest, developed by Neil Patel, has swiftly progressed from a basic keyword research tool to a comprehensive SEO platform while maintaining an impressively user-friendly interface. Recognized as a highly accessible tool for SEO novices, Ubersuggest has become one of the best Ahrefs alternatives.
Functionality
The functionality of Ubersuggest extends beyond simple keyword research. It is equipped with features for SEO auditing, monitoring, rank tracking, link building, competitor analysis, and custom report generation, making it an increasingly competitive contender in the world of SEO solutions.
At the heart of Ubersuggest, however, remains its comprehensive keyword research tool. It excels at fostering brainstorming sessions and inspiring content ideas. Generating content suggestions based on target keywords aids in uncovering popular topics and queries within your niche that can potentially surge your site’s traffic.
Additionally, Ubersuggest goes further by offering an extensive training and support package, including step-by-step SEO tutorials, templates, and worksheets, which adds significant value, especially for beginners. While it may not possess a toolset as comprehensive as Ahrefs, the user-friendly solutions Ubersuggest provides are undoubtedly noteworthy and worth considering.
Interface
If your primary factor in choosing an SEO tool is ease of use, then Ubersuggest is a strong contender. This platform is tailored for those who are new to SEO or those looking to improve their website’s performance without needing in-depth technical knowledge. It stands out for its user-friendly interface which effectively simplifies and distills complex information, making it less overwhelming.
Ubersuggest boasts a minimalist aesthetic while providing a wealth of information in a straightforward, easily navigable layout. The dashboard immediately offers optimization suggestions for your site, enhancing the user experience.
User reviews
Ubersuggest’s user ratings are comparatively lower than other tools listed as best Ahrefs alternatives. It has achieved a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on G2, 3.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, and 8.2 out of 10 stars on TrustRadius.
Notably, the slightly lower ratings appear less connected to the tool’s functionality or user interface but rather linked to issues encountered in the billing process.
Price
Remarkably, Ubersuggest provides a unique one-time payment plan beginning at $290, which starkly contrasts Ahrefs’s recurring monthly subscriptions, offering significant potential savings. However, if a monthly subscription better suits your needs, they are available and vary between $29 to $99. The most affordable option, the Individual plan, delivers several features, including 150 daily reports, one project, and weekly site audits.
Nonetheless, prospective buyers should exercise caution during the purchase process. Some users had voiced concerns regarding payment issues, including when they were erroneously charged for a lifetime plan when they intended to opt for a monthly subscription.
Summary
As you can see, the discussed alternatives to Ahrefs have similar foundational functionalities, yet they vary considerably in their unique features and user experience. If your requirement is an extensive feature set with powerful capabilities, Semrush and Ahrefs might be the most fitting. However, if you’re starting or place a high value on an easy-to-use interface, Ubersuggest or Mangools could be the better choice.
SE Ranking could be a compelling option if you’re looking for a comprehensive solution that balances a robust feature set, contemporary design, cost-effectiveness, and usability.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The best choice depends on your specific needs and expertise in SEO. Choose wisely to get the maximum benefit out of your chosen SEO tool.
FAQ
What is the best alternative to Ahrefs?
Selecting the “best” alternative to Ahrefs is subjective and depends significantly on your specific SEO needs and skill level. However, considering factors such as pricing, the range of available features, usability, and other criteria, SE Ranking appears to be the best choice in the current market.
Is there a free alternative to Ahrefs?
Indeed, many SEO tools offer free versions with limited features. Ahrefs is one of them, while Semrush, SEO PowerSuite and Seobility also offer limited free versions of their tools. Furthermore, most SEO platforms also provide free trial periods or a money-back guarantee, allowing you to test their services before committing.
What is the difference between Ahrefs and Semrush?
Both Ahrefs and Semrush are comprehensive SEO suites, but they cater to different needs. Ahrefs excels in providing deep-dive keyword click data and thorough backlink analysis. Conversely, Semrush stands out with swift performance data delivery, technical site improvement guidance, and PPC campaign support. Your choice will depend on your specific requirements and priorities.
What is the difference between Moz and Ahrefs?
The main difference between Moz and Ahrefs lies in their capabilities in various areas. Ahrefs outperforms Moz in tracking search engine results pages (SERP) against URLs and keywords, finding quality keywords, tracking backlinks, and snooping on competitors. On the other hand, Moz takes the lead in analyzing on-page optimization. When generating fresh content ideas, Ahrefs’ Content Explorer is considered more capable and cost-effective than Moz Content.
What is the difference between Ahrefs and SE Ranking?
SE Ranking and Ahrefs are both potent SEO tools but they vary in certain areas. SE Ranking offers white-label customization, customizable reporting and broader SEO tool range that includes On-Page Checker, Content Marketing and Local Marketing . Ahrefs excels at backlink research and developed Yeo, its own search engine, that powers the Web Explorer tool. SE Ranking offers more flexible pricing and more generous data limits. Thus, for users working on multiple websites or requiring brand customization, SE Ranking can provide better value.
