10 Ahrefs Alternatives and Their Pros and Cons

Ahrefs is one of the most popular and widely-utilized SEO tools. It offers tons of features for studying your competitors, building links, doing keyword research, checking your website for SEO issues, researching popular content, and tracking rankings. With its vast database of over 11 billion keywords and over 400 billion indexed pages, Ahrefs provides its users with reliable and accurate data.

Ahrefs also stands out for its web crawling abilities—it has one of the strongest backlink databases around, making it an absolute gold mine for folks looking for link-building opportunities.

But Ahrefs might not be the best fit for everyone. It sits on the pricier side of SEO solutions, making it less accessible for small to medium businesses who are just getting started with SEO. Also, while Ahrefs takes pride in its datasets, the number of features it offers for the price is quite limited. Agency clients especially would need to use alternative tools to cover their reporting needs.

So if you’re on a mission to explore feasible Ahrefs alternatives, this article is for you. Let’s dive into these options together.

Why would people seek Ahrefs alternatives?

Ahrefs has maintained a loyal user base over the years, but the jury is still out whether these users are truly satisfied with the tool. Though many reviews suggest that a significant number of people continue to pay a premium price for Ahrefs, this is namely because users have grown accustomed to its interface.

And what shortcomings are we referring to here? Well, we’ve highlighted the most frequently mentioned issues reported by users of this tool.

When considering these points collectively, it may serve you well to join the many users who are eyeing Ahrefs alternatives, ones that better suit their specific needs and budget.

Criteria for choosing Ahrefs alternatives

To provide you with the most comprehensive SEO software comparison and provide ample insight into each tool’s different features, we’ve built our tool reviews around a few key points that will serve as the basis for comparison 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 need to take to get to 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 make 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 for different budgets without taking away too much access or use?

To better understand the differences between Ahrefs and its competitors, let’s begin by examining Ahrefs according to the criteria proposed above.

Functionality

With one of the largest backlink databases, Ahrefs offers in-depth backlink analysis capabilities along with opportunities to research competitors and keywords. You can also use this platform to 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. On the flip side, users have raised concerns about Ahrefs’ keyword search volumes, traffic estimates, and lack of specific content and local SEO features. You may need to use additional tools or services to cover these areas.

Interface

While Ahrefs has a steeper learning curve than some of its competitors, it rewards users who take the time to learn its intricacies. Although not the most modern, the interface is pretty easy to use. After getting accustomed to it, users will appreciate its smooth navigation and the efficient use of its plethora of features. Overall, users rated Ahrefs’ 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 lauded it as being “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 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, gradually increasing in price for those who need more comprehensive features and higher usage limits. But keep in mind that the cost can also 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 for free if you pay annually.

Best Ahrefs alternatives to try in 2023

We assessed multiple SEO tools that could be considered Ahrefs alternatives according criteria defined above and hand-picked ten worthy options. They all vary by the amount of features offered, and the price range is also broad to let you choose the perfect match for your SEO needs.

1. SE Ranking
2. Spyfu
3. Semrush
4. Mangools
5. Moz Pro
6. SEO PowerSuite
7. Raven Tools
8. Seobility
9. cognitiveSEO
10. Ubersuggest

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. But it’s not just the price tag that’s appealing. SE Ranking goes the extra mile by providing its users with features that Ahrefs lacks, all while maintaining a user-friendly navigation experience. 

Its attractive price, ease of use, and tons of available options make it a great choice, especially for small and medium businesses. And since SE Ranking excels in offering extensive custom reporting options, it’s also a great tool for agencies. This aspect is especially appreciated by 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 formidable competitor to Ahrefs. SE Ranking offers keyword rank tracking, website auditing, keyword suggestions, and SEO/PPC competition research, among tons of other useful features. It also comes with robust backlink analysis and monitoring tools that allow you to generate 1500 to 15,000 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 is extremely useful for SEO agencies that need to closely monitor all activities happening on their clients’ sites. SE Ranking extends its agency capabilities even further by offering a lead generation widget and white labeling feature (not available in Ahrefs). These features help agencies to communicate their results more openly and build customer loyalty.

Another thing worth noting is SE Ranking’s keyword database, which spans the entire globe and supports 190 countries. Ahrefs only supports 171 countries. SE Ranking constantly improves its algorithms to further refine its keyword search volume and traffic estimates. With the latest update, SE Ranking’s traffic estimates better align with data from Google Search Console. Also, when expanding its databases, SE Ranking prioritizes quality keywords, enabling the tool to spot more keyword opportunities than other tools, including Ahrefs.

Unlike Ahrefs, SE Ranking remains up-to-date and doesn’t restrict its product development to traditional, well-known features. It provides AI-based tools, like its On-Page SEO Checker and AI writing assistant. The result is users who have given SE Ranking’s product direction a 9.4 out of 10, edging out Ahrefs’ score of 9.1.

Interface

Compared to Ahrefs’ interface, which looks a bit outdated, SE Ranking’s user interface is modern, straightforward, and easy to navigate.

SE Ranking provides clear and visually appealing dashboards that give users a comprehensive overview of their SEO results, with data presented in easy-to-understand charts and graphs. The platform also stands out for its customizable reports that allow users to select and present data according to their individual needs.

SE Ranking’s ease-of-use also outperforms that of Ahrefs’. On the G2 platform, users rate SE Ranking’s usability 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 (out of 5 points) are 4.7, for SE Ranking, and 4.5, for Ahrefs.

User reviews

SE Ranking’s collective user review score is high, 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 SE Ranking for its range of features, data accuracy, and fair pricing. One of its users even called it a “game-changer for SEO,” valuing it especially for 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. SE Ranking’s monthly costs range from $55 to $570, presenting a more affordable option for users compared to Ahrefs, whose paid plan starts at $99. As far as SE Ranking’s Pro and Business plans, you are not limited to the number of client projects you can have. In contrast, Ahrefs allows you to add 5 to 100 projects without verifying your site ownership and sharing site data.

SE Ranking is similar to Ahrefs in that it offers a 20% discount for those who choose annual billing.

For organizations requiring multiple user accounts, SE Ranking is more cost-effective. For instance, SE Ranking’s $109 monthly plan offers three user seats, and its $239 plan provides five. In contrast, Ahrefs charges an additional $20 to $50 per month for each user added that actively uses the account.

Additionally, it’s important to take into account each tool’s 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 an 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 sleuthing through the successful strategies used by your competitors, SpyFu can refine your approach, enhance your rankings, and lower costs.

Functionality

Both SpyFu and Ahrefs offer many valuable SEO features, which means choosing between them will depend on your individual needs and preferences. 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. SpyFu is particularly helpful in tracking the evolution of competitors’ advertising strategies over time, serving as a unique source of inspiration and insight.

But SpyFu certainly has its limitations. While it offers basic rank-tracking and robust keyword research features, its technical and on-page optimization tools fall short. 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 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 you’re primarily on the lookout for an SEO tool with a modern and easy-to-use interface, we recommend considering other options, such as the aforementioned SE Ranking platform.

User reviews

SpyFu, while not as widely recognized as Ahrefs, is praised highly by its dedicated user base. SpyFu holds a 4.5 out of 5 star rating from over 140 reviews on Capterra. It also enjoys a 4.6 out of 5 star rating on G2, based on close to 500 reviews and 8.3 out of 10 stars from 130 reviews on TrustRadius.

One representative from a marketing agency even described it as an “Underrated tool for prospecting,” emphasizing how the tool effectively assists in identifying and targeting prospects that are already invested 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’ 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 comes with all of SpyFu’s subscription packages, which start at $79 per month. On the other hand, Ahrefs reserves this feature for users who have the $999 per month Enterprise plan.

SpyFu offers a significantly higher number of trackable keywords. For instance, SpyFu’s $299 package includes 40k weekly tracked keyword rankings, which is in direct contrast to Ahrefs’ more expensive package, which only includes tracking of 5,000 keywords despite costing $100 more.

3. Semrush

Semrush is considered to be the closest tool to Ahrefs in terms of its capabilities. But even though both of these tools are powerful, they each have different strengths. People often choose Ahrefs because of its excellent backlink indexing feature, whereas SEMrush is primarily valued for its extensive functionality.

Let’s explore their differences a little further.

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, including its proprietary Share of Voice metric and data collection on Product Listing Ads, which can be useful for optimizing Google Shopping campaigns. But keep in mind that these advanced features are accessible only with higher-tier pricing plans. Semrush’s breadth of features notably surpasses Ahrefs’ offerings. If your primary criterion for choosing an SEO tool is that it must have a rich feature set, Semrush blows Ahrefs out of the water. Still, some users have mentioned that Semrush’s many features can make navigation and tool discovery difficult.

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 its 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 at 8.9 on G2 compared to Semrush, with 8.4 out of 10 stars.

Regardless, you’ll find Semrush to be immensely valuable, especially if you’ve already been acquainted with it  or if you’re willing to dedicate the time to learn how to use it.

User reviews

Semrush holds its own, with 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. Keep in mind again that there are tons of reviews that point out its lack of user-friendliness.

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), tracking of 500 keywords, and 10,000 results per report, indicating the number of data rows available. For more features, such as Looker Studio integration, the Content Marketing Toolkit, historical data, and more, you would have 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, making it even more necessary for you to purchase additional seats for multiple users.

Budget wise, Ahrefs isn’t much cheaper than Semrush, but it is ever-so-slightly more budget-friendly.

4. Mangools

If you feel that both Ahrefs and Semrush are too complex and costly for your needs, we have an alternative recommendation for you. Mangools is tailored primarily to small businesses, evidenced by its friendlier pricing structure. It also has a unique and striking design that is sure to leave a lasting impression!

Functionality

In terms of functionality, Mangools offers the essential SEO features, including keyword research, competitor analysis, backlink analysis, rank tracking, and search engine results page (SERP) analysis.

Mangools stands out with its robust keyword research tool, KWFinder. This unique feature helps users identify optimal long-tail keywords to enhance website content and boost search engine visibility. 

Please note that Mangools currently does not offer tools for crawl analysis, site speed, or technical audits, which may be too restrictive for certain users. 

While Mangools’ feature set is not as broad as Ahrefs’, it is still a compelling choice for small businesses, bloggers, and freelancers due to its competitive pricing and valuable features it provides.

Interface

If having a simple user interface is high on your priority list, then look no further than Mangools.

It is “An excellent product featuring user-friendly tools and supportive customer service,” according to most user comments about Mangools. Users often laud it for its simplicity, ease of use, and its accessibility for beginners. Mangools stands at a remarkable 9.8 out of 10 for its ease of use. 

User reviews

While Mangools is not as popular as Ahrefs, it doesn’t lag behind in quality. It boasts a 4.6/5 star rating on G2 and a 4.7/5 on Capterra.

Its user interface and customer service elements continue to receive a good chunk of the praise from its users. On the other hand, some users have expressed concern about its low daily search term limit of 100. Some users have even called attention to its limited database, which on its own marks a significant disparity between Mangools and Ahrefs in terms of feature breadth.

Price

Mangools is definitely cheaper than Ahrefs. Its pricing structure includes three paid plans to accommodate its diverse user requirements. The Basic plan amounts to $49 per month, the Premium plan is $69 per month, and the Agency plan is $129 per month. 

Mangools offers a substantial 35% discount to yearly subscribers, making its Basic plan an extremely cost-effective choice. It is priced at just $29.90 per month for users who opt for the annual billing cycle option.

If you prefer to test the waters first, Mangools offers a 10-day trial period.

5. Moz Pro

Moz Pro is another comprehensive SEO suite filled with tons of useful tools. It is often thought of by its users as the main alternative to Ahrefs. Moz Pro has also made it their mission to simplify SEO. By making the field more understandable and manageable, Moz Pro allows users to save time by avoiding the need to navigate complex spreadsheets. This helps them to leverage the data efficiently and make more informed decisions. Let’s see how users rate it!

Functionality

Moz Pro offers a comprehensive suite of professional SEO tools, including key functionalities such as keyword research, rank tracking, website audits, on-page optimization, link research, and custom reporting.

One feature of note is its Keyword Explorer tool, which aids in discovering how individuals are locating your online presence. This tool helps you pinpoint the right target keywords. Moz Pro also enables local and national tracking of rankings across major search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing.

Unfortunately, Moz Pro’s flexibility is lacking compared to Ahrefs and other alternatives. It doesn’t currently appear to be under active development, unlike consistently updated platforms like SE Ranking, which offers AI-powered tools. Moz’s users have pointed out how new features are not being added over extended periods, leading them to rely on other tools to fulfill all their SEO needs. In terms of meeting user requirements, users rated this criterion at 8.5/10, while Ahrefs earned a slightly higher score of 9.2/10.

Interface

Moz Pro’s user interface score is pretty low, with many users considering it outdated compared to more modern solutions like Mangools and SE Ranking.

Moz Pro’s ease-of-use lags behind that of Ahrefs, a platform that is known for its  relatively high learning curve.

Users are also highly concerned about 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 highlights two key areas for improvement in Moz Pro: the user interface and the value in relation to the price, given the limited number of features offered. Users frequently express that the interface feels outdated, and some feel that the functionality doesn’t fully justify the cost.

Price

Moz Pro’s entry-level plan (Standard) plan matches Ahrefs’ pricing at $99 per month. Sure, it offers way more keywords (1,200 compared to 750), but it falls short in terms of its functionality. 
When evaluating the value for money, Moz Pro earns a score of 4.1/5, which is slightly lower than Ahrefs’ rating of 4.3/5.

6. SEO PowerSuite

SEO PowerSuite is jam-packed with SEO tools and is often considered by its users as a worthy Ahrefs competitor. The tool is acclaimed for its ability to automate, personalize, and generate SEO reports. If you’re seeking Ahrefs alternatives, you may consider this software to be worth the buy simply due to its comprehensive report customization features.

Functionality 

SEO PowerSuite offers various robust SEO functions that cover all the basic SEO needs.

This software suite is comprised of 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.

One feature that sets it apart from Ahrefs is its provision of personalized white-labeling, potentially making it more appealing to SEO agency users. It also provides users with a Content Management Dashboard and integration with Google Analytics, both of which are features not present in Ahrefs.

Interface

According to user feedback, this SEO tool can be hard to maneuver through. Despite being robust and comprehensive, SEO PowerSuite necessitates the installation of four separate applications on your computer. Users have pointed out that the tool has a steep learning curve. They also say that its user interface is less intuitive and user-friendly than other competitors on the market.

User reviews

While SEO PowerSuite is considered a dependable tool, it still ranks among the lower-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 remains pretty consistent.

Price

SEO PowerSuite provides an unrestricted free plan that includes unlimited keyword tracking, auditing, crawling for 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, which may be noticeably missed by users. 

As for paid plans, they cost $299 and $499 per year, which is a relatively high price for an SEO tool that isn’t available in the cloud.

7. Raven Tools

Raven Tools, despite being underrated, is a complex SEO and reporting tool that offers integrated solutions for managing your digital marketing and advertising data. Despite not being as prominently recognized as a platform as Ahrefs, Raven Tools lets you consolidate all of your digital marketing efforts in one place.

Functionality

Raven Tools has various tools and features, including competitor research, website auditing, rank tracking, backlink tracking, keyword research, and social media reporting. Among its standout features is its “Link Spy” tool, which allows you to keep tabs on your competitors and uncover new backlink opportunities.

Raven Tools also offers more than 20 integrations with platforms such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and Google/Bing/Facebook ads, giving it a competitive edge against tools like Ahrefs.

Nonetheless, some users have encountered technical issues with third-party software connections, often reporting that they have to make frequent contact with technical support to resolve backend errors.

User ratings also hint to potential difficulties around navigating the tool due to its broad scope of data and functionality. This slight hiccup in usability has earned it a functionality score of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Capterra.

Interface

Raven Tools has received mixed feedback for its user interface. Some users find it overly complex and time-consuming. There are even reports of Raven Tools lacking fundamental data, particularly from Google Ads.

While there are a few positive comments about its ease of use, the majority of users have reported technical issues, suggesting a potentially difficult user experience. This has contributed to the tool’slower ease-of-use rating in comparison to Ahrefs (8.4 vs. 8.9 out of 10 points). This means that if having a user-friendly interface is your top priority, you may want to explore alternatives to Ahrefs and Raven Tools.

User reviews

Raven Tools stands its ground with good ratings, sporting 4.4 out of 5 stars on Capterra, 4.2 on G2, and 4.5 on Gartner. On TrustRadius, its rating is somewhat lower, with a score of 7.7 out of 10. 

The lowest ratings of Raven Tools can be attributed to its lack of user friendliness 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 making direct comparison may not provide a complete picture.

Price

Raven Tools provides five pricing tiers with monthly charges ranging from $49 to $479, making it a more budget-friendly solution compared to Ahrefs. One interesting fact about Raven Tools is that even the least expensive plan provides access to all features, although there may be some restrictions compared to costlier alternatives. Even so, users have given Raven Tools a lower rating for its value for money. This is important to note if you plan on selecting this tool.

8. Seobility

Seobility is an entry-level SEO toolset designed to enhance website rankings. Its lack of advanced features make it unsuitable to seasoned SEO professionals, but its user-friendly interface is perfect for novices in SEO.

Functionality

Seobility offers the essential SEO features including on-page SEO audits, backlink analysis, link-building tools, and rank tracking. It also provides additional tools like the TF*IDF tool to enhance content creation and optimization.

One notable feature 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 monitor ongoing optimization progress. Seobility generates a detailed report after each scan and alerts users whenever serious problems occur.

Despite its wide set of offerings, some beginner users have reported that the tool’s reports occasionally lack detailed explanations. This can make it challenging for users to comprehend and address the identified errors.

Interface

While viewpoints on Seobility’s user interface vary, its ease-of-use score is notably high (9.1 out of 10 on G2), surpassing Ahrefs’ score at 8.9. Users regard the platform highly for its simplicity, although some say its aesthetics are pretty outdated.

Users also criticize the Seobility for its inconvenient navigation, as users must go from page to page to create a comprehensive to-do list.

User reviews

Despite its lower profile and fewer reviews, Seobility has earned positive feedback from its users. It has performed well 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, each with its own feature set. The basic plan is free and allows users to analyze up to 1000 web pages per crawl, conduct 10 keyword analyses, and check up to 100 external links. Additionally, users can make up to five tool requests per day. This includes the SEO Checker, TF*IDF Tool, Keyword Research Tool, and more.

For anyone who is interested in Seobility’s 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. It even offers a free trial. The Agency plan, which is priced at $200, caters to large websites, companies, and agencies. 

These prices make Seobility much more affordable option compared to Ahrefs.

9. cognitiveSEO

CognitiveSEO is a lesser-known but powerful Ahrefs alternative. It is a comprehensive digital marketing strategy tool specifically designed to fuel your brand’s online growth. It offers a wide range 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 excels in convenient features like penalty recovery and content optimization.

CognitiveSEO offers a collaborative workspace for different teams or diverse clients, making it easy to share assets, files, or even code snippets with other developers.

The ability to integrate 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.

Its unique features, including real-time Penguin monitoring, instant email alerts for SERP changes, and tracking of desktop, mobile, and local ranks across international markets, make cognitiveSEO an efficient tool. Also, the ability to white-label the entire toolset and schedule customized PDF reports adds another layer of personalization to the user experience.

Interface

CognitiveSEO is rated 8.1 out of 10 by users for its ease of use, which is slightly lower than Ahrefs’ rating. User feedback suggests that cognitiveSEO may not offer the most intuitive interface and its performance could be improved. Its keyword research tool is espeically lacking in this area. 

CognitiveSEO also appears to be more suitable for agencies and larger enterprises, as opposed to smaller businesses or solo entrepreneurs.

User reviews

Although cognitiveSEO may not have the same level of recognition as competitors like Semrush and Ahrefs, it has maintained a positive reputation with favorable user reviews. It has received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on G2 and 8 out of 10 stars on TrustRadius. Users often mention its complex interface and frequent technical problems as drawbacks in their reviews. On the other hand, users highlight cognitiveSEO’s top-notch customer support as one of its most commendable aspects.

Price

Despite not being as popular as other Ahrefs and Semrush alternatives, cognitiveSEO is somehow pretty expensive. Its most affordable plan starts at $129 per month, providing the ability to track 1,500 keywords, analyze 200,000 inbound links, conduct 150 content audits, and analyze 50,000 links per site. This plan includes two user seats, five campaigns, and integration with Google Analytics. 

Due to its high price and complexity, this tool may 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. It is also widely recognized for its user-friendly interface. Ubersuggest is a highly accessible tool for SEO novices, making it one of the best Ahrefs alternatives to date.

Functionality

Ubersuggest’s functionality extends beyond having simple keyword research capabilities. It is equipped with tons of other features, including SEO auditing, monitoring, rank tracking, link building, competitor analysis, and custom report generation. All of these features combined make this platform it an increasingly competitive contender in the world of SEO solutions.

Ubersuggest’s core function is its comprehensive keyword research tool. It excels at fostering brainstorming sessions and inspiring content ideas. By generating content suggestions based on target keywords, Ubersuggest helps uncover popular topics and queries within your niche that can potentially boost your site’s traffic.

Ubersuggest also goes the extra mile by offering an extensive training and support package, which includes step-by-step SEO tutorials, templates, and worksheets. This added value is especially beneficial for beginners. While it may not offer a toolset as extensive as Ahrefs, the user-friendly solutions provided by Ubersuggest are undoubtedly noteworthy and well worth considering.

Interface

If ease of use is your primary consideration when choosing an SEO tool, then Ubersuggest is a top contender. This platform is designed for beginners in SEO or those looking to improve their website’s performance without extensive technical knowledge. Ubersuggest stands out for its user-friendly interface, effectively simplifying and distilling complex information to make it less overwhelming.

Ubersuggest features a minimalist aesthetic combined with a  a straightforward and easily navigable layout, offering a wealth of information. The dashboard immediately offers optimization suggestions for your site, enhancing the overall user experience.

User reviews

Ubersuggest has received slightly lower user ratings compared to the other tools we 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.

Interestingly, the slightly lower ratings seem to be less connected to the tool’s functionality or user interface and more connected to issues encountered in the billing process.

Price

Remarkably, Ubersuggest provides a unique one-time payment plan beginning at $290. This is in stark contrast to Ahrefs’ recurring monthly subscriptions, Because of this, expect to save a ton of money by opting for Ubersuggest instead of Ahrefs. And if, for whatever reason, a monthly subscription better suits your needs, this option is available and varies between $29 to $99. The most affordable monthly option, the Individual plan, provides several features, including 150 daily reports, one project, and weekly site audits.

Despite these obvious perks, prospective buyers should still exercise caution before making a purchase. Some users have voiced concerns regarding payment issues, particularly instances where they were erroneously charged for a lifetime plan when they intended to opt for a monthly subscription.

Summary

As you can see, the options we discussed above are some of the greatest alternatives to Ahrefs. While they share similar foundational functionalities, they differ considerably in terms of unique features and user experience. 

If you require an extensive feature set with powerful capabilities, Semrush and Ahrefs might be the most suitable choices. If, on the other hand, you’re just getting started or place high value on having an easy-to-use interface, Ubersuggest or Mangools could be the better options for you.

SE Ranking can be a compelling option if you’re looking for a comprehensive solution that balances a robust feature set, contemporary design, cost-effectiveness, and usability.

As with all things, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best choice will depend on your specific SEO-realted needs and expertise. Choose wisely to get the maximum benefit from your chosen SEO tool.

FAQ

What is the best alternative to Ahrefs?

Selecting the “best” alternative to Ahrefs is subjective and depends on individual needs and skill levels in SEO. However, considering factors such as pricing, available features, usability, and other criteria, SE Ranking stands out as the top contender 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. Most SEO platforms also provide free trial periods or money-back guarantee options, allowing you to test their services before committing.

What is the difference between Ahrefs and Semrush?

Ahrefs and Semrush are both deeply comprehensive SEO suites, but they cater to different needs. Ahrefs stands out for its ability to provide deep-dive keyword click data and thorough backlink analysis. Conversely, Semrush excels in delivering performance data quickly, offering guidance for technical site improvement, and providing PPC campaign support. The choice between the two will depend on your specific requirements and priorities.

What is the difference between Moz and Ahrefs?

Moz and Ahrefs differ in their capabilities across various areas. Ahrefs outperforms Moz in tracking search engine results pages (SERP) for URLs and keywords, finding quality keywords, tracking backlinks, and snooping on competitors. On the other hand, Moz takes the lead in its ability to analyze any on-page optimization techniques used. When generating fresh content ideas, Ahrefs’ Content Explorer is often considered more capable and cost-effective than Moz Content.

What is the difference between Ahrefs and SE Ranking?

While both SE Ranking and Ahrefs are potent SEO tools, they vary in some areas. SE Ranking offers white-label customization, customizable reporting, and a broader range of SEO tools, including On-Page Checker, Content Marketing, and Local Marketing. Ahrefs, on the other hand, excels at backlink research and has its own search engine, Yeo, which powers the Web Explorer tool. SE Ranking offers more flexible pricing options and more generous data limits. For users who are working on multiple websites or requiring brand customization, SE Ranking can provide better value.

Written by

Katarzyna Rojewska

Katarzyna is a seasoned content marketer specializing in B2B marketing, rooted in the AI and IT industries since 2016. Capitalizing on the benefits of remote work, she travels worldwide and currently resides in picturesque Iceland.