Ahrefs vs SEMrush

Two SEO tools side by side: what each does, what it costs and who it suits.

The verdict Side by side Plans and pricing Who each is for Other options

The verdict

On the data we hold, it's close: neither pulls ahead on features, a free plan or AI access. The choice comes down to how you work.

What the data says

Both cover 6 of the 6 features we compared.
Both have a free plan, so you can try each before you pay.
Ahrefs starts lower, at €27/mo against €112.52/mo.
Both have an API and an MCP server, so either works with AI employees.
In our SEO ranking, Ahrefs places 2 and SEMrush 3 of 15.

Side by side

Ahrefs and SEMrush compared
10 points compared	Ahrefs	SEMrush
Starts at	€27/mo	€112.52/mo
Free plan	Yes	Yes
API	Yes	Yes
MCP server	Yes	Yes
AI content optimiser	Yes	Yes
Backlink index	Yes	Yes
Keyword research database	Yes	Yes
Rank tracking	Yes	Yes
Share of voice vs competitors	Yes	Yes
Technical site audit	Yes	Yes
Links	Visit	Visit

Plans and pricing

Ahrefs

Ahrefs FreeFree limited access to Site Explorer and Site Audit for verified site owners.Free
StarterEntry plan to see what people search and spy on competitors, limited data.€27/mo
LiteIncludes 1 user, 5 projects, 750 tracked keywords and API and MCP access; extra users cost 37.4 per month.€119/mo
StandardIncludes 1 user and more projects and data than Lite; extra users cost 56.1 per month.€229/mo
AdvancedFor in-house teams, includes 1 user; extra users cost 74.8 per month.€419/mo
EnterpriseAnnual commitment required; uncapped API, SSO, audit log and unlimited historical data.€1,394/mo

SEMrush

FreeFor trying the platform: 1 demo project and 10 reports per day, no credit card.Free
SEO5 websites and 500 keywords tracked daily; EUR 134 monthly or EUR 112.52 per month billed annually.€134/mo
Starter (SEO + AI Search)Adds AI visibility tracking (50 prompts) and MCP access; EUR 190 monthly or EUR 158.40 per month billed annually.€190/mo
Pro+ (SEO + AI Search)15 websites, 1,500 keywords, 100 prompts; EUR 286 monthly or EUR 238 per month billed annually.€286/mo
Advanced (SEO + AI Search)40 websites, 5,000 keywords, API data integration; EUR 526 monthly or EUR 436.99 per month billed annually.€526/mo

Prices as the vendors list them. They change often; the final price is on their sites.

Who each is for

Choose Ahrefs if…

B2B founders, marketers and agencies who treat organic search and content as a real growth channel and need reliable backlink, keyword and competitor data.

Visit Read the review

Choose SEMrush if…

Marketing teams, agencies and growth marketers who want keyword research, backlink analysis, site audits, rank tracking and now AI search visibility in one subscription.

Visit Read the review

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