If you are an SEO professional, digital marketer, or website owner, you have likely heard of Ahrefs. Known for its comprehensive backlink analysis, keyword research, content exploration, and rank tracking tools, Ahrefs is one of the most powerful SEO platforms available. However, for many users, Ahrefs’ pricing can be a significant barrier. Others may be seeking tools with different features, simpler interfaces, or budget-friendly plans. Whether you are looking for a free Ahrefs alternative or a paid one with different capabilities, there are several excellent SEO tools on the market that can meet your needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the 10 best Ahrefs alternatives for SEO success, including both free and premium options. These tools can help you analyze backlinks, track keyword rankings, perform site audits, and improve your overall SEO strategy.
Why Consider an Ahrefs Alternative
Ahrefs is undoubtedly powerful, but it comes with certain limitations that lead users to seek alternatives. Some of the main reasons include:
- High Cost: The cheapest Ahrefs plan starts at a premium price, making it inaccessible for freelancers, small businesses, and beginners.
- No Free Plan: Ahrefs does not offer a free plan, only a trial that is limited in duration and features.
- Complexity: For some users, especially beginners, Ahrefs may feel overwhelming due to its vast number of features.
- Specific Needs: You might only need a keyword tool, backlink checker, or rank tracker, not the entire Ahrefs suite.
Now let us dive into the top alternatives to Ahrefs that offer value across various use cases.
1. SEMrush
SEMrush is one of the most popular Ahrefs alternatives and is often considered its direct competitor. With over 50 tools, SEMrush provides extensive features for SEO, PPC, content marketing, social media, and competitive research.
Key Features:
- In-depth keyword research and keyword difficulty analysis
- Competitor backlink and domain analysis
- Rank tracking with daily updates
- Site audit for technical SEO
- Traffic analytics and domain comparison
Pros:
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform
- Ideal for agencies and enterprise-level SEO
- Offers PPC tools along with SEO
Cons:
- Premium pricing similar to Ahrefs
- Learning curve for beginners
Pricing:
Starts at $129.95 per month, with a 7-day free trial available
Best for: Agencies and experienced SEO professionals seeking an enterprise-grade alternative to Ahrefs
2. Ubersuggest
Created by Neil Patel, Ubersuggest is a user-friendly and affordable Ahrefs alternative. It offers essential tools like keyword research, domain overview, content ideas, and site audit.
Key Features:
- Keyword suggestions with search volume and competition
- Backlink data including referring domains and pages
- Site audit and SEO health check
- Traffic estimator and competitive domain analysis
Pros:
- Generous free plan
- Simple interface ideal for beginners
- Affordable premium plans
Cons:
- Limited backlink data compared to Ahrefs
- Slower data updates
Pricing:
Free plan available with limited features
Paid plans start at $29 per month
Best for: Freelancers, bloggers, and beginners looking for a free Ahrefs alternative
3. Serpstat
Serpstat is a growth-hacking platform for SEO, PPC, and content marketing. It offers a wide range of features similar to Ahrefs and SEMrush at a more competitive price point.
Key Features:
- Keyword research and clustering
- Backlink analysis
- Rank tracking
- Site audit with technical error suggestions
- Competitor keyword and domain analysis
Pros:
- Budget-friendly compared to Ahrefs
- Supports team collaboration
- Powerful keyword clustering features
Cons:
- Interface can be overwhelming for beginners
- Limited backlink database compared to larger tools
Pricing:
Starts at $59 per month with a free plan available
Best for: Growing SEO teams and marketing professionals on a budget
4. Mangools (KWFinder)
Mangools is known for its intuitive design and powerful keyword research tool KWFinder. It includes a suite of tools such as SERPChecker, SERPWatcher, LinkMiner, and SiteProfiler.
Key Features:
- Long-tail keyword research with keyword difficulty scores
- SERP analysis and rank tracking
- Backlink analysis with LinkMiner
- Easy-to-use interface
Pros:
- Great for keyword-focused SEO strategies
- Clean and beginner-friendly UI
- Cheaper than Ahrefs and SEMrush
Cons:
- Limited site audit functionality
- Smaller backlink database
Pricing:
Starts at $49 per month
Free trial available
Best for: Bloggers and affiliate marketers who prioritize keyword research
5. SE Ranking
SE Ranking is a powerful all-in-one SEO software platform offering features for businesses, agencies, and SEO professionals.
Key Features:
- Accurate keyword rank tracking
- On-page SEO audit and recommendations
- Backlink monitoring
- Competitor research
- Marketing plan for beginners
Pros:
- Affordable and flexible pricing
- White-label options for agencies
- Clean dashboard with beginner guidance
Cons:
- Less backlink data than Ahrefs
- Some tools lack depth compared to SEMrush
Pricing:
Starts at $39 per month with a 14-day free trial
Best for: Small businesses and marketing agencies
6. Moz Pro
Moz Pro is a trusted name in SEO with a suite of tools for keyword research, link building, and site audits. It is one of the most well-established Ahrefs competitors.
Key Features:
- Keyword Explorer with difficulty scoring
- Site audits and error fixing suggestions
- Backlink analysis with spam score
- On-page optimization recommendations
Pros:
- Excellent support and SEO learning resources
- Useful Chrome extension (MozBar)
- Spam score feature for backlinks
Cons:
- Interface feels outdated
- Backlink database smaller than Ahrefs or SEMrush
Pricing:
Starts at $99 per month
30-day free trial available
Best for: SEO professionals who want reliable tools with educational resources
7. SpyFu
SpyFu is a competitive intelligence tool focusing on SEO and PPC. It is ideal for those wanting to analyze competitors’ keywords and ad strategies.
Key Features:
- Competitor keyword spying
- Domain comparison
- Backlink analysis
- SERP tracking
- Google Ads campaign insights
Pros:
- Unlimited data access even on lower plans
- Great for competitor research
- Historical data availability
Cons:
- Lacks advanced site audit tools
- Interface could use modernization
Pricing:
Starts at $39 per month with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Best for: Marketers focused on competitive analysis and paid search
8. Majestic
Majestic specializes in backlink analysis and is one of the oldest players in the SEO space. If you are primarily looking for a powerful backlink checker, this is a top alternative to Ahrefs.
Key Features:
- Trust Flow and Citation Flow metrics
- Backlink history
- Link context analysis
- Site Explorer for domain overview
Pros:
- Extremely detailed backlink data
- Proprietary metrics for link quality
- Bulk backlink checker
Cons:
- Not an all-in-one SEO tool
- Interface can be challenging for new users
Pricing:
Starts at $49.99 per month
Free limited access available
Best for: Link-building experts and backlink-focused SEO campaigns
9. SEO PowerSuite
SEO PowerSuite is a downloadable software suite offering four main tools: Rank Tracker, WebSite Auditor, SEO SpyGlass, and LinkAssistant.
Key Features:
- Unlimited keyword and site tracking
- In-depth technical audits
- Detailed backlink analysis
- Desktop-based solution
Pros:
- One-time lifetime license available
- Extensive custom reporting
- No usage limitations
Cons:
- Desktop-based software not ideal for everyone
- Slower updates compared to cloud tools
Pricing:
Free version available
Professional plan starts at $299 per year
Best for: Offline SEO specialists and consultants needing in-depth reports
10. Google Search Console and Analytics (Free)
While not a direct alternative, Google Search Console and Google Analytics are essential tools that can be used in combination with other platforms. Together, they offer valuable insights into website performance, traffic, and keyword data.
Key Features:
- Keyword impressions and clicks
- Crawl error and mobile usability reports
- Performance tracking by URL
- Integration with Google Analytics
Pros:
- Completely free
- Direct data from Google
- Ideal for performance tracking
Cons:
- No backlink or competitor data
- Not a full SEO suite
Best for: Every website owner regardless of other tools used
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best Ahrefs alternative depends on your specific needs, budget, and experience level. Whether you need a free Ahrefs alternative, a cheaper alternative to Ahrefs, or a tool focused on backlinks, the market offers plenty of powerful options.
Here is a quick summary:
- Best Free Tool: Ubersuggest and Google Search Console
- Best for Keyword Research: Mangools (KWFinder)
- Best for Backlink Analysis: Majestic and SEO SpyGlass
- Best All-in-One Alternatives: SEMrush and Serpstat
- Best Budget Option: SE Ranking
- Best for Competitor Analysis: SpyFu
- Best for Agencies: SEMrush and SE Ranking
- Best Desktop-Based: SEO PowerSuite
Whether you are a blogger, freelancer, startup, or large agency, these Ahrefs alternatives offer valuable insights and actionable data to help you succeed in SEO. You do not need to break the bank to access high-quality SEO tools. Start with a free plan or trial, explore the features, and pick the tool that best fits your SEO workflow.