10 Best Ahrefs Alternatives (Free and Paid)
If you’re an SEO professional, content marketer, or small business owner, you’ve probably heard of Ahrefs. It’s one of the most powerful tools for backlink analysis, keyword research, and competitor insights. However, it’s not the only option available. Whether you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative or tools that focus on different strengths, there are plenty of excellent Ahrefs alternatives to choose from.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 best Ahrefs alternatives, both free and paid, to help you find the right SEO tool for your needs.
Why Look for Ahrefs Alternatives?
While Ahrefs is a top-tier tool, there are a few reasons someone might look for alternatives:
- Cost: Ahrefs can be expensive, especially for freelancers or small businesses.
- Feature Overlap: Some users only need specific features and don’t want to pay for the entire suite.
- User Interface: Some find Ahrefs’ interface complex or overwhelming.
- Trial Options: Ahrefs doesn’t offer a free trial, which can be a dealbreaker for some.
Comparison Table: Top Ahrefs Alternatives
| Tool Name | Free Plan | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEMrush | No | $129.95/month | All-in-one SEO & marketing |
| Ubersuggest | Yes | $29/month | Beginners & content marketing |
| SE Ranking | Yes | $39/month | Rank tracking & reporting |
| Moz Pro | No | $99/month | Site audits & keyword research |
| Serpstat | Yes | $59/month | Affordable all-in-one tool |
| Mangools | Yes | $29.90/month | UI-friendly keyword research |
| SpyFu | Yes | $39/month | Competitor research |
| Screaming Frog | Yes | $259/year | Technical SEO audits |
| Google Search Console | Yes | Free | Performance monitoring |
| Majestic | No | $49.99/month | In-depth backlink analysis |
1. SEMrush
SEMrush is often considered the top competitor to Ahrefs. It offers robust tools for keyword research, competitor analysis, PPC, and more.
Pros:
- Extensive keyword and domain analytics
- Powerful content and ad research tools
- Social media and PPC tracking
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Steeper learning curve
2. Ubersuggest
Created by Neil Patel, Ubersuggest is a user-friendly tool with features for keyword research, domain analysis, and site audits.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Simple interface
- Offers historical data
Cons:
- Limited data depth
- Slower crawl speeds
3. SE Ranking
SE Ranking is a versatile SEO platform great for keyword tracking, website audits, and competitor monitoring.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Accurate rank tracking
- White-label reporting
Cons:
- Smaller backlink database
- UI can be clunky
4. Moz Pro
Moz Pro is an established name in SEO, known for its keyword explorer and domain authority metrics.
Pros:
- Strong community and support
- Keyword difficulty scores
- On-page grader
Cons:
- No free trial
- Smaller index compared to Ahrefs
5. Serpstat
Serpstat is an affordable all-in-one SEO platform for marketers and agencies.
Pros:
- Bulk analysis tools
- Affordable pricing tiers
- Content marketing features
Cons:
- UI not as intuitive
- Some data gaps
6. Mangools (KWFinder Suite)
Mangools is perfect for beginners due to its clean interface and focused toolset.
Pros:
- Great for keyword research
- Easy to navigate
- Value pricing
Cons:
- Limited backlink data
- Not ideal for advanced SEOs
7. SpyFu
SpyFu excels in competitive research, especially for PPC and keyword gaps.
Pros:
- Strong competitor analysis
- Ad history and PPC tools
- Unlimited searches
Cons:
- Outdated interface
- Less accurate backlink tracking
8. Screaming Frog
Screaming Frog is a desktop-based SEO spider used mainly for technical audits.
Pros:
- In-depth crawl analysis
- Excellent for technical SEO
- Free version available
Cons:
- Not cloud-based
- No keyword or backlink tools
9. Google Search Console
This free tool from Google gives direct insights into your site’s performance in search results.
Pros:
- Completely free
- Accurate performance data
- Alerts for issues and penalties
Cons:
- Limited keyword data
- No competitive analysis
10. Majestic
Majestic is a backlink analysis tool with its own metrics like Trust Flow and Citation Flow.
Pros:
- Huge backlink database
- Trust/Citation Flow metrics
- Historic index
Cons:
- Less user-friendly
- Lacks keyword tools
Pros and Cons of Using Ahrefs Alternatives
Pros:
- Many free or lower-cost options
- Tools tailored to specific SEO needs
- Broader feature experimentation
Cons:
- May require using multiple tools
- Some lack depth or accuracy
- Switching costs (data migration, learning curve)
FAQ: Ahrefs Alternatives
Are there any good free alternatives to Ahrefs?
Yes. Google Search Console, Ubersuggest (free plan), and Screaming Frog offer valuable free tools.
Which Ahrefs alternative is best for backlink analysis?
Majestic and SEMrush are both strong options.
What is the most beginner-friendly Ahrefs alternative?
Ubersuggest and Mangools are very user-friendly.
Do I need more than one SEO tool?
Depending on your needs, you might. Many professionals use a combination of tools to cover different tasks.
Conclusion: Find the Right SEO Tool for You
Ahrefs is excellent, but it’s not the only SEO tool worth your attention. Depending on your budget and goals, one of the tools listed above may be a better fit.
For instance:
- Budget-conscious? Try Ubersuggest or SE Ranking.
- Need powerful analytics? SEMrush is a solid choice.
- Focused on technical SEO? Go with Screaming Frog.
Explore a few options, test their features, and find what works best for your workflow.
Call to Action: Start with a free plan or trial today and level up your SEO strategy without breaking the bank.
