Best Ahrefs Alternatives 2026: 6 SEO Tools Compared
By Itai Varochik | Updated February 18, 2026 | 3 min read
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Why look for Ahrefs alternatives
Ahrefs is one of the best SEO tools available, but at $129/month for the Lite plan, it is also one of the most expensive. Common reasons to explore alternatives include: budget constraints (especially for freelancers), needing features Ahrefs lacks (PPC research, social media), wanting a broader marketing toolkit, or preferring a different interface.
Top Ahrefs alternatives
- Semrush: The closest direct competitor with a broader feature set including PPC research, social media, and content marketing tools. Pricing starts at $139.95/mo.
- Moz Pro: More beginner-friendly with Domain Authority metrics and excellent educational resources. Starting at $99/mo.
- SE Ranking: Affordable alternative with solid keyword tracking, site audit, and backlink monitoring. Starting at $39/mo.
- Ubersuggest: Neil Patel's affordable SEO tool with a lifetime pricing option. Best for beginners and small budgets.
- Mangools: Suite of 5 SEO tools with a clean interface. Particularly strong keyword research at $29.90/mo.
- Google Search Console: Free tool directly from Google. Limited compared to paid tools but provides authoritative click and ranking data.
Pricing comparison
- Semrush: Pro $139.95/mo, Guru $249.95/mo, Business $499.95/mo
- Moz Pro: Standard $99/mo, Medium $179/mo, Large $299/mo
- SE Ranking: Essential $39/mo, Pro $89/mo, Business $189/mo
- Mangools: Basic $29.90/mo, Premium $44.90/mo, Agency $89.90/mo
- Ubersuggest: Individual $12/mo, Business $20/mo, Lifetime from $120
- Ahrefs: Lite $129/mo, Standard $249/mo, Advanced $449/mo
Feature comparison
- Closest to Ahrefs: Semrush
- Best Budget Option: Mangools or SE Ranking
- Best Free Option: Google Search Console
- Best for Beginners: Moz Pro or Ubersuggest
- Best All-in-One Marketing: Semrush
How to choose
If budget is your primary concern, start with Google Search Console (free) supplemented by Mangools or Ubersuggest. If you need Ahrefs-level data but want a broader toolkit, Semrush is the most comparable alternative. For SEO beginners, Moz Pro combines solid tools with excellent learning resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Semrush better than Ahrefs?
Semrush offers a broader marketing toolkit (PPC, social media, content marketing). Ahrefs has a larger backlink database and is preferred for pure SEO work. The best choice depends on whether you need a focused SEO tool or a full marketing suite.
What is the cheapest Ahrefs alternative?
Google Search Console is free. Among paid options, Ubersuggest ($12/mo) and Mangools ($29.90/mo) offer the most affordable SEO toolkits.
Can free SEO tools replace Ahrefs?
Free tools like Google Search Console and Google Keyword Planner cover basics but lack the depth of backlink analysis, competitive intelligence, and content research that Ahrefs provides.