Semrush vs Ahrefs: which is better? Comparison 2026
By our public methodology Semrush scores 86 out of 100 and Ahrefs scores 79. Below: the factors and facts where they differ, each fact with its source.
Score breakdown
| Semrush | Ahrefs | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 58 | 41 |
| Features | 100 | 100 |
| Account security | 100 | 100 |
| Track record | 90 | 80 |
Pros and cons
Semrush
- Keyword research tool
- Tracks your positions in search
- Technical site audit
- Backlink analysis
Ahrefs
- Keyword research tool
- Tracks your positions in search
- Technical site audit
- Backlink analysis
- No free trial
Facts side by side
| Fact | Semrush | Ahrefs |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest paid plan per month | $139.00 semrush.com | $129.00 ahrefs.com |
| Free plan | Yes semrush.com | Yes ahrefs.com |
| Free trial | Yes semrush.com | No ahrefs.com |
| Keyword research | Yes semrush.com | Yes ahrefs.com |
| Rank tracking | Yes semrush.com | Yes ahrefs.com |
| Site audit | Yes semrush.com | Yes ahrefs.com |
| Backlink analysis | Yes semrush.com | Yes ahrefs.com |
| Public API | Yes semrush.com | Yes ahrefs.com |
| Two-factor authentication | Yes semrush.com | Yes help.ahrefs.com |
| Single sign-on (SSO) | Yes semrush.com | Yes help.ahrefs.com |
| Founded | 2008 semrush.com | 2010 ahrefs.com |
| Company headquarters | Not verified | Singapore ahrefs.com |
| Company | Adobe Inc. semrush.com | Ahrefs Pte. Ltd. ahrefs.com |