Alternatives Guide

Best Ahrefs Alternatives in 2026

Looking for Ahrefs alternatives? We've tested and compared 3+ marketing tools to find the best options for every use case and budget.

3 Alternatives
2 Free Options
4.6 Avg Rating
$99 Lowest Price
01

Top 3 Ahrefs Alternatives

Our top picks based on features, pricing, and user reviews. These tools offer the best alternatives to Ahrefs.

#1 Best Overall
Semrush
4.5 Rating
$139.95/mo Paid From
Yes Free Tier

Best for: SEO agencies with multiple clients

View Review
#2 Best Value
Surfer SEO
4.7 Rating
$99/mo Paid From
No Free Tier

Best for: Content writers optimizing for SEO

View Review
#3 Best Free Option
MarketMuse
4.6 Rating
$99/mo Paid From
Yes Free Tier

Best for: Enterprise content teams at scale

View Review
02

Full Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of Ahrefs vs all 3 alternatives.

Tool Rating Paid From Free Tier Best For
Ahrefs Current
4.3 $29/mo ✓ SEO agencies managing domains
Review Visit
#1 Semrush
4.5 $139.95/mo ✓ SEO agencies with multiple clients
Review Visit
#2 Surfer SEO
4.7 $99/mo — Content writers optimizing for SEO
Review Visit
#3 MarketMuse
4.6 $99/mo ✓ Enterprise content teams at scale
Review Visit
03

Detailed Reviews

In-depth look at each Ahrefs alternative with pricing, features, and best use cases.

#1

Semrush

4.5 11,243 reviews

Do SEO, content marketing, competitor research, PPC and social media marketing from just one platform

Free tier available

Consider Semrush for higher user ratings, specializes in seo agencies with multiple clients.

Strengths
  • Comprehensive all-in-one platform
  • Industry-leading keyword database
  • AI-forward evolution
Cons
  • Premium pricing barrier
  • Steep learning curve
Read Full Review Visit Website
#2

Surfer SEO

4.7 1,060 reviews

Don't let your content be a shot in the dark

From $99/month

Consider Surfer SEO for higher user ratings, specializes in content writers optimizing for seo.

Strengths
  • Excellent Content Editor
  • Easy to use interface
  • Real-time optimization guidance
Cons
  • Pricing can be high for freelancers
  • Learning curve for advanced features
Read Full Review Visit Website
#3

MarketMuse

4.6 287 reviews

AI Content Intelligence & Strategy Platform

Free tier available

Consider MarketMuse for lower starting price, higher user ratings, specializes in enterprise content teams at scale.

Strengths
  • Proprietary Topic Intelligence
  • Unlimited Content Queries (Research+)
  • Comprehensive SERP Analysis
Cons
  • High Price Point
  • Platform Stability Issues
Read Full Review Visit Website
04

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best alternative to Ahrefs?
The best Ahrefs alternative depends on your needs. Semrush is our top pick for most users, offering similar features with higher user ratings. For budget-conscious users, Semrush and MarketMuse offer free tiers worth exploring.
Is there a free alternative to Ahrefs?
Yes, Semrush and MarketMuse offer free tiers. While not as feature-rich as Ahrefs's paid plans, they're suitable for individuals or small projects.
Why switch from Ahrefs?
Common reasons to explore Ahrefs alternatives include: pricing concerns (a free tier), specific feature needs not met by Ahrefs, desire for simpler interfaces, or need for better integrations with existing tools.
How does Ahrefs compare to Semrush?
Ahrefs and Semrush are both strong marketing tools. Ahrefs excels at SEO agencies managing domains, while Semrush is known for SEO agencies with multiple clients. See our detailed comparison above.
Which Ahrefs alternative is best for small businesses?
For small businesses, we recommend Semrush due to its free tier and affordable pricing. It offers the core features most small teams need without enterprise complexity.
Can I migrate from Ahrefs to an alternative?
Most Ahrefs alternatives support data import/export. Check each tool's migration documentation. Semrush offers the most straightforward migration path with dedicated import tools and customer support for switching.

Still using Ahrefs?

Read our complete Ahrefs review to see if it's still the right choice for you.

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