Ahrefs vs SE Ranking
Ahrefs is All-in-one SEO toolset with site audit, keyword research, backlink analysis, and rank tracking, while SE Ranking is All-in-one SEO platform with rank tracking, site audits, and competitor analysis at an affordable price. SE Ranking comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. Ahrefs is built for seo professionals wanting comprehensive backlink and keyword data, whereas SE Ranking targets small agencies and marketers who need ahrefs-level features at a lower price.
At a glance
|
Ahrefs
|
SE Ranking | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | SEO professionals wanting comprehensive backlink and keyword data | Small agencies and marketers who need Ahrefs-level features at a lower price |
| Starting price | $99/mo | $44/mo |
| Free tier | — | ✓ |
| Open source | — | — |
| Free tier available | — | ✓ |
| Open source | — | — |
| Backlink Analysis | ✓ | — |
| Backlink analysis | — | ✓ |
| Competitor analysis | — | ✓ |
| Keyword Research | ✓ | — |
| Keyword research | — | ✓ |
| Rank Tracking | ✓ | — |
| Rank tracking | — | ✓ |
| Site Audit | ✓ | — |
| Site audit | — | ✓ |
Ahrefs
Strengths
- Includes Backlink Analysis as a core feature, purpose-built for seo workflows
- Includes Keyword Research as a core feature, purpose-built for seo workflows
- Pricing starts at $99/mo, which includes the full seo feature set
- Established product with 15+ years on the market and a mature ecosystem
Weaknesses
- Starts at $99/mo — on the expensive side, especially for small teams or solo users
- Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
- Ecosystem of third-party integrations is smaller than the market leaders in seo
- Per-user pricing at $99/mo makes it hard to justify for large teams
SE Ranking
Strengths
- Significantly cheaper than Ahrefs and SEMrush
- Comprehensive feature set covering all SEO workflows
- Accurate rank tracking with daily updates
- White-label reporting for agencies
Weaknesses
- Smaller keyword database than Ahrefs or SEMrush
- Backlink index is less comprehensive
- Interface can feel cluttered with features
- Less brand recognition among enterprise clients
The bottom line
Pricing: Ahrefs starts at $99/mo. SE Ranking starts at $44/mo. SE Ranking is the more affordable option.
Feature gaps: Ahrefs offers Backlink Analysis, Keyword Research and Rank Tracking that SE Ranking lacks. SE Ranking brings Backlink analysis, Competitor analysis and Keyword research that Ahrefs does not have.
Where each tool shines: Ahrefs's biggest strengths are: includes backlink analysis as a core feature, purpose-built for seo workflows. includes keyword research as a core feature, purpose-built for seo workflows. SE Ranking's biggest strengths are: significantly cheaper than ahrefs and semrush. comprehensive feature set covering all seo workflows.
Watch out for: With Ahrefs, users commonly note that starts at $99/mo — on the expensive side, especially for small teams or solo users. With SE Ranking, the main complaint is that smaller keyword database than ahrefs or semrush.
Choose Ahrefs if...
- You need a tool built for seo professionals wanting comprehensive backlink and keyword data
- You specifically need Backlink Analysis and Keyword Research
- You care about includes keyword research as a core feature, purpose-built for seo workflows
Choose SE Ranking if...
- You need a tool built for small agencies and marketers who need ahrefs-level features at a lower price
- You want to save on per-user costs — SE Ranking is $55.00/user/mo cheaper
- You specifically need Backlink analysis and Competitor analysis
- You care about comprehensive feature set covering all seo workflows
- The free tier works for you: 14-day free trial
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