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7 Best Ahrefs Alternatives 2026: Cheaper SEO Tools
Ahrefs is one of the best SEO tools available, but at $129+ per month, it's not affordable for everyone. This guide covers the best Ahrefs alternatives in 2026 that offer similar features at lower prices.
Quick Comparison Table
| Tool | Starting Price | Best For | Free Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE Ranking | $52/mo | Best overall value | 14-day trial |
| Semrush | $139.95/mo | Enterprise SEO | Limited free |
| Ubersuggest | $12/mo | Budget users | Yes |
| Moz Pro | $99/mo | Beginners | Yes |
| Mangools | $29/mo | Keyword research | 10-day trial |
| Serpstat | $69/mo | Agencies | Limited free |
| Majestic | $49.99/mo | Backlink analysis | Free tools |
1. SE Ranking – Best Overall Ahrefs Alternative
SE Ranking offers comprehensive SEO tools at a fraction of Ahrefs' cost, making it ideal for agencies and growing businesses.
SE Ranking Pricing 2026
| Plan | Monthly (annual) | Keywords | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | $52/mo | 250/day | 10 |
| Pro | $95.20/mo | 1,500/day | 30 |
| Business | $207.20/mo | 5,000+/day | Unlimited |
Key Features
- Rank tracking with competitive analysis
- Full website audit
- Backlink checker and monitoring
- Content marketing tools
- White-label reports (higher plans)
Why Choose SE Ranking
At $52/month vs Ahrefs' $129, you get 90% of the features at 40% of the cost.
2. Ubersuggest – Best Budget Option
Created by Neil Patel, Ubersuggest offers essential SEO features at the most affordable price point.
Ubersuggest Pricing 2026
| Plan | Monthly | Websites | Daily Searches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | $12/mo | 1 | 150 |
| Business | $20/mo | 7 | 300 |
| Enterprise | $40/mo | 15 | 900 |
Lifetime deals available for one-time purchase
Why Choose Ubersuggest
At just $12/month, it's perfect for small businesses and beginners who don't need enterprise-level data.
3. Semrush – Most Feature-Rich Alternative
Semrush is Ahrefs' main competitor, offering even more features at a similar (sometimes lower) price.
Semrush Pricing 2026
| Plan | Monthly | Projects | Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro | $139.95/mo | 5 | 500 |
| Guru | $249.95/mo | 15 | 1,500 |
| Business | $499.95/mo | 40 | 5,000 |
Why Choose Semrush
If you need PPC, content marketing, and social media tools alongside SEO, Semrush is more comprehensive than Ahrefs.
Feature Comparison vs Ahrefs
| Feature | Ahrefs | SE Ranking | Ubersuggest | Semrush |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $129+ | $52+ | $12+ | $139+ |
| Backlink Database | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Keyword Research | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Site Audit | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Content Tools | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Value for Price | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free alternative to Ahrefs?
Ubersuggest offers a limited free version. Google Search Console provides free ranking and backlink data for your own sites.
Which is better: Ahrefs or Semrush?
Both are excellent. Ahrefs has a larger backlink database. Semrush offers more all-in-one marketing features.
What's the cheapest SEO tool with good backlink data?
SE Ranking at $52/month offers the best backlink data at an affordable price.
Prices verified from official sources as of January 2026.
Detailed Feature Comparison
When evaluating these solutions, consider these key factors:
Ease of Use
The learning curve varies significantly between platforms. Some prioritize simplicity with intuitive interfaces, while others offer more power at the cost of complexity. Consider your team's technical expertise when making a choice.
Integration Capabilities
Modern business tools don't exist in isolation. Look for solutions that integrate with your existing tech stack - CRM, email, accounting, and other business-critical applications. Native integrations are preferable to third-party connectors.
Scalability
Choose a solution that can grow with your business. Consider:
- User limits and pricing at scale
- Feature availability at higher tiers
- API access for custom integrations
- Multi-location or multi-team support
Customer Support
Quality support can make or break your experience:
- Live chat: Fastest response for urgent issues
- Phone support: Essential for complex problems
- Knowledge base: Self-service documentation
- Community forums: Peer-to-peer assistance
- Dedicated account manager: Available on enterprise plans
Implementation Best Practices
Getting Started
- Define your requirements - List must-have vs nice-to-have features
- Take advantage of trials - Test with real workflows before committing
- Start small - Begin with core features, expand gradually
- Train your team - Invest time in proper onboarding
- Set success metrics - Define how you'll measure ROI
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-buying: Don't pay for features you won't use
- Under-training: Poor adoption kills ROI
- Ignoring integrations: Siloed data creates inefficiencies
- Skipping security review: Especially for sensitive data
- Not planning migration: Switching costs add up
Industry Trends for 2026
AI Integration
Artificial intelligence is transforming every category of business software. Expect:
- Automated data entry and categorization
- Predictive analytics and recommendations
- Natural language interfaces
- Smart workflow automation
Mobile-First Design
With remote work normalized, mobile accessibility is essential. The best solutions offer full-featured mobile apps, not just stripped-down versions.
Security and Compliance
Data privacy regulations continue to expand. Look for:
- SOC 2 Type II certification
- GDPR compliance
- Industry-specific compliance (HIPAA, PCI-DSS)
- Regular security audits
Pricing Transparency
The industry is moving toward clearer, more predictable pricing. Avoid vendors with hidden fees or complex tier structures.
Final Verdict
Our Recommendation: SE Ranking is the best Ahrefs alternative for most users in 2026, offering 90% of the features at 40% of the cost. Ubersuggest is ideal for very tight budgets, while Semrush suits those needing a complete marketing platform.
Ready to Get Started?
The best way to find the right solution is to try it yourself. Most platforms offer free trials, so you can test with your actual workflows before committing.
Tip: Start with a specific use case or pain point you're trying to solve. This focused approach helps you evaluate solutions based on real-world performance rather than theoretical features.
Last updated: January 2026. Prices and features are subject to change. Always verify current pricing on official websites.
Overview
Ahrefs too expensive? Compare Semrush, SE Ranking, Ubersuggest, and other affordable SEO tool alternatives.
This guide covers 5 leading tools in the seo tools space, with detailed analysis of features, pricing, and suitability for different business sizes.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this article may be affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our editorial recommendations.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Semrush | SE Ranking | Ubersuggest | Moz Pro | Majestic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From $139.95/mo | From $65/mo | From $29/mo | From $99/mo | From $49.99/mo |
| Free Trial | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Semrush: Detailed Analysis
Semrush is a SEO Tools solution designed to help businesses streamline their operations. Pricing starts at From $139.95/mo. Compare features, read user reviews, and see how Semrush stacks up against alternatives.
Key Features of Semrush
- 26B+ keyword database
- Arabic keyword data
- Keyword difficulty scores
- Content optimization
- Position tracking
- Backlink audit tool
Advantages of Semrush
- ✅ Complete SEO toolkit
- ✅ Industry standard
- ✅ Excellent support
Semrush Pricing
Semrush pricing: From $139.95/mo.
A free trial is offered so you can test the features before committing.
Pricing information is based on publicly available data. Visit Semrush's website for the most current pricing.
Who Should Consider Semrush
Semrush is recommended for:
- Small to medium businesses looking for a reliable seo tools solution
- Teams that need 26b+ keyword database capabilities
- Organizations prioritizing arabic keyword data
SE Ranking: Detailed Analysis
SE Ranking is a SEO Tools solution designed to help businesses streamline their operations. Pricing starts at From $65/mo. Compare features, read user reviews, and see how SE Ranking stacks up against alternatives.
Key Features of SE Ranking
- Daily rank updates
- Local rank tracking
- Mobile & desktop rankings
- White-label reports
Advantages of SE Ranking
- ✅ Best price-to-feature ratio
- ✅ Great local rank tracking
SE Ranking Pricing
SE Ranking pricing: From $65/mo.
A free trial is offered so you can test the features before committing.
Pricing information is based on publicly available data. Visit SE Ranking's website for the most current pricing.
Who Should Consider SE Ranking
SE Ranking is recommended for:
- Small to medium businesses looking for a reliable seo tools solution
- Teams that need daily rank updates capabilities
- Organizations prioritizing local rank tracking
Ubersuggest: Detailed Analysis
Ubersuggest is a SEO Tools solution designed to help businesses streamline their operations. Pricing starts at From $29/mo. Compare features, read user reviews, and see how Ubersuggest stacks up against alternatives.
Key Features of Ubersuggest
- Affordable pricing
- Keyword suggestions
- SEO analyzer
- Chrome extension
Advantages of Ubersuggest
- ✅ Very affordable
- ✅ Good for beginners
Ubersuggest Pricing
Ubersuggest pricing: From $29/mo.
A free trial is offered so you can test the features before committing.
Pricing information is based on publicly available data. Visit Ubersuggest's website for the most current pricing.
Who Should Consider Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest is recommended for:
- Small to medium businesses looking for a reliable seo tools solution
- Teams that need affordable pricing capabilities
- Organizations prioritizing keyword suggestions
Moz Pro: Detailed Analysis
Moz Pro is a SEO Tools solution designed to help businesses streamline their operations. Pricing starts at From $99/mo. Compare features, read user reviews, and see how Moz Pro stacks up against alternatives.
Key Features of Moz Pro
- Easy to use interface
- Domain Authority metric
- Spam score detection
- Learning resources
Advantages of Moz Pro
- ✅ Great for learning SEO
- ✅ DA metric is industry standard
Moz Pro Pricing
Moz Pro pricing: From $99/mo.
A free trial is offered so you can test the features before committing.
Pricing information is based on publicly available data. Visit Moz Pro's website for the most current pricing.
Who Should Consider Moz Pro
Moz Pro is recommended for:
- Small to medium businesses looking for a reliable seo tools solution
- Teams that need easy to use interface capabilities
- Organizations prioritizing domain authority metric
Majestic: Detailed Analysis
Majestic is a SEO Tools solution designed to help businesses streamline their operations. Pricing starts at From $49.99/mo. Compare features, read user reviews, and see how Majestic stacks up against alternatives.
Key Features of Majestic
- Trust Flow metric
- Citation Flow metric
- Historical data
Advantages of Majestic
- ✅ Unique Trust Flow metrics
- ✅ Affordable
Majestic Pricing
Majestic pricing: From $49.99/mo.
A free trial is offered so you can test the features before committing.
Pricing information is based on publicly available data. Visit Majestic's website for the most current pricing.
Who Should Consider Majestic
Majestic is recommended for:
- Small to medium businesses looking for a reliable seo tools solution
- Teams that need trust flow metric capabilities
- Organizations prioritizing citation flow metric
How to Choose the Right SEO Tools Tool
When evaluating seo tools solutions, consider these key factors:
1. Business Size and Needs
Choose a tool that matches your current scale while allowing room to grow. Startups might prioritize affordability and ease of use, while enterprises need advanced customization and integrations.
2. Budget Considerations
Look beyond the sticker price. Consider:
- Per-user vs. flat-rate pricing
- Feature limitations on lower tiers
- Add-on costs for premium features
- Contract length discounts
3. Integration Requirements
Ensure the tool integrates with your existing technology stack. Key integrations to look for include:
- Email and calendar synchronization
- Accounting and billing software
- Communication tools (Slack, Teams)
- Marketing automation platforms
4. Support and Training
Evaluate the vendor's support options:
- 24/7 live support availability
- Knowledge base and documentation quality
- Onboarding assistance and training resources
- Community forums and user groups
5. Data Security and Compliance
For businesses handling sensitive data, verify:
- SOC 2 Type II compliance
- GDPR readiness
- Data encryption standards
- Regular security audits
Conclusion
The seo tools market offers diverse solutions for different business needs and budgets. Among the options analyzed — Semrush, SE Ranking, Ubersuggest, Moz Pro, Majestic — each brings unique strengths.
We recommend:
- Define your requirements — List must-have vs. nice-to-have features
- Set a realistic budget — Factor in long-term costs, not just starting prices
- Try before you buy — Use free trials to evaluate the user experience
- Read recent reviews — Check G2 and Capterra for up-to-date user feedback
This analysis is based on publicly available information and official vendor documentation. Visit each vendor's website for the most current features and pricing.
How to Evaluate SEO Tools for Your Business
Step 1: Identify Your SEO Priorities
Different businesses need different SEO capabilities:
- Local businesses: Local SEO features, Google Business Profile management
- E-commerce: Product schema, category optimization, crawl efficiency
- Content publishers: Content optimization, topic clustering, SERP tracking
- Agencies: White-label reports, client management, bulk analysis
Step 2: Compare Data Quality
Not all SEO tools provide equal data:
- Keyword database size: Ranges from 100M to 25B+ keywords
- Backlink index freshness: Updated daily vs weekly vs monthly
- Rank tracking accuracy: Local vs national vs global tracking
- Historical data depth: How far back can you analyze trends?
Step 3: Evaluate the Workflow
The best tool is the one your team will actually use:
- How intuitive is the interface for non-technical users?
- Does it provide actionable recommendations or just raw data?
- Can you set up automated reports and alerts?
- Is the learning curve reasonable for your team size?
Step 4: Consider Integration Needs
Modern SEO requires tool integration:
- Google Search Console and Analytics connections
- CMS integration for on-page optimization
- Content management workflow integration
- Reporting platform compatibility (Looker Studio, etc.)
SEO Tool Decision Framework: Making the Right Choice
By Experience Level
Beginners should start with tools that offer clear, actionable recommendations rather than raw data dumps. Look for features like step-by-step SEO checklists, content optimization scores, and guided site audit wizards. Avoid tools that require deep technical knowledge to interpret results — you will end up overwhelmed rather than productive.
Intermediate users are ready for more detailed analysis capabilities. At this level, you should be looking at competitive gap analysis, advanced keyword clustering, and SERP feature tracking. The ability to create custom dashboards and automated reports becomes valuable as you manage more complex campaigns.
Advanced users and agencies need enterprise-grade capabilities: large-scale rank tracking (10,000+ keywords), custom API access for data integration, white-label reporting, and multi-project management. At this tier, the quality of the tool's crawl infrastructure and data freshness becomes the primary differentiator.
Data Sources Matter
Not all SEO tools use the same data sources, and this significantly impacts the quality of results:
| Data Type | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Keyword data | Clickstream + SERP data combined | Accurate search volume estimates |
| Backlink data | Large crawl index, frequent updates | Comprehensive link profile analysis |
| Rank tracking | Daily updates with local precision | Timely visibility into performance changes |
| Site audits | JavaScript rendering support | Accurate crawl of modern websites |
Common Mistakes When Choosing SEO Tools
- Chasing the lowest price: Cheap tools often have small keyword databases and stale data
- Ignoring the learning curve: A powerful tool is useless if your team cannot figure it out
- Overlapping subscriptions: Audit your current tools before adding new ones — you may be paying for duplicate functionality
- Forgetting about support: When something breaks during a critical campaign, response time matters
- Not testing with real data: Free trials should be used to run actual analyses, not just demo projects