12 Best Ahrefs Alternatives for SEO in 2025

When you say Ahrefs, you think it is one of the most popular SEO platforms today, but many marketers find it expensive. With SEO gearing up to AI-driven tools, LLM optimization, and affordable SaaS solutions in 2025, demand for Ahrefs alternatives is considerable.

Professionals on Reddit are discussing and comparing the best rank tracker tools and looking for alternatives that can meet their needs.

In this guide, we’ll list the 12 best Ahrefs alternatives in 2025, from free alternatives to Ahrefs, advanced AI platforms, and specialized solutions that outperform Ahrefs in different areas.

Why Consider Ahrefs Alternatives?

Ahrefs is the top SEO platform, but most marketers, especially small businesses, feel that it is not always the best option. Here are some of the reasons why they consider Ahrefs alternatives.

• Pricing barriers
  • For freelancers and small businesses, Ahrefs plans are still expensive despite the Ahrefs free trial or free account.
  • Most of them are looking for a free Ahrefs alternative or other SEO software competitors to reduce costs.

• Feature gaps
  • Ahrefs is a strong tool focused on backlink data and competitor research, but it lacks when it comes to AI-driven content optimization and local SEO.
  • Comparing SE Ranking with Ahrefs shows that most agencies prefer SE Ranking, while SurferSEO highlights better options for content creators.
  • Tools like SpyFu and Majestic reveal that competitors excel in PPC insights or backlink intelligence.

• Learning curve
  • Beginners who try testing Ahrefs often find the platform overwhelming.
  • Simpler Moz alternatives, a WooRank alternative, or SEO PowerSuite vs Ahrefs may be easier for entry-level users.

• Tool stacking advantage
  • No single tool can cover everything. Most marketers mix free site explorer tools with Ahrefs competitor research and other alternatives.
  • Building a toolkit with Ahrefs competitors allows flexibility, affordability, and AI-powered workflows.

When these factors are considered, it’s clear why so many professionals are looking for the best Ahrefs alternatives in 2025.

How to Choose the Right SEO Tool

When you compare different Ahrefs alternatives, focus on your SEO goals. Marketers don’t need a big database or even the most advanced features. What you just need and look for in a tracker tool matters the most.

Core Features to Evaluate

The foundation of any SEO platform always starts with a keyword database and backlink analysis. Some tools focus on massive indexes, while others focus on competitor research. If you find yourself interested in Ahrefs’ competitors like Majestic and Moz, you will notice that they excel in link-building but differ in reporting data depth.

Next, in 2025, AI and LLM optimization will become a must. Platforms like SurferSEO, MarketMuse, and Search Atlas use natural language models to improve their content relevance and guide generative SEO workflows, which are the capabilities that Ahrefs lacks.

Mike Khorev’s detailed analysis on AI SEO trends explains how AI is reshaping SEO through predictive analytics, natural language processing, and machine learning, marking a fundamental shift from keyword focus to intent and entity-based optimization. The article also highlights the growing importance of AI-generated content optimization and integration with non-Google AI search channels like ChatGPT and Perplexity.

Technical SEOs prioritize features like site audits, crawling tools, and on-page recommendations. Options like Screaming Frog or SEO PowerSuite, compared to Ahrefs, make it easy to identify errors, optimize internal linking, and track performance.

Matching Tools to Your Persona

• Most bloggers, freelancers, and small businesses seek lightweight solutions like Ubersuggest or Mangools, which combine usability and affordability.

• Agencies compare SE Ranking with Ahrefs, since it offers white-label reporting and has client dashboards.

• Enterprises may consider Ahrefs or Semrush, which offer features like API access, large-scale tracking, and integrations.

• Content marketers experimenting with AI may prefer SurferSEO rather than Ahrefs, where they provide optimization that the latter doesn’t.

Pricing and Flexibility

Lastly, the budget plays an important role. While Ahrefs’ free tools or free trial provide limited insights, many have tried using Semrush’s free alternatives or any other alternatives to start building their toolkit. Balancing costs with features ensures a long-term investment in SEO.

The 12 Best Ahrefs Alternatives for 2025

When you’re looking for the perfect SEO tool, it always depends on your budget, how you will use it, and whether you need advanced features like content optimization, etc.

Below is the list of 12 best Ahrefs alternatives that offer strong keyword research, backlink analysis, and SEO intelligence that Ahrefs fails to bring:

1. Semrush – Best All-in-One SEO Suite

Semrush is one of the go-to Ahrefs competitors because it is more than just a tool; it is a complete digital marketing platform that offers keyword research, backlink analysis, content marketing, PPC insights, and social media tools.

• Pros: Largest keyword database, all-in-one functionality, strong competitor research.

• Cons: It is too expensive for beginners, and some features are often underused.

• Pricing: Starts at $129.95/month. It also offers a limited free plan.

• Why it’s good: It provides wider coverage with PPC and content tools, making it a strong choice for larger agencies and enterprises.

2. SE Ranking – Best for Agencies & SMBs

SE Ranking is a common comparison tool among agencies. They offer accurate ranking tracking, site audits, backlink monitoring, etc.

• Pros: Affordable, client dashboards, customizable reporting.

• Cons: Smaller keyword index compared to Semrush/Ahrefs.

• Pricing: Starts at $55/month. It also offers a 14-day free trial.

• Why it’s good: Perfect for agencies seeking competitor research tools with reporting flexibility at a lower cost than Ahrefs.

3. Ubersuggest – Best Budget-Friendly SEO Tool

One of the most popular free Ahrefs alternatives that Neil Patel created. It offers keyword suggestions, site audits, backlink data, and basic competitor research.

• Pros: Beginner-friendly, affordable lifetime deals, and can be used as a Chrome extension.

• Cons: Limited backlink database, fewer advanced features.

• Pricing: Paid plans start at $12/month, but offer a free tier.

• Why it’s good: It’s ideal for freelancers, startups, or anyone who needs cheaper alternatives to Ahrefs.

4. Mangools – Best for Simplicity

Mangools combines five tools into one easy-to-use platform: KWFinder, SERPChecker, SERPWatcher, LinkMiner, and SiteProfiler. It is also a perfect choice for beginners.

• Pros: Clean UI, reliable keyword research, and affordability.

• Cons: Smaller data index compared to Ahrefs’ competitors.

• Pricing: Starts at $29/month.

• Why it’s good: A lightweight solution for freelancers and bloggers who want a free site explorer alternative without complexity.

5. Moz Pro – Trusted Authority Metrics

Moz is an Ahrefs competitor with strong domain authority (DA/PA) metrics, offering features like site audits, keyword research, rank tracking, and link analysis.

• Pros: Budget-friendly and trusted by the industry in terms of authority.

• Cons: Smaller backlink database compared to Ahrefs or Semrush.

• Pricing: Starts at $99/month; MozBar is a free extension.

• Why it’s good: It’s perfect if you want a tool for competitor research with strong link metrics and an easier learning curve.

6. Majestic – Backlink Specialist

Majestic wins in terms of backlink depth when compared to Ahrefs. It exclusively focuses on link intelligence with metrics like Trust Flow and Citation Flow.

• Pros: Largest backlink database, historic data.

• Cons: Limited keyword tools and a bad and clunky interface.

• Pricing: Starts at $49.99/month.

• Why it’s good: If your main priority is backlink competitor analysis rather than all-in-one SEO, pick Majestic.

7. Screaming Frog – Technical SEO Powerhouse

When you look for a crawler that can scan websites for technical SEO issues, Screaming Frog is the perfect platform for you. Unlike Ahrefs’ web-based audits, it gives granular insights for site health.

• Pros: Powerful crawling tool, gives detailed audits, and a free version is available.

• Cons: Steeper learning curve, only available on desktop.

• Pricing: Paid license starts at £259/year, but is free for 500 URLs.

• Why it’s good: Ideal for SEOs who need deep site explorer free audit tools and don’t require a full suite.

8. SpyFu – PPC & Competitor Intelligence

SpyFu excels in PPC and keyword intelligence. It lets you see your competitors’ ad history and organic rankings.

• Pros: Excellent in PPC insights and historical competitor data.

• Cons: Have a smaller backlink index and less emphasis on technical SEO.

• Pricing: Starts at $39/month.

• Why it’s good: Great if you’re looking for SEO software competitors covering paid search strategies.

9. SurferSEO – AI Content Optimizer

SurferSEO focuses on content optimization powered by AI and NLP. It also provides guidelines and insights on keyword density, headings, and semantic keywords.

• Pros: AI-driven content scoring, and can be integrated with Google Docs/WordPress.

• Cons: It doesn’t offer backlink data and needs pairing with another SEO tool.

• Pricing: Starts at $59/month.

• Why it’s good: A must-have for AI-driven content marketers who want a complexity-free solution.

10. MarketMuse / Clearscope / RankIQ – Content Intelligence Cluster

These tools specialize in semantic optimization and generative SEO workflows. They analyze SERPs to suggest related terms, readability improvements, and content structures.

• Pros: Best-in-class content optimization and LLM integration.

• Cons: No backlink tools; pricing is higher for Clearscope/MarketMuse.

• Pricing: Starts at $149/month; Clearscope from $170/month; RankIQ at $49/month.

• Why it’s good: If you need generative SEO tools missing from Ahrefs, this cluster is unmatched.

11. Search Atlas – AI-First SEO Platform

An Ahrefs competitor with AI-first workflows that include keyword research, backlink data, local SEO tools, content briefs, and agency-friendly features.

• Pros: LLM integration, strong agency support, and local SEO tools.

• Cons: Newer platform, smaller user base than Ahrefs.

• Pricing: Offer custom plans; typically lower than Ahrefs.

• Why it’s good: It’s perfect for any SEO agency that needs AI-driven automation and white-label client reporting.

12. GrowthBar – Lightweight AI + Chrome Extension

GrowthBar is a Chrome extension and a free Ahrefs alternative for quick research. It offers AI blog outlines, keyword suggestions, and competitor analysis.

• Pros: Affordable, AI-assisted writing, easy to use compared to other tools.

• Cons: Lacks deep backlink tools and has a smaller database.

• Pricing: Paid plans start at $29/month, but offer a free Chrome extension.

• Why it’s good: It’s great for freelancers, bloggers, or anyone who wants a cheaper alternative to Ahrefs with built-in AI writing tools.

Pricing & Features Comparison Table

Here’s a quick glance at how the top Ahrefs alternatives stack up in terms of standout features, pricing, and ideal users:

Tool	Best Feature	Pricing	Best For
Semrush	Comprehensive SEO + PPC + Content Toolkit	From $139.95/month; 14-day free trial available	Agencies and enterprises that need all-in-one coverage
SE Ranking	Affordable platform with white-label reporting & rank tracking	From ~$52–65/month; 14-day trial, flexible tiers	SMBs and agencies seeking usability + client reporting
Ubersuggest	Beginner-friendly, low-cost alternative with a free tier	Free tier; paid plans starting at ~$12/month	Freelancers or startups looking for cheaper alternatives to Ahrefs
Mangools	Intuitive suite with a simple interface	Starts at $29/month	Bloggers and new SEOs need lightweight tools
Moz Pro	Trusted domain authority metrics & link analysis	Starts at $99/month; MozBar browser extension is free	Professionals focused on content and link strategy
Majestic	Deep backlink intelligence (Trust Flow metrics)	From ~$50/month	Specialists needing in-depth link data
Screaming Frog	Powerful technical site auditing	Free up to 500 URLs; full license ~£259/year	Technical SEOs require detailed crawling
SurferSEO	AI-driven content optimization (LLM-powered)	Starts at ~$59/month	Content marketers focused on on-page optimization
Search Atlas	AI-first SEO platform with agency workflows	Custom pricing; typically lower than Ahrefs	Agencies needing AI + white-label client reporting
GrowthBar	Lightweight AI tools + Chrome extension	Free tier; paid plans from ~$29/month	Freelancers and bloggers seeking quick AI-powered insights

Practical Workflows: SEO Tool Stacks That Work

While Ahrefs is marketed as an all-in-one solution, no single platform perfectly covers every need in SEO. In 2025, most marketers combined affordable or specialized tools to create a more flexible and cost-effective SEO strategy.

• Blogger / Freelancer Stack: Ubersuggest + SurferSEO + Google Search Console (GSC)
  • Ubersuggest provides keyword ideas and site audits for a lower cost.
  • SurferSEO offers AI-driven content optimization, ensuring blog posts are aligned with SERPs.
  • GSC adds free performance data, indexing insights, and keyword clicks.
  • Together, this stack functions as a free Ahrefs alternative for solo creators.

• Agency Stack: SE Ranking + Search Atlas + Screaming Frog
  • SE Ranking handles rank tracking, keyword research, and white-label client reports.
  • Search Atlas adds AI workflows and competitor research tools tailored for agencies.
  • Screaming Frog reveals technical SEO issues in-depth.
  • This setup rivals Ahrefs’ competitors while offering better reporting flexibility at a lower cost.

• Enterprise Stack: Semrush + Majestic + MarketMuse
  • Semrush covers broad SEO + PPC needs.
  • Majestic specializes in backlink competitor analysis with Trust Flow metrics.
  • MarketMuse provides LLM-driven content strategy and generative SEO optimization.
  • Enterprises gain advanced analytics, link depth, and AI-driven content planning beyond what Ahrefs can deliver.

By mixing tools, marketers can reduce Ahrefs cost, fill feature gaps, and build a tailored system that aligns with their SEO goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best free Ahrefs alternative?

Google Search Console and Google Analytics are the best free performance-tracking alternatives to Ahrefs. Extensions like SEO Minion or Detailed SEO are handy for quick audits.

Which Ahrefs alternative is best for freelancers, bloggers, and small businesses?

They often pick SE Ranking, Ubersuggest, or Mangools as they are affordable, easy to use, and can provide enough features they need for an SEO tool.

Which alternative SEO tool has the largest keyword database?

With more than 120 billion keywords, Semrush leads among other tools. Ahrefs and Moz have large databases, but if you are looking for the widest reach, pick Semrush as your top option.

Do I need just one or multiple SEO tools?

It all depends on your needs and SEO goals. All-in-one tools like Ahrefs or Semrush can work for many marketers. But combining tools like SurferSEO for content and Screaming Frog for audits can give you better results at much lower costs.

What are good alternatives to Ahrefs’ LLM optimization tools?

Tools like SurferSEO, MarketMuse, Clearscope, and Search Atlas are strong candidates as they use AI and NLP to improve your content optimization and help you rank using suggested keywords.

What are good alternatives to Ahrefs’ generative engine optimization?

For AI content generation and optimization, you can choose between GrowthBar, Jasper (with SurferSEO), Frase, and WriterZen. These tools can help when you need to optimize content quickly.

Google Search Console and Google Analytics are the best free performance-tracking alternatives to Ahrefs. Extensions like SEO Minion or Detailed SEO are handy for quick audits.
They often pick SE Ranking, Ubersuggest, or Mangools as they are affordable, easy to use, and can provide enough features they need for an SEO tool.
With more than 120 billion keywords, Semrush leads among other tools. Ahrefs and Moz have large databases, but if you are looking for the widest reach, pick Semrush as your top option.
It all depends on your needs and SEO goals. All-in-one tools like Ahrefs or Semrush can work for many marketers. But combining tools like SurferSEO for content and Screaming Frog for audits can give you better results at much lower costs.
Tools like SurferSEO, MarketMuse, Clearscope, and Search Atlas are strong candidates as they use AI and NLP to improve your content optimization and help you rank using suggested keywords.
For AI content generation and optimization, you can choose between GrowthBar, Jasper (with SurferSEO), Frase, and WriterZen. These tools can help when you need to optimize content quickly.

Wrap-Up

Ahrefs is a good SEO tool, but that doesn’t mean it is always the best option for you or your business. Its high costs, difficult learning curve, and limited AI features have pushed many marketers away from exploring alternatives other than Ahrefs.

Today’s tools go just beyond backlink tracking. Many options, like SE Ranking and Search Atlas, support agencies with reporting. SurferSEO and MarketMuse bring LLM-driven optimization that Ahrefs doesn’t offer. For small teams, budget-friendly picks like Ubersuggest or Mangools deliver solid results without the high price.

The smartest strategy in 2025 is to test and try at least two or three alternatives and build a custom SEO stack that fits your budget, workflow, and needs. That way, you’ll save money and future-proof your SEO strategy.