7 Best Ahrefs Alternatives in 2026 (Free & Cheaper SEO Tools)
TL;DR: The best Ahrefs alternatives are Semrush, SE Ranking, Ubersuggest. Each offers unique advantages depending on your specific needs and budget.
Why Look for Ahrefs Alternatives?
While Ahrefs is excellent, you might want alternatives due to pricing, specific feature needs, integration requirements, or simply to find a better fit for your workflow.
Best Ahrefs Alternatives at a Glance
| Tool | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Semrush | Complete SEO suite | $130/mo | 9.4/10 |
| 2. SE Ranking | Small businesses | $52/mo | 8.8/10 |
| 3. Ubersuggest | Free SEO research | Free – $29/mo | 8.2/10 |
| 4. Serpstat | Competitor research | $55/mo | 8.3/10 |
| 5. Morningscore | SEO newcomers | $65/mo | 8.1/10 |
Detailed Comparison
1. Semrush — Best All-in-One SEO
Semrush offers everything Ahrefs does plus PPC research, social media tools, and content marketing features. The most comprehensive digital marketing platform.
- Price: $130/mo
- Best for: Complete SEO suite
- Key advantage over Ahrefs: More marketing tools, PPC data
2. SE Ranking — Best Value
SE Ranking provides excellent keyword research, rank tracking, and site audits at roughly half the cost of Ahrefs. Great for businesses watching their budget.
- Price: $52/mo
- Best for: Small businesses
- Key advantage over Ahrefs: Half the price, 80% of features
3. Ubersuggest — Best Free Option
Ubersuggest offers a solid free tier and a one-time lifetime payment option. Good for basic keyword research, content ideas, and competitor analysis.
- Price: Free – $29/mo
- Best for: Free SEO research
- Key advantage over Ahrefs: Free tier, lifetime pricing available
4. Serpstat — Best for Competitive Analysis
Serpstat specializes in competitive analysis with excellent domain comparison and market share features. Great for understanding your competitive landscape.
- Price: $55/mo
- Best for: Competitor research
- Key advantage over Ahrefs: Better competitor comparison tools
5. Morningscore — Best for Beginners
Morningscore gamifies SEO with missions, health scores, and dollar-value metrics. Makes SEO accessible to non-technical users and small business owners.
- Price: $65/mo
- Best for: SEO newcomers
- Key advantage over Ahrefs: Gamified interface, easier to learn
How to Choose the Right Alternative
- Budget-conscious: Look for tools with generous free tiers or lower pricing
- Feature-specific: Match the tool’s strengths to your primary use case
- Integration needs: Check compatibility with your existing tech stack
- Team size: Some tools are better for solo users, others for teams
FAQ
What’s the cheapest Ahrefs alternative?
Semrush offers the best free tier, while SE Ranking provides the best value at its price point.
Which Ahrefs alternative is best for beginners?
Ubersuggest has the most intuitive interface and easiest learning curve, making it ideal for beginners.
Find the Perfect AI Tool for Your Needs
Compare pricing, features, and reviews of 50+ AI tools
Browse All AI Tools →Get Weekly AI Tool Updates
Join 1,000+ professionals. Free AI tools cheatsheet included.