Semrush vs Ahrefs vs SE Ranking 2026: Which SEO Tool Wins?
TL;DR: Semrush for complete digital marketing suite. Ahrefs for the best backlink analysis and research. SE Ranking for 80% of features at 40% of the cost. Budget tip: start with SE Ranking and upgrade as you grow.
Semrush vs Ahrefs vs SE Ranking: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Semrush | Ahrefs | SE Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $130/mo | $99/mo | $52/mo |
| Backlink Index | Very Large | Largest | Large |
| Keyword Research | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good |
| Content Tools | Yes | Content Explorer | Yes |
| PPC Research | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Rank Tracking | 500-5K keywords | 750-10K keywords | 250-5K keywords |
| Social Media | Yes | No | Yes |
| Free Trial | 7 days | 7 days | 14 days |
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Semrush: If you prioritize price at $130/mo and need content tools rated Yes
- Choose Ahrefs: If you prioritize price at $99/mo and need content tools rated Content Explorer
- Choose SE Ranking: If you prioritize price at $52/mo and need content tools rated Yes
Our Verdict
Semrush for complete digital marketing suite. Ahrefs for the best backlink analysis and research. SE Ranking for 80% of features at 40% of the cost. Budget tip: start with SE Ranking and upgrade as you grow.
FAQ
Can I use all three?
You could, but most users pick one primary tool and one complementary tool. Using all three would be redundant and expensive. Start with the one that best fits your primary use case.
Which has the best free option?
Among these three, SE Ranking typically offers the most generous free tier. However, all three have options to try before committing to a paid plan.
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