SEO · Head to head
Ahrefs vs SE Ranking: which is better?
Short answer
SE Ranking costs less in the first year ($1,548 vs $1,238.40). Pick Ahrefs for backlink analysis and competitor research; pick SE Ranking for SEO plus AI-search tracking for marketing teams.
| Fact | Ahrefs | SE Ranking | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Backlink analysis and competitor research | SEO plus AI-search tracking for marketing teams | — |
| Free plan | Yes, Ahrefs Free: data on your own site | No | Ahrefs |
| Entry plan | Lite: $129 / mo | Core: $103.20 / mo | SE Ranking |
| Mid plan | Standard: $249 / mo | Growth: $223.20 / mo | SE Ranking |
| Top plan | Enterprise: $1,499 / mo | Growth: $223.20 / mo | SE Ranking |
| 1st year | $1,548 | $1,238.40 | SE Ranking |
| Platforms | Web, API | Web, API | Tie |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, Ahrefs or SE Ranking?
SE Ranking costs less in the first year ($1,548 vs $1,238.40).
| 1st year | Ahrefs | SE Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $1,548 | $1,238.40 |
| Mid | $2,988 | $2,678.40 |
| Top | $17,988 | $2,678.40 |
Which has the better free plan, Ahrefs or SE Ranking?
Ahrefs: Yes, Ahrefs Free: data on your own site.
Should you pick Ahrefs or SE Ranking?
Pick Ahrefs if
- you want backlink analysis and competitor research
- the free plan is enough (Ahrefs Free: data on your own site)
Pick SE Ranking if
- you want SEO plus AI-search tracking for marketing teams
- you can pay $103.20 / mo from day one
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Ahrefs pricing | ahrefs.com/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
| SE Ranking pricing | seranking.com/subscription.html | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare