SEO · Head to head
SpyFu vs Ahrefs: which is better?
Short answer
SpyFu costs less in the first year ($348 vs $1,548). Pick SpyFu for competitor keyword and ad research; pick Ahrefs for backlink analysis and competitor research.
| Fact | SpyFu | Ahrefs | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Competitor keyword and ad research | Backlink analysis and competitor research | — |
| Free plan | No | Yes, Ahrefs Free: data on your own site | Ahrefs |
| Entry plan | Basic: $29 / mo | Lite: $129 / mo | SpyFu |
| Mid plan | Pro + AI: $89 / mo | Standard: $249 / mo | SpyFu |
| Top plan | Team / Agency: $187 / mo | Enterprise: $1,499 / mo | SpyFu |
| 1st year | $348 | $1,548 | SpyFu |
| Platforms | Web, API | Web, API | Tie |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, SpyFu or Ahrefs?
SpyFu costs less in the first year ($348 vs $1,548).
| 1st year | SpyFu | Ahrefs |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $348 | $1,548 |
| Mid | $1,068 | $2,988 |
| Top | $2,244 | $17,988 |
Which has the better free plan, SpyFu or Ahrefs?
Ahrefs: Yes, Ahrefs Free: data on your own site.
Should you pick SpyFu or Ahrefs?
Pick SpyFu if
- you want competitor keyword and ad research
- you can pay $29 / mo from day one
Pick Ahrefs if
- you want backlink analysis and competitor research
- the free plan is enough (Ahrefs Free: data on your own site)
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| SpyFu pricing | spyfu.com/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Ahrefs pricing | ahrefs.com/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare