Ahrefs vs SE Ranking (October 2026)
We earn a commission if you buy through some links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects the order. How we make money.
Ahrefs
SEO toolset known for its backlink index, keyword research and rank tracking, with a free plan for your own site.
Visit AhrefsSE Ranking
All-in-one SEO platform with daily rank tracking, audits and content tools at a lower price.
Visit SE RankingVerdict. Ahrefs has the lower entry price (USD 29.00 against USD 129.00). Ahrefs confirms 2 of our 3 key features; SE Ranking confirms 3.
Side by side
| Feature | Ahrefs | SE Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest paid plan | Starter: USD 29 per month | Core: USD 129 per month |
| Other plan or fee | Free | Growth: USD 279 per month |
| Another plan or fee | Lite: USD 129 per month | — |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Rank tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Content optimisation | Not confirmed | Yes |
| Number of plans listed | 5 | 2 |
| Our score | 90/100 (#1 of 3) | 81/100 (#2 of 3) |
| Best for | Lowest entry price | Most complete feature set |
| A year on the cheapest paid plan | USD 348 | USD 1,238 (billed yearly) |
| Notes | Up to 17% off yearly; content tools are a paid add-on | 14-day free trial, no card |
Shaded cells mark the lower price. Sources: Ahrefs, SE Ranking.
Which to choose
Choose Ahrefs if you want the lower starting price.
Choose SE Ranking if its features above matter more to you than price.
See all options: best SEO tools.
More: Ahrefs pricing, Ahrefs alternatives, Ahrefs vs Surfer, SE Ranking pricing, SE Ranking alternatives, Surfer vs SE Ranking.