Ahrefs vs. SEMrush? Ahrefs and SEMrush are the best all-in-one tools on the market. Which one will win the SEO battle in our 2020 comparison?
In the world of SEO, there are two debates that are constantly repeated:
- Does link building work?
- Is Ahrefs or SEMrush better?
Today we will not talk about the controversies, myths, and realities around the
generation of links (link building), but we will shed light on the two
best all-in-one SEO tools: Ahrefs and SEMrush.
Part by part.
Domain analysis
The analysis section is possibly the most used part of both tools. It allows you to analyze links, check organic and paid traffic. View positioned keywords …
Ahrefs Site Explorer
By entering a domain in the Site Explorer, you will get unlimited data and graphs. Ahrefs follows a minimalist line, offers a lot of data but is perfectly structured so that you can analyze the domain in a matter of seconds.
In addition, in this tool, you will have access to the largest database of links on the market. It does not show all that are, but it is the most accurate. At least that’s my feeling after testing them with thousands of domains.
The estimation of organic traffic, segmented by country, is not very precise. This occurs in all SEO tools of the “all-in-one” type since they calculate it based on the keywords positioned.
It is not 100% reliable, but you can get a fairly representative idea of the evolution of a web page.
Domain analysis in SEMrush
Organic traffic trend, number of backlinks, domain authority, competitors …
SEMrush works in a very similar way to Ahrefs. On the screen, you can get a quick idea of how a domain is found. Still, you can also delve into any part of the analysis by entering the corresponding section.
The options that SEMrush provides are enormous. You have data to lose yourself, literally …
The linked database is smaller than Ahrefs, but it is not far behind. If you want to get the most number of links, combine both. The results are different and complementary.
Which one do I prefer to analyze domains?
I stay with Ahrefs for his greater agility. In a quick glance, I can get an idea of any domain. Another point in its favor is the database with links.
For usability and power: Ahrefs.
Keyword research
One of the first things we should demand of an all-in-one tool is that it delivers volumes and related keyword ideas.
In this way, we can work on one of the pillars of any SEO project: keyword research. Keyword research.
Ahrefs Keyword Explorer
In the words of its developers, “Ahrefs is the most complete keyword analysis tool on the market”.
It is not, as we will see later, but it does offer an excellent user experience. Searching for words and opportunities in Ahrefs is very fast and intuitive. You have everything in the same tab with clear and simple data.
As an extra, it gives you the option to check searches on Google, Youtube, Amazon, Bing, Yandex …
Keyword analysis in SEMrush
To carry out keyword research in SEMrush, we have to display the “Keyword Analysis” tab. There we find five sections with extensive information; In the “Overview” tab, you can view the summary.
In this tool, you have options to be tracking for hours (and weeks), but you will have to go from one tab to another to check the difficulty of the keywords or the proposals of related terms.
It is less intuitive but very powerful.
Opinion: which one is better to do keyword research?
When doing keyword research for this article, SEMrush shows a higher number of keyword ideas for “Ahrefs vs SEMrush”:
- Which is better, Ahrefs or SEMrush.
- SEMrush vs. Ahrefs comparison.
- SEMrush or Ahrefs opinion.
This trend is repeated in many other searches that I have tried. Therefore, in the keyword search section, SEMrush is superior.
The volume and suggestion results vary quite a bit between these two SEO tools. If you need precision, the ideal is to combine both.
Keyword tracking
If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it. Knowing how the positioning of your project evolves is vital. This tool is non-negotiable for any SEO, you must have it yes or yes.
Ahrefs Rank Tracker
Depending on the contracted plan, you will be able to track a certain number of keywords and projects.
What I like the most about Rank Tracker is that you have all the projects in view. You can get a quick idea of the evolution of your web pages: Have they improved this week?
And when you want, you have to click on the project. All kinds of data will appear for a more detailed analysis.
SEMrush Position Tracking
Similar to the previous one, but again, less intuitive. If you want to get a true idea, you have to enter each project. Of course, Position Tracking offers a lot of data and very varied.
This part of the tool follows the general trend of SEMrush: hundreds of options, although the user experience is less careful than in Ahrefs.
Which one do I use in my day to day?
To check the evolution of keywords, I use Ahrefs. It allows me to do a couple of quick checks a week without wasting a lot of time. I also have the option of doing very detailed analyzes when I need them. Also, I love the usability of the Rank Tracker.
Other functions of these tools
If I had to describe all the functionalities of these SEO tools, I would complete five 5000 word articles. They are huge.
In both, you can do audits to check indexing errors, problems with SEO optimization, or with the speed of the Site.
They also allow you to get keyword ideas based on your competition or project theme. And that’s just a small part of its functionality …
Ahrefs and SEMrush pricing
They are not cheap tools, but they are essential for any SEO. They pay off fast.
Prices in Ahrefs
Ahrefs Lite plan costs $ 99 per month. It is enough to manage a few projects (five or less).
If you manage more web pages (up to ten), I recommend the Standard plan of $ 179.
Agencies and professionals will have to resort to the Advanced and Agency plans with prices $399 and $999, respectively.
SEMrush pricing
The Pro plan costs $ 99.99 per month. Ideal for managing three projects (or less).
With the Guru plan of $ 199.95, you can work with fifteen projects obtaining other additional advantages.
If you are an SEO agency, you will have to resort to the Business plan of $ 399.95.
Best value for money?
Both tools come at a high price, but in my opinion, Ahrefs offers more for less.
Conclusion: Ahrefs or SEMrush?
I prefer Ahrefs because it is faster and more intuitive. It allows me to optimize my time.
If you are a fan of data and implausible metrics, Semrush is going to love you. You can browse the tool for hours. You will have more options in each of its sections.