Independent head-to-head
Ahrefs vs SE Ranking
Both are on our shortlist, and most people only need one. Here is where each genuinely wins.
Is link-index depth worth the price of a reporting-focused suite?
Choose Ahrefs for link-led work; choose SE Ranking if you mainly track rankings and produce client reports. Both list a $129/month entry plan, but SE Ranking's Core plan bundles 2,000 daily-tracked keywords and white-label reporting, while its backlink index is clearly behind Ahrefs'.
Ahrefs
Backlink Analysis ToolsThe strongest backlink index, wrapped in the cleanest interface.
SE Ranking
Backlink Analysis ToolsRank tracking, research and reporting in one SEO platform.
Decision view
Compare what changes the answer
| Decision factor | Ahrefs$129/mo | SE Ranking$129/mo |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $129/mo | $129/mo |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | None | 14 days |
| Best for | Anyone whose work is link-led — outreach, digital PR, or competitive link analysis — and agencies managing many verified domains. | Agencies and freelancers who need credible client reporting without a four-figure monthly software bill. |
| Not for | Teams who need PPC and social data in the same subscription, or who want a usable free tier for unverified sites. | Link-led work, or research in markets outside its stronger databases. |
Shared answers are dimmed so trade-offs stay visible.
Plan comparison
Published plans as recorded on each vendor’s pricing page on its verification date. Limits and add-ons differ between vendors, so compare at your own volume.
Ahrefs
| Plan | Monthly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lite | $129 | — |
| Standard | $249 | — |
| Advanced | $449 | — |
SE Ranking
| Plan | Monthly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core | $129 | $103.20/month billed annually ($1,238.40/year); 10 projects, 2,000 keywords tracked daily, 250K pages/month audit |
| Growth | $279 | 30 projects, 5,000 keywords tracked daily, 2M pages/month audit |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom limits and full API access — contact sales |
Where Ahrefs wins
- Its own crawler and link index are the core of the product, and the reason most people subscribe
- Cleanest interface of the major platforms — less time hunting for reports
- Free Webmaster Tools is genuinely useful on your own verified sites
Where SE Ranking wins
- Rank tracking, research and site audits in one workspace
- Core annual billing saves 20% compared with paying monthly
- White-label reporting is included rather than an upsell
Ahrefs or SE Ranking?
Choose Ahrefs for link-led work; choose SE Ranking if you mainly track rankings and produce client reports. Both list a $129/month entry plan, but SE Ranking's Core plan bundles 2,000 daily-tracked keywords and white-label reporting, while its backlink index is clearly behind Ahrefs'.
Anyone whose work is link-led — outreach, digital PR, or competitive link analysis — and agencies managing many verified domains.
Agencies and freelancers who need credible client reporting without a four-figure monthly software bill.
What decides it
- Backlink data
- The gap is the deciding factor: our SE Ranking review calls its backlink index clearly behind Ahrefs and Semrush.
- Rank tracking and reporting
- SE Ranking prices rank tracking per keyword and includes white-label reporting; Ahrefs does not position itself as a reporting layer.
- Trial
- SE Ranking offers a 14-day trial; Ahrefs has no free plan, only free Webmaster Tools for sites you have verified.
- Markets
- SE Ranking's keyword data thins out in smaller markets — check your countries during the trial.
Common questions
Which is cheaper, Ahrefs or SE Ranking?
Their entry plans cost the same: $129/month for Ahrefs Lite and SE Ranking Core. The ladders differ above that — Ahrefs runs $129, $249 and $449 a month, SE Ranking $129, $279 and a custom Enterprise tier — so compare the plan that matches your usage.
Can SE Ranking replace Ahrefs for backlink research?
If link research is central to your work, probably not: our SE Ranking review calls its backlink index clearly behind Ahrefs' and Semrush's. If you mainly track rankings and report to clients, the gap matters less.
How many keywords can I track?
SE Ranking's Core plan lists 2,000 daily-tracked keywords across 10 projects. We have not recorded Ahrefs' rank-tracking allowances, so check its pricing page at your keyword count before comparing.