Ahrefs vs SE Ranking: Which Is Better in 2026?
A detailed comparison to help you choose the right seo & marketing tool for your needs.
Our Pick: Ahrefs (by a slight margin)
Ahrefs edges out with a slightly higher rating (8.5 vs 8)
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | A Ahrefs(Winner) | S SE Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.5/10 | 8/10 |
| Starting Price | $99/mo | $44/mo |
| Free Plan | ||
| Free Trial | ||
| Best For | any | small |
| Ease of Use | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Features | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Value for Money | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Support | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Overview
Ahrefs is known for its industry-leading backlink index and site explorer. Excellent for link building, keyword research, and competitive analysis.
SE Ranking offers comprehensive SEO tools at more affordable pricing. Great balance of features and value for growing businesses and agencies.
Pricing Comparison
Better value: SE RankingAhrefs
SE Ranking
Better ValueFeatures Comparison
Winner: SE Ranking| Feature | Ahrefs | SE Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Keyword Research | ||
| Backlink Analysis | ||
| Rank Tracking | ||
| Site Audit | ||
| Competitor Analysis | ||
| Content Optimization | ||
| Local Seo | Limited | |
| Ppc Tools | ||
| Projects | 5-unlimited | Unlimited |
| Keywords Tracked | 750-10000 | 250-20000 |
0
features unique to Ahrefs
1
features unique to SE Ranking
Pros & Cons
Ahrefs
Pros
- Best backlink database in industry
- Excellent Site Explorer tool
- Great content gap analysis
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Strong keyword difficulty scores
Cons
- No free trial (only $7 trial)
- Expensive for individuals
- Limited rank tracking on lower plans
- No built-in PPC tools
SE Ranking
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Comprehensive feature set
- Flexible pricing (pay per keyword)
- Good white-label options
- Solid rank tracking accuracy
Cons
- Smaller backlink database
- Interface not as polished
- Less brand recognition
- Some features feel basic
The Verdict: Ahrefs Edges Out
This was a close comparison, but Ahrefs edges out SE Ranking with a slightly higher overall rating of 8.5/10 versus 8/10. Both are solid choices, but Ahrefs offers a marginally better overall package.
Ahrefs's advantages include Best backlink database in industry and Excellent Site Explorer tool, though SE Ranking counters with Excellent value for money and Comprehensive feature set.
Our recommendation: We give the slight edge to Ahrefs, but don't count out SE Ranking if its specific strengths align better with your needs.
Choose Ahrefs if you...
- • Need link building campaigns
- • Need content marketing teams
- • Need competitive backlink analysis
Choose SE Ranking if you...
- • Need budget-conscious agencies
- • Need freelance seo consultants
- • Need smbs wanting full toolkit
Ready to Get Started?
Read our full reviews:
* We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit these tools through our links. This doesn't affect our ratings or comparisons.