ahrefs vs se-ranking
Ahrefs vs SE Ranking — features, pricing, and which to choose for your SEO workflow in 2026.
Quick Verdict
Ahrefs and SE Ranking represent two different approaches to all-in-one SEO platforms. Ahrefs built its reputation on having the world's most comprehensive backlink database and has expanded into a full SEO suite, while SE Ranking started as a rank tracking tool and evolved into a complete SEO platform with strong AI content features.
The choice between them often comes down to whether you prioritize Ahrefs' superior data depth and backlink analysis or SE Ranking's more affordable pricing and user-friendly interface. Both offer solid keyword research and site auditing, but their strengths lie in different areas.
Feature Comparison
Ahrefs dominates in backlink analysis with its massive index of over 35 trillion backlinks and fresh crawl data updated every 15 minutes. Its Site Explorer provides unmatched competitor backlink intelligence, while Keywords Explorer offers search volume data for 171 countries. The Content Explorer helps find content gaps and link opportunities across billions of pages. SE Ranking counters with stronger AI content capabilities through its Content Editor and AI Writing Assistant, making it easier to create optimized content at scale. Its White Label solution allows agencies to rebrand the platform, and the Social Media Management features provide integrated social posting and monitoring. SE Ranking's Marketing Plan tool offers strategic campaign planning that Ahrefs lacks. Both platforms include rank tracking, site audits, and keyword research, but Ahrefs provides more granular data and advanced filtering options, while SE Ranking focuses on actionable insights and ease of implementation.
Pricing Comparison
SE Ranking starts at $65/month for the Essential plan covering up to 250 keywords and 5 websites, making it significantly more affordable than Ahrefs' $99/month Lite plan that tracks 500 keywords for one domain. SE Ranking's Pro plan at $119/month includes 1,500 keywords and 30 websites, while Ahrefs' Standard plan costs $199/month for 1,500 keywords and unlimited domains. The pricing gap widens at higher tiers, with SE Ranking's Business plan at $259/month compared to Ahrefs' Advanced plan at $399/month. However, Ahrefs includes more comprehensive data and advanced features that may justify the premium for data-heavy users.
Best For
Choose Ahrefs if you're doing serious competitor research, need the most comprehensive backlink data available, or work with large enterprise clients who demand the deepest SEO insights. It's essential for link builders, advanced SEOs, and agencies managing high-stakes campaigns where data accuracy is critical. Choose SE Ranking if you want a complete SEO platform at a reasonable price, need integrated content creation tools, or prefer a more intuitive interface. It's perfect for small to medium agencies, content marketers, and businesses that want solid SEO capabilities without paying premium prices for enterprise-level data depth.
The Verdict
SE Ranking wins for most users due to its better value proposition and more approachable feature set. While Ahrefs has superior backlink data and analysis capabilities, SE Ranking provides 80% of the functionality at 60% of the cost, plus stronger content creation tools. Unless you specifically need Ahrefs' unmatched backlink database for competitive intelligence or link building campaigns, SE Ranking delivers better bang for your buck with a more user-friendly experience.