Ahrefs is one of the most powerful SEO tools on the market. It’s widely used for backlink analysis, keyword research, site audits, rank tracking, and competitive analysis. Known for its massive link index and accurate keyword data, Ahrefs is trusted by SEO professionals, agencies, and content marketers around the world.
But in 2025, some users are switching to Ahrefs alternatives that offer better pricing, simpler dashboards, local SEO features, or AI content tools. Whether you’re managing a small business website, optimizing content, or analyzing competitors, there are other tools that can deliver similar value — often at a lower cost or with specific use-case advantages.
This article explores the top Ahrefs alternatives and competitors to consider in 2025 for keyword tracking, SEO audits, content analysis, and backlink monitoring.
What is Ahrefs?
Ahrefs is a premium all-in-one SEO toolset. Its main features include a powerful backlink database, accurate keyword research, site audit capabilities, rank tracking, and competitor research. It’s widely respected for its data accuracy, link database size, and intuitive interface. However, its high pricing and lack of a free plan have prompted some users to look elsewhere.
Why Look for Ahrefs Alternatives?
1. High Monthly Cost: Ahrefs’ plans can be expensive for freelancers, small teams, or part-time SEOs.
2. No Free Plan: Ahrefs doesn’t offer a true free version for ongoing use, unlike some competitors.
3. Paywalls for Some Features: You may hit usage limits or need upgrades to access historical data or multiple user accounts.
4. Stronger Local or Content Tools Elsewhere: Other tools may offer better local rank tracking, on-page SEO, or content scoring.
5. Simpler UX for Beginners: Ahrefs’ feature set may be more than some users need; others want easier dashboards or fewer distractions.
Top Ahrefs Alternatives (Comparison Table)
| # | Tool | Free Plan | Best For | Deployment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | SE Ranking | Yes (limited) | Rank tracking + audits | Cloud |
| #2 | Serpstat | Yes (limited) | Keyword + backlink data | Cloud |
| #3 | Ubersuggest | Yes | Content + keyword ideas | Cloud |
| #4 | Moz Pro | Yes (trial) | SEO metrics + links | Cloud |
| #5 | SpyFu | Yes | Competitor SEO + PPC | Cloud |
| #6 | Screaming Frog | Yes | Technical SEO audits | Desktop |
| #7 | Majestic | No | Backlink analysis | Cloud |
| #8 | Surfer SEO | No | Content optimization | Cloud |
| #9 | Nightwatch | Yes (trial) | Local + mobile rank tracking | Cloud |
| #10 | Mangools | Yes (trial) | Easy-to-use keyword + rank tools | Cloud |
Top 10 Ahrefs Alternatives and Competitors in 2025
#1. SE Ranking
SE Ranking is a cost-effective all-in-one SEO platform with accurate rank tracking, keyword research, and backlink monitoring. It’s a top Ahrefs alternative for SMBs and freelancers.
Features:
- Local and mobile rank tracking
- Keyword + backlink analysis
- Site audits and marketing plans
- White-label client reporting
- Affordable plans with usage-based pricing
#2. Serpstat
Serpstat is a versatile SEO tool offering keyword suggestions, competitor analysis, and technical audits. It’s great for international SEO and data exports.
Features:
- Keyword clustering and gaps
- Backlink tracking and audit
- Rank tracking by location and device
- Batch analysis of domains and URLs
- API and team collaboration support
#3. Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest is a beginner-friendly SEO tool offering keyword ideas, domain overview, and content suggestions. It’s a strong Ahrefs alternative for marketers on a budget.
Features:
- Keyword volume + competition
- Content ideas and SEO pages
- Site audits and backlinks
- Basic rank tracking
- Low-cost and free tier available
#4. Moz Pro
Moz offers solid keyword tracking, link analysis, and domain authority metrics. It’s a trusted name in SEO and ideal for consultants and content marketers.
Features:
- Keyword Explorer with SERP previews
- Link Explorer with DA/PA metrics
- Rank tracking and page grader
- Chrome toolbar (MozBar)
- SEO audit and site crawl
#5. SpyFu
SpyFu focuses on competitive intelligence for SEO and PPC. It shows you what keywords and ads your competitors are using — great for campaign planning.
Features:
- Historic keyword + ad data
- SEO and PPC competitor tracking
- Backlink outreach tools
- Keyword grouping and suggestions
- Unlimited search access on all plans
#6. Screaming Frog
Screaming Frog is a desktop-based website crawler that scans URLs for technical issues. It’s a must-have for SEOs focused on audits and on-site fixes.
Features:
- Find broken links and redirects
- Scan titles, meta, H1s, and schema
- Generate sitemaps and robots.txt
- Custom extractions and integrations
- Free for up to 500 URLs
#7. Majestic
Majestic is a dedicated backlink analysis platform with its own metrics like Trust Flow and Citation Flow. It’s a great Ahrefs alternative for deep link analysis.
Features:
- Historic and fresh backlink index
- Referring domains and anchor text
- Site Explorer with trust metrics
- Link context and visualizations
- SEO-friendly data exports
#8. Surfer SEO
Surfer is a content-focused SEO tool that helps optimize articles to rank better by analyzing SERP competitors. It’s perfect for content strategists and writers.
Features:
- Content Editor with keyword tips
- SEO audit for existing pages
- Integration with Jasper, WordPress, Google Docs
- Keyword research and cluster builder
- Data-driven content score
#9. Nightwatch
Nightwatch is a sleek, privacy-focused SEO tool offering precise local rank tracking, reports, and integrations. It’s ideal for agencies and local businesses.
Features:
- Track rankings by zip code, city, or region
- Keyword discovery and grouping
- White-labeled PDF reports
- API and Google Data Studio integration
- Backlink and technical site audit
#10. Mangools
Mangools is a simple SEO toolkit combining five mini-tools (KWFinder, SERPChecker, etc.) into one dashboard. It’s great for beginners and solo SEOs replacing Ahrefs.
Features:
- KWFinder for long-tail keyword research
- Rank Tracker with daily updates
- Backlink analysis with LinkMiner
- SERP overview with metrics
- Clean UX and browser extension
Conclusion
Ahrefs is a top-tier SEO tool, but in 2025, many marketers and SEOs are choosing platforms that better fit their budgets, focus areas, or team size. Whether you need detailed backlink data, content optimization, or local rank tracking, there’s a reliable Ahrefs alternative that delivers real value — often with a smoother interface or lower cost.
Pick SE Ranking or Ubersuggest for affordability. Choose SpyFu or Serpstat for competitor insights. Use Surfer for content SEO or Screaming Frog for audits. Your ideal Ahrefs alternative depends on your priorities — and your price point.
FAQs
What are the best Ahrefs alternatives in 2025?
The best Ahrefs alternatives in 2025 are:
- SE Ranking
- Serpstat
- Ubersuggest
- Moz Pro
- SpyFu
- Screaming Frog
- Majestic
- Surfer SEO
- Nightwatch
- Mangools
Is Ahrefs free to use?
No. Ahrefs does not offer a free ongoing plan. You can use their Webmaster Tools with limited features for free.
Which tool is best for backlink tracking?
Ahrefs, Majestic, and Moz all offer strong backlink databases and monitoring tools.
Which Ahrefs alternative is best for content SEO?
Surfer SEO is built specifically for optimizing content to rank based on SERP analysis and NLP guidance.
Which alternative is best for local SEO?
Nightwatch and SE Ranking both offer excellent local rank tracking by city or zip code.
