Ahrefs is a powerhouse in the world of SEO tools, offering a comprehensive suite of features designed to help businesses and marketers elevate their digital presence. From keyword research to backlink analysis, Ahrefs packs a punch with its robust set of tools and intuitive interface.
It can be quite pricey compared to a few other SEO tracking tools, including Check Position and SE Ranking. However, going up against Semrush, a well-rounded tracker, it can be considerably affordable, depending on your chosen subscription plan.
Wondering if Ahrefs is the right SEO platform for you and your business? Check out its varied list of handy features and what they can do for you. Check out our thoughts below, and for a deeper look into other competitors, check out our SE Ranking vs. Check Position guide.
Pros
- Suite of SEO features
- Robust keyword research
- Site audits
- Accurate data
Cons
- Can be pricey
- Can take time to learn all of the features
Ahrefs offers four different pricing plans, ranging from £79/month ($99/month) to £799/month ($999/month). The plans differ in the number of features and the amount of data you can access. There are also annual subscription plans, which take two months off the price, priced from £66/month.
The Lite package offers the essentials but also a few extra handy features. You’ll get a Keywords Explorer, site audit, rank tracker, competitive analysis, SERP comparison, and more. It’s also updating with new features, such as a way to export data easily to Google Sheets. This aims to cater to small businesses and hobbyists.
If you’re after a little more, the Standard plan (£159/month) adds more tools for Site Explorer, which lets you see broken and outgoing links and linking authors. You can also expect Batch Analysis and SERP updates. Then there’s the Advanced package (£319/month), which adds Web Explorer, which lets you run advanced searchers, more Site Audit tools like HTTP authentication, and a Content Grader (coming soon). These packages are for more established audiences and marketing teams.
As for the hefty Enterprise plan (£799/month) for large companies and agencies, you’ll get the full suite of features and management features to control access permissions within a team. If you only need a way to stay on top of SEO, this plan isn’t for you.
While expensive compared to Check Position and SE Ranking, even Ahrefs’ Lite plan offers a full array of advanced features worth the price of admission. Still, for beginners only getting to grips with learning how to optimise their websites, what Ahrefs offers may seem overwhelming – especially for the price. That said, if you have the funds, you’ll get a lot out of what Ahrefs puts on the table.
| SEO Platform | Starting Price |
| Ahrefs | From $99/month |
| Check Position | Free ($3.30/month for paid plan) |
| SE Ranking | From $44/month |
| Semrush | From $129/month |
| Moz | From $99/month |
Ahrefs User Interface
Upon logging into Ahrefs, users are greeted with a clean and intuitive dashboard that serves as a centralised hub for accessing the platform’s diverse array of features. The navigation menu is logically organised, allowing users to navigate effortlessly between tools such as Site Explorer, Keywords Explorer, and Content Explorer. This streamlined approach ensures that users can quickly find what they need without feeling overwhelmed by cluttered interfaces.
Ahrefs’ UI is characterised by its sleek design and intuitive layout, which prioritises functionality and ease of use. Whether you’re conducting keyword research or analysing backlinks, the platform’s user-friendly interface guides you through each step of the process with clear prompts and helpful tooltips. Additionally, Ahrefs’ visual elements, such as graphs and charts, enhances data comprehension and allows users to glean insights at a glance.
Ahrefs understands that every user has unique needs and preferences, which is why it offers customisable dashboards that can be tailored to suit individual workflows. Users can rearrange widgets, adjust date ranges, and save custom views, allowing for a personalised user experience that maximises productivity. Whether you’re tracking keyword rankings or monitoring site health, Ahrefs’ customisable dashboards empower users to focus on what matters most to them.
Ahrefs Features
One of Ahrefs’ standout features is its robust keyword research capabilities. Whether you’re looking to uncover new keyword opportunities or analyse the competition, Ahrefs provides detailed insights into search volume, keyword difficulty, and more. Its Keyword Explorer tool is incredibly user-friendly, making it easy to find high-potential keywords to target for your SEO campaigns.
Backlinks are crucial in determining a website’s authority and search engine rankings, and Ahrefs excels in this area. With its extensive backlink database, Ahrefs allows users to analyse their own backlink profile and those of their competitors. The platform provides valuable metrics such as domain authority, referring domains, and anchor text distribution, enabling users to identify areas for improvement and develop effective link-building strategies.
Ahrefs’ Site Audit tool is a game-changer for website optimisation. It thoroughly crawls your site, uncovering broken links, duplicate content, and slow-loading pages that could negatively impact your SEO efforts. The tool provides actionable insights and recommendations for resolving these issues, helping you enhance your site’s overall performance and user experience.
Understanding your competitors’ strategies is crucial for staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of SEO, and Ahrefs facilitates this with its robust competitor analysis tools. From analysing their backlink profiles to uncovering their top-performing keywords, Ahrefs provides valuable insights that empower users to refine their strategies and outperform the competition.
Ahrefs Verdict
Ahrefs is a powerful SEO toolset that helps you with keyword research, backlink analysis, competitor analysis, rank tracking, and more. It is a popular choice for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.
Overall, Ahrefs is a must-have tool for businesses or marketers who are serious about improving their search engine visibility. With its comprehensive feature set, user-friendly interface, and unparalleled data accuracy, Ahrefs equips users with the insights and tools they need to succeed in the highly competitive world of SEO. Whether you’re a seasoned SEO professional or just starting out, Ahrefs is an invaluable asset that can help you achieve your digital marketing goals.
If you need a more straightforward introduction to SEO tracking and management for an affordable price, take a look at our SE Ranking review. For an even cheaper keyword tracker, albeit with limited features, look no further than our Check Position review.