The Best Ahrefs Alternatives

1. Semrush – Best for All-in-One SEO Campaigns

If you’re missing Ahrefs’ depth but need more marketing firepower, Semrush picks up where it leaves off.

Why It’s an Alternative

Semrush is the only platform that can truly match Ahrefs across most SEO benchmarks.

It not only covers the core features—keywords, backlinks, site audits, rank tracking—but adds full PPC data, content tools, and social integrations on top.

In many ways, it gives you more than Ahrefs. But that “more” comes with added complexity. If you appreciated Ahrefs for its focus and speed, Semrush may feel heavier, especially at first.

In side-by-side testing, we found that Semrush’s backlink database is even larger on paper. Where Ahrefs excels in link freshness and categorization, Semrush pulls ahead with volume and paid ad visibility.

The keyword suite also offers deeper intent segmentation and better clustering for planning at scale.

Key Features

• Backlink Index with over 43 trillion links, plus historical and competitor views
• Keyword Magic Tool for search intent mapping and long-tail discovery
• Daily Rank Tracking with mobile, desktop, and location targeting
• Technical Site Audits including Core Web Vitals and page experience scores
• Content Marketing Hub with brief generators, topic templates, and optimization tools

Pros

• Unites SEO, PPC, and content workflows in one place
• Powerful for agencies needing daily tracking and client reports
• Deeper reporting granularity across channels
• Scales well with teams and multi-domain setups

Cons

• Interface takes longer to learn and set up
• Lower-tier plans restrict tracked keywords and active projects
• Link categorization feels less intuitive than Ahrefs’ Top Pages and Link Intersect tools

Pricing Snapshot

Starts at 129.95 per month with a 7-day free trial. You get five projects, 500 tracked keywords, and one user. Most agencies will need to scale up quickly for more seats and reporting depth.

Personal Insight

When our team trialed Semrush, we were impressed by the sheer range of data it pulled into one login.

But we did have to unlearn our Ahrefs habits. Exporting reports took more steps, and we had to simplify some dashboards for clients.

Still, the visibility into ad spend and organic overlap gave us insights that Ahrefs never showed.

When I’d Recommend It

You run a team that handles both paid and organic, and you are ready to manage more tools under one roof, even if it comes with more setup and learning.

2. SE Ranking – Best Value for Agencies

A cost-effective all-rounder that covers 80% of what Ahrefs does, for a fraction of the price.

Why It’s an Alternative

SE Ranking covers all five pillars of Ahrefs without the high price tag. It is one of the few tools that consistently surprises people who expect limitations based on cost.

While its backlink database is smaller, it makes up for it with white-label reporting, lead-gen tools, and agency-focused flexibility.

What stood out in testing was how much SE Ranking does with less. The link index is not as deep, but it still finds key referring domains. Rank tracking is refreshingly accurate and updates daily without pushing you into a higher tier. The site audit tool caught some issues that Ahrefs missed, and we appreciated the ability to re-crawl instantly without waiting for quotas.

Key Features

• Rank Tracking with local, mobile, and historical visibility graphs
• Backlink Monitor that tracks new, lost, and toxic links with context
• Website Audit that breaks down crawl issues by category and urgency
• Keyword Research Tool with volume, difficulty, and related terms
• White-Label Reports and Client Portals for agency transparency

Pros

• Full-suite SEO platform at a third of the price of Ahrefs
• Daily rank tracking and detailed reports included even in entry plans
• Clean interface that balances ease of use with control
• Excellent fit for freelancers and growing agencies

Cons

• Smaller backlink database, with fewer live links and slower updates
• Interface lacks some of Ahrefs’ polish and intuitive hierarchy
• Fewer advanced link filters and no Top Pages-style views

Pricing Snapshot

Starts at 39 per month for 250 tracked keywords, ten projects, and daily updates. Includes a 14-day free trial with full access.

Personal Insight

SE Ranking feels like a tool built for people doing the work. It gets out of your way and lets you move fast. We onboarded new clients with zero friction, and the reports looked polished out of the box. When we needed deeper link context or large-scale exports, we still pulled Ahrefs—but SE Ranking handled 90 percent of the day-to-day.

When I’d Recommend It

You manage clients, work across multiple sites, and want a full SEO suite that does not force compromises or burn your software budget.

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3. Mangools – Best for Simplicity and Solo SEO Work

If Ahrefs feels like too much, Mangools gives you the essentials without the overload.

Why It’s an Alternative

Mangools is not trying to go punch-for-punch with Ahrefs. Instead, it wins by simplifying. It bundles five tools (KWFinder, SERPChecker, SERPWatcher, LinkMiner, and SiteProfiler) into one interface that is light, fast, and user-friendly.

You still get keyword research, SERP previews, backlink insights, and basic tracking, but without the complexity or steep cost.

In our experience, Mangools works best when you do not need to track hundreds of domains or sift through massive datasets.

Where Ahrefs gives you granular control and link data at scale, Mangools offers speed, clarity, and a clean UI.

You will not get advanced filters, Top Pages reports, or multi-domain comparisons. But for small teams or solo operators, that is not always a dealbreaker.

Key Features

• KWFinder for keyword ideas, difficulty scoring, and SERP previews
• SERPChecker that shows real-time Google results with detailed metrics
• LinkMiner to explore backlinks with Trust Flow, Citation Flow, and anchor data
• SERPWatcher for keyword position tracking and visibility scores
• SiteProfiler that gives domain-level metrics at a glance

Pros

• One of the most intuitive interfaces among SEO tools
• Quick setup with helpful tooltips and no steep learning curve
• Affordable entry price with all tools included
• Ideal for bloggers, affiliates, and consultants who value speed

Cons

• Smaller keyword and link databases than Ahrefs
• No full site audit or technical crawler
• Limited segmentation and filtering, especially for backlinks and keywords
• Lacks white-label options and deep reporting features

Pricing Snapshot

Starts at 29.90 per month. That includes access to all five tools and 200 keyword lookups per day. A free version allows ten searches daily.

Personal Insight

Mangools is the tool I open when I want answers fast. It loads quickly, the SERP views are clean, and the keyword metrics are enough for content targeting.

For serious link audits or advanced campaigns, we still leaned on Ahrefs. But for early-stage planning or small-site tracking, Mangools handled the job.

When I’d Recommend It

You run one or two sites, focus on content SEO, and want clear insights without getting buried in filters, exports, or training videos.

4. Ubersuggest – Best for Budget-Conscious Beginners

It does not try to be Ahrefs, but for the price, it covers the basics surprisingly well.

Why It’s an Alternative

Ubersuggest delivers a stripped-down version of what most solo SEOs or creators need. You get keyword research, site audits, basic backlink data, and even content suggestions, all at a price that’s hard to argue with. It is not a direct substitute for Ahrefs in terms of depth or precision, but for newer users or low-budget projects, it gives you enough to take action.

Compared to Ahrefs, the keyword data is less expansive, backlink tracking is more surface level, and rank tracking updates only weekly. But Ubersuggest shines in accessibility. It is easy to learn, includes an AI writer and Chrome extension, and still delivers value for people not doing deep forensic work or managing client portfolios.

Key Features

• Keyword Overview with search volume, difficulty, and CPC
• Site Audit Tool for spotting SEO issues and health scores
• Backlink Checker to view referring domains and anchor text
• Content Ideas Module that pulls top-performing URLs by keyword
• AI Writer for outline creation and quick article drafts

Pros

• One of the lowest-priced SEO platforms with real utility
• Clean UI and onboarding flow for non-technical users
• Chrome extension adds SEO data directly to search results
• Lifetime pricing options reduce long-term costs

Cons

• Smaller keyword and link databases than Ahrefs
• Rank tracking is limited to weekly refreshes
• No advanced segmentation or deep backlink filters
• Some features feel more basic than polished

Pricing Snapshot

Starts at 12 per month with a limited free version. Lifetime deals are often available starting around 120. Entry plans include keyword research, one domain audit, and content tools.

Personal Insight

I have used Ubersuggest for lightweight projects where we just needed to validate topics or get a quick site check. It is not the tool I’d use for a client audit or link-building campaign, but for freelancers, small business owners, or bloggers, it packs in more than expected at this price point.

When I’d Recommend It

You are early in your SEO journey or need a tool that covers keyword research and audits without committing to a higher monthly spend.

5. Moz Pro – Best for Brand Trust and UX

You get less raw data than Ahrefs, but the interface and support make up for it—especially if you work with clients.

Why It’s an Alternative

Moz Pro has been part of the SEO conversation for over a decade. While it no longer leads on data size or speed, it earns a spot on this list by doing core SEO tasks well and making them feel approachable. If Ahrefs feels too data-dense or you need something that’s easier to hand off to non-SEOs, Moz is a strong candidate.

You will notice some clear trade-offs. Ahrefs gives you deeper keyword and backlink data, faster updates, and broader filtering. Moz, on the other hand, offers solid technical audits, daily rank tracking, and a keyword tool that focuses on click-through potential—not just volume. Its Domain Authority metric remains a go-to reference point in many SEO communities, even if Ahrefs' DR now rivals it in usage.

Key Features

• Keyword Explorer with volume, difficulty, CTR, and priority scoring
• Site Crawl for technical and on-page SEO health, updated weekly
• Link Explorer built around Domain Authority and anchor analysis
• Rank Tracker with historical position data across devices and locations
• Page Optimization Recommendations to improve individual URLs

Pros

• Extremely user-friendly interface and reporting
• Strong support materials and community forums
• Clear rank tracking with automatic reporting
• Good balance between strategic insight and tactical data

Cons

• Smaller link index and keyword database than Ahrefs
• Slower update cycles and limited historical data
• Some features feel siloed rather than unified under one dashboard
• Export options and custom filters are more limited

Pricing Snapshot

Starts at 99 per month for one user and three campaigns. Includes a 30-day free trial, which is longer than most competitors offer.

Personal Insight

Moz Pro has been the easiest tool to hand off to junior team members or clients. The reports are readable, the metrics are easy to explain, and setup is straightforward. That said, for competitive audits or backlink deep dives, we always turn to Ahrefs.

When I’d Recommend It

You want a trusted, easy-to-learn SEO platform with enough depth to manage rankings and on-page work—without needing to be a data analyst.

6. Serpstat – Best for Keyword-Focused Campaigns

Strong in structure, smart in price, but still a step behind Ahrefs in link depth and freshness.

Why It’s an Alternative

Serpstat stands out for its balance of usability and scope. It offers keyword research, rank tracking, site audits, and backlink tools, all in one platform. What it lacks in data volume compared to Ahrefs, it makes up for in structure. The platform is built around visibility, keyword clustering, and progress tracking—making it especially useful for content teams and SEO generalists.

Compared to Ahrefs, Serpstat’s backlink database is smaller and its crawler is less aggressive. But its keyword tools shine when you want to plan content at scale or build clustered strategies around topics. We also found the Tree View audit helpful for visualizing a site’s technical structure, something Ahrefs handles with lists and metrics rather than visual context.

Key Features

• Keyword Clustering that automatically groups terms by semantic similarity
• Tree View Site Audit that shows technical structure and page indexation visually
• Batch Analysis Tool for fast comparisons across many domains or URLs
• Market Share Reports to identify which competitors dominate your SERPs
• Keyword Trends with daily visibility scores for domain and URL levels

Pros

• Great for building structured keyword strategies
• Visual audit features help surface issues for non-technical teams
• Rank tracking is solid and refreshes daily on most plans
• Multi-project setup makes it agency-friendly

Cons

• Backlink data lags behind Ahrefs in freshness and total volume
• Interface can be inconsistent across modules
• Reporting requires customization to match client expectations
• Advanced users may miss the precision of Ahrefs filters

Pricing Snapshot

Starts at 50 per month with a 7-day trial. Includes full access to core SEO modules, daily updates, and entry-level project limits.

Personal Insight

Serpstat became our go-to for campaign mapping and keyword clustering. The Tree View helped us visualize crawl and indexation issues quickly. Still, we reached for Ahrefs any time a client needed backlink clarity or deep SERP history.

When I’d Recommend It

You build SEO strategies around content planning, and want a tool that organizes keywords, tracks visibility, and keeps projects moving—even if it means giving up some link precision.

7. SpyFu – Best for PPC and Competitor Intel

Outsmarts the competition on paid insights, but does not come close to Ahrefs in backlink depth.

Why It’s an Alternative

SpyFu is not a full-suite SEO tool like Ahrefs or Semrush, but it brings something valuable to the table—competitive intelligence. Where Ahrefs focuses on link data and organic keywords, SpyFu pulls back the curtain on your competitors’ ad history, keyword bidding strategy, and SERP overlaps. If your SEO strategy is closely tied to paid search, this platform fills a gap that Ahrefs never tried to cover.

In practice, SpyFu’s backlink data is too light to rely on for audits or link building. But its unlimited search model, historical PPC insights, and easy UI make it a strong complement to Ahrefs—or a budget alternative when you care more about strategy than technical deep dives.

Key Features

• Ad History Reports that show every Google Ads campaign a domain has run
• Keyword Kombat for comparing organic and paid overlap across domains
• Competitor Analysis that surfaces gaps and missed opportunities
• Backlink Snapshots for domain-level insights and linking patterns
• Unlimited Searches on all paid plans, no project or report limits

Pros

• Best-in-class for competitive PPC and keyword overlap analysis
• Clean visual reports, ideal for pitching or client strategy decks
• No hard usage caps on exports or tracked domains
• Great supplement to a leaner SEO tech stack

Cons

• Backlink data is shallow and lacks context
• No site audit or technical SEO features
• Interface is functional but not modern or customizable
• Organic SERP data lacks the depth of Ahrefs or Semrush

Pricing Snapshot

Starts at 39 per month. All plans include unlimited data access, but advanced exports and historical depth require upgrades. No free trial, but a 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Personal Insight

We used SpyFu when clients wanted insights into competitor ad budgets or keyword drops. It gave us answers Ahrefs could not, especially on PPC crossover. But when it came time to do technical audits or link-building analysis, we always went back to Ahrefs.

When I’d Recommend It

You run integrated SEO and paid search campaigns, and want fast competitive intel without paying for an enterprise suite.

8. Majestic – Best for Link Historians

If your entire SEO strategy is built around links, Majestic gives you clarity and context—just not the full suite Ahrefs offers.

Why It’s an Alternative

Majestic is a legacy tool that still holds strong in one specific area: backlink data. It does not attempt to be an all-in-one platform. You won’t find keyword tools, rank tracking, or audits here. But if you live inside link profiles, it offers some of the most respected proprietary metrics in SEO—Trust Flow and Citation Flow.

When we ran domain comparisons side by side with Ahrefs, Majestic surfaced more historical link patterns and did a better job of categorizing links by topic. What you lose is usability. The interface is dated, reports require interpretation, and there is little support for integrations or exports. But for SEOs who need to audit link equity or analyze networks, it is still one of the most specialized tools available.

Key Features

• Trust Flow and Citation Flow to assess link quality and quantity
• Topical Trust Flow that maps link relevance to niche categories
• Link Context showing placement (footer, body, nav) and page environment
• Site Explorer for deep link profile exploration by domain or URL
• Historic Index with years of backlink data at your fingertips

Pros

• Extremely detailed link metrics not available in Ahrefs or Semrush
• Topical Trust Flow helps evaluate industry relevance of backlinks
• Useful for penalty audits and disavow prep
• Often surfaces legacy links missed by faster crawlers

Cons

• No keyword, rank tracking, or on-page SEO tools
• Interface feels outdated and can be hard to navigate
• Lacks unified dashboards or reporting features
• No direct integration with other SEO platforms

Pricing Snapshot

Starts at 49.99 per month. The entry plan includes limited access to full backlink data. No free trial, but demo data is available to preview the core tools.

Personal Insight

Majestic helped us uncover why a client’s backlink profile looked strong on paper but failed to drive rankings—most links were off-topic or buried in footers. That kind of nuance is hard to get anywhere else.

When I’d Recommend It

You specialize in link audits, recovery, or competitive backlink analysis and already use other tools for rankings and content.

9. Raven Tools – Best for Custom SEO Reporting

If Ahrefs gives you the data, Raven helps you present it—especially when clients expect clarity over complexity.

Why It’s an Alternative

Raven Tools is less about data discovery and more about delivery. It does include keyword tracking, site audits, and backlink tools, but its standout feature is the reporting engine. You can build polished, white-label SEO reports that pull from multiple sources—something Ahrefs does not support natively. If client communication is a core part of your SEO business, Raven fills a gap that Ahrefs leaves wide open.

That said, you will not get the same depth of analysis. Raven’s link data comes from third-party sources and lacks the real-time freshness of Ahrefs. Its keyword and audit modules are useful but not built for power users. But if your goal is to show progress, summarize impact, and automate delivery, it brings a ton of value with less manual lift.

Key Features

• White-Label Report Builder with drag-and-drop design and scheduled delivery
• SEO Auditor to flag technical and on-page issues with clear explanations
• Keyword Rank Tracker that integrates with Google Search Console
• Backlink Explorer using Majestic and Moz data streams
• Multi-Source Dashboards that combine SEO, social, and paid metrics

Pros

• Ideal for agencies managing multiple clients and deliverables
• Combines data from various tools in a single branded report
• Saves time by automating recurring reporting workflows
• Easy to onboard team members with role-based access

Cons

• Link and keyword data are not as fresh or detailed as Ahrefs
• No built-in keyword research tool
• Interface feels dated and less customizable than newer tools
• Relies on integrations that may not match Ahrefs’ native insights

Pricing Snapshot

Starts at 39 per month with four domains and one user. A 7-day free trial is available. Higher tiers unlock more domains and team access.

Personal Insight

We used Raven Tools to package insights from Ahrefs, Google Ads, and Analytics into one client-ready PDF. It saved hours of deck-building and kept reporting consistent—even when account managers changed.

When I’d Recommend It

You already have solid data sources like Ahrefs, but need a faster, more polished way to report results to clients and stakeholders.

10. SEO PowerSuite – Best for One-Time Buyers

You give up some convenience, but you get lifetime control. No recurring bills, no project limits.

Why It’s an Alternative

SEO PowerSuite is different from most tools on this list. It is not a cloud-based SaaS platform like Ahrefs. Instead, it is a set of downloadable desktop applications that run locally on your machine. This changes everything—from pricing structure to performance. You buy it once, install it, and manage unlimited projects without worrying about monthly caps.

In terms of features, it mirrors much of what Ahrefs offers: site audits, backlink analysis, keyword research, and rank tracking. But it leans on external APIs for some data, and its backlink database is far smaller. Still, for consultants, solo operators, or anyone who wants total control without an ongoing subscription, it remains a strong alternative.

Key Features

• Website Auditor with deep crawl reports and page-level optimization advice
• Rank Tracker supporting hundreds of engines with geo-specific targeting
• SEO SpyGlass for backlink audits and penalty risk scores
• LinkAssistant to track outreach, manage link placements, and monitor link status
• Custom Reports that can be white-labeled and scheduled for delivery

Pros

• No project or domain limits, even at the base license level
• One-time payment eliminates recurring software costs
• Desktop-based tools work offline and give full control over data
• Free version available for small audits and test projects

Cons

• Requires installation, local resources, and manual updates
• UI is functional but feels outdated by cloud standards
• Backlink data is limited compared to Ahrefs and depends on external sources
• Less convenient for collaboration or remote team workflows

Pricing Snapshot

Free version available with usage caps. Full Professional license is 299 as a one-time fee. Optional yearly updates and support are available but not required.

Personal Insight

We used SEO PowerSuite for a client that had strict data privacy requirements—no cloud storage allowed. It did everything we needed without hitting project ceilings or worrying about usage. But when we needed faster link intel or keyword data at scale, Ahrefs still filled those gaps.

When I’d Recommend It

You want complete control over your SEO toolkit, prefer to pay once and own your tools, and are comfortable working locally without cloud-based collaboration.

11. cognitiveSEO – Best for Content and Link Forensics

Less of a suite, more of a scalpel. When rankings drop and the cause isn’t obvious, this is where you turn.

Why It’s an Alternative

cognitiveSEO is not trying to replace Ahrefs feature for feature. Instead, it dives deeper into two specific areas: content optimization and backlink risk analysis. Where Ahrefs gives you massive coverage, cognitiveSEO gives you diagnostic precision. It is especially valuable for penalty audits, unnatural link detection, and content scoring based on real-time SERP analysis.

In side-by-side use, cognitiveSEO found issues that Ahrefs did not flag—especially with toxic links and thin content risk. Its TF-IDF content optimization is more nuanced than Ahrefs’ on-page features, and it includes a dedicated tool to audit anchor text patterns. However, you will not find a rank tracker or full audit tool here, and the interface requires some patience.

Key Features

• Unnatural Link Detection that flags risky backlinks with clear risk scores
• Content Optimization Module based on TF-IDF and SERP structure analysis
• Anchor Text Analysis to identify over-optimization or spam signals
• Keyword Tool for quick research, though not as deep as Ahrefs’
• Link History Graphs to track profile changes over time

Pros

• Highly specialized for penalty recovery and technical link audits
• Strong content tools that go beyond basic keyword density
• Helpful for identifying link-based ranking drops
• Trusted by many SEOs for niche cleanup and forensic work

Cons

• No rank tracking or technical site auditing
• Backlink data is narrower in scope than Ahrefs
• Interface feels dated and requires time to learn
• Reporting is not white-label ready out of the box

Pricing Snapshot

Starts at 129 per month. Includes access to all content and backlink tools. A 7-day trial is available to explore full functionality.

Personal Insight

We used cognitiveSEO on a site that had lost half its traffic overnight. Ahrefs showed the same top links, but only cognitiveSEO flagged the patterns that pointed to a link penalty. That insight helped guide a cleanup and reconsideration request that ultimately worked.

When I’d Recommend It

You handle technical SEO, penalty recoveries, or forensic audits, and you need a second opinion when standard tools stop short.

12. Surfer SEO – Best for On-Page Content Optimization

Ahrefs tells you where the gaps are. Surfer helps you close them—one optimized paragraph at a time.

Why It’s an Alternative

Surfer SEO does not aim to replace Ahrefs across the board. Instead, it fills a critical gap in the content workflow. Where Ahrefs is strong in keyword research and site audits, Surfer picks up the baton when it's time to optimize copy. It analyzes the top-ranking pages for your target keyword, breaks down their structure, and scores your content against theirs in real time.

What makes Surfer compelling is how fast it makes on-page optimization actionable. You can feed it a draft or start from scratch, and it will suggest word counts, headings, related keywords, and NLP terms—all based on live SERP analysis. While Ahrefs gives you data to inform what to write, Surfer guides you through how to write it.

Key Features

• Content Editor with real-time SEO scoring and NLP-based keyword suggestions
• Audit Tool that compares your page against top-ranking results
• SERP Analyzer to break down ranking page structure, load speed, and content length
• Brief Generator for writers, complete with headings and content structure
• Integrations with Google Docs and Jasper for seamless editing

Pros

• Fast, tactical feedback on how to improve page-level SEO
• Built for content writers and editors, not just SEOs
• Easy to plug into agency workflows with repeatable templates
• Helps bridge the gap between keyword research and actual writing

Cons

• No backlink, rank tracking, or keyword discovery tools
• Optimization score can be overemphasized if not used thoughtfully
• Works best when paired with a full SEO suite like Ahrefs or Semrush

Pricing Snapshot

Starts at 89 per month. Plans scale based on the number of content editor credits and audit runs. A limited free trial is available.

Personal Insight

We used Surfer to rewrite a batch of blog posts that were stuck on page two. Within two weeks of optimization, five moved to the top three results. It gave the writing team clarity that traditional SEO dashboards couldn’t.

When I’d Recommend It

You produce content at scale and want every piece to follow a SERP-informed structure that aligns with what Google is already rewarding.

13. Writesonic SEO Agent – Best for AI-Powered SEO Tasks

You would not replace Ahrefs with this, but you might use it to move faster when time or team size is tight.

Why It’s an Alternative

Writesonic’s SEO Agent is part of a growing trend: AI-powered assistants built to streamline content strategy. It pulls live SERP insights and uses them to suggest keywords, page titles, meta descriptions, and full content outlines. While Ahrefs gives you massive datasets to explore, Writesonic focuses on speed and structure—helping you ideate, plan, and draft content much faster.

It lacks the link data, technical audit features, and raw keyword volume that define Ahrefs. But when you need to build out a blog calendar, identify topic gaps, or generate outlines at scale, it plays a valuable role. During our tests, we used it to draft SEO briefs in under five minutes—something that would typically take an hour of cross-checking SERPs and spreadsheets.

Key Features

• AI Content Planner that suggests keywords, outlines, and article structure
• Meta and Title Generators based on top SERP patterns
• On-Page Assistant with readability, keyword density, and structure feedback
• SERP Analyzer for understanding ranking intent and content gaps
• Integrations with Writesonic’s main platform and third-party tools

Pros

• Great for quickly turning a keyword list into structured article briefs
• Helps non-SEOs or junior writers align content with ranking pages
• Useful for generating large volumes of draft content in less time
• Significantly lowers the barrier to entry for early-stage SEO

Cons

• No backlink database or link tracking features
• Keyword suggestions are AI-generated and lack volume data
• Not a full SEO platform and needs to be paired with tools like Ahrefs or SE Ranking
• Output still requires editorial review and fact-checking

Pricing Snapshot

Starts at 19 per month for content tools. The SEO Agent is included in higher-tier Writesonic plans. Free trial includes limited AI credits.

Personal Insight

We used Writesonic to generate ten content briefs for a new blog section in one afternoon. The structure it created was surprisingly close to what we would build manually using Ahrefs and Surfer combined. It did not replace the data, but it sped up the setup.

When I’d Recommend It

You want to accelerate content production or support a lean team with AI-generated SEO structure, and you already have another tool covering keyword research and link tracking.

14. Search Atlas – Best for AI Plus Client Deliverables

Not a pure Ahrefs alternative, but an AI-powered layer that helps you package and deliver SEO work faster.

Why It’s an Alternative

Search Atlas pitches itself as an all-in-one SEO solution, but in practice, it functions more like a workflow booster than a database powerhouse. You will find tools for keyword research, content optimization, rank tracking, and audits, but the real strength is in how it combines those features with client-facing outputs—especially white-label reports and branded dashboards.

Compared to Ahrefs, the data is thinner and less transparent. You get a lot of features on paper, but not always the depth behind them. However, what it does well is streamline delivery. If you are spending too much time formatting reports, guiding clients through SEO priorities, or organizing team tasks, Search Atlas can fill that gap.

Key Features

• AI Writer and Content Optimizer that suggest structure and improve readability
• Keyword Rank Tracker with visual position histories and reporting
• SEO Audit Reports broken down into client-friendly action items
• White-Label Portal where clients can view live dashboards under your branding
• Content Inventory that scores every page and flags optimization targets

Pros

• Designed for agencies managing SEO deliverables across multiple clients
• Combines content strategy, reporting, and task management in one UI
• White-label setup takes pressure off your internal reporting process
• AI tools reduce time spent on drafting and editing

Cons

• Link and keyword data are not on par with Ahrefs or Semrush
• Some features prioritize convenience over control or depth
• Lacks clear sourcing on backlink data and keyword volumes
• Not ideal as your only source of SEO truth

Pricing Snapshot

Starts around 49 per month, based on public listings and user feedback. Pricing scales with users and client access. Free trial availability varies.

Personal Insight

Search Atlas helped us standardize reporting for five small clients where SEO was just one part of their marketing mix. We still pulled core data from Ahrefs, but this tool made packaging and explaining the work much easier.

When I’d Recommend It

You run an agency or consultancy where delivery speed and client communication matter more than technical depth, and you are already using another platform for raw SEO analysis.

15. Morningscore – Best for Gamified SEO Workflows

If Ahrefs feels like work, Morningscore makes SEO feel like progress. It won’t match the depth, but it will keep you moving.

Why It’s an Alternative

Morningscore takes a different approach to SEO. Instead of throwing massive data sets at you, it wraps your workflow in a game-like dashboard—complete with missions, scores, and a visual roadmap. You still get rank tracking, keyword monitoring, link tracking, and site audits, but all delivered in a format that’s designed to motivate, not overwhelm.

When stacked against Ahrefs, Morningscore falls short in keyword breadth, backlink data, and technical filters. But for site owners, startups, or marketers who need to stay consistent and focused, it provides just enough information and a clear sense of direction. The gamified approach makes it a great tool for staying on track without needing to be an SEO expert.

Key Features

• SEO Health Score that updates based on rankings, links, and technical fixes
• Mission System that breaks down your site’s issues into daily goals
• Keyword Tracker with visibility and ranking history for target terms
• Link Tracker that flags new and lost backlinks by domain and anchor
• Gamified Interface that turns SEO into a progress dashboard

Pros

• Extremely easy to use, even for complete beginners
• Makes SEO feel actionable and trackable, not abstract
• Encourages consistent effort with visual progress updates
• Strong support team and product transparency

Cons

• Link and keyword data are less extensive and updated less frequently than Ahrefs
• Not designed for large sites or multi-client reporting
• Lacks deep technical features like advanced audits or SERP filters
• No integrations with third-party SEO tools or analytics platforms

Pricing Snapshot

Starts at 49 per month with a free plan available for small sites. All paid tiers include rank tracking, link monitoring, and the full mission system.

Personal Insight

We used Morningscore to keep a non-technical client engaged between strategy calls. They completed audits, fixed meta tags, and tracked progress—all without asking for guidance. That kind of autonomy would be hard to get from Ahrefs or Semrush.

When I’d Recommend It

You want to keep SEO moving forward on a small site or team, and you value motivation and usability over raw data power.

16. SEOtoolbox, LinkGraph SERPTrends, and Seobility – Best for Light Use or Specialized Needs

These are not Ahrefs replacements, but they can still serve a role—especially when your budget or needs are minimal.

Why They’re Alternatives

These tools are not trying to compete with Ahrefs on data scale or depth. Instead, they carve out focused slices of the SEO workflow. SEOtoolbox packages lightweight keyword tracking, backlink checks, and alerts into a simple UI. LinkGraph’s SERPTrends is focused on rank tracking and visibility monitoring, often used as a daily pulse tool. Seobility offers strong technical audits and TF-IDF analysis through an accessible interface, and remains one of the few free SEO platforms that can actually do real work.

If you are coming from Ahrefs, you will immediately notice what’s missing: advanced filters, large databases, competitor research, and the polish that comes with years of refinement. But for freelancers, local businesses, or early-stage site owners, these tools can be just enough to monitor rankings, catch issues, and take basic SEO action.

Key Features

• SEOtoolbox: Campaign tracking, keyword monitoring, and backlink change alerts
• LinkGraph SERPTrends: SERP snapshots, position monitoring, and trend analysis
• Seobility: Technical audits, on-page scoring, and content tools with TF-IDF optimization

Pros

• Very low barrier to entry with simple interfaces and low (or no) costs
• Useful for teaching SEO basics or managing one or two small projects
• Seobility in particular stands out for its audit features and content scoring
• Good entry point for users intimidated by large platforms like Ahrefs

Cons

• Very limited backlink and keyword databases
• No competitive research, historical tracking, or deep link context
• Not suited for agencies, consultants, or larger websites
• Minimal integration or export capabilities

Pricing Snapshot

• SEOtoolbox: Pricing varies, generally under 30 per month
• LinkGraph SERPTrends: Often bundled with other LinkGraph tools, pricing on request
• Seobility: Free plan available with core audit tools; paid version starts at 50 per month

Personal Insight

We often recommend Seobility to early clients who need to take control of their site health before investing in a full suite. For quick wins, it’s hard to beat. But when the time comes to build a strategy, these tools can only take you so far.

When I’d Recommend Them

You have one small site, a limited budget, or need a lightweight tool to stay informed—and you are not yet ready to invest in an enterprise-grade platform like Ahrefs.