16 Ahrefs Alternatives to Try in 2025 [Free + Paid]

I’ve used Ahrefs for years, and while it’s packed with power, I’ve often found myself reaching for other tools — sometimes because of cost, sometimes because I needed features the tool just didn’t offer. That’s why I was looking for Ahrefs alternatives.

Over time, I’ve tested a bunch of SEO tools, either for my own projects or for clients, and realized that the “best” tool really depends on what you need. 

Whether you’re after better UX, niche data, or a more affordable setup, there are plenty of solid Ahrefs alternatives out there. This list breaks down the tools I’ve found genuinely useful — and why they might be a better fit for you too.

1. SEO AI Agent by Writesonic

This is the tool that made me permanently switch from Ahrefs for most of my day-to-day SEO work. Instead of logging into multiple dashboards and manually stitching together reports, I just type a prompt — and the SEO AI Agent handles everything. 

It connects with tools like Semrush, Ahrefs, Google Search Console, and Keywords Everywhere, pulls the right data, runs an in-depth analysis, and delivers a fully organized report — usually in under 10 minutes.

Key Features

• AI-powered SEO automation based on natural language prompts
• Integrates with top tools (Semrush, Ahrefs, GSC, etc.) for accurate data
• Identifies task type (e.g., keyword research, content brief, audit) from your prompt
• Outputs clean, usable reports with search volume, difficulty, and insights
• No spreadsheets or dashboards needed — just a prompt

Pros

• Replaces hours of manual work with a single prompt
• Seamlessly uses data from Ahrefs/Semrush if connected
• Combines research, analysis, and reporting into one output
• Great for non-technical users and fast-moving teams
• Cheaper than using multiple standalone SEO tools

Cons

• Some features rely on third-party integrations (like Semrush or Ahrefs)
• Prompt-based workflow may take some getting used to
  

Why I Like SEO AI Agent as an Ahrefs Alternative

What took me 2–3 hours in Ahrefs — digging through keywords, exporting CSVs, and building spreadsheets — now takes 5 minutes. The SEO AI Agent automates the entire process, and because it can still pull from Ahrefs or Semrush, I’m not losing data quality — I’m just skipping the grunt work. It’s like having an SEO analyst who never sleeps.

Writesonic Pricing

Writesonic offers a free trial after which the paid plans start at $39/month.

Reviews

• G2: 4.7/5
• Capterra: 4.8/5

2. Semrush

Semrush is one of the most well-known SEO platforms out there and often comes up as a direct alternative to Ahrefs. I’ve used it on and off over the years when I needed deeper PPC insights or more client-friendly reporting features. While it doesn’t automate SEO tasks like the SEO AI Agent does, it offers a wide range of tools that are especially useful for agencies and teams handling multiple campaigns.

Key Features

• Robust keyword and domain analysis with PPC metrics
  
• Traffic analytics and keyword gap tools for competitive research
  
• Content marketing toolkit with topic ideas and optimization suggestions
  
• Built-in social media management features
  
• Site audit tool with prioritized recommendations
  

Pros

• Intuitive dashboard and visual reports
  
• Strong cross-channel visibility: SEO, PPC, and social
  
• Solid data coverage for most industries and markets
  
• Great for client-facing work with report templates and branding
  

Cons

• Can be overwhelming for beginners or solo users
  
• Higher-tier features come at a steep price
  
• Manual effort still required for analysis and implementation
  

Why I Like Semrush as an Ahrefs Alternative

Semrush helped me cover a few gaps that Ahrefs didn’t—especially when it came to PPC insights and reporting flexibility. But even with all its power, it didn’t cut down the time spent switching between tools or compiling data manually. That’s where more automated options, like the SEO AI Agent, started to make a big difference in my workflow.

Semrush Pricing

Semrush paid plans start at $117.33/month when billed annually.

Reviews

• G2: 4.5/5
  
• Capterra: 4.6/5

3. Serpstat

Serpstat was one of the first tools I tested when I started looking beyond Ahrefs. It’s an all-in-one SEO platform that leans heavily into affordability and multi-functional use. While it doesn’t go as deep in some areas as Ahrefs or Semrush, it’s a solid alternative for users who want a clean interface and core SEO features at a lower price point.

Key Features

• Keyword research and clustering based on SERP analysis
  
• Competitor analysis with market share and visibility insights
  
• Site audit with visual error breakdowns
  
• Rank tracking across desktop and mobile
  
• Batch analysis for domains and keywords
  

Pros

• Great value for money, especially for small teams or solo users
  
• Useful keyword clustering tool—something Ahrefs lacks
  
• UI is clean and easy to navigate
  
• Offers a decent API even on lower-tier plans
  

Cons

• Limited data depth compared to Ahrefs
  
• Some reports take longer to generate
  
• Fewer integrations with third-party tools
  

Why I Like Serpstat as an Ahrefs Alternative

I’ve used Serpstat when I needed a simple, cost-effective solution that still handled the basics well. The keyword clustering feature, in particular, was useful for mapping content topics and avoiding keyword cannibalization—something I had to do manually in Ahrefs. While I don’t rely on it for deep research, it’s a solid secondary tool in my stack.

Serpstat Pricing

Serpstat paid plans start at $50 per month when billed annually.

Reviews

• G2: 4.6/5
  
• Capterra: 4.7/5

4. Mangools

Mangools is one of those tools I turn to when I need something simpler and quicker than Ahrefs. It’s not as feature-packed, but it’s fast, intuitive, and gets the job done for most of my everyday SEO tasks. Whether I’m looking for keywords, tracking rankings, or analyzing backlinks, Mangools delivers solid results without overwhelming me with data.

Key Features

• KWFinder: Easy keyword research with clear difficulty scores
  
• SERPChecker: Quick analysis of search results and competitor strengths
  
• SERPWatcher: Visual rank tracking with performance updates
  
• LinkMiner: Simple backlink analysis with previews
  
• SiteProfiler: Fast, high-level domain insights
  

Pros

• Super beginner-friendly and intuitive UI
  
• Great for long-tail keyword research and SERP analysis
  
• Streamlined tools—no clutter
  
• Affordable pricing for solo users and small teams
  

Cons

• Backlink analysis is not as deep as Ahrefs
  
• Lacks automation and third-party integrations
  
• Not ideal for large-scale campaigns
  

Why I Like Mangools as an Ahrefs Alternative

I love how Mangools strips away the complexity of Ahrefs while still giving me all the essential data I need. It’s perfect for quick research or smaller projects where I don’t want to spend too much time sifting through massive data sets. The simplicity and speed make it a great tool when I need to get in, get the data, and get out.

Mangools Pricing

Mangools paid plans start at $29.90/month (billed annually).

Reviews

• G2: 4.7/5
• Capterra: 4.8/5

5. SE Ranking

SE Ranking is a well-rounded SEO platform that serves as a great alternative to Ahrefs, particularly for users who need a combination of keyword tracking, site audits, and competitor analysis at a more accessible price point. It’s ideal for smaller teams or agencies looking for a robust yet affordable solution.

Key Features

• Rank Tracking: Provides daily updates for keyword rankings across multiple search engines
  
• Site Audit: Detailed audit reports with actionable suggestions for SEO improvements
  
• Keyword Research: In-depth analysis with keyword difficulty scores and SERP insights
  
• Competitor Research: Monitors competitors’ rankings, backlinks, and SEO strategies
  
• White-Label Reports: Great for agencies presenting SEO data to clients
  

Pros

• User-friendly interface that simplifies complex SEO tasks
  
• Affordable pricing compared to Ahrefs and Semrush
  
• Excellent rank tracking and site audit capabilities
  
• White-label reports ideal for client-facing SEO agencies
  
• Flexible pricing plans for businesses of all sizes
  

Cons

• Backlink analysis is less comprehensive than Ahrefs
  
• Some advanced features are locked behind higher-tier plans
  
• Limited third-party integrations
  

Why I Like SE Ranking as an Ahrefs Alternative

When I need an all-in-one SEO tool that doesn’t require the level of complexity Ahrefs does, SE Ranking fits the bill. It’s straightforward, affordable, and covers the core SEO tasks well, like rank tracking and site audits. While it may not dive as deep into backlink data, it does everything I need without overwhelming me, making it a great tool for small teams or agencies.

SE Ranking Pricing

SE Ranking paid plans start at $52/month when billed annually.

Reviews

• G2: 4.8/5
• Capterra: 4.7/5

6. Lowfruits

Lowfruits is a specialized SEO tool designed to make keyword research easier, particularly for users who want to find low-competition keywords that can be targeted for quick wins. It’s a great alternative to Ahrefs for anyone looking to save time on keyword research without diving into the overwhelming amount of data that tools like Ahrefs often provide.

Key Features

• Low-Competition Keyword Finder: Identifies keywords with low competition and high potential
  
• Keyword Filtering: Allows for precise filtering based on search volume, competition, and keyword difficulty
  
• SERP Analysis: Analyzes SERPs to highlight ranking opportunities
  
• Keyword Grouping: Helps cluster keywords into meaningful groups for content planning
  
• Niche Research: Discover niche topics that may be overlooked in broader tools
  

Pros

• Focused on finding easy-to-target, low-competition keywords
  
• Simple and clean interface
  
• Saves time on keyword research with automated suggestions
  
• Ideal for users who need quick wins without the heavy data crunch
  

Cons

• Doesn’t offer the deep backlink or site analysis features of Ahrefs
  
• Limited integrations with other SEO tools
  
• Can’t handle large-scale keyword research tasks as well as more comprehensive platforms
  

Why I Like Lowfruits as an Ahrefs Alternative

When I need a quick, no-frills way to find low-competition keywords for new content, Lowfruits is my go-to tool. It saves me a lot of time by cutting out all the noise that typically comes with keyword research. While it’s not meant to replace a comprehensive tool like Ahrefs, it’s a great complement for those days when I need to narrow down my keyword list fast and efficiently.

Lowfruits Pricing

Lowfruits paid plans start at $21/month when billed annually.

Reviews

• G2: No reviews yet.
  
• Capterra: No reviews yet.
  

7. KeySearch

KeySearch is a keyword research tool that’s gained popularity for its simplicity and affordability, making it an excellent alternative to Ahrefs, especially for users on a budget. Unlike Ahrefs, which can be overwhelming with its extensive features, KeySearch focuses on the essentials—helping users find keywords and track rankings quickly and efficiently.

Key Features

• Keyword Research: Provides keyword difficulty scores, search volume, and competition analysis
  
• Competitor Analysis: Track competitors’ rankings and see what keywords they are targeting
  
• Rank Tracking: Allows you to monitor daily keyword performance in SERPs
  
• Site Audit: Analyzes your site’s SEO health and suggests improvements
  
• Backlink Checker: Checks backlinks and assesses the quality of your links
  

Pros

• Simple and straightforward interface for quick analysis
  
• Budget-friendly pricing plans for solo users and small businesses
  
• Excellent for keyword research, tracking, and competitor analysis
  
• Great support and resources available for new users
  

Cons

• Lacks in-depth backlink analysis compared to Ahrefs
  
• Limited advanced features for enterprise-level SEO
  
• Fewer integrations with other SEO tools
  

Why I Like KeySearch as an Ahrefs Alternative

KeySearch stands out when I’m looking for a quick, no-fuss keyword research tool. It delivers the essential data—keyword difficulty, search volume, and ranking metrics—without the overwhelming complexity of Ahrefs. It’s particularly useful when working on smaller projects or testing out new niches, providing great value at a fraction of the price.

KeySearch Pricing

Keysearch paid plans start at $20/month when billed yearly.

Reviews

• G2: No reviews yet.
  
• Capterra: No reviews yet.

8. KeywordCaddy

KeywordCaddy is a simple yet powerful tool for keyword research and tracking, providing an excellent alternative to Ahrefs for users who want focused insights without the complexity. It’s designed for people who want to identify the best keywords to target, monitor rankings, and generate reports without having to sift through a lot of unnecessary data.

Key Features

• Keyword Research: Provides keyword suggestions along with detailed metrics, such as search volume, competition, and potential traffic
  
• Keyword Tracking: Monitors your keyword rankings over time, offering an easy-to-follow view of progress
  
• SERP Analysis: Helps you analyze the current search engine results pages to see which competitors are ranking for your keywords
  
• Customizable Reports: Generate reports based on the keywords and metrics that matter most to your SEO strategy
  
• Quick Keyword Filtering: Filter keywords based on difficulty, search volume, and other criteria
  

Pros

• Clean, user-friendly interface that allows quick insights
  
• Strong keyword research and tracking capabilities
  
• Budget-friendly for smaller businesses or solo SEO practitioners
  
• Automated, customizable reporting to track SEO progress
  
• Good for both beginners and more experienced marketers
  

Cons

• Does not provide the in-depth backlink analysis that tools like Ahrefs do
  
• Limited features for large-scale SEO campaigns
  
• Few integrations with third-party tools
  

Why I Like KeywordCaddy as an Ahrefs Alternative

What really stands out about KeywordCaddy is its ability to offer detailed keyword insights without being complicated. It simplifies keyword tracking, making it much easier to monitor SEO performance over time. Additionally, the filtering options are fantastic for narrowing down the best keywords to target based on specific criteria. This makes it perfect for users who need quick answers without diving deep into every aspect of SEO.

Pricing

KeywordCaddy pricing starts at 129.99/year.

Reviews

• G2: No reviews yet.
  
• Capterra: No reviews yet.

9. Nightwatch

Nightwatch is a specialized SEO tool that excels in keyword tracking, performance monitoring, and competitive analysis. It’s a fantastic alternative to Ahrefs, particularly for those who need precise, real-time ranking data and an easy way to monitor their competitors’ movements.

Key Features

• Rank Tracking: Tracks keyword rankings across global and local search engines in real time
  
• Competitor Monitoring: Provides detailed insights into competitors’ rankings and strategies
  
• SERP Features Analysis: Identifies SERP features (like snippets, local packs) to help optimize content
  
• Backlink Monitoring: Tracks backlinks and evaluates their impact on rankings
  
• Custom Reports: Allows users to generate highly customizable reports to analyze SEO performance
  

Pros

• Excellent for tracking keyword rankings with a focus on accuracy and real-time data
  
• Provides deep insights into competitors’ SEO strategies
  
• Great for agencies needing detailed reports for clients
  
• Easy-to-use interface with customizable views
  
• Offers real-time tracking and updates, reducing delays in data
  

Cons

• Does not provide as much depth in keyword research as Ahrefs or Semrush
  
• Lacks some advanced site audit features
  
• Can be expensive for solo users or small businesses
  

Why I Like Nightwatch as an Ahrefs Alternative

I find Nightwatch incredibly useful when my focus is solely on keyword rankings and competitor performance. The ability to track rankings in real time across multiple search engines gives me a much clearer picture of where my site stands compared to competitors. Plus, its customizable reporting feature makes it easy to share meaningful data with clients or team members without having to manually compile spreadsheets.

Pricing

Nightwatch has flexible pricing based on the number of keywords.

Reviews

• G2: 4.9/5
  
• Capterra: 4.8/5

10. Dragon Metrics

Dragon Metrics is an advanced SEO platform designed for professionals who need a comprehensive view of their website’s performance and the competitive landscape. It offers a wide array of tools that go beyond just backlink analysis and keyword tracking, making it an excellent alternative to Ahrefs for those looking for a holistic SEO solution.

Key Features

• Comprehensive SEO Audits: Provides in-depth audits covering all technical SEO aspects, including on-page optimization, crawlability, and mobile-friendliness
  
• Keyword Research and Tracking: Offers robust keyword tracking and research tools to help you stay on top of keyword performance
  
• Backlink Analysis: Allows you to analyze your backlink profile and assess the quality of incoming links
  
• Competitor Analysis: Tracks competitors’ SEO strategies and compares their performance against yours
  
• Customizable Dashboards and Reporting: Lets you build custom reports and dashboards tailored to your specific SEO needs
  

Pros

• In-depth SEO audits and performance tracking across all critical SEO factors
  
• Excellent for tracking both backlinks and keyword rankings
  
• Competitive analysis tools provide a clear view of where you stand compared to competitors
  
• Customizable reports and dashboards allow for personalized SEO management
  
• Intuitive interface with useful data visualizations
  

Cons

• Can be expensive for smaller businesses or solo users
  
• The learning curve can be steep due to the tool’s comprehensive nature
  
• Lacks some of the more beginner-friendly features that other tools like Semrush or Ahrefs might offer
  

Why I Like Dragon Metrics as an Ahrefs Alternative

Dragon Metrics is my go-to tool when I need a comprehensive SEO analysis of my site and want to keep track of everything in one place. It’s especially great for auditing all aspects of a website, from on-page SEO to backlinks. The competitor analysis features are excellent for understanding how my website stacks up, and I love how customizable the reports are, making it easy to share insights with clients or teams.

Dragon Metrics Pricing

Dragon Metrics paid plans start at $82/month if billed annually. 

Reviews

• G2: 4.7/5
  
• Capterra: 4.5/5

11. Wincher

Wincher is an intuitive SEO tool focused on keyword tracking and performance monitoring. It’s a strong alternative to Ahrefs for users looking for a simple yet effective way to track keyword rankings without the complexity of larger platforms. It’s especially helpful for smaller businesses or solo marketers who want to focus on the essentials.

Key Features

• Keyword Tracking: Tracks keyword rankings in real time across multiple search engines
  
• Competitor Monitoring: Allows you to monitor competitor keyword performance and see how your rankings compare
  
• Custom Reports: Generate and share automated reports that detail ranking progress
  
• Historical Data: Keeps a record of keyword rankings over time for trend analysis
  
• Integration with Google Analytics: Offers seamless integration to combine keyword performance with overall site data
  

Pros

• Simple and easy-to-use interface, ideal for beginners or those with basic SEO needs
  
• Real-time keyword tracking with easy-to-understand reporting
  
• Competitor monitoring helps identify opportunities for improving rankings
  
• Affordable pricing for small businesses and solo marketers
  
• Automated reports save time and effort
  

Cons

• Lacks advanced features like backlink analysis or site audits found in Ahrefs
  
• Limited integrations with other SEO tools or third-party platforms
  
• Does not offer in-depth content analysis or SERP features tracking
  

Why I Like Wincher as an Ahrefs Alternative

Wincher is the perfect tool when I need to track keyword rankings with minimal hassle. Its real-time tracking and easy-to-read reports give me exactly what I need without all the extra complexity of Ahrefs. I also like that it’s affordable and geared towards those who don’t require a full-fledged SEO suite but still want to keep tabs on their keywords and competitors. It’s a straightforward solution that makes SEO tracking easy.

Pricing

Wincher paid plans start at $41/month when billed yearly.

Reviews

• G2: 4.7/5
  
• Capterra: 4.8/5

12. Majestic SEO

Majestic SEO is a tool with a sharp focus on backlink analysis, making it a strong alternative to Ahrefs for users who want to dive deep into link-building and competitor backlink strategies. It stands out by providing some of the most comprehensive backlink data in the industry, making it ideal for users who need to track and analyze their link profile.

Key Features

• Backlink Analysis: Provides an extensive database of backlinks with detailed metrics
  
• Link Intelligence Tools: Offers unique metrics like Trust Flow and Citation Flow to assess link quality
  
• Competitor Link Analysis: Helps analyze competitor backlink profiles to find new link-building opportunities
  
• Site Explorer: Provides an in-depth look at a website’s backlink profile and referring domains
  
• Historical Index: Allows access to historical backlink data, useful for long-term tracking
  

Pros

• One of the most robust backlink analysis tools available
  
• Provides valuable insights into link quality with Trust Flow and Citation Flow metrics
  
• Helps identify potential link-building opportunities by analyzing competitor backlinks
  
• Great for backlink-focused SEO strategies
  

Cons

• Lacks keyword research and ranking tracking features compared to Ahrefs
  
• Interface can be overwhelming for beginners
  
• Less comprehensive in-site audit and content analysis features
  

Why I Like Majestic SEO as an Ahrefs Alternative

Majestic SEO really shines when I need to focus on backlink analysis. The Trust Flow and Citation Flow metrics help me assess the quality of links, not just their quantity, and its detailed competitor analysis lets me uncover new link-building opportunities I might have missed otherwise. While it’s not a full-fledged SEO tool like Ahrefs, its backlink capabilities alone make it a standout for my link-building efforts.

Pricing

Majestic SEO paid plans start at $49.99.

Reviews

• G2: 4.3/5
  
• Capterra: 4.4/5
  

13. Screaming Frog

Screaming Frog is a powerful SEO spider tool that specializes in website crawling and site audits, making it a great alternative to Ahrefs, particularly when it comes to technical SEO. It’s highly regarded for its ability to analyze large websites, find SEO issues, and offer actionable insights to improve site performance.

Key Features

• Website Crawling: Crawls websites to identify SEO issues such as broken links, duplicate content, and missing metadata
  
• Site Audits: Provides in-depth technical SEO audits to identify issues like page speed, crawlability, and structure
  
• Backlink Analysis: Analyzes backlinks and identifies potential opportunities or issues
  
• Integration with Google Analytics: Integrates with Google Analytics to combine crawling data with site performance metrics
  
• Custom Reports: Offers highly customizable reports, which can be tailored to specific SEO tasks
  

Pros

• Extremely powerful for technical SEO audits and on-site optimizations
  
• Highly accurate and detailed data for website crawls
  
• Works well for both small sites and large-scale websites
  
• Fast crawling capabilities even for large sites with many pages
  
• Offers a free version with basic crawling features
  

Cons

• The interface can be overwhelming for beginners
  
• Does not offer keyword research or ranking tracking features like Ahrefs
  
• Can be resource-intensive when crawling very large websites
  

Why I Like Screaming Frog as an Ahrefs Alternative

Screaming Frog is my top choice for conducting in-depth technical audits. It crawls websites thoroughly, helping me spot issues I might otherwise miss, like broken links or missing metadata. Its speed and accuracy make it essential for large websites, and I love how it integrates with Google Analytics to give me a complete view of both SEO issues and performance. It’s an indispensable tool for fine-tuning a site’s technical SEO.

Pricing

Screaming Frog paid plan starts at $259/month.

Reviews

• G2: 4.7/5
  
• Capterra: 4.9/5

14. Moz Pro

Moz Pro has been around for over a decade and still stands strong as one of the most trusted SEO tools on the market. I’ve used it primarily when I wanted reliable domain metrics or needed a smoother learning curve for team members who were newer to SEO. It’s not the most powerful all-in-one platform, but what it does, it does well—especially for on-page optimization, link research, and rank tracking.

Key Features

• Keyword Explorer with Priority Score for smarter targeting
• Link Explorer with Domain Authority and Spam Score metrics
• Weekly site audits with issue tracking and alerts
• Rank tracking for both desktop and mobile
• On-page grader with improvement suggestions

Pros

• Clean interface and easy onboarding
• DA and PA metrics are industry standards
• Solid site auditing and on-page SEO tools
• Tons of educational content and community support

Cons

• Backlink database isn’t as extensive as Ahrefs
• Limited PPC and traffic insights
• Data updates are not always real-time

Why I Like Moz Pro as an Ahrefs Alternative

Moz Pro is my go-to when I need to onboard someone new to SEO or when I want to quickly evaluate site health without a steep learning curve. The DA/PA scores are great for quick link assessments, and the keyword tool helps prioritize opportunities. While it doesn’t replace Ahrefs for deep research or competitor tracking, it complements my stack well—especially when paired with a more automation-focused solution like the SEO AI Agent.

Moz Pro Pricing

Moz Pro paid plans start at $39/month when billed annually, with a 30-day free trial available.

Reviews

• G2: 4.3/5
• Capterra: 4.5/5

15. Keyword Extractor by Writesonic

The Keyword Extractor by Writesonic is a fantastic, free tool designed for those who need to quickly extract keywords from any text. Unlike Ahrefs, which offers a comprehensive suite of tools, the Keyword Extractor focuses purely on keyword extraction, making it ideal when you need to gather a list of relevant keywords from an article, webpage, or content draft without any additional clutter.

Key Features

• Keyword Extraction: Analyzes text to extract relevant keywords automatically
  
• Frequency Analysis: Provides insights into how often specific keywords appear within the content
  
• Export Options: Allows you to export the extracted keywords for further analysis or integration with other tools
  
• Quick Results: Delivers keyword extraction results in a matter of seconds
  

Pros

• Fast and easy-to-use tool that gets the job done in minutes
  
• Ideal for quick keyword research when you have a specific piece of content to analyze
  
• Free to use, which makes it accessible for everyone
  
• No need for complicated setups or technical know-how
  

Cons

• Limited features compared to more comprehensive tools like Ahrefs or Semrush
  
• Does not provide detailed metrics like search volume or keyword difficulty
  
• Focuses only on keyword extraction and not on broader SEO tasks
  

Why I Like Keyword Extractor by Writesonic as an Ahrefs Alternative

I use Keyword Extractor by Writesonic when I need to quickly identify keywords from a piece of content or a webpage. It’s especially helpful when I don’t need the full capabilities of a tool like Ahrefs but still want an efficient way to gather keywords for further research. Plus, it’s free, which makes it an excellent starting point for smaller SEO tasks.

Pricing

Free

Reviews

No reviews for the free tool.

16. Google Search Console

Google Search Console (GSC) is a free tool provided by Google, offering essential insights into how your website performs in search results. While it doesn’t provide the extensive keyword research features of Ahrefs, it excels in tracking your website’s presence and performance on Google Search, making it a vital tool for any website owner or SEO practitioner.

Key Features

• Performance Tracking: Provides data on clicks, impressions, CTR, and average ranking for your website
  
• Index Coverage: Shows which pages are indexed by Google and helps identify any crawling or indexing issues
  
• URL Inspection: Allows you to check specific pages for indexing issues or to submit URLs for indexing
  
• Search Analytics: Gives insights into search queries driving traffic to your site, including keywords and pages
  
• Mobile Usability: Tracks mobile optimization issues to ensure your site performs well on mobile devices
  

Pros

• Completely free to use
  
• Direct insights from Google, ensuring highly relevant and accurate data
  
• Provides crucial data for improving your site’s visibility and user experience
  
• Easy-to-use interface with clear, actionable recommendations
  
• Great for tracking site health and indexing issues
  

Cons

• Limited keyword research capabilities compared to Ahrefs
  
• Does not provide backlink analysis or competitive analysis
  
• Can be overwhelming for beginners due to the depth of data and technical aspects
  

Why I Like Google Search Console as an Ahrefs Alternative

Google Search Console is a must-have tool for any SEO strategy. While it doesn’t offer the in-depth keyword research features that Ahrefs does, it gives me critical data straight from Google about how my site is performing in search. It helps me spot indexing issues, improve visibility, and track performance with just a few clicks. It’s a reliable, free resource that I use alongside other tools.

Pricing

Free

Reviews

• G2: 4.5/5
  
• Capterra: 4.8/5

Final Thoughts: Which is the Best Ahrefs Alternative?

I’ve listed 16 Ahrefs alternatives in the above list for different budgets and requirements. However, if I have to name one as the best Ahrefs alternative, it is the SEO AI Agent by Writesonic.

It’s an advanced, AI-based tool that cuts down up to 80% of my keyword research and SEO time — simply based on the prompts I give. But the best part is that it not only has SEO use cases, but also content marketing ones, so I don’t need multiple tools at all.

Ready to try the best Ahrefs alternative? Try the SEO AI Agent for free.

Niyati Mahale

Niyati Mahale is a Content Writer @Writesonic. She specializes in artificial intelligence and B2B, with a flair for combining effective storytelling and SEO best practices to create impactful content.