SEO
Ahrefs: review, pricing, data and alternatives
Ahrefs helps people examine website search visibility. It researches keywords and search intent, reviews backlinks, detects technical SEO issues, and tracks brand visibility in AI responses. A free tier exists; the first paid plan costs $29 per month. Access and transparency score: 70/100, #1 of 13 in its category.
| Access | 30/30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Openness | 20/30 | |
| Trust | 20/40 |
What is Ahrefs?
Ahrefs helps people examine website search visibility. It researches keywords and search intent, reviews backlinks, detects technical SEO issues, and tracks brand visibility in AI responses.
According to its documentation, Ahrefs lets you:
- research keywords and their search intent
- examine a site’s backlinks
- detect technical SEO issues
- track a brand’s visibility in AI responses
We file it under SEO, the category of tools to improve search rankings, and it also overlaps with marketing. The category lists 13 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is Ahrefs Pte. Ltd., based in Singapore. The service launched in 2010, which gives it some track record.
Who is it for?
It is mostly useful to these profiles: marketers, content writers, and freelancers. The need it covers is simple to state: improve search rankings.
Ahrefs is a good candidate if:
- you want to try before paying
- you plan to connect it to your tools or automations through its API
Before deciding, run a trial on a real task and measure the time saved: it is the only criterion that really counts.
How much does Ahrefs cost?
Pricing model: freemium (limited free use, then paid). A free plan is offered, usually limited in volume or features.
The first paid plan costs $29 per month (Starter, displayed monthly price), according to the pricing page, checked on October 24, 2026.
Per month, that is cheaper than the category median ($44 per month, based on tools with a published price).
To estimate what the same work would cost done directly with an AI model, use our API price calculator. Prices change often: always check the official site before subscribing.
Data and privacy
The publisher does not clearly state where data is hosted. Assume your content may leave your region.
For professional use, check that a data processing agreement (DPA) is offered, and do not send customers' personal data or confidential documents without one.
Exporting your content: CSV et Google Sheets. Being able to get your data back makes switching tools easier later.
Three habits apply to every AI tool:
- turn off the use of your content for training if the option exists
- use a work account separate from your personal account
- review everything the tool produces before publishing or sending it
Platforms, languages and API
Ahrefs runs on: web browser and API.
The interface is available in 15 languages.
A public API lets you call it from your own programs or an automation tool, and plug it into an AI agent.
How we scored it
Our 70/100 score does not judge output quality: it measures what can be publicly verified about access to the tool, its openness and how far the publisher can be trusted.
| Criterion | Points | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 30/30 | free tier, published price, French interface |
| Openness | 20/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 20/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
Ahrefs against other tools in the sEO category:
| Tool | Free | Entry price | API | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahrefs | Yes | $29 per month | Yes | 70 |
| AuditZap | Yes | $9 one-off payment | Yes | 68 |
| BacklinkGPT | Yes | $149 per month | Yes | 68 |
| LLM Optimizer | Yes | not published | Yes | 68 |
| Writesonic | No | $79 per month | Yes | 66 |
| Semrush | Yes | $117.33 per month | Yes | 65 |
| AirOps | Yes | not published | Yes | 58 |
| Frase | No | $39 per month | Yes | 50 |
Verdict
Ahrefs is among the most accessible and transparent tools in its category.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
- Cheaper than its category median
- Public API
- Established since 2010
Limitations
- Data hosting not disclosed
Avoid if…
- You handle sensitive personal data without a processing agreement
Alternatives
- AuditZapfree tier
- BacklinkGPTfree tier
- LLM Optimizerfree tier
- Writesonic$79 per month
- Semrushfree tier
- AirOpsfree tier
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is Ahrefs free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits. The first paid plan costs $29 per month.
Where is Ahrefs data stored?
The publisher does not clearly say so in its public documentation.
Does Ahrefs have an API?
Yes, a public API is documented.
What are the alternatives to Ahrefs?
In the same category: AuditZap, BacklinkGPT, LLM Optimizer, and Writesonic.
Ahrefs or AuditZap: which one to choose?
Ahrefs starts at $29 per month, AuditZap at $9 one-off payment and our score is 70/100 for Ahrefs and 68/100 for AuditZap. Try both on the same task before paying.
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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score