In today’s competitive digital world, choosing the right SEO tool can make the difference between success and failure. Businesses, bloggers, and agencies rely heavily on SEO software to improve rankings, increase traffic, and outrank competitors.
Among the most popular SEO tools available today are Ahrefs and SE Ranking. Both platforms offer powerful features for keyword research, backlink analysis, site audits, and rank tracking.
But which one should you buy?
This in-depth guide compares Ahrefs vs SE Ranking in detail so you can make the best decision based on your needs, budget, and SEO goals.
Ahrefs is one of the most powerful and well-known SEO tools in the world. Founded in 2011, Ahrefs quickly became famous for its massive backlink database and advanced SEO analytics. It provides tools for keyword research, competitor analysis, rank tracking, and website audits.
SE Ranking, launched in 2013, is an all-in-one SEO platform designed to make professional SEO affordable and accessible for businesses of all sizes. It offers keyword tracking, site audits, competitor research, backlink monitoring, and white-label reporting for agencies.
While Ahrefs focuses on deep data and advanced insights, SE Ranking focuses on ease of use and affordability.
Keyword Research: Ahrefs vs SE Ranking
Keyword research is the foundation of every successful SEO campaign. If you choose the wrong keywords, your rankings and traffic will suffer.
Let’s compare how both tools perform in keyword research.
Ahrefs Keyword Research Features
Ahrefs has one of the largest keyword databases in the world, with billions of keywords across many countries. Its Keyword Explorer tool provides detailed insights into keyword performance and competition.
Key features include:
Keyword Difficulty score to measure ranking difficulty
Monthly search volume with trend data
Click data showing actual clicks vs searches
CPC data for paid campaigns
Content Gap analysis to find missing keyword opportunities
SERP overview to analyze top competitors
Parent topic grouping for better content planning
Ahrefs also offers advanced filters that allow you to find long-tail keywords, exclude branded terms, and focus on high-traffic potential keywords.
This makes Ahrefs ideal for advanced SEO professionals who need deep keyword insights.
SE Ranking Keyword Research Features
SE Ranking provides a powerful but easy-to-use keyword research tool. While its database is slightly smaller than Ahrefs, it still covers many countries and provides accurate keyword suggestions.
Key features include:
Keyword suggestions and related keyword ideas
Competitor keyword analysis
Autocomplete keyword discovery
Local keyword research for specific cities and regions
Keyword grouping and clustering
Seasonal keyword trends
PPC keyword insights
SE Ranking is especially strong in local SEO keyword research, making it perfect for local businesses and agencies.
Which Tool Is Better for Keyword Research?
Ahrefs wins in terms of database size and advanced metrics. It provides deeper data and better competitor keyword analysis.
However, SE Ranking wins in usability and local keyword research. It is easier to use and provides practical keyword grouping features.
If you are a beginner or small business, SE Ranking is a great choice. If you need deep data and advanced research, Ahrefs is better.
Backlink Analysis: Ahrefs vs SE Ranking
Backlinks remain one of the strongest Google ranking factors. A strong backlink profile can boost your rankings significantly.
Let’s compare backlink analysis in both tools.
Ahrefs Backlink Analysis
Ahrefs is famous for having one of the largest backlink databases in the industry. Its Site Explorer tool provides detailed backlink insights.
Key features include:
Massive backlink database
Referring domains growth tracking
Anchor text analysis
Link Intersect tool for competitor backlink opportunities
Broken backlink checker
New and lost backlink monitoring
Domain Rating and URL Rating metrics
Ahrefs is considered one of the best tools for deep backlink analysis and competitor link research.
SE Ranking Backlink Analysis
SE Ranking focuses more on practical backlink management and monitoring.
Key features include:
Backlink monitoring and tracking
Competitor backlink comparison
Lost backlink recovery
Spam score detection
Link building management tools
White-label backlink reports
While its database is smaller than Ahrefs, SE Ranking provides useful tools for everyday backlink management.
Which Tool Is Better for Backlink Analysis?
Ahrefs clearly wins in backlink database size and depth of analysis. It is ideal for advanced SEO professionals and large websites.
SE Ranking wins in usability and backlink monitoring features. It is great for small businesses and agencies managing multiple clients.
Technical SEO Audit: Ahrefs vs SE Ranking
Technical SEO ensures your website is crawlable, fast, and optimized for search engines.
Ahrefs Site Audit
Ahrefs provides a powerful site audit tool that scans websites for technical issues.
Features include:
Core Web Vitals analysis
Internal linking structure analysis
Duplicate content detection
HTTPS and security checks
Schema markup validation
Crawl budget optimization
Over 130 technical SEO checks
Ahrefs is best for deep technical audits and large websites.
SE Ranking Site Audit
SE Ranking focuses on easy-to-understand technical SEO insights.
Features include:
Priority-based issue classification
Automated weekly audits
Competitor technical analysis
Google Search Console integration
White-label audit reports
SEO health score tracking
SE Ranking is ideal for beginners and agencies needing simple audit reports.
Which Tool Is Better for Technical SEO?
Ahrefs wins for deep and advanced technical SEO analysis.
SE Ranking wins for usability and client-friendly reporting.
Pricing Plans: Ahrefs vs SE Ranking
Pricing is one of the biggest deciding factors.
Ahrefs Pricing
Ahrefs pricing starts at around $99 per month and increases depending on features and limits.
Plans include:
Lite Plan for beginners
Standard Plan for growing businesses
Advanced Plan for agencies
Enterprise Plan for large companies
Ahrefs is expensive but offers premium data and advanced features.
SE Ranking Pricing
SE Ranking is more affordable and flexible.
Plans start around $44 per month and increase based on keyword tracking needs.
Benefits include:
Lower pricing than Ahrefs
Flexible keyword-based pricing
White-label reports
Free trial available
Scalable plans for agencies
SE Ranking provides better value for small businesses and beginners.
Final Verdict: Ahrefs vs SE Ranking
Choosing between Ahrefs and SE Ranking depends on your goals, budget, and experience level.
If you want deep SEO data, powerful backlink analysis, and advanced tools, Ahrefs is the best choice. It is perfect for professional SEOs, large businesses, and data-driven campaigns.
If you want an affordable, easy-to-use, all-in-one SEO tool, SE Ranking is the better option. It offers great value, flexible pricing, and strong features for agencies and small businesses.
Both tools are excellent. The right choice depends on your SEO needs.
Conclusion
Ahrefs and SE Ranking are two of the most powerful SEO tools available today. Ahrefs stands out for its massive data, advanced analysis, and industry-leading backlink research.
It is the preferred choice for professional SEO experts and large businesses that require deep insights and powerful analytics.
On the other hand, SE Ranking offers a balanced combination of affordability, usability, and strong SEO features.
It is ideal for beginners, freelancers, small businesses, and agencies looking for a cost-effective SEO solution without sacrificing essential functionality. Ultimately, the best tool is the one that fits your budget and SEO strategy.
FAQs
Which is better, Ahrefs or SE Ranking?
Ahrefs is better for advanced SEO professionals and deep data analysis, while SE Ranking is better for beginners and budget-friendly SEO.
Is SE Ranking cheaper than Ahrefs?
Yes, SE Ranking is significantly more affordable and offers flexible pricing compared to Ahrefs.
Which tool is best for backlink analysis?
Ahrefs is considered one of the best tools for backlink analysis due to its massive backlink database.
Can beginners use Ahrefs easily?
Ahrefs has a learning curve, so beginners may find SE Ranking easier to use.
Which SEO tool should small businesses choose?
Small businesses should choose SE Ranking because it offers strong features at a lower cost.
