Ahrefs vs FreeAgent
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Ahrefs and FreeAgent. We compare features, pricing, ease of use, and value for money to help you make the right choice in 2026.
Reviewed by the Ikaroa team · Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
Ahrefs edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.5/5. However, FreeAgent (4.2/5) may be the better fit if you prioritise UK freelancers, contractors, and NatWest business banking customers. Read on for the full breakdown.
Ahrefs vs FreeAgent at a Glance
Ahrefs
★ 4.5Ahrefs is a leading SEO toolset known for having the most comprehensive backlink index on the web. It offers site exploration, keyword research, content analysis, rank tracking, and site auditing. Popular with SEO professionals for its data accuracy, intuitive interface, and powerful backlink analysis capabilities.
Starting from: £79/month
Best for: SEO professionals wanting the best backlink analysis and keyword research tools
Read full review →FreeAgent
★ 4.2FreeAgent is a UK accounting platform beloved by freelancers, contractors, and small business owners. Owned by NatWest Group, it is offered free to NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Ulster Bank business account holders. It handles invoicing, time tracking, expenses, tax, and project management with a focus on making accounting approachable.
Starting from: £24/month
Best for: UK freelancers, contractors, and NatWest business banking customers
Read full review →Ahrefs vs FreeAgent Feature Comparison
Here is how Ahrefs and FreeAgent compare across the features that matter most. We have tested both platforms extensively across client implementations.
| Feature | Ahrefs | FreeAgent |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | No | No |
| Starting Price | £79/month | £24/month |
| Best For | SEO professionals wanting the best backlink analysis and keyword research tools | UK freelancers, contractors, and NatWest business banking customers |
| Our Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Mobile App | Limited | Limited |
| Email Marketing | No | No |
| Automation | Limited | Limited |
| Reporting | Basic | Basic |
| Integrations | Limited | Limited |
| API Access | Limited | Limited |
| Ikaroa Exclusive Discount | N/A | N/A |
Ahrefs vs FreeAgent Pricing
Pricing is often the deciding factor. Here is a full breakdown of what each platform charges at every tier:
Ahrefs Pricing
Lite
£79/month
- ✓5 projects
- ✓750 tracked keywords
- ✓Site audit (10,000 pages)
- ✓Site explorer
Standard
£169/month
- ✓20 projects
- ✓2,000 tracked keywords
- ✓Site audit (500,000 pages)
- ✓Content explorer
Advanced
£319/month
- ✓50 projects
- ✓5,000 tracked keywords
- ✓Dashboard 2.0
- ✓Looker Studio integration
Enterprise
£839/month
- ✓100 projects
- ✓10,000 tracked keywords
- ✓API access
- ✓SSO
FreeAgent Pricing
FreeAgent
£24/month
- ✓Unlimited invoices
- ✓Unlimited users
- ✓Expense management
- ✓VAT returns
- ✓Self-assessment
Free with NatWest
£0/month
- ✓All features included
- ✓Free for NatWest/RBS/Ulster Bank business customers
Not sure which to pick?
Our team has implemented both Ahrefs and FreeAgent for clients. We can help you decide based on your specific needs.
Ahrefs Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Best backlink index in the industry
- •Excellent data accuracy and freshness
- •Intuitive, clean interface
- •Powerful content explorer for research
- •Regular new features and updates
✗Cons
- •Expensive for individuals and small businesses
- •No free plan (only limited free tools)
- •Per-user pricing adds cost
- •Less comprehensive PPC tools than Semrush
- •Reporting is less flexible than Semrush
FreeAgent Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Free for NatWest/RBS business banking customers
- •Excellent for freelancers and contractors
- •Built-in self-assessment tax filing
- •Time tracking and project management included
- •Clean, friendly interface
✗Cons
- •Only one pricing tier (can be expensive if not a NatWest customer)
- •Limited inventory management
- •Fewer integrations than Xero
- •Not ideal for larger or more complex businesses
- •Reporting is basic compared to QuickBooks
Our Verdict: Ahrefs vs FreeAgent
Both Ahrefs and FreeAgent are solid options, but they serve different needs. Having implemented both for multiple clients, here is our recommendation:
Choose Ahrefs if you need SEO professionals wanting the best backlink analysis and keyword research tools. With a starting price of £79/month and a rating of 4.5/5, it offers best backlink index in the industry.
Choose FreeAgent if you need UK freelancers, contractors, and NatWest business banking customers. Starting at £24/month with a 4.2/5 rating, it excels at free for natwest/rbs business banking customers.
Still not sure? Talk to the Ikaroa team. We have helped hundreds of businesses make this exact decision, and we are happy to point you in the right direction.
🎁 Get either product at a discount through Ikaroa Partners
Consider Open Doors Instead
Why choose between Ahrefs and FreeAgent? Open Doors gives you the best features of both in one platform, for less. It is an all-in-one CRM with email marketing, SMS, funnels, booking, invoicing, automation, and more, starting at just £97/month with unlimited contacts.
Need implementation help?
Ikaroa can set up Ahrefs or FreeAgent for your business, migrate your data, and train your team. We have done it dozens of times.
Free consultation. No obligation.