Ahrefs vs SE Ranking
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Ahrefs and SE Ranking. 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, SE Ranking (4.2/5) may be the better fit if you prioritise Freelancers and SMEs wanting comprehensive SEO tools at affordable pricing. Read on for the full breakdown.
Ahrefs vs SE Ranking 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 →SE Ranking
★ 4.2SE Ranking is a cost-effective, all-in-one SEO platform that offers keyword research, rank tracking, site audits, competitor analysis, and backlink monitoring. Known for providing comprehensive SEO tools at a fraction of the price of Semrush or Ahrefs, making it popular with freelancers, SMEs, and budget-conscious agencies.
Starting from: £35/month
Best for: Freelancers and SMEs wanting comprehensive SEO tools at affordable pricing
Read full review →Ahrefs vs SE Ranking Feature Comparison
Here is how Ahrefs and SE Ranking compare across the features that matter most. We have tested both platforms extensively across client implementations.
| Feature | Ahrefs | SE Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | No | No |
| Starting Price | £79/month | £35/month |
| Best For | SEO professionals wanting the best backlink analysis and keyword research tools | Freelancers and SMEs wanting comprehensive SEO tools at affordable pricing |
| Our Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Mobile App | Limited | Limited |
| Email Marketing | No | No |
| Automation | Limited | Limited |
| Reporting | Basic | Yes |
| Integrations | Limited | Limited |
| API Access | Limited | Limited |
| Ikaroa Exclusive Discount | N/A | N/A |
Ahrefs vs SE Ranking 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
SE Ranking Pricing
Essential
£35/month
- ✓1 user
- ✓500 keywords
- ✓Site audit (40,000 pages)
- ✓Backlink monitoring
Pro
£69/month
- ✓3 users
- ✓2,000 keywords
- ✓Site audit (250,000 pages)
- ✓Historical data
Business
£155/month
- ✓5 users
- ✓5,000 keywords
- ✓Site audit (700,000 pages)
- ✓API access
Not sure which to pick?
Our team has implemented both Ahrefs and SE Ranking 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
SE Ranking Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Excellent value for money
- •Comprehensive feature set for the price
- •Accurate rank tracking
- •White-label reports for agencies
- •Good local SEO tools
✗Cons
- •Smaller keyword database than Semrush
- •Less well-known brand
- •Backlink data less comprehensive than Ahrefs
- •Interface could be more polished
- •Content tools are newer and less mature
Our Verdict: Ahrefs vs SE Ranking
Both Ahrefs and SE Ranking 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 SE Ranking if you need Freelancers and SMEs wanting comprehensive SEO tools at affordable pricing. Starting at £35/month with a 4.2/5 rating, it excels at excellent value for money.
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 SE Ranking? 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 SE Ranking for your business, migrate your data, and train your team. We have done it dozens of times.
Free consultation. No obligation.