Ahrefs vs Smartsheet
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Ahrefs and Smartsheet. 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, Smartsheet (4/5) may be the better fit if you prioritise Enterprises wanting spreadsheet-familiar work management with automation. Read on for the full breakdown.
Ahrefs vs Smartsheet 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 →Smartsheet
★ 4Smartsheet is a spreadsheet-like work management platform used by enterprises for project management, reporting, and workflow automation. Can be adapted for CRM use.
Starting from: £6/user/month
Best for: Enterprises wanting spreadsheet-familiar work management with automation
Read full review →Ahrefs vs Smartsheet Feature Comparison
Here is how Ahrefs and Smartsheet compare across the features that matter most. We have tested both platforms extensively across client implementations.
| Feature | Ahrefs | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | No | No |
| Starting Price | £79/month | £6/user/month |
| Best For | SEO professionals wanting the best backlink analysis and keyword research tools | Enterprises wanting spreadsheet-familiar work management with automation |
| Our Rating | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Mobile App | Limited | Yes |
| Email Marketing | No | No |
| Automation | Limited | Yes |
| Reporting | Basic | Yes |
| Integrations | Limited | Extensive |
| API Access | Limited | Limited |
| Ikaroa Exclusive Discount | N/A | N/A |
Ahrefs vs Smartsheet 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
Smartsheet Pricing
Pro
£6/user/month
- ✓Unlimited sheets
- ✓Gantt, grid, card views
- ✓Automations
- ✓Forms
Business
£22/user/month
- ✓Everything in Pro
- ✓Unlimited automations
- ✓Document builder
- ✓Proofing
Enterprise
Custom
- ✓Everything in Business
- ✓WorkApps
- ✓Connectors
- ✓Advanced admin
Not sure which to pick?
Our team has implemented both Ahrefs and Smartsheet 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
Smartsheet Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Familiar spreadsheet interface
- •Powerful automation engine
- •Good for enterprise workflows
- •Strong reporting and dashboards
- •WorkApps for custom portals
✗Cons
- •Not designed as a CRM
- •Can be expensive for what it offers
- •Interface can feel corporate
- •Steep learning curve for advanced features
- •Limited CRM-specific functionality
Our Verdict: Ahrefs vs Smartsheet
Both Ahrefs and Smartsheet 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 Smartsheet if you need Enterprises wanting spreadsheet-familiar work management with automation. Starting at £6/user/month with a 4/5 rating, it excels at familiar spreadsheet interface.
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 Smartsheet? 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 Smartsheet for your business, migrate your data, and train your team. We have done it dozens of times.
Free consultation. No obligation.