Ahrefs is widely considered the gold standard for backlink analysis and link building research. But at $99/month for the entry-level plan (with significant limitations), it's not accessible to everyone. Whether you're looking for a more affordable option, need specific features Ahrefs lacks, or simply want to compare alternatives, this guide covers your best options.
We've tested each alternative specifically for link building use cases: backlink analysis, competitor research, link prospecting, and outreach support. If you want to get more out of Ahrefs before switching, our step-by-step Ahrefs link building tutorial walks through the full workflow.
Quick Comparison Table#
| Tool | Starting Price | Best For | Link Index | Our Rating | |------|----------------|----------|------------|------------| | Semrush | $129/month | All-in-one SEO | 43T+ links | 9/10 | | Moz Pro | $99/month | Beginners, DA metrics | 44T+ links | 7.5/10 | | Majestic | $49/month | Deep link analysis | 2T+ unique | 8/10 | | SE Ranking | $55/month | Budget all-in-one | Smaller | 7/10 | | Ubersuggest | $29/month | Very tight budgets | Limited | 6/10 | | Mangools | $29/month | Simplicity | Limited | 6.5/10 | | Serpstat | $69/month | Eastern European SEO | Medium | 7/10 | | Free Tools | $0 | Occasional use | Varies | 5/10 |
1. Semrush - Best Overall Alternative#
Starting price: $129/month (Pro plan) Best for: Teams needing all-in-one SEO capabilities
Semrush is Ahrefs' closest competitor and arguably surpasses it in several areas. For link building specifically, Semrush offers comprehensive backlink analysis with one of the largest link indexes available.
Link Building Features#
Backlink Analytics:
- 43+ trillion links in database
- Fresh index updated regularly
- Authority Score metric (similar to DR)
- Toxic score for risk assessment
Backlink Gap:
- Compare up to 5 domains simultaneously
- Find links competitors have that you don't
- Filter by authority, type, and attributes
Link Building Tool:
- Built-in outreach workflow
- Prospect management
- Email integration
- Progress tracking
Pros#
- Larger overall feature set than Ahrefs
- Better PPC and advertising data
- Excellent keyword research
- Link building workflow built in
- More accurate traffic estimates (some studies suggest)
Cons#
- More expensive than Ahrefs entry tier
- Interface can feel cluttered
- Link data sometimes lags Ahrefs
- Backlink analysis less intuitive
Pricing#
| Plan | Monthly | Annual (per month) | Limits | |------|---------|-------------------|--------| | Pro | $129 | $108 | 5 projects, 500 keywords | | Guru | $249 | $208 | 15 projects, 1,500 keywords | | Business | $499 | $416 | 40 projects, 5,000 keywords |
Verdict#
Choose Semrush over Ahrefs if: You need comprehensive SEO tools beyond just link building, want built-in outreach features, or value PPC data alongside organic research.
Stick with Ahrefs if: Backlink analysis is your primary need and you prefer a cleaner interface for link research.
2. Moz Pro - Best for Beginners#
Starting price: $99/month Best for: SEO beginners and those who need Domain Authority metrics
Moz pioneered the Domain Authority metric that's still widely used in the industry. While Moz Pro's feature set has fallen behind Ahrefs and Semrush, it remains a solid choice for beginners and those who specifically need DA scores.
Link Building Features#
Link Explorer:
- 44+ trillion links indexed
- Domain Authority and Page Authority metrics
- Spam Score for quality assessment
- Linking domains and pages data
Link Intersect:
- Find competitors' common link sources
- Identify gap opportunities
- Filter and export prospects
Campaigns:
- Track your backlink profile over time
- Monitor new and lost links
- Spam Score alerts
Pros#
- Industry-standard DA metric
- Excellent educational resources
- Intuitive interface
- Strong community and support
- Good spam detection
Cons#
- Features lag behind competitors
- Link data often less fresh
- Limited outreach capabilities
- Fewer advanced filters
Pricing#
| Plan | Monthly | Annual (per month) | Limits | |------|---------|-------------------|--------| | Starter | $99 | $79 | 1 user, limited queries | | Standard | $179 | $143 | Unlimited queries | | Medium | $299 | $239 | Extended limits | | Large | $599 | $479 | Agency-level |
Verdict#
Choose Moz over Ahrefs if: You're new to SEO and value learning resources, need DA metrics for client reporting, or want a gentler learning curve.
Stick with Ahrefs if: You need more advanced link analysis features or fresher backlink data.
3. Majestic - Best for Deep Link Analysis#
Starting price: $49/month Best for: Advanced users focused purely on backlink analysis
Majestic has been building its link index since 2004, making it one of the most comprehensive historical databases available. If your primary need is deep backlink analysis rather than all-in-one SEO, Majestic offers excellent value.
Link Building Features#
Site Explorer:
- Trust Flow and Citation Flow metrics
- Topical Trust Flow (unique feature)
- Fresh and Historic indexes
- Deep crawl capabilities
Clique Hunter:
- Find sites linking to multiple competitors
- Identify common link sources
- Scale prospecting efficiently
Campaigns:
- Track backlink profile changes
- Monitor competitors
- Alert on significant changes
Pros#
- Most affordable premium option
- Excellent proprietary metrics (TF/CF)
- Unique Topical Trust Flow
- Historic index for research
- Clique Hunter is powerful for prospecting
Cons#
- No keyword research features
- Interface feels dated
- Learning curve for metrics
- Limited beyond link analysis
Pricing#
| Plan | Monthly | Annual (per month) | Limits | |------|---------|-------------------|--------| | Lite | $49 | $41 | 1M analysis units | | Pro | $99 | $83 | 20M analysis units | | API | $399 | $333 | 100M analysis units |
Verdict#
Choose Majestic over Ahrefs if: Link analysis is your only need, budget is tight, or you value Trust Flow metrics and historical data.
Stick with Ahrefs if: You need keyword research, content explorer, or a more modern interface.
4. SE Ranking - Best Budget All-in-One#
Starting price: $55/month Best for: Budget-conscious users needing comprehensive features
SE Ranking offers a surprising amount of functionality at a fraction of the cost of Ahrefs. While the link index is smaller, it covers most link building needs adequately.
Link Building Features#
Backlink Checker:
- Reasonable link database
- New and lost link tracking
- Anchor text analysis
- Referring domains breakdown
Backlink Gap Analyzer:
- Compare with competitors
- Find opportunities
- Export prospects
Backlink Monitoring:
- Track target links
- Status verification
- Notification alerts
Pros#
- Excellent value for money
- Full-featured SEO suite
- Clean, modern interface
- White-label options
- Good customer support
Cons#
- Smaller link database
- Less fresh data
- Limited historical data
- Fewer power-user features
Pricing#
| Plan | Monthly | Annual (per month) | Limits | |------|---------|-------------------|--------| | Essential | $55 | $44 | 10 projects, 500 keywords | | Pro | $109 | $87 | Expanded limits | | Business | $239 | $191 | Agency features |
Verdict#
Choose SE Ranking over Ahrefs if: Budget is a primary concern and you need all-in-one SEO tools rather than best-in-class link analysis.
Stick with Ahrefs if: You need comprehensive backlink data and advanced link analysis features.
5. Ubersuggest - Best for Tight Budgets#
Starting price: $29/month (or lifetime deal available) Best for: Beginners with very limited budgets
Neil Patel's Ubersuggest offers basic SEO capabilities including backlink analysis at an extremely accessible price point. The lifetime deal makes it particularly attractive for occasional users.
Link Building Features#
Backlinks Overview:
- Basic backlink data
- Domain Score metric
- New and lost links
- Top pages by links
Competitor Analysis:
- See competitor backlinks
- Basic comparison features
- Export capabilities
Pros#
- Very affordable
- Lifetime deal option ($290 one-time)
- Simple interface
- Good for learning
- Adequate for basic needs
Cons#
- Limited backlink data
- Fewer features overall
- Less accurate metrics
- Not suitable for professional use
Pricing#
| Plan | Monthly | Annual (per month) | Lifetime | |------|---------|-------------------|----------| | Individual | $29 | $12 | $120 | | Business | $49 | $20 | $200 | | Enterprise | $99 | $40 | $400 |
Verdict#
Choose Ubersuggest over Ahrefs if: You're just starting out, have a very tight budget, or only need occasional basic research.
Stick with Ahrefs if: You need professional-grade backlink analysis or run serious link building campaigns.
6. Mangools - Best for Simplicity#
Starting price: $29/month Best for: Users who want simple, focused tools
Mangools offers a suite of individual tools (KWFinder, LinkMiner, etc.) with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. LinkMiner is their backlink analysis tool.
Link Building Features#
LinkMiner:
- Backlink analysis
- Citation Flow and Trust Flow (via Majestic API)
- Link strength indicators
- Export capabilities
SiteProfiler:
- Domain overview
- Top content by links
- Competitor comparison
Pros#
- Very user-friendly
- Good for beginners
- Affordable pricing
- Clean interface
- Includes multiple tools
Cons#
- Uses Majestic data (not proprietary)
- Limited advanced features
- Smaller database access
- Not for power users
Pricing#
| Plan | Monthly | Annual (per month) | Limits | |------|---------|-------------------|--------| | Basic | $29 | $19 | Limited searches | | Premium | $39 | $29 | More searches | | Agency | $79 | $49 | Highest limits |
Verdict#
Choose Mangools over Ahrefs if: You want simple, affordable tools and don't need advanced features.
Stick with Ahrefs if: You need comprehensive backlink data and professional-grade analysis.
7. Serpstat - Best for Eastern European SEO#
Starting price: $69/month Best for: Businesses targeting Eastern European markets
Serpstat offers a comprehensive SEO platform with particular strength in Russian and Eastern European search data. For link building in these markets, it can be more valuable than Ahrefs.
Link Building Features#
Backlink Analysis:
- Referring domains and pages
- Anchor text distribution
- Link type breakdown
- New and lost tracking
Batch Analysis:
- Analyse multiple domains
- Compare competitors
- Export for outreach
Pros#
- Strong Eastern European data
- Competitive pricing
- All-in-one platform
- Good value for features
- API access on lower tiers
Cons#
- Smaller link index than leaders
- Less known in Western markets
- Interface can be clunky
- Support timezone limitations
Pricing#
| Plan | Monthly | Annual (per month) | Limits | |------|---------|-------------------|--------| | Lite | $69 | $55 | Basic access | | Standard | $149 | $119 | Professional use | | Advanced | $299 | $239 | Agency-level |
Verdict#
Choose Serpstat over Ahrefs if: You're targeting Eastern European markets or need a budget all-in-one tool.
Stick with Ahrefs if: Your focus is Western markets and you need best-in-class link data.
8. Free Alternatives#
For very limited budgets or occasional research, several free options exist:
Google Search Console#
Cost: Free Best for: Analysing your own backlinks
- See who links to your site
- Monitor new links
- Identify linking pages
- Limited to your own properties
Ahrefs Webmaster Tools#
Cost: Free Best for: Site owners analysing their own profiles
- Free access to your verified sites
- Backlink profile overview
- Limited but useful data
Small SEO Tools#
Cost: Free (with limitations) Best for: Quick one-off checks
- Basic backlink checking
- Multiple free tools
- Very limited depth
OpenLinkProfiler#
Cost: Free Best for: Quick competitor checks
- 200,000+ links analysed per query
- Industry distribution
- Link influence scores
Limitations of Free Tools#
- Data freshness: Often outdated
- Depth: Surface-level only
- Reliability: Variable accuracy
- Features: Very basic
- Scale: Can't run serious campaigns
Free tools work for learning and occasional research but aren't suitable for professional link building.
How to Choose the Right Alternative#
Choose Based on Primary Need#
If link analysis is your main use:
- Majestic (budget)
- Ahrefs (best overall)
- Semrush (all-in-one)
If you need all-in-one SEO:
- Semrush (most comprehensive)
- SE Ranking (budget option)
- Ahrefs (excellent overall)
If budget is the primary constraint:
- Majestic ($49/month)
- Ubersuggest ($29/month)
- Mangools ($29/month)
Choose Based on Experience Level#
Beginners:
- Moz (educational resources)
- Ubersuggest (simplicity)
- Mangools (ease of use)
Intermediate:
- Semrush (comprehensive)
- SE Ranking (good value)
- Ahrefs (industry standard)
Advanced:
- Ahrefs (power features)
- Majestic (deep analysis)
- Semrush (complete toolkit)
Choose Based on Team Size#
Solo/Freelancer:
- Ubersuggest or Mangools (budget)
- Majestic (link focus)
- SE Ranking (value)
Small Team:
- Ahrefs Standard
- Semrush Pro/Guru
- Moz Standard
Agency:
- Ahrefs Agency
- Semrush Business
- Multiple tool subscriptions
Frequently Asked Questions#
Is there a free alternative to Ahrefs that's actually good?#
For comprehensive link analysis, no. Free tools provide limited data and can't match paid alternatives. Ahrefs Webmaster Tools offers free access to your own site's data, which is useful but not a complete replacement.
Can I use multiple tools instead of Ahrefs?#
Yes. Many professionals use Majestic for link analysis ($49/month) plus a separate keyword tool. This can be more affordable than Ahrefs while providing comparable or better link data.
Which alternative has the most accurate link data?#
Semrush and Ahrefs are generally considered most accurate for fresh data. Majestic has excellent historical depth. All major tools have strengths and weaknesses depending on the specific domain you're analysing.
Is Semrush better than Ahrefs for link building?#
They're roughly comparable. Ahrefs has a slight edge in link analysis interface and data freshness. Semrush offers more built-in outreach features. Your preference depends on workflow and other feature needs.
Should I get multiple subscriptions?#
If budget allows, using Ahrefs or Semrush plus Majestic provides comprehensive coverage. Each tool has strengths the other lacks. However, one premium tool is sufficient for most link building needs.
Our Recommendation#
For most link builders, we recommend:
- If budget allows ($99+/month): Stick with Ahrefs or choose Semrush
- For budget-conscious professionals: Majestic offers the best link data per pound
- For beginners: Start with Moz or Ubersuggest, upgrade as you grow
- For agencies: Consider Semrush for the all-in-one workflow
No single tool is perfect. The best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and how central link building is to your overall SEO strategy.
What to Read Next#
- Ahrefs vs Semrush for Link Building - Direct comparison
- Ahrefs vs Moz - Domain metrics compared
- Link Building Audit Tools - Complete tool guide
- How to Audit Your Backlinks - Put these tools to use