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Head-to-head · AI SEO Software

Ahrefs vs SE Ranking

  • Updated Nov 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Ahrefs #2 in AI SEO Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 1 features Visit Ahrefs
SE Ranking #3 in AI SEO Software 8.9/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 1 features Visit SE Ranking

Ahrefs leads on 2 checks, SE Ranking on 0, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAhrefs · 9.2/10
  • Lowest starting priceAhrefs · $29/mo
  • Free planonly Ahrefs
  • Free trialonly SE Ranking

Ahrefs scores higher on our rubric for ai seo software: 9.2 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

Ahrefs offers free plan; SE Ranking doesn't. Ahrefs is cheaper to start at $29/mo against $103.20/mo.

Ahrefs is the better fit for all-in-one SEO teams and agencies. SE Ranking is the better fit for growing SEO teams needing broad tracking.

  • Ahrefs fits best

    All-in-one SEO teams and agencies

  • SE Ranking fits best

    Growing SEO teams needing broad tracking

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Ahrefs 9.2/10 Visit ↗ SE Ranking 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.9
Ranking #2 in AI SEO Software #3 in AI SEO Software
Best for All-in-one SEO teams and agencies Growing SEO teams needing broad tracking
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price $29/mo (best) $103.20/mo
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Cloud, Browser extension Cloud
Platforms Web, Chrome extension Web
Support Email, Live chat, Docs · 24/7 Email, Live chat, Docs
Compliance SSO/SAML GDPR
Integrations 3 integrations 16 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Ahrefs 0/1 · SE Ranking 0/1
SEO content briefs Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Keyword research Not checked yet Not checked yet
Content optimization Not checked yet Not checked yet
Rank tracking Not checked yet Not checked yet
Technical SEO audits Not checked yet Not checked yet
Competitor analysis Not checked yet Not checked yet
Publishing workflows Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Covers keywords, competitors, audits, rankings, backlinks, content, and reporting
  • Free plan plus a $29 monthly Starter tier
  • API access, integrations, and enterprise security options
  • Tracks keywords, rankings, competitors, backlinks, audits, and local SEO
  • Includes Google Analytics 4, Search Console, Looker Studio, and automation integrations
  • Offers daily rank and AI prompt tracking plus Data and Project APIs
Cons
  • The free plan offers limited Site Explorer and Site Audit access
  • Starter includes only 50 Rank Tracker keywords
  • Enterprise requires an annual commitment
  • No free plan; the free trial lasts 14 days
  • Core includes 10 projects and 1 manager seat
  • Enterprise pricing and limits are custom
Our verdict

Ahrefs is an SEO and marketing platform for marketers, agencies, SEO professionals, businesses, and content teams. Its tools cover keyword research, competitor analysis, backlink analysis, technical site auditing, rank tracking, content…

Read the review →

SE Ranking is an SEO platform for agencies and in-house marketing teams that want research, monitoring, auditing, and reporting in one workspace. Its feature set covers keyword research, scheduled rank tracking by search engine, location,…

Read the review →
  1. AhrefsAI SEO Software 9.2Free plan
  2. SE RankingAI SEO Software 8.914-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Ahrefs — where it wins

    • Covers keywords, competitors, audits, rankings, backlinks, content, and reporting
    • Free plan plus a $29 monthly Starter tier
    • API access, integrations, and enterprise security options

    Where it doesn't

    • The free plan offers limited Site Explorer and Site Audit access
    • Starter includes only 50 Rank Tracker keywords
    • Enterprise requires an annual commitment

  • SE Ranking — where it wins

    • Tracks keywords, rankings, competitors, backlinks, audits, and local SEO
    • Includes Google Analytics 4, Search Console, Looker Studio, and automation integrations
    • Offers daily rank and AI prompt tracking plus Data and Project APIs

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan; the free trial lasts 14 days
    • Core includes 10 projects and 1 manager seat
    • Enterprise pricing and limits are custom

More comparisons

All AI SEO software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

Last updated · How we research and update