What is the best SEO tool? Semrush or Ahrefs?
I have a data-driven answer to this question.
Here it is:
There is no such thing as the best SEO tool for all websites.
You may want to buy both if you can afford it budget-wise.
Because each tool can discover unique insights that others miss.
Let’s take backlinks data.
Based on recent research, Semrush finds more backlinks for 87% of websites tested.
Clear winner? Depends (C).
13% won by Ahrefs means it will have more data for every 8th website.
If you manage a portfolio of 10 websites, chances are you’ll have at least one where Ahrefs will serve better.
Moreover, you can get additional value for many websites “won” by another tool.
Here is a typical real-life example of an established website.
Semrush found 384 “live” referring domains, Ahrefs 132.
But only 80 are shared.
So, Ahrefs users will discover 304 more domains if they buy a Semrush subscription.
Semrush users will also discover 52 more referring domains if they pay for Ahrefs.
Plus, you’ll get extra value from united keywords data, site audits, etc.
If you can only buy one tool, Semrush will be the better choice in 87% of cases.
If you can afford to pay an extra $100-150, it’s best to buy both.
I’ve been following this approach most of the time since 2011.
And continue to do so.
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Max Roslyakov
Founder, Xamsor