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Alternatives

10 best Ahrefs alternatives

Tools that cover the same task as Ahrefs (seo), ranked by how completely their pricing, free tier and API access are documented. Checked Oct 5, 2026.

Ahrefs starts at
$29/mo
Free plan
Free plan
API
API available
  1. 01

    Semrush

    Semrush is an online visibility suite covering SEO, keyword research, site audits, rank tracking, competitor analysis and AI search visibility tracking, sold as tiered subscriptions with project and keyword limits.

    • From $139/mo
    • Free trial
    • API available

    Best for: Marketers and SEO teams who need keyword, backlink and competitor research in one subscription.

  2. 02

    Rush Analytics

    Rush Analytics is an SEO and AI visibility platform with rank tracking, keyword research, content optimization, technical audits, and brand monitoring in ChatGPT-style engines. Subscriptions use internal credits for tasks across rank tracker, semantic reports, and optional PBN tooling.

    • From $24/mo
    • Free trial
    • API available

    Best for: Freelancers and in-house SEO teams who need rank tracking, AI SERP monitoring, and keyword research in one credit-based suite.

  3. 03

    Keywordly

    Keywordly is an SEO content workflow platform covering keyword research, clustering, topical maps, content generation, optimization, and AI visibility tracking. It targets solo operators through agencies with Agentic AI SEO auto-blogging and brand visibility monitoring.

    • From $49/mo
    • Free trial
    • API unknown

    Best for: SEO specialists, in-house marketing teams, and agencies running end-to-end content research and publishing workflows.

  4. 04

    ChatFeatured

    ChatFeatured is an AI search optimization (AEO) platform that tracks brand visibility in answer engines, audits content, and generates articles to earn citations. It combines agent analytics, competitor monitoring, and publishing workflows for marketing teams.

    • From $150/mo
    • Free trial
    • API available

    Best for: Marketing directors and agencies trying to improve how AI search engines cite and recommend their brands.

  5. 05

    AuditZap

    AuditZap runs SEO, performance, security, and AI search visibility (AEO/GEO) checks on websites, then prioritizes issues and writes CMS-specific fix instructions. Free accounts get limited monthly audits; paid tiers unlock full AI fixes, PDF exports, deeper crawls, and multi-site monitoring.

    • From $29/mo
    • Free plan
    • API unknown

    Best for: Marketers, founders, and agencies who need fast site audits with actionable, platform-specific remediation steps.

  6. 06

    CrowdReply

    Plans bundle AI search prompts, listening keywords, engagement credits, and MCP plus API access for growth teams optimizing generative-engine visibility.

    • From $79/mo
    • Free trial
    • API available

    Best for: Marketing and SEO teams measuring AI search citations and engaging early on social threads that feed LLM answers.

  7. 07

    Waikay

    Waikay is an AI brand visibility and prompt-tracking platform that shows what major AI models know about your brand versus competitors. It provides topic reports, fact checking, source tracking, GEO action plans, and APIs to improve how brands appear in AI search experiences.

    • From $69.95/mo
    • Free tier unknown
    • API available

    Best for: Brand managers, SEO and GEO teams, and agencies monitoring AI visibility, hallucinations, and competitor benchmarks.

  8. 08

    Kagi Search

    Kagi is a privacy-focused search engine and assistant funded by users instead of ads. Plans range from a limited trial through unlimited search tiers with expanding Kagi Assistant models, fair-use billing credits, and optional family or team accounts.

    • From $5/mo
    • Free trial
    • API available

    Best for: Privacy-conscious individuals and teams who want ad-free search plus an integrated research assistant.

  9. 09

    HomeHelper

    HomeHelper offers LEO, an AI construction expert that chats with homeowners about maintenance and improvement projects, plus optional paid journals and analysis tiers. The Vercel-hosted app markets step-by-step guidance for DIY and pro projects.

    • From $4.99/mo
    • Free tier unknown
    • API unknown

    Best for: Homeowners and DIYers who want conversational guidance on repairs, maintenance, and renovation decisions.

  10. 10

    Otto SEO

    Search Atlas, including OTTO SEO automation, is an AI marketing platform for SEO, content, PPC, and site audits with autonomous fixes across channels. Subscription plans scale from single-brand Starter use through agency portfolios with execution budgets and onboarding support.

    • From $79/mo
    • Free trial
    • API unknown

    Best for: Freelancers, in-house marketers, and agencies who want Search Atlas and OTTO SEO automation across growing site portfolios.

Ahrefs alternatives: common questions

What is the best free alternative to Ahrefs?

AuditZap has an ongoing free plan. Free accounts get 3 audits per month with all 40 checks and one AI fix per audit, with no credit card required. Free plans change, so check the vendor before relying on one.

What is the cheapest Ahrefs alternative?

HomeHelper has the lowest listed starting price at $4.99/mo, compared with $29/mo for Ahrefs.

Which Ahrefs alternatives have an API?

Semrush, Rush Analytics, ChatFeatured, CrowdReply, Waikay mention API or developer access.