Ahrefs vs Semrush
Two internal linking tools side by side — pricing, platform support, and how much each automates — from the same verified data we use across the directory.
| Ahrefs | Semrush | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Suite / crawler | Suite / crawler |
| Platforms | Any CMS | Any CMS |
| Automation | Analysis only | Analysis only |
| Starting price | from $129/mo | from $139/mo |
| Free option | Free plan — Ahrefs Free tier (verified sites) | Free plan — Free account; periodic trials |
| Refund | — | — |
| Best for | Existing Ahrefs subscribers doing periodic internal-link audits | Existing Semrush subscribers wanting audit-level visibility |
| Highlights |
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Verdict
Pricing. Ahrefs starts from $129/mo; Semrush starts from $139/mo. Ahrefs has the lower entry price.
Automation. Both are at the same level: each reports on your internal links but does not create any.
Platforms. Both work with any CMS.
Trying it. Ahrefs: Ahrefs Free tier (verified sites). Semrush: Free account; periodic trials.
Our take. Ahrefs is the better fit for existing Ahrefs subscribers doing periodic internal-link audits. Semrush is the better fit for existing Semrush subscribers wanting audit-level visibility.
Ahrefs
Ahrefs' Site Audit reports orphan pages and internal link distribution, and its Internal Link Opportunities report pairs source pages with target pages based on keywords the source already ranks for. It does not insert anything — you implement manually — but the data is strong if you already pay for Ahrefs.
Semrush
Semrush's Site Audit includes an Internal Linking thematic report covering orphan pages, crawl depth, and over- or under-linked pages. Like Ahrefs it is analysis only. Semrush restructured its plans in 2026 (SEO, Starter, Pro+, Advanced), so older pricing quotes elsewhere are stale.