Quick Facts
Index Size
35B+ keywords
Keyword Research
Yes
Backlink Analysis
Yes
Site Audit
Yes
Free Tier
No
Starter Price
$99/mo
Our Ratings
Data Accuracy
9.5
Features
9.3
Value
8.2
Ease of Use
8.5
Overall
9.1
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Largest and most accurate backlink database in the industry
- 35B+ keyword index covering 10 search engines
- Site Audit tool is thorough and catches obscure technical issues
- Content Explorer reveals proven content ideas with traffic data
Drawbacks
- No free tier and pricing starts at $99 per month
- Credit-based system limits how many reports you can run daily
Summary
Ahrefs has the largest and most frequently updated backlink index in the SEO industry, crawling over 8 billion pages daily. The keyword database covers 35 billion keywords across 10 search engines including Google, YouTube, and Amazon. The Site Audit tool catches technical SEO issues that other tools miss. Content Explorer helps you find link-worthy content ideas backed by real performance data.
Data Accuracy
Ahrefs backlink data is widely considered the gold standard in the SEO industry. The crawler processes over 8 billion pages daily, resulting in the freshest and most comprehensive link index available. Keyword difficulty scores correlate strongly with actual ranking difficulty. Traffic estimates are among the most reliable across all SEO tools.
Features
The feature set covers everything a professional SEO needs. Site Explorer provides deep backlink and organic traffic analysis for any domain. Keywords Explorer surfaces opportunities with click metrics that show real search behavior. The Site Audit tool is one of the most thorough available, catching issues like orphan pages and redirect chains.
Pricing
Ahrefs is not cheap, starting at $99 per month for the Lite plan with limited daily credits. The Standard plan at $199 increases credits and adds historical data. The Advanced plan at $399 per month unlocks everything including API access and extended data history. The credit system means heavy users may hit limits on lower plans.
Ease of Use
The interface is data-dense but well-organized with clear navigation. Each tool has a consistent layout with filters, sorting, and export options. Beginners may find the volume of data overwhelming at first. The platform includes contextual tooltips and metric explanations that help bridge the learning gap.
Final Verdict
Ahrefs is the best SEO tool for professionals who rely on accurate backlink data and comprehensive keyword research. The crawler and index are unmatched, and the feature depth supports everything from technical audits to content strategy. The price point puts it out of reach for casual users. For agencies and serious SEOs in 2026, Ahrefs is the industry standard.