Ahrefs vs Serpstat: Which SEO Tools Tool Is Better in 2026?

Ahrefs

From $129

Serpstat

From $59

Quick verdict

Overall pick: Serpstat

Serpstat is the broader and cheaper option here: it starts at $59 versus $129 for Ahrefs and includes content optimization and local SEO, which Ahrefs does not list. Ahrefs is positioned around its backlink index and organic search research, making it a fit for link builders and technical SEO professionals. Buyers who need content editing and local listing work should pick Serpstat; buyers whose priority is backlink and organic research should pick Ahrefs.

Serpstat's entry plan ($59) is 54% cheaper than Ahrefs's ($129).
Only Serpstat offers: content optimization / seo editor, local seo & listing management.

Try Ahrefs →Try Serpstat →

Cost calculator

Team size: 5 users

Tool	Monthly	Yearly
Ahrefs · flat	$129.00	$1548
Serpstat · flat	$59.00	$708

Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.

Which one should you choose?

If you need…	Pick	Why
Budget-conscious team choosing a first SEO platform	Serpstat	Serpstat starts at $59 per month versus $129 for Ahrefs, both on flat billing with no free plan.
Team needing content optimization and local SEO in one tool	Serpstat	Serpstat lists content optimization and local SEO as included features; Ahrefs lists neither.
Link builder focused on backlink research	Ahrefs	Ahrefs is positioned around its backlink index and is best for link builders, with backlink analysis included.
Technical SEO professional running site audits	Ahrefs	Ahrefs lists site audit and is best for technical SEO professionals; both tools include site audit, so the choice rests on Ahrefs' stated focus.
PPC and organic specialist needing competitor paid insights	Serpstat	Serpstat is best for PPC and organic specialists and includes competitor organic and paid insights.

Feature comparison: Ahrefs vs Serpstat

Feature	Ahrefs	Serpstat
Free plan	❌	❌
Starting price	$129 /mo	$59 /mo
Keyword research database	✅	✅
Backlink audit & link tracking	✅	✅
Daily rank tracking	✅	✅
Technical site crawler & audit	✅	✅
Competitor organic & paid insights	✅	✅
Content optimization / SEO editor	—	✅
Local SEO & listing management	—	✅
Public API & Looker Studio	✅	✅

Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.

Pros and cons

Ahrefs

Positioned around a strong backlink index and organic search research
Includes keyword research, backlink analysis, rank tracking, site audit, competitor analysis, and API
Best-for list targets link builders and technical SEO professionals

Starting price of $129 per month is more than double Serpstat's $59
No content optimization feature
No local SEO feature

Try Ahrefs →

Serpstat

Lower starting price at $59 per month on flat billing
Includes all eight tracked features, including content optimization and local SEO
Best-for list targets growth teams and PPC and organic specialists