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Best SEO Tools Comparison 2025: Ahrefs vs SEMrush Explained

When it comes to digital marketing in Australia, SEMrush and Ahrefs are two of the most trusted SEO tools in the game. But with so many overlapping features, how do you know which one’s the better fit for your business?

Whether you’re running local SEO campaigns for tradies in Sydney, scaling a national eCommerce brand, or managing SEO for multiple clients, choosing the right tool can make or break your results.

In this 2025 SEO tools comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between Ahrefs and SEMrush — from features and pricing to local tracking, backlink power, and more — so you can make a confident, informed decision.

SEO Tools

What Are SEO Tools?

Before we get stuck into the comparison, let’s get clear on what SEO tools do.

SEO tools help you improve your visibility in search engines like Google. From keyword research to backlink analysis, site audits to rank tracking — these tools give you the data you need to make informed decisions.

The right SEO tools can help you:

  • Discover what your audience is searching for
  • Track your rankings over time
  • Audit your website for technical issues
  • Spy on competitors and steal their traffic
  • Build links and authority in your niche

Now, let’s look at two of the most popular SEO tools in the game.


Quick Overview: Ahrefs vs SEMrush

FeatureAhrefsSEMrush
Best forBacklink analysis, content researchLocal SEO, PPC, GMB, technical audits
Keyword ResearchSEO-focused, very strong globallyBroader, includes PPC + ads
Backlink AnalysisIndustry-leadingVery strong, but slightly behind Ahrefs
Site AuditsClean, fastMore comprehensive with deeper suggestions
Google Business Profile (GMB)❌ Not supported✅ Yes
PPC Tools❌ Minimal✅ Extensive
Local SEO❌ Basic only✅ Excellent (maps, suburbs, citations)
Content ToolsStrong research (Content Explorer)✅ Built-in Writing Assistant + SEO templates
Social Media Tools❌ No✅ Yes
AI Writing & SEO Assistant❌ No✅ Yes (Semrush AI)
PricingFrom USD $99/monthFrom USD $129.95/month

1. Backlink Analysis: Ahrefs Takes the Crown

If you’re focused on building authority through backlinks, Ahrefs is unmatched. Its Site Explorer tool gives you a real-time snapshot of any website’s backlink profile, including:

  • Referring domains
  • Link types (dofollow, nofollow)
  • Anchor text
  • Historical growth trends

This is where Ahrefs shines. It constantly crawls the web and claims the second-largest backlink database, behind Google itself.

On the other hand, SEMrush offers excellent backlink tracking too, just not quite at the same scale or freshness. That said, it still provides:

  • Backlink audit
  • Link toxicity analysis
  • Outreach SEO tools

Verdict:
Use Ahrefs if link-building is a primary focus for your SEO campaigns.
Use SEMrush if you want backlinks + everything else in one place.


2. Keyword Research: SEMrush for Breadth, Ahrefs for Depth

Both SEO tools are excellent for keyword research, but they take slightly different approaches.

Ahrefs:

  • More accurate for global search data
  • Ideal for discovering long-tail SEO keywords
  • Helpful SEO tools like Keyword Explorer, Content Gap, and Parent Topic analysis

SEMrush:

  • Includes PPC (Google Ads) keyword data
  • Offers “Keyword Magic Tool” with broader topic clustering
  • Tracks keyword trends and seasonality
  • Integrates with local SEO and Google Business Profiles

Verdict:
Use Ahrefs for deep SEO keyword analysis
Use SEMrush for a broader marketing strategy, including paid ads


3. Local SEO Features: SEMrush Wins Hands Down

If your business operates in specific suburbs or cities (think “Plumbers in Sutherland Shire” or “Electricians in Bondi”), local SEO is everything.

SEMrush offers:

  • Google Business Profile integration
  • Map Pack rankings
  • Local listing management via Yext
  • Suburb-based rank tracking
  • Review monitoring and reputation tools

Ahrefs lacks:

  • GMB/GBP integration
  • Suburb-level tracking
  • Local citations features

Verdict:
✅ For Australian tradies, real estate agents, and local service providers, SEMrush is a must-have SEO tool.


4. Site Audit & Technical SEO: SEMrush Is More Comprehensive

Both Ahrefs and SEMrush have strong site audit tools. They crawl your website, identify technical issues, and give suggestions for fixing things like:

  • Broken links
  • Crawl errors
  • Redirect chains
  • Duplicate content
  • Mobile issues
  • Core Web Vitals

But SEMrush goes deeper, offering:

  • Historical audit comparisons
  • Scheduled crawls
  • Page speed suggestions
  • HTTPS implementation
  • Markup/schema audit

Verdict:
✅ SEMrush provides a more powerful and scalable technical SEO solution.


5. Content Marketing Tools: SEMrush Has the Edge

Ahrefs offers Content Explorer, which helps you find high-performing content by topic or keyword. It’s great for discovering content ideas and linkable assets.

SEMrush, however, takes it further with:

  • SEO Content Template: Generates a content brief with target keywords
  • SEO Writing Assistant: Optimises your content in real-time
  • AI Writing Tools: Drafts, outlines, and titles for you
  • Topic Research: Clusters related queries and questions

Verdict:
✅ If content marketing is a big part of your strategy, SEMrush delivers more tools under one roof.


6. PPC & Advertising Tools: SEMrush Only

This one’s easy. If you’re running Google Ads, shopping ads, or want to spy on competitor ad copy, SEMrush is your tool.

Ahrefs doesn’t focus on paid ads.

SEMrush offers:

  • Competitor ad tracking (Search & Display)
  • Historical ad performance
  • Keyword CPC insights
  • PLA (Product Listing Ad) research

Verdict:
✅ SEMrush is essential if you run Google Ads alongside your SEO.


7. Reporting & White Labelling

If you manage clients, clean and automated reports matter.

Both SEO tools offer strong reporting features, but SEMrush includes:

  • Custom PDF reports
  • White-labelling with higher plans
  • Integration with Google Data Studio, GA4, and Search Console

Ahrefs’ reports are fast and visual, but less customisable.

Verdict:
✅ SEMrush is better suited for agencies or freelancers managing multiple SEO clients.


8. Pricing: Ahrefs is Cheaper, But With Limits

PlanAhrefsSEMrush
Entry Level$99 USD/mo (Lite)$129.95 USD/mo (Pro)
Users11
Keyword TrackingLower limitsHigher (with upgrades)
Access to SEO ToolsAll plans include full accessSome features are add-ons or gated

Verdict:
✅ Ahrefs is more affordable for solopreneurs
✅ SEMrush delivers better value at scale


Final Verdict: Which SEO Tool Is Best?

Here’s the TL;DR breakdown:

Use CaseWinner
Link BuildingAhrefs
Keyword ResearchTie (SEMrush for PPC, Ahrefs for SEO)
Local SEOSEMrush
Technical SEOSEMrush
Content OptimisationSEMrush
PPC + AdsSEMrush
Budget SEOAhrefs
All-in-One MarketingSEMrush

Which SEO Tool Should You Choose?

If you’re an SEO specialist, digital marketer, or business owner in Australia, your choice depends on your goals:

  • Want to rank higher in the local map pack and manage your Google Business Profile? → Go with SEMrush
  • Focused on building backlinks and discovering new content opportunities? → Use Ahrefs
  • Managing multiple clients or running Google Ads and SEO together? → SEMrush is your best friend

Both tools are world-class. If budget allows, many agencies use both — Ahrefs for links and competitor research, SEMrush for everything else.

Choosing the right SEO tools can give you a massive edge over the competition. In 2025, your decision comes down to what kind of marketing you’re doing:

  • Local SEO? Choose SEMrush.
  • Backlink outreach? Go Ahrefs.
  • Full-service agency? Use both and dominate.

Boost Your Rankings with Sites By Design’s Full-Stack SEO Services

If you’re looking for more than just great SEO tools — and want a team that knows how to use them effectively — then Sites By Design’s SEO Services are precisely what you need.

We combine technical SEO, on-page optimisation, backlink strategy, and content planning to help Australian businesses dominate both organic search and local map listings. Our strategies are powered by industry-leading tools, such as SEMrush, and tailored to your unique business goals.

But that’s just one piece of the puzzle.

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When you partner with Sites By Design, you’re not just getting another agency — you’re getting a full-stack digital team that understands how every part of your online presence affects your bottom line.

Hi, I’m Scott Nailon. I built my first website using notepad on my buggy Osbourne Pentium 133 (Windows 98) computer back in 1998. I have been running my own business since 2006 with a specialty in web since 2008. Most of these blogs are my own, if they are written by someone else I will have attributed that person at the end of the article. Thanks for reading!

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