Backlinks

Which Tool is Better for Backlink Analysis: Ahrefs or SEMrush?

Bennett Heyn

— 12 min read
Which Tool is Better for Backlink Analysis: Ahrefs or SEMrush?

Backlink analysis is one of the most important parts of SEO, and two tools often lead the conversation: Ahrefs and SEMrush. Both are powerful platforms that give marketers insights into link profiles, competitor strategies, and opportunities for growth. But when it comes to backlink analysis, which tool truly stands out? To find out, we asked 20 SEO experts to share their perspectives, experiences, and favorite features. Their insights reveal how each tool performs in real-world scenarios.

I like Ahrefs better overall, but SEMrush is superior for backlink analysis. 

With both tools, the authority scores (calculated by looking at the site's link profile) aren't very good since they can't accurately filter out spam sites, press releases, syndicated links, etc. However, SEMrush's Network Graph and "Natural Profile" scores make theirs a bit more useful.

SEMrush's layout and visual aids are its biggest strengths in my opinion. The have anchor text word clouds, referring domain category breakdowns, and other useful reports and metrics that Ahrefs doesn't have. 

That said, SEMrush also pushes their "Overall Toxicity Score," and I recommend you ignore it for the most part.

Cody Stewart, Director of SEO, Imprint Digital

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Ahrefs Wins with Superior UX and Functionality

I've been using Ahrefs for the last ten years and it has proven to have one of the largest, most current backlink databases plus all the functionality you need to deep dive into the backlink set of your choice and unearth new insights and opportunities. I have tried to do the same with SEMRush and while they've also built a nice tool, I never felt truly at home. So this is definitely bit of a biased review based on personal preferences rather than cold hard facts but in the end UX and functionality often matters more than technical specs and for me Ahrefs is the clear winner.

Marco Schlauri, SEO & LLMO Expert, Digital Leverage GmbH

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You're asking about two of the biggest players in the game, and the answer isn't so simple. While Semrush has made huge strides, Ahrefs has a long-standing reputation for having a massive, constantly updated backlink database. It's often the gold standard for pure backlink analysis because its interface makes it so easy to see what's happening with a site's link profile, new links, and lost links. For deep-dive link prospecting, Ahrefs remains a favorite among many SEO specialists.

Michael Lazar, CEO, Content Author

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Ahrefs offers superior backlink analysis capabilities.

Here's why: Ahrefs has a larger, fresher backlink index and a more user-friendly interface specifically designed for link audits, new/lost link tracking, and competitor comparisons. If backlink strategy is your priority, Ahrefs gives you deeper insights, faster updates, and better filtering.

SEMrush performs well as an all-in-one SEO tool. However, for backlink data specifically, Ahrefs remains the preferred choice.

Andrew Peluso, Founder, What Kind Of Bug Is This

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Ahrefs Helped Rank Site Through Competitor Analysis

When I was building Sell House Columbus Ohio, I was able to get it to rank on page 1 for its top 10 keywords within 3 months of setting it up. I used backlinker ai and Ahrefs! Ahrefs was showing me that the top competitors in my space had authoritative backlinks from sites like HARO and so I used Backlinker AI which was able to secure links of that caliber for me.

Bennett Heyn, CEO, Sell House Columbus Ohio

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For us we prefer to use Ahrefs! There are a couple tools that they offer that although they are available in SEMrush they are buried and hard to find. The best by links function is a really good tool to find broken pages that are not listed in an internal crawl. This function alone can be worth the price of the tool.

Kevin McLauchlin, Co-Founder, CadenceSEO

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From my experience, I would say SEMrush gives you an all-in-one package to do everything from keyword research to site audits. 

However, Ahrefs is better when you want backlink analysis. It has one of the largest and most accurate backlink databases, making it great for in-depth link analysis. So, it depends on your choice about what you want to do.

Gursharan Singh, Co-Founder, WebSpero Solutions

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Backlink analysis is one of those areas where I've spent countless late nights testing, comparing, and trying to figure out which tool gives the most accurate picture. As someone who's built Nerdigital around helping businesses grow online, I've used both Ahrefs and Semrush extensively—not just for my own company, but also while working with clients across industries from e-commerce to SaaS.

If I had to choose one specifically for backlink analysis, I lean toward Ahrefs. The reason goes back to when I was helping a client in the legal industry who was struggling with rankings despite producing excellent content. On Semrush, their backlink profile looked decent, but something didn't add up. When I ran the same analysis in Ahrefs, I discovered a network of low-quality links pointing to their site that Semrush hadn't picked up. Those toxic links were dragging them down. Identifying and disavowing them was what finally unlocked the growth they had been chasing for months. That moment really cemented my trust in Ahrefs' backlink database and its ability to uncover details others miss.

That said, I don't believe in treating these tools as an either/or. Semrush shines when I want a more holistic marketing view—competitive research, keyword gap analysis, content ideas. But when the question is purely about backlinks, I find Ahrefs to be more reliable, both in breadth and freshness of data.

The biggest lesson I've learned is that tools are only as valuable as the way you interpret and act on their insights. For smaller businesses, sometimes the choice comes down to which platform feels intuitive enough for them to actually use consistently. For me and my team, Ahrefs has been the go-to for backlink analysis because accuracy there translates directly into smarter SEO decisions and better results for clients.

Max Shak, Founder/CEO, nerDigital

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Ahrefs Offers Cleaner Data for Reputation Management

I've used both. Ahrefs gives you cleaner backlink data. When you're managing a site that depends on trust and reputation, that precision matters. I've seen their index catch spammy links faster, which saved us time when cleaning up a profile.

Semrush shines if you want the broader picture. It's great for stacking competitive insights with content ideas, PPC data, and keyword research all in one place. When my team needed to balance backlink monitoring with campaign planning, that all-in-one view helped.

If the focus is strictly backlink analysis, I lean to Ahrefs. When it's part of a bigger marketing workflow, Semrush has the edge. In practice, I've often run both for different reasons, but Ahrefs is the tool I open first when I want to know what's really pointing to us.

Alec Loeb, VP of Growth Marketing, EcoATM

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Ahrefs wins for backlink analysis. Let me explain why.

I've spent over a decade comparing both tools for clients in all kinds of industries. Ahrefs' backlink index feels like a Swiss watch; big, fast, and reliable. You pop in a domain, and the data rolls out instantly. Link velocity trends? Historical link graphs? Referring domains sorted by authority? All there, ready to guide decisions.

Semrush shines with competitive insights and keyword data. But for pure backlink depth, Ahrefs edges ahead. Its database updates frequently, so you're rarely staring at stale metrics. Plus, the interface keeps things simple. You don't need a PhD to read the reports.

That said, I still keep Semrush in my toolkit for broader SEO campaigns. But if backlinks are the main dish, Ahrefs is the chef I trust.

Mike Khorev, SEO Consultant, Mike Khorev

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Ahrefs Edges Out With Deeper, Fresher Data

This is one that always sparks debate in SEO circles. In my experience, Ahrefs is stronger for backlink analysis because its index is deeper and updates more frequently, which means you're seeing fresher data and often uncovering links SEMrush hasn't picked up yet. That matters when you're tracking competitor strategies or monitoring new link growth.

That said, SEMrush does a better job tying backlink data to overall site health and keyword visibility, which makes it useful if you're managing SEO holistically. But if I had to pick one tool purely for backlink analysis, Ahrefs edges out. It's faster, more reliable, and has become my go-to when link building is the focus.

Eugene Leow Zhao Wei, Director, Marketing Agency Singapore

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For backlink analysis, it's Ahrefs all day.

The link index is bigger, fresher, and way easier to work with. When you build links, you want the full picture: anchor text, dofollow vs nofollow, historical growth, Ahrefs gives you that, and more!

SEMrush is good for keyword research and audits, but when it comes to backlinks, Ahrefs is still the best we've ever had.

I hate their new credit system though...

Raphael Larouche, Founder & SEO Specialist, Zenith

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Both tools shine, but for backlink analysis, I reach for Ahrefs first. Why? Its link database feels like a goldmine that rarely runs dry. I've spotted obscure backlinks there long before competitors noticed them.

The anchor text insights? Crisp and easy to act on. Their historical link data helps me catch patterns others miss, like when a site suddenly starts shedding links. Semrush does offer a friendly interface and broader marketing features, but its backlink index sometimes trails behind.

A quick story: once, a client swore they had "no toxic links." Ahrefs dug up hundreds. Problem solved before it spiraled. For pure backlink sleuthing, Ahrefs keeps me one step ahead. Semrush stays in my toolkit for keywords and competitor campaigns, but backlinks? That's Ahrefs' home turf.

Nick Mikhalenkov, SEO Manager, Nine Peaks Media

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When it comes to backlink analysis, Ahrefs often edges out Semrush if you're looking for depth and precision. In a comparison, one expert pointed out that while both platforms are robust, Ahrefs is widely regarded as having more complete backlink data, its index captures both high and low authority links with better clarity, making it the go-to tool for link audits.

Here's why it matters: we use analytics not just to count links, but to understand who trusts you and how that trust travels. Ahrefs' detailed backlink reports, highlighting anchor text, authority, broken links, and newly gained or lost domains, allow you to pinpoint where influence actually lives online. 

 

That said, Semrush isn't to be dismissed. Its broader feature set like tracking link toxicity, local SEO tools, and seamless PPC integration, makes it invaluable when you're juggling link building with broader marketing goals. 

So, if your priority is precision in backlink intelligence, Ahrefs is your tool. But if your workflow spans SEO, PPC, content marketing, and local optimization, Semrush earns its place on the dashboard.

Taylor Humphries, CEO, Ranked

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Ahrefs Data Aligns Better With Analytics Results

We've always leaned towards Ahrefs for backlink analysis because, in our experience, the data is just more accurate. When we've compared it directly with Search Console and Analytics, Ahrefs has consistently given us a clearer and more reliable picture.

One of the biggest differences we've noticed is in traffic representation. Testing it across our own domains, the numbers in Ahrefs line up much closer to what we see in Search Console and Analytics, whereas Semrush can sometimes feel a little off. That accuracy makes a big difference when it comes to planning and reporting.

We've also found Ahrefs to be stronger on link indexing, picking up new links faster and giving a more complete view of a site's backlink profile. That said, it's not to take anything away from Semrush - it's still a solid tool. But after using Ahrefs for more than six years as an agency, it's the one we've come to trust most.

Phillip Young, CEO, Bird SEO Agency UK

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Ahrefs: Purpose-Built for Superior SEO Analysis

I would choose Ahrefs for backlink analysis. One of the main reasons is that Ahrefs was made from the ground up to be an SEO tool, so every feature, especially backlink tracking, is made with organic search in mind. It has a huge index that is updated often, and it gives you very detailed information about referring domains, anchor text, and how links grow over time.

SEMRush, on the other hand, began as a paid media and PPC tool, and SEO was added later. It's good at what it does, but its backlink tools seem tacked on and don't always have the depth and speed that Ahrefs does for pure SEO analysis. Ahrefs is usually the better choice for people who really want to understand their link profile, find new opportunities, or keep an eye on their competitors' backlinks.

Peter Wootton, eCommerce Manager, Olivia Croft

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I've used both Ahrefs and SEMrush extensively for backlink analysis, and I believe Ahrefs edges out as the superior choice for most SEO professionals focused specifically on link building. 

While SEMrush impresses with its massive estimated 43 trillion backlink database compared to Ahrefs' estimated 30 trillion, I've found that bigger doesn't always mean better.

What makes Ahrefs my go-to tool is its incredibly intuitive interface and laser focus on backlink metrics. When I'm analyzing competitor backlinks or auditing a client's link profile, I can navigate through Ahrefs' reports effortlessly and extract actionable insights within minutes as well as cut through a lot of noise.

The Domain Rating and URL Rating metrics in Ahrefs have become industry standards for a reason. These metrics help me quickly assess link quality and prioritize outreach opportunities more effectively than SEMrush's authority scores.

I particularly appreciate how Ahrefs presents its data with crystal clear visualizations and reports. 

When I'm presenting findings to clients or team members, the clean interface makes it easy to communicate complex link data without overwhelming non-technical stakeholders.

That said, I recommend SEMrush when clients need an all-in-one marketing suite. If you're managing PPC campaigns, content marketing, and SEO from a single platform, SEMrush provides better value despite being slightly weaker in pure backlink analysis.

For dedicated link building campaigns and competitive backlink research, I choose Ahrefs every time. Its accuracy in identifying high-quality link opportunities and tracking new and lost backlinks has consistently delivered better results for my link building efforts.

The bottom line is this: if backlink analysis is your primary focus, invest in Ahrefs. If you need a Swiss Army knife for digital marketing with good but not "cream of the crop" backlink capabilities, go with SEMrush.

Steve Dempsey, Owner, The SEO IT Guy

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Ahrefs for Fast Analysis, SEMrush for Versatility

When it comes to choosing between Ahrefs and Semrush for backlink analysis, I look into the specific needs of the project.

Ahrefs is mainly preferred by most people for its user-friendly interface and detailed backlink insights.   The "Best Links" feature and simplified navigation help in quickly picking out the top quality backlinks, anchor texts and broken links. This helps in making the entire link-building process more simplified and efficient.  

Semrush, on the other hand, comes with a large backlink index and comprehensive backlink reports. These reports include toxicity checks and competitor backlink gap analysis.   

In my experience, Ahrefs is great for fast and precise backlink reviews. On the other hand, Semrush excels in deeper analysis and cleanup. If backlink analysis is your main focus, I will go for Ahrefs for its simplicity and SEP-specific tools. However, for a complete marketing approach which includes PPC and content, Semrush would be a more versatile choice.

Fahad Khan, Digital Marketing Manager, Shop from India

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Both tools are excellent, but they shine in slightly different ways:

Ahrefs

Known for having one of the largest and freshest link indexes in the industry.

Excellent for spotting new backlinks quickly, monitoring lost links, and digging deep into anchor text distribution.

Their backlink profile interface is simple, clear, and often considered the gold standard for pure link analysis.

Semrush

Strong in competitive intelligence: you can see backlink overlaps, gaps, and opportunities against multiple competitors in one view.

Integrated with broader SEO features (keyword tracking, content optimization, site audits), making it ideal for agencies managing multiple campaigns.

The toxic link audit tool is useful if you're monitoring risks and disavows.

My take:

If backlinks are your primary focus (like for link-building campaigns or technical audits), Ahrefs is usually the sharper tool.

If you want a more well-rounded platform that combines backlink analysis with content, PPC, and technical SEO, Semrush gives more context.

Many pros actually use both together — Ahrefs for precision and freshness in link data, and Semrush for strategy and integration.

If you like my answer, don't forget to give credit to https://seo-squirrel.com

Joshua Murphy, CEO, CRM Squirrel

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Having tested Ahrefs and SEMrush extensively for full-stack SEO audit and analysis at SEOKart, Ahrefs has been our most trusted and reliable tool.

According to a report on Verified Bots by Cloudflare Radar, AhrefsBot is recognized as the 10th most active bot globally, also positioned ahead of SEMrushBotBacklinks. This allows us to have access to the most extensive and updated database on backlinks, which includes more than 35 trillion backlinks currently. This gives an unmatched level of depth for competitor analysis and link building.

While backlinks analysis forms a part of the integrated suite of tools offered by SEMrush, link intelligence forms the core, unique feature of Ahrefs. This uniqueness and effectiveness can be attributed to its metrics, including:

*  Domain Rating (DR) - Strength of a target website's backlink profile on a logarithmic scale of 0-100.

*  Ahrefs Rating (AR)- A global-level website ranking designated to a target website based on the strength and quality of its backlinks.

*  Referring Domains and Backlink Distribution- Detailed reporting of backlink profile, including the dofollow and nofollow links and lost and new found links, and anchor texts. 

As per a survey-based report on Link Building Techniques and Tools by Aira, Ahrefs is the most popular tool utilised by 85% surveyed SEO experts, while SEMrush is used only by 56%. Moreover, 64% of the SEO experts also trusted Ahrefs for link indexes, compared to SEMrush, with only 10% respondents using it. 

Although SEMrush is a comprehensive tool for full-stack SEO, it offers valuable data on site audit, keyword metrics, and PPC insights. However, the granularity of the link insight as offered by SEMrush is comparatively limited in comparison to Ahrefs because of a small index.  

Hence, if you are looking for in-depth backlink analysis, Ahrefs is a true goldmine.

Rupali Dubey, SEO Manager, SEOKart

Conclusion

The experts made it clear that both Ahrefs and SEMrush have strengths, but the choice depends on your priorities. Ahrefs is often preferred for its depth, freshness of data, and ease of use, making it the go-to tool for link-focused campaigns. SEMrush, on the other hand, shines as an all-in-one platform that integrates backlink data with broader SEO and marketing features. In practice, many professionals use both, combining the detailed backlink intelligence of Ahrefs with the wide strategic view of SEMrush. If your main goal is backlink analysis, Ahrefs has the edge. If you want a complete digital marketing toolkit, SEMrush offers more versatility.

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