🏆 The Verdict: 9.5/10
Ahrefs is the data geek’s dream tool.
If your sole focus is link building and technical SEO, Ahrefs is unbeatable. Its UI is cleaner than Semrush. However, the new pricing model limits how much you can use it, making it less friendly for freelancers.
For a long time, the SEO industry was simple: You used Ahrefs. It was the gold standard. But in 2024 and 2025, things changed.
Ahrefs introduced a new “Credits” system that charges you for almost every click. Is the tool still good enough to justify the cost? We spent $199 to find out.
Pros & Cons
✅ The Good
- Cleanest UI: Data is visualized beautifully.
- Content Explorer: Finds viral content topics instantly.
- Backlink Filter: Filtering spam links is easier than Semrush.
❌ The Bad
- Credit Limits: You can run out of data before the month ends.
- No Social Tools: It’s strictly for SEO only.
- No Free Trial: You have to pay to try it.
1. Site Explorer (The Core Feature)
This is why people pay for Ahrefs. You put in a URL (like netflix.com), and it tells you everything.
What makes it special?
Ahrefs has the ability to show you “Broken Backlinks.” You can see links pointing to 404 pages on your competitor’s site, reach out to the site owner, and ask them to link to you instead. This strategy alone can pay for the subscription.
2. Content Explorer
Imagine a search engine made for marketers. That’s Content Explorer.
You can search for “Bitcoin” and filter results by:
- Referring Domains: How many sites link to this article?
- Traffic Value: How much is this traffic worth?
- Authors: Who wrote it? (Great for finding influencers)
💰 Is Ahrefs Worth $99/mo?
It depends on your job description.
Lite ($99/mo)
Very limited. You only get 500 “Credits.” Good for casual bloggers.
Standard ($199/mo)
The real starting plan. Includes Site Audit and Position Tracking.
Editor’s Note: If you are on a budget, Semrush offers more generous limits for a similar price.
Final Verdict
Ahrefs is a masterpiece of design and data. It is the best tool for pure link building, period.
However, for most small businesses and solo marketers, it might be overkill (and overpriced). If you want a tool that does SEO + Social Media + PPC, you might get more ROI elsewhere.