Ahrefs vs Moz
Choosing between Ahrefs and Moz? Here's how they compare on pricing, features, and best-fit use cases.
Choosing between Ahrefs and Moz? Ahrefs is best for SEO specialists (a free tier, then $129/mo), while Moz suits SMB marketers (a free tier, then $99/mo). Both serve the same job — pick on use-case fit and budget.
Ahrefs
4.8 /5All-in-one SEO toolset renowned for backlink and keyword data, now tracking brand visibility in AI search with Brand Radar.
| Ahrefs | Moz | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI SEO / AEO / GEO | AI SEO / AEO / GEO |
| Best for | SEO specialists, Link builders | SMB marketers, In-house SEO teams |
| Top use case | Analyze competitors' backlinks and organic keywords with a large link index | Research keywords and assess difficulty with a large keyword index |
| Starting price | Free tier · $129/mo | Free tier · $99/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Rating | 4.8 | 4.4 |
Which should you choose?
Choose Ahrefs if…
- SEO specialists
- Link builders
- Agencies
Edge: Best-known for the scale and quality of its backlink and keyword databases
Choose Moz if…
- SMB marketers
- In-house SEO teams
- Agencies
Edge: Long-trusted authority metrics (Domain Authority, Page Authority, Brand Authority)
Pros & cons, side by side
Ahrefs
Pros
- Industry-leading backlink and keyword datasets
- Free tier and a low-cost Starter plan lower the barrier to entry
- Strong AEO/AI-visibility additions (Brand Radar, Custom Prompts) on a proven SEO base
Cons
- Paid plans price by usage credits that can constrain heavy research
- No daily-updated rank tracking on the lowest tiers without add-ons
Moz
Pros
- Trusted, well-understood authority metrics and 20+ years of data
- Approachable for beginners with strong free tools and education
- AI Visibility Dashboards bring GEO tracking into a familiar SEO suite
Cons
- AI/GEO features start at the Medium tier, not the cheapest plans
- Index breadth and some data depth trail the largest competitors
What to compare them on
Beyond pricing, these are the dimensions where Ahrefs and Moz differ most — weigh each against your own workflow:
- Best-known for the scale and quality of its backlink and keyword databases
- Offers a genuinely free tier (Ahrefs Free / Webmaster Tools) for verified site owners
- AI visibility (Brand Radar, Custom Prompts) is layered onto a classic SEO toolset
- Long-trusted authority metrics (Domain Authority, Page Authority, Brand Authority)
- Beginner-friendly with a strong free tool set and learning resources
- AI Search/GEO tracking is included from the mid tier rather than the entry plan
Bottom line
Ahrefs scores higher in our rating (4.8/5 vs 4.4/5); Moz has the lower entry price ($99/mo vs $129/mo). Ahrefs is built for SEO specialists and link builders; Moz suits SMB marketers and in-house SEO teams. Both are AI SEO tools, so it comes down to which job is your priority and your budget. Verify pricing on each vendor's site (info as of June 2026).
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Ahrefs and Moz?
Both are AI SEO tools. Ahrefs is geared toward SEO specialists, while Moz suits SMB marketers — the choice comes down to which job is your priority.
Is Ahrefs or Moz cheaper?
Moz is the cheaper entry point ($99/mo vs $129/mo), and Moz has a free tier to trial first.
Should I choose Ahrefs or Moz?
Choose Ahrefs if your priority is SEO specialists; choose Moz if SMB marketers matters more. Both are solid — the decision comes down to your specific use case, not a single score.
Related comparisons
Browse more tools
How visible is your brand in AI search?
Get a free MaxAEO diagnosis of your brand's mention rate, ranking, and sentiment across ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Claude and more.
Get your free AI visibility report