Ahrefs

Ahrefs is one of the best known SEO tools out there. It shows you who links to a website, which keywords bring in traffic, and how your site compares to your competitors. These days it also tracks how brands show up in AI answers, not just in Google.

What you can do with Ahrefs

• Check any site's backlinks and top pages with Site Explorer
• Find keyword ideas with search volume and difficulty in Keywords Explorer
• Run a site audit to find broken links, slow pages, and other SEO problems
• Track your rankings over time and see where competitors beat you
• See how often your brand gets mentioned in AI search tools

Who it's for

Ahrefs is great for SEO folks, content marketers, and agencies who need solid data every day. If you only check your site now and then, the free Ahrefs Webmaster Tools might be enough for you.

Pricing

Ahrefs is a paid tool with monthly plans that go up based on how many users and projects you need. There's a limited free version for site owners, so you can check your own site before paying.

Alternatives to Ahrefs

Semrush is the closest match. Ubersuggest is a cheaper option, and Google Search Console is free for your own site.