Ahrefs vs Moz: Which SEO Tool is Better?
In-depth comparison of features, pricing, backlink analysis, and overall value
Both Ahrefs and Moz are powerful SEO tools trusted by thousands of marketers. But which one is right for your business? We've tested both extensively to help you make an informed decision.
Ahrefs
Best for: Comprehensive backlink analysis and competitive research
Starting at: $129/month
Read Full Review →Moz
Best for: Beginner-friendly SEO with excellent education
Starting at: $49/month
Read Full Review →Feature Comparison
| Feature | Ahrefs | Moz | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backlink Database | 36 trillion links, 11.6B pages | 43.8 trillion links | Moz (quantity) / Ahrefs (quality) |
| Index Update Frequency | Every 15 minutes | Every 3-4 weeks | ✅ Ahrefs |
| Keyword Database | 24.3B keywords | 1.25B keywords | ✅ Ahrefs |
| Rank Tracking | 10,000 keywords (Lite plan) | 300 keywords (Standard plan) | ✅ Ahrefs |
| Site Audit | 10,000 pages/crawl (Lite) | 30,000 pages/crawl (Standard) | ✅ Moz |
| Content Explorer | Included | Not available | ✅ Ahrefs |
| Local SEO Tools | Limited | Moz Local integration | ✅ Moz |
| Educational Resources | Good blog & YouTube | Excellent (MozAcademy) | ✅ Moz |
| API Access | Yes (all plans) | Yes (Medium plan+) | ✅ Ahrefs |
| Learning Curve | Moderate | Easy to moderate | ✅ Moz |
Pricing Comparison
Ahrefs Pricing
- Lite: $129/mo - 5 projects, 500 keywords
- Standard: $249/mo - 20 projects, 1,500 keywords
- Advanced: $449/mo - 50 projects, 5,000 keywords
- Enterprise: $1499/mo - 100 projects, 10,000 keywords
💡 20% discount with annual billing
Moz Pricing
- Starter: $49/mo - 5 campaigns, 300 keywords
- Standard: $99/mo - 10 campaigns, 1,500 keywords
- Medium: $179/mo - 25 campaigns, 3,000 keywords
- Large: $299/mo - 50 campaigns, 6,000 keywords
💡 Free 7-day trial available
Ahrefs Strengths
- Industry-leading backlink database freshness
- Massive keyword database with accurate data
- Powerful Content Explorer for content research
- Superior rank tracking capabilities
- Excellent competitive analysis tools
- Intuitive user interface
Ahrefs Weaknesses
- Higher cost for equivalent features
- Limited local SEO capabilities
- No free trial (only $7/7-day trial)
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
Moz Strengths
- More beginner-friendly interface
- Excellent educational resources (MozAcademy)
- Strong local SEO tools (Moz Local)
- Page Optimization recommendations
- Better value for smaller budgets
- Free 30-day trial
Moz Weaknesses
- Slower index updates (3-4 weeks)
- Smaller keyword database
- Limited rank tracking on lower tiers
- Less comprehensive competitive analysis
Use Case Recommendations
Choose Ahrefs If...
- You need the most up-to-date backlink data
- Competitor research is a priority
- You manage multiple large websites
- Content marketing is core to your strategy
- You're comfortable with powerful, feature-rich tools
- Budget isn't a primary constraint
Choose Moz If...
- You're new to SEO and need guidance
- Local SEO is important for your business
- You want comprehensive training resources
- You need a free trial to test before buying
- You prefer a simpler, more intuitive interface
- Budget is a consideration
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more accurate backlink data?
Ahrefs generally provides more accurate and fresh backlink data due to its more frequent index updates (every 15 minutes vs Moz's 3-4 weeks). However, Moz has a larger total index.
Is Moz better for beginners?
Yes, Moz is generally considered more beginner-friendly with its cleaner interface and superior educational resources through MozAcademy.
Can I use both tools together?
Absolutely! Many SEO professionals use Ahrefs for backlink analysis and competitive research while using Moz for local SEO and learning resources.
Which offers better value for money?
For comprehensive SEO analysis, Ahrefs offers better value despite similar pricing. For local SEO and beginners, Moz provides better value with its free trial and educational resources.
Our Verdict
Winner: Ahrefs (for most users)
While both are excellent tools, Ahrefs edges ahead for most SEO professionals due to its superior data freshness, larger keyword database, and powerful competitive analysis features. The more frequent index updates alone make it worth the investment for serious SEO work.
However, Moz remains an excellent choice for beginners, local businesses, and those who value education and ease of use over raw data power.