Moz Pro vs Ahrefs: Which is better in 2026?
A side-by-side comparison of pricing, features, and use cases to help you decide between Moz Pro and Ahrefs.
SEO software for keyword research and link building
SEO toolset for backlink analysis and keyword research
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | Moz Pro | Ahrefs |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $99/mo ✓ Cheaper | $129/mo |
| Free plan | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Pricing model | paid | paid |
| G2 rating | 4.4/5 | 4.6/5 ↑ |
| Capterra rating | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Founded | 2004 | 2011 |
Moz Pro: pros & cons
- ✓Invented Domain Authority metric
- ✓Clean, beginner-friendly UI
- ✓Good keyword research tools
- ✓Free MozBar extension
- ✗Less data than Ahrefs or Semrush
- ✗Expensive for what you get
- ✗Link database smaller than competitors
Ahrefs: pros & cons
- ✓Best backlink database
- ✓Accurate keyword difficulty scores
- ✓Excellent content gap analysis
- ✓Regular data updates
- ✗Expensive — no trial
- ✗Steep learning curve
- ✗Some features need higher plans
Choose Moz Pro if...
- →Your team or clients rely on Domain Authority as a benchmark metric for tracking link-building progress over time
- →You want a beginner-friendly SEO platform where the learning curve is lower than Ahrefs or Semrush
- →You do on-page SEO and want page-level grading with specific recommendations from the On-Page Grader
Choose Ahrefs if...
- →You're doing serious link building and need the most accurate backlink database available
- →Your team runs content gap analysis to find what competitor pages rank for that yours don't
- →You manage SEO for multiple client sites and need project-level rank tracking and audits
Our verdict
Moz Pro and Ahrefs are closely matched on user ratings. Moz Pro is the more affordable option. The right pick depends on your team size and workflow.
Moz Pro vs Ahrefs: frequently asked questions
Is Moz Pro better than Ahrefs?
Ahrefs has a higher G2 score (4.6/5 vs 4.4/5). The best tool depends on your specific use case and budget.
Which is cheaper, Moz Pro or Ahrefs?
Moz Pro is cheaper, starting at $99/mo.
What is the main difference between Moz Pro and Ahrefs?
Moz Pro focuses on keyword explorer, rank tracker, site audit. Ahrefs focuses on backlink analysis, keyword explorer, site audit. Both serve similar use cases but differ in approach and pricing model.
Can I migrate from Moz Pro to Ahrefs?
Most teams migrate between Moz Pro and Ahrefs within a day or two. Export your data from Moz Pro (typically as CSV or via API), then use Ahrefs's import wizard to bring it across. Check each tool's help centre for a step-by-step migration guide before switching.