Ahrefs vs. Surfer SEO: Which One To Choose? (Compared)

Ranking a website isn’t that easy.

You need the right tools to make your content stand out from the competitors.

SEO tools save you time and effort by helping you understand what works for your website and what doesn’t.

Ahrefs and Surfer SEO are two popular tools, but they are built for different needs. If you’re trying to understand the main differences between them and pick the right one for your needs, this guide is for you. By the end, you’ll know exactly which tool fits your strategy and goals.

Let’s dive in!

What Is Ahrefs?

Ahrefs is designed to help you understand how websites rank and why. It gives you access to data that helps you find keywords, track backlinks, and analyze your competition. This makes it useful for both beginners and experienced marketers.

Key Features of Ahrefs:

• Keyword Research – Ahrefs has a massive database of keywords, organized by search volume, difficulty, and potential traffic. You can use it to identify opportunities based on what people are already searching for. For example, a marketing consultant could use Ahrefs to find high-value keywords like “content marketing strategies” and create tailored blog posts.

• Backlink Analysis – Backlinks are essential for SEO. Ahrefs gives you detailed reports on your site’s backlinks and shows how your competitors build theirs. You can identify valuable sites linking to similar content and pitch them your content instead.

• Site Audit Tool – This feature scans your site for SEO issues. It flags broken links, missing meta descriptions, and slow page speeds, helping you fix problems that impact rankings.

• Content Explorer – This tool identifies the most popular content for a topic based on backlinks, shares, and traffic. If you’re in a competitive niche, it helps you see what kind of content people want.

Benefits:

Ahrefs simplifies tasks like tracking competitor performance or finding backlink opportunities. For example, if you run an ecommerce business, you can track your competitors’ keywords and backlinks to uncover strategies you may not have considered.

It also helps you create data-driven content strategies. You can find what’s already working in your niche and use that insight to create content that fills gaps or outperforms competitors.

Limitations:

Ahrefs focuses on technical SEO and link building but lacks detailed tools for content optimization. If you need help structuring or writing content, you’ll need a second tool to complement it. Additionally, it can feel overwhelming for beginners due to the sheer volume of data and features.

What Is Surfer SEO?

Surfer SEO is built to optimize your content. Instead of focusing on backlinks and keyword tracking, it analyzes search engine results pages (SERPs) to guide how you write and structure your content. Its tools help you align with what search engines expect from top-ranking pages.

Key Features of Surfer SEO:

• Content Editor – This tool scores your content based on structure, keyword use, and other ranking factors. It offers real-time suggestions for headings, paragraphs, and related terms, ensuring your content matches Google’s expectations.

• SERP Analyzer – Surfer analyzes the top-ranking pages for a given keyword and provides insights like ideal word count, keyword density, and the types of headings used. For example, if you’re targeting “local SEO tips for small businesses,” Surfer might suggest using terms like “Google My Business” or “local citations” in specific sections.

• Audit Tool – Surfer audits your existing pages and highlights areas for improvement. It might recommend adding internal links, increasing word count, or using specific keywords more effectively.

Benefits:

Surfer SEO is perfect for improving content performance. If you’re running a blog or a business that depends heavily on inbound traffic, it helps you ensure your pages are optimized to compete with the best-performing ones.

For instance, a digital marketing agency could use the content editor to optimize client blog posts and achieve faster ranking improvements.

Limitations:

Surfer SEO doesn’t offer in-depth backlink or competitor tracking tools. It’s best used for content-focused SEO strategies, which makes it more suitable for marketers, writers, and businesses prioritizing content over technical SEO

Ahrefs vs. Surfer SEO – A Side-By-Side Comparison

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Ahrefs and Surfer SEO to help you evaluate their features, strengths, and pricing.

Keyword Research – How They Compare

Ahrefs is the clear winner for keyword research. It offers one of the largest keyword databases in the industry, along with feature-packed tools to analyze search volume, keyword difficulty, and traffic potential.

For example, a small marketing agency can use Ahrefs to discover high-performing long-tail keywords and target specific audience segments.

Surfer SEO’s keyword research is basic, focusing on topical relevance and NLP clusters rather than in-depth keyword metrics. This makes it better for content ideation than comprehensive keyword strategy.

Winner – Ahrefs, due to its depth and versatility in keyword analysis.

Content Optimization – Surfer SEO's Advantage

Surfer SEO stands out for its content optimization tools. Its Content Editor provides real-time scoring based on the structure, word count, and keyword usage of top-ranking competitors.

For instance, if you’re creating a blog post on “Digital Marketing Tips,” Surfer SEO will recommend ideal word counts, and all the essential terms to include to make the content SEO-Optimized.

Ahrefs lacks comparable tools for content structuring, making Surfer SEO the go-to for crafting content designed to rank.

Winner – Surfer SEO, thanks to its focused, actionable optimization features.

Backlink Analysis – Ahrefs' Stronghold

Backlink analysis is Ahrefs' greatest strength. It provides detailed reports on your backlinks and competitor link profiles.

With features like domain rating (DR), broken link analysis, and anchor text insights, you can build effective link-building campaigns. For example, if a business sees competitors gaining links from high-DR blogs, they can replicate that strategy using Ahrefs’ data.

Surfer SEO doesn’t offer backlink analysis, leaving Ahrefs as the only choice for this functionality.

Winner – Ahrefs, for its comprehensive and actionable backlink tools.

Ease of Use – Compare Interfaces And Usability

Surfer SEO is easier to navigate for beginners. Its interface is intuitive, and it provides clear, step-by-step recommendations for tasks like content editing and SERP analysis. This makes it ideal for marketers focusing on content creation.

Ahrefs, while powerful, has a steep learning curve. Its dashboard is data-rich, which can be overwhelming for new users.

Winner – Surfer SEO, for its beginner-friendly design.

Integration & Add-ons – Compatibility With Other Tools

Ahrefs integrates with advanced platforms like Looker Studio and APIs, making it a good choice for agencies requiring custom reporting. However, it doesn’t offer direct integrations for content creation workflows.

Surfer SEO supports Google Docs, WordPress, and Jasper AI, enabling seamless content optimization without switching platforms. This makes it a better fit for those focusing on writing and publishing workflows.

Winner – Surfer SEO, for its direct integration with popular content tools.

Pricing

Here’s a quick overview of pricing for both tools:

Ahrefs is more expensive, with a focus on agencies and enterprises needing advanced tools. Surfer SEO offers lower starting prices, making it more accessible for small businesses and content teams.

Winner – Surfer SEO, for its affordable plans and money-back guarantee.

Ahrefs vs. Surfer SEO – Overall Comparison

• Keyword Research & Backlink Analysis – Ahrefs is unmatched for technical SEO and competitive analysis.

• Content Optimization & Ease of Use – Surfer SEO leads with tools designed for content creators and marketers.

• Pricing – Surfer SEO provides better value for smaller teams and businesses.

Overall, choose Ahrefs if your priority is advanced data and technical SEO. Go with Surfer SEO if content is your focus.

When To Choose Ahrefs?

Ahrefs is a great choice if your SEO strategy depends heavily on backlink building, competitor analysis, or technical insights. Its robust tools allow you to analyze your competition, discover high-quality link opportunities, and build a keyword strategy based on detailed metrics.

Best Uses Of Ahrefs:

• Agencies Managing Multiple Clients – Ahrefs’ ability to handle large volumes of data makes it ideal for SEO agencies. Features like domain comparison, batch analysis, and advanced reporting ensure you can deliver actionable insights across clients.

• For Backlink-Based Strategies – If building or monitoring backlinks is a priority, Ahrefs is essential. For instance, an agency focused on link-building campaigns can use its backlink tracker to monitor links, identify link gaps, and track progress over time.

• Competitor Analysis – Businesses looking to outperform competitors will find Ahrefs invaluable. A SaaS company, for example, can analyze competitors’ content, track the keywords they rank for, and optimize their own strategy.

• Content Research – While not a content optimization tool, Ahrefs’ Content Explorer helps you identify trending topics and high-performing content in your niche, which is perfect for creating targeted campaigns.

Who Benefits the Most:

• Agencies – The ability to manage multiple projects and access advanced data makes it a must-have.

• E-commerce Businesses – Backlink tracking and keyword insights are crucial for online stores.

• Marketers Running Large-Scale Campaigns – Advanced tools make it easy to dive deep into data for precise decision-making.

Why Choose Ahrefs? If you need advanced SEO tools for backlinks and technical insights or if you manage multiple sites, Ahrefs is the right choice.

When To Choose Surfer SEO?

Surfer SEO is ideal for businesses or individuals focused on content-driven strategies. Its tools are specifically designed to optimize the quality and structure of your content so it aligns with what ranks well on search engines.

Best Uses Of Surfer SEO:

• Bloggers and Content Marketers – If your success depends on producing high-ranking articles, Surfer’s Content Editor provides a step-by-step guide to optimize your content for search engines. For example, a marketing blog can use Surfer to create posts that target terms like “how to grow email subscribers” with precise keyword placement.

• Teams Scaling Content Production – Businesses producing a large volume of content benefit from Surfer’s ability to optimize multiple articles quickly. It ensures consistency in SEO practices across all published pieces.

• Improving Existing Content – Surfer’s Audit Tool highlights actionable steps to update underperforming pages. If a page targeting “best project management tools” isn’t ranking, Surfer will identify areas to add keywords, adjust formatting, or improve readability.

• Local SEO – For small businesses or marketers targeting local audiences, Surfer provides insights on structuring content to meet local search intent.

Who Benefits the Most:

• Bloggers and Writers – The focus on content structure, keyword density, and competitive analysis makes it a perfect fit.

• Small Businesses – Affordable pricing combined with practical features helps maximize ROI.

• Content Teams – Marketers producing blogs, guides, or articles regularly will save time and effort with Surfer’s optimization tools.

Why Choose Surfer SEO? If your priority is creating or optimizing content for higher rankings, Surfer SEO is the better option. It’s affordable, actionable, and tailored for content-focused strategies.

Limitations Of Both Tools

Now, while Ahrefs and Surfer SEO are powerful in their own right, they both have areas where they fall short. Understanding these limitations can help you decide when and how to complement them with additional tools.

Ahrefs Limitations:

• No Content Optimization Tools – Ahrefs excels in technical SEO and backlink tracking but offers minimal support for creating or optimizing content. It lacks the ability to guide you through structuring blog posts or aligning with Google’s content expectations.

• Learning Curve for Beginners – With its data-heavy interface, Ahrefs can feel overwhelming for beginners. You may need to spend significant time learning its features to use them effectively.

• High Cost for Small Teams – Ahrefs’ pricing starts at $129/month, which can be steep for smaller teams or solo marketers, especially when combined with other tools.

Surfer SEO Limitations

• Limited Backlink and Technical Insights – Surfer SEO focuses entirely on content and offers no tools for backlink tracking, domain analysis, or competitor monitoring. If backlinks or advanced technical SEO is part of your strategy, you’ll need another tool.

• Keyword Research Is Basic – While Surfer provides topical keyword suggestions, it doesn’t dive deep into metrics like search volume, keyword difficulty, or traffic potential. This limits its usefulness for creating a comprehensive keyword strategy.

• Dependency on Other Platforms – Although Surfer integrates with tools like Google Docs and WordPress, it doesn’t offer features for generating content beyond optimization, leaving you dependent on other tools to create and manage your blogs.

How Does SEOWriting Help With SEO?

SEOWriting fills many of the gaps left by Ahrefs and Surfer SEO. It’s an AI-powered platform designed to create SEO-optimized blog posts in just one click, making it an essential tool for marketers, bloggers, and businesses looking for a complete content solution.

What Makes SEOWriting Stand Out?

One-Click SEO Content Creation – SEOWriting generates entire SEO-optimized blog posts, from introduction to conclusion. This eliminates the need to manually create outlines, optimize keywords, or format content. Whether you’re targeting "Local SEO tips" or "Content Marketing Trends," SEOWriting ensures your posts are ready to rank.

Bulk SEO Content Production – Unlike Ahrefs or Surfer SEO, SEOWriting allows you to create multiple blog posts at once, saving time for agencies or teams managing large-scale content projects.

AI Image Generator and Auto-Posting – SEOWriting includes an AI-powered image generator to create visually appealing blog images. It also integrates directly with WordPress, enabling you to auto-post blogs without switching platforms.

Internal and External Link Automation – While Ahrefs provides backlink tracking and Surfer suggests internal links, SEOWriting automatically adds internal and external links to your posts based on SEO best practices. This ensures your content is optimized for link-building strategies without extra effort.

Readability and Brand Voice Enhancer – SEOWriting enhances readability with tools that simplify complex sentences and align your content with your brand voice. Whether you’re writing for beginners or professionals, your tone stays consistent.

NLP Keyword Integration – Surfer provides NLP-driven suggestions, but SEOWriting takes it further by seamlessly integrating NLP keywords into your content. This boosts your blog’s relevance to search engines and improves your chances of ranking.

Why Choose SEOWriting?

• Time-Saving Automation – You can generate, format, and publish content faster without juggling multiple tools.

• Complete SEO Workflow – From keyword integration to link-building, SEOWriting makes the entire process easy.

• Cost-Effective – With features like bulk content creation and auto-posting, you get more value compared to purchasing multiple tools.

Combine SEOWriting with your preferred SEO tool for a seamless, efficient workflow. Whether you use Ahrefs for research or Surfer SEO for optimization, SEOWriting ensures your content is complete, engaging, and ready to perform.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Ahrefs And Surfer SEO Together?

Yes, you can use both tools together to get the best of both worlds. Ahrefs is ideal for technical SEO tasks like keyword research, backlink analysis, and competitor tracking. Surfer SEO complements this by focusing on content optimization, helping you structure and refine your blog posts. For example, you could use Ahrefs to identify the best keywords and then use Surfer SEO to create or optimize content for those keywords.

2. Which Tool Is Better For SEO?

The better tool depends on your goals. If you need to focus on backlinks, technical SEO, and in-depth keyword analysis, Ahrefs is the better choice. On the other hand, if your strategy revolves around improving content quality and structure, Surfer SEO is more suitable. Both tools work well for different aspects of SEO, so the right choice depends on your specific needs.

3. Are There Any Free Alternatives To Ahrefs Or Surfer SEO?

There are some free or low-cost alternatives, but they come with limitations. For example, tools like Ubersuggest and Moz Keyword Explorer offer free keyword research features. However, they lack the advanced features provided by Ahrefs and Surfer SEO. Free tools might work for beginners or those on a tight budget, but they may not provide enough insights needed for competitive SEO strategies.

Final Thoughts

Ahrefs and Surfer SEO are both powerful tools, but they serve different purposes. Ahrefs excels in technical SEO, backlink tracking, and competitor analysis, making it ideal for agencies and businesses focused on long-term SEO strategies.

Surfer SEO is perfect for content creation and optimization, helping bloggers, content marketers, and small businesses create high-performing pages.

The best choice depends on your specific goals. If you’re heavily focused on technical SEO, Ahrefs will meet your needs. If content optimization is your priority, Surfer SEO is the way to go. For many, combining the two can deliver the best results.

For a faster, more efficient content creation process, try SEOWriting. It generates SEO-optimized blogs, automates internal and external linking, and enhances readability—all in one tool. Whether you choose Ahrefs, Surfer SEO, or both, SEOWriting can save you time and make your content stand out. Get started with SEOWriting for FREE!

Prit Centrago Prit is an SEO Content Specialist and Copywriter. His work has helped SaaS brands across multiple industries reach more customers worldwide. When not involved in writing or planning content strategies, you'll find him reading books with a cup of coffee.