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ahrefs vs Moz
ahrefs and Moz are both SEO, AEO & SERP Intelligence tools. Here is how they compare on pricing, free plans, AI integrations and platforms, and when each is the better fit.
Side by side
| Feature | ahrefs | Moz |
|---|---|---|
| Category | SEO, AEO & SERP Intelligence | SEO, AEO & SERP Intelligence |
| Pricing | Free or from $29/mo | $99–$599/mo |
| Free option | Yes | Not listed |
| AI integrations | MCP server, Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, Microsoft Copilot | — |
| Best for | — | Digital marketers, Agencies, Enterprise SEO teams |
| Links | ahrefs listingVisit website (opens in a new tab) | Moz listingVisit website (opens in a new tab) |
Which to choose
Choose ahrefs if
- want a free option for verified website owners or a lower starting price of $29 per month
- need direct integrations with AI assistants like Claude, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Cursor via MCP
- want to analyse competitor paid advertising campaigns alongside organic search and backlink data
- rely on a continuous web-scale crawler with a multi-year historical data index
Choose Moz if
- need multi-location local directory syncing and review management from a central dashboard
- rely on proprietary metrics such as Domain Authority, Brand Authority, and Spam Score
- require high-volume daily rank tracking across more than 170 search engines via STAT
- want free web browser extensions for on-page SEO analysis
Verdict
Both Ahrefs and Moz combine core SEO workflows, such as site audits, rank tracking, and link analysis, with tools that monitor brand presence in generative AI search engines. Ahrefs suits SEO specialists, content marketers, and technical teams that want deep historical backlink data, competitor paid search insights, and direct connections to AI assistants via its Model Context Protocol server. It also offers a lower entry point at $29 per month and free access for verified site owners, though extra user seats and add-ons increase the cost.
Moz suits small businesses, agencies, and enterprise teams that value proprietary metrics like Domain Authority or need dedicated local reputation management through Moz Local. Its standard plans range from $99 to $599 per month, while high-volume daily SERP tracking requires a separate setup with its STAT product.
FAQ
- How does pricing compare between Ahrefs and Moz?
Ahrefs offers flat pricing starting from $29 per month, though additional user seats and specialised add-on modules cost extra. Moz lists flat pricing ranging from $99 to $599 per month, with usage limits on keywords, crawls, and tracked links varying by tier.
- Do Ahrefs and Moz offer free plans?
Ahrefs provides free tools and limited free access for verified website owners. Moz does not list a free plan for its core software, though it offers free web browser extensions for on-page analysis.
- How do both tools handle AI search and chatbot visibility?
Both platforms track brand mentions, citations, and sentiment in generative AI models. Ahrefs uses Brand Radar and also offers an MCP server to feed live SEO data into Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, and Cursor. Moz uses Moz AI Explorer to monitor brand presence across tools like ChatGPT and Gemini.
- Which platform is better for local SEO and multi-location businesses?
Moz includes a dedicated product, Moz Local, which syncs business details to directory platforms and manages customer reviews from a central dashboard. Ahrefs includes monitoring features for local search listings, but does not list directory syncing or review management.