Ahrefs vs SEOcrawl

Ahrefs and SEOcrawl are fundamentally different tools for SEO professionals. Ahrefs is a complete suite powered by the world’s largest proprietary data index. SEOcrawl intensely focuses on maximizing Google Search Console utility and reporting. This comparison is between the Big Data giant and the GSC reporting specialist.

Ahrefs
Ahrefs

Premier SEO Data, Steep Pricing Hurdles.

Ciroapp review
3.7
#8 in SEO

Ahrefs provides robust, industry-leading data, essential for comprehensive competitive and keyword research across global markets. We found that the steep pay-per-use model and reported poor user experience might unfairly restrict access for smaller teams. Overall, Ahrefs remains a highly powerful but expensive data investment.

Pros

  • Access to reliable and massive SEO data structure (trusted by Fortune 500).
  • Excellent toolset for competitive analysis and deep keyword research.
  • High limits on historical data (up to 5 years) in advanced tiers.
  • Specific support staff are commended for their prompt assistance.

Cons

  • High cost coupled with restrictive, usage-based credit pricing model.
  • Significant user frustration over changes to grandfathered plans and feature removal.
  • Reported outdated and confusing user experience (UX/UI).
  • Value proposition decreasing severely for small websites and low-volume users.
Pricing
$129/mo
Free trial
Money-backYes
Best for
Enterprise organizations needing 5 years of long-term historical data, Marketing agencies focused on comprehensive competitive and PPC intelligence, Users who require AI-powered content creation and optimization workflows
SEOcrawl
SEOcrawl

Strong GSC reporting; high risk involved.

Ciroapp review
2.5
#11 in SEO

We found SEOcrawl excels at transforming unwieldy Search Console data into effective business intelligence, notably by eliminating the frustrating 1000-row limit and providing superb visualization. Overall, while the core technology is strong, we must caution potential buyers regarding persistent, documented concerns about customer support reliability and subscription integrity.

Pros

  • Eliminates the standard Google 1000-row data export limit.
  • Provides excellent visualization and a simple UX/UI for deep GSC data.
  • Automation features save time on keyword reporting and rank tracking.
  • Supports usage up to 100 million clicks per month (Next Level plan).

Cons

  • Reports of unreliable and non-existent customer support.
  • Users claim packages were downgraded and promised features were reduced.
  • High annual cost for features mainly derived from free GSC data.
  • Severe concerns raised by users regarding founder trustworthiness and business ethics.
Pricing
$792/mo
Free trial7 days
Money-back
Best for
Agencies needing to manage 50 to 200 client projects efficiently, SEOs who must eliminate the Google Search Console 1,000-row export limit, Teams needing simple, clear dashboard visualization of GSC data for non-experts
Quick verdict
Choose Ahrefs if you need comprehensive competitive analysis, five years of historical data, and AI-powered content optimization workflows
Choose SEOcrawl if your main bottleneck is the Google Search Console 1,000-row export limit and you primarily need automated GSC reporting for up to 200 projects

AboutAhrefs

Ahrefs is recognized as an AI Marketing Platform built specifically for success in search and AI. It’s powered by massive data infrastructure, including the #1 SEO crawler, so you get reliable insights. The platform helps modern marketers deliver across their entire marketing stack. Whether you focus on SEO, content, or brand, Ahrefs gives you the data foundation you need to move faster. It’s like having a reliable, tireless data analyst agency at your disposal 24/7. 💡

AboutSEOcrawl

SEOcrawl is a powerful SEO solution recognized for its strength in Reporting and Business Intelligence. It functions as an interactive dashboard, designed specifically to help users maximize the utility of their Google Search Console data. This tool is built to accelerate analysis and bring simplicity to complex data sets. If you manage many projects or simply need quick, clear insights, SEOcrawl streamlines your entire workflow. 💡

Highlights

Quick winners by category at a glance.
Ease of Use
SEOcrawl provides simpler data visualization and an approachable dashboard interface. Ahrefs is sophisticated but widely criticized for its confusing and outdated user experience.
Feature Set
Ahrefs is a comprehensive SEO suite covering competitive intelligence, link building, and AI content workflows. SEOcrawl is heavily specialized for GSC reporting.
Value for Money
Ahrefs offers deep data but charges painfully for usage credits. SEOcrawl has a high annual cost but removes the 1,000-row GSC limit, offering clear reporting value.
Tie
Customer Support
Ahrefs reports reliably fast support (6-minute median response). SEOcrawl has received worrying user reports regarding support integrity and responsiveness.
Data Depth/Coverage
Ahrefs operates its massive, proprietary SEO crawler and database globally. SEOcrawl's depth relies exclusively on the limitations of your Google Search Console data.
Scalability (Projects)
SEOcrawl allows management of up to 200 projects on its Next Level plan. Ahrefs limits high-tier users to a smaller maximum of 50 projects.

Feature Comparison

Compare key features side by side
Core Data Source
Ahrefs:Proprietary #1 SEO Crawler
SEOcrawl:Google Search Console (GSC) Data
Tie
Competitive Intelligence / Backlinks
Ahrefs:Full Site Explorer/PPC research
SEOcrawl:Limited (GSC performance data only)
Ahrefs
GSC 1,000-Row Limit Removal
Ahrefs:
SEOcrawl:Yes, completely eliminated
SEOcrawl
Historical Data Depth (Max)
Ahrefs:Up to 5 years
SEOcrawl:Massively improved GSC retention
Tie
Proprietary Keyword Database
Ahrefs:Yes (28.7+ billion keywords)
SEOcrawl:
Ahrefs
AI Content Workflows & Assistance
Ahrefs:Yes (Helper, Grader, Localization)
SEOcrawl:
Ahrefs
Brand Monitoring Across AI Chatbots
Ahrefs:Yes (Brand Radar)
SEOcrawl:
Ahrefs
Project Management Capacity (Max)
Ahrefs:50 projects
SEOcrawl:200 projects
SEOcrawl
Technical Site Audit Module
Ahrefs:Automated audits, direct fix deployment
SEOcrawl:Yes (SEO Crawler/Audit)
Tie
Simplified UX/Visualization
Ahrefs:Reported as complex/outdated
SEOcrawl:Praised for simplicity/BI
Tie
User Pricing Model
Ahrefs:Per seat add-on ($40-$80/mo)
SEOcrawl:Not charged per user (Usage-based)
Ahrefs
Minimum Pricing Type
Ahrefs:Monthly subscription ($129 USD)
SEOcrawl:Annual Commitment (€792 yearly)
SEOcrawl
Free Access / Trial
Ahrefs:Free Webmaster Tools (Limited)
SEOcrawl:7-day free trial on all plans
SEOcrawl
API Access
Ahrefs:Yes (100+ endpoints available)
SEOcrawl:Not explicitly mentioned
Ahrefs
Looker Studio Integration
Ahrefs:Yes (Advanced plan only)
SEOcrawl:
Ahrefs
Direct Consulting Service
Ahrefs:
SEOcrawl:Yes (1h monthly, Top Tier)
SEOcrawl
Refund Policy Documentation
Ahrefs:Rarely issued if activity seen
SEOcrawl:Not explicitly stated
Ahrefs
Usage-Based Credit System
Ahrefs:Yes, mandatory PAYG for overuse
SEOcrawl:
Ahrefs
Focus Area
Ahrefs:All-in-one SEO/Content/Market Intel
SEOcrawl:Reporting & GSC Business Intelligence
Tie
Feature Comparison Summary
9
Ahrefs
5
Ties
5
SEOcrawl

Features Overview

We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.

Core Data Source

Ahrefs uses its own massive proprietary crawler; SEOcrawl optimizes Google Search Console data.

Ahrefs

Ahrefs relies on the world's #1 SEO crawler to index billions of keywords globally. This index provides deep link and competitor data independent of Google. SEOcrawl's core value is maximizing GSC data utility. It gives superior visualization and analysis for your website's existing traffic. If you need deep backlink profiles and market research, Ahrefs leverages far superior, proprietary data.

Data Limits

SEOcrawl removes the painful GSC 1,000-row export limit; Ahrefs imposes usage credits.

SEOcrawl

SEOcrawl completely eliminates the frustrating standard GSC 1,000-row export limit. This is crucial for high-traffic sites needing complete, reliable data retention. Ahrefs offers deep historical data, up to five years on upper tiers. However, Ahrefs enforces restrictive usage limits, charging expensive pay-as-you-go credits for overages. The limit removal feature in SEOcrawl is a massive time-saver for large-scale reporting tasks. You will not hit frustrating export caps with SEOcrawl.

Competitive Analysis

Ahrefs is the clear category master; SEOcrawl offers no external competitive intelligence.

Ahrefs

Ahrefs Site Explorer is essential for checking competitor websites and revealing their PPC strategies. You can benchmark ad performance and find all ranking keywords easily. SEOcrawl focuses intensely on your internal GSC performance data. It does not provide third-party competitive intelligence or proprietary backlink analyses. If competitor research is vital, Ahrefs is the mandatory choice due to its proprietary index depth.

User Experience

SEOcrawl offers a simpler, cleaner UI; Ahrefs users report an outdated and confusing interface.

SEOcrawl

Ahrefs users frequently complain the UX is outdated, confusing, and hinders basic functions. Many feel the interface looks like it is 20 years old and needs modernization. SEOcrawl is praised for its simple control panel and excellent data visualization. It transforms complex GSC metrics into clear, actionable business intelligence efficiently. SEOcrawl will allow non-developers to understand performance data much faster than Ahrefs.

AI & Content Focus

Ahrefs integrates AI into content workflows; SEOcrawl offers only automation for GSC reporting.

Ahrefs

Ahrefs uses AI to accelerate content production with tools like the AI Content Helper and Grader. Ahrefs also monitors brand sentiment across the emerging landscape of AI chatbots and LLMs. SEOcrawl’s automation is limited to eliminating manual reporting and rank tracking tasks. It lacks any content creation assistance or brand monitoring features. Choose Ahrefs if AI-driven content is part of your marketing strategy.

Customer Support

Ahrefs reports fast support response times; SEOcrawl users report unreliable support and ethical concerns.

Ahrefs

Ahrefs reports a quick median first response time of six minutes and a high 90% satisfaction rating. SEOcrawl's limited user reviews document concerning reports of unresponsive or non-existent support staff. Users also alleged serious issues, including sudden downgrades and plan removals, citing lack of trust. For reliability and established support infrastructure, Ahrefs holds a significant advantage. The negative sentiment around SEOcrawl support is a major concern.

Project Scalability

SEOcrawl allows up to 200 projects; Ahrefs is limited to 50 projects on its Advanced plan.

SEOcrawl

Ahrefs maxes out at 50 projects on the top Advanced plan, restricting high-scale agency use. SEOcrawl’s Next Level plan supports managing up to 200 projects simultaneously. The SEOcrawl Enterprise plan handles 100 projects and includes customization features for agencies. If you manage a large client portfolio, SEOcrawl offers much higher native project limits than Ahrefs.

Pricing Model

Ahrefs offers monthly options; SEOcrawl demands a strict, high annual commitment upfront.

Ahrefs

Ahrefs offers monthly flexibility starting from $129 and a free Webmaster Tools plan. However, Ahrefs is expensive and uses a restrictive, usage-based PAYG credit system. SEOcrawl requires a mandatory annual commitment starting at €792 per year. This high upfront cost and risk are significant drawbacks. Although Ahrefs has costly add-ons, its basic entry points are more flexible than SEOcrawl’s annual-only model.

Our Verdict

Objective guidance based on features, pricing, and user fit.

Ahrefs and SEOcrawl are fundamentally different tools, making this decision straightforward. It’s the established SEO powerhouse versus the GSC reporting specialist. Choose SEOcrawl only if your sole pain point is the crippling 1,000-row GSC export limit. For literally everything else, Ahrefs offers a safer, more comprehensive, and more stable platform. Ahrefs is your ultimate data superpower, leveraging the world’s #1 SEO crawler. You get deep competitive analysis and five years of historical data on advanced plans. Ahrefs integrates AI seamlessly, offering content grading and Brand Radar tracking across AI chatbots. Support is typically quick, reporting response times under seven minutes. SEOcrawl shines by transforming complex Google Search Console data into simple BI dashboards. Its key feature is permanently removing the frustrating 1,000-row GSC export limit. If you run 100+ projects, SEOcrawl offers superior project limits compared to Ahrefs' maximum of 50. However, SEOcrawl requires a deep, high-risk annual commitment instantly. Critically, the deciding factor is trust and platform stability. Ahrefs is a robust, all-in-one suite trusted by thousands, despite its high cost and restrictive UI. SEOcrawl suffers from low user trust due to reported issues with support and subscription integrity. You must weigh SEOcrawl's simplicity against these significant documented business risks. For a complete, reliable, end-to-end SEO platform, invest in Ahrefs. If you manage massive GSC data volume and prioritize simple visualization, SEOcrawl *might* be suitable. Ahrefs offers superior data breadth and established operational stability overall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for comprehensive competitive analysis: Ahrefs or SEOcrawl?

Ahrefs is vastly superior for competitive intelligence in every way. It uses its proprietary crawler to show PPC ad strategies and backlink profiles. SEOcrawl is limited strictly to analyzing performance data originating from your own site's GSC integration.

Does SEOcrawl help with content writing and AI scoring like Ahrefs does?

No, SEOcrawl focuses only on GSC reporting automation and data visualization features. Ahrefs includes the AI Content Helper and Content Grader to accelerate production. Ahrefs also detects AI-written content and tracks brand sentiment.

Which software is more flexible regarding subscription or trial options?

Ahrefs provides monthly subscriptions and a free Webmaster Tools package for basic access. SEOcrawl requires a mandatory, expensive annual commitment starting at €792. Ahrefs offers much more flexibility in payment terms.

How do Ahrefs and SEOcrawl handle user capacity for large teams?

Ahrefs charges monthly pay-as-you-go fees per user, which adds up quickly. SEOcrawl Enterprise plans support many users and up to 100 projects without additional per-seat costs. However, all SEOcrawl plans are annual.

Does Ahrefs remove the 1,000-row data export limit from GSC?

No, that is SEOcrawl's specialized feature. SEOcrawl is explicitly designed to completely eliminate the standard GSC 1,000-row export limit. This gives SEOcrawl a major analytical advantage for high-traffic websites.

Which platform is easier for a non-expert user to learn?

SEOcrawl is generally easier for beginners due to its simple, interactive dashboard design. It converts complex GSC data into highly clear visualizations. Ahrefs is powerful but widely criticized for having a confusing and difficult user experience.

Ready to Choose?

Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.