Semrush vs Ahrefs vs Rank Math: 2025 Real-World Test & In-Depth Insights

The Setup

Hello, I’m Kobe Neo, a seasoned digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience.

Currently, I live as a freelance digital nomad, exploring the world while helping businesses grow online.

A Day in My Life

By day, I may be sipping a latte at a cozy café, but by night, I dive deep into the world of SEO tools.

I’m what you could call a”tool testing enthusiast,”constantly evaluating the pros and cons of various tools and discovering how they can benefit you.

Why Test SEO Tools?

You might be asking, “Kobe, with so many SEO tools out there, what’s left to discover?”

Well, my goal is to uncover the hidden secrets behind these tools.

I want to help SEO professionals, website owners, and digital marketers like you find the tools that work best for your unique needs.

But here’s the twist: I don’t just test these tools—I make complex SEO techniques and data analysis simple, practical, and even fun to understand !

The Tools I’m Reviewing

In this review, I’ll be taking a close look at three of the most popular SEO tools:

• Semrush
• Ahrefs
• Rank Math

Each tool has earned a great reputation in the SEO world, but the real question is:

Which one is right for you?

If you’re curious about these tools and want to understand their key differences, keep reading!

 1. Key Differences Between Semrush, Ahrefs, and Rank Math

First of all, to compare the three of them, we must first know what is the biggest difference between them?

The following table is based on my experience:

Next, I will test their differences from features, keywords, seo audit, content marketing, data tracking these five aspects.

Why choose these 5 aspects? Because these 5 aspects of the function they have.

2. Real-World Test#1 : Feature Comparison

To give you a direct understanding of the key differences between these tools, let’s dive into their core special features.

I’ll walk you through the unique capabilities of Semrush, Ahrefs, and Rank Math.

Semrush: Powerful Google Ads Analysis

When it comes to Semrush, its standout feature is its ability to analyze Google Ads campaigns.

This sets it apart from both Ahrefs and Rank Math, which focus primarily on SEO.

Step #1: Navigate to Advertising Research

On the left side of the dashboard, click on “Advertising”, then select “Advertising Research”.

Step #2: Enter Competitor\’s Website

In the search box, type in the website of a competitor. For this example, we’ll use Semrush’s own site.

Step #3: Results Overview

Once you click Search, you’ll be presented with detailed insights, including:

• Number of Keywords: 1.6K
• Traffic: 48.6K
• Google Ads Cost: 244.1K USD

This will give you a comprehensive view of your competitor’s Google Ads performance.

Step #4: Detailed Keyword Insights

Below the overview, you can see the specific keywords being run, along with the corresponding landing pages.

This feature allows you to track exactly what competitors are bidding on.

Step #5: Competitor Comparison

Click on “Competitors” to access a comprehensive list of rival websites.

You’ll be able to see:

• Competitive Strength
• Number of Keywords they are using in their campaigns

This makes it easy to compare your strategy with theirs and identify opportunities to improve your own approach.

Obviously, the Semrush Advertising Research tool is your best friend when it comes to planning your Google Ads campaigns effectively.

Ahrefs: Best Backlink Analysis Tool

Ahrefs is renowned for its backlink analysis, offering the largest backlink database in the industry.

Step #1. Backlink Search
For this test, I’m using bestbuy.com as the example. When we perform a backlink search, it reveals a staggering 6.19 million backlinks.

Step #2. Detailed Backlink Data

Each backlink provides key metrics, including:

• Domain Rating (DR)
• URL Rating (UR)
• Traffic

This detailed data helps you assess the quality of backlinks more effectively, ensuring you make informed decisions when building your own backlink strategy.

Step #3. Refining Your Backlink Strategy

You can filter backlinks based on criteria such as:

• Dofollow links
• Domain Rating (DR) of 60-100

For instance, the report may show two relevant websites with DR 90 and DR 85, both offering content related to hardware—an ideal match if your content is in the same niche.

Step #4. Comprehensive Link Evaluation

Ahrefs offers detailed data on each backlink, including:

• Source
• Type
• Weight
• Link History

This comprehensive analysis helps you evaluate the quality of each backlink, providing crucial insights for outperforming your competitors in the SEO game.

Rank Math: Focused on Technical SEO for WordPress

Rank Math, in comparison to Semrush and Ahrefs, places more emphasis on technical SEO rather than data analysis.

 It is a WordPress plugin designed to help optimize the technical aspects of your website.

Step #1. Installing Rank Math on WordPress

• You can directly search for Rank Math in the WordPress plugin section and install it.

Step #2. Setup Guide

• After activating the plugin, a step-by-step setup wizard will guide you through the process.
• Once completed, you’ll see the setup interface as shown below.

Step #3. Dashboard Access

• After installation, return to the WordPress dashboard.

• You’ll find Rank Math in the left sidebar with various options like sitemaps, SEO analysis, and more.

Step #4. General Settings

• First, you can adjust general settings such as links, breadcrumb navigation, webmaster tools, and other technical SEO settings.

Step #5. SEO Analysis

• Rank Math also offers a SEO analysis tool. Click on Analysis and then go to the SEO Performance option. Here, you’ll find data such as:
  • Search TrafficSearch ImpressionsTotal KeywordsSearch Clicks
  • Average Ranking Position

Neo’s Insight

• Rank Math is highly focused on on-page optimization for WordPress users, offering tools for improving site structure, pages, and structured data.

• Semrush and Ahrefs specialize in global website data analysis, making them ideal for competitive SEO research and market analysis.

• Semrush offers comprehensive features, with a particular strength in SEM, while Ahrefs excels at SEO, particularly backlink analysis.

3. Real-World Test #2:  Keywords

In this part, I will understand their differences through their keywords interface.

Semrush

• The interface is more complex compared to Ahrefs.
• Strong Google Ads integration, supporting features like:
  • Broad match
  • Phrase match
  • Exact match

Ahrefs

• The interface is simple and clear.
• Focuses more on organic search data, including:
  • Click data (not just search volume)
• The keyword data features are quite similar to Semrush, with some variations.

Rank Math

• Primarily tracks your own website\’s keyword rankings.
• Simple and focused on statistics and evaluation.
• Only provides basic keyword tracking and ranking data.

4. Real-World Test #3: SEO Audit

The SEO Audit function falls under technical SEO. While each tool offers unique features, they generally include:

• Scoring
• Identifying issues
• Providing solutions

SEMrush Site Audit

• Comprehensive review with detailed data reports.
• Over 140 on-page and technical SEO checks.
• High-speed crawler that processes all your pages in minutes.

Ahrefs Site Audit

• Provides detailed reports, categorizing and prioritizing issues.
• Continuous crawling, tracking SEO status in real-time with regular audits.
• User-friendly interface with charts and graphs for easy data interpretation.

Rank Math SEO Analyzer

• Basic SEO audit features with optimization suggestions.
• Less depth and complexity compared to Semrush and Ahrefs.
• Ideal for beginners and suitable for WordPress sites.

5. Real-World Test #4: Content Marketing

Semrush

#1. Topic Research Tool

• Based on social media data and search trends.
• Helps find high-potential content ideas related to your target topic.

#2. SEO Content Template

• Analyzes the top 10 pages on Google.
• Provides suggestions on:
  • Readability
  • Keywords
  • Backlink sources

#3. SEO Writing Assistant

Here’s why I recommend this tool:

• Readability Analysis: Ensures content is easy to understand.
• Keyword Suggestions: Offers recommendations based on semantic relevance to your target keywords.
• Tone Consistency Check: Maintains a consistent tone, enhancing connection with your audience.

Ahrefs

#1. Content Explorer

Content Explorer is one of Ahrefs’ powerful features that allows you to search for the most popular content within a specific topic.

You can filter results based on metrics like:

• Backlink quantity
• Social shares

This helps you identify top-performing articles and generate content creation ideas.

Content Explorer Use Cases

• Discover Popular Content:
  • Enter industry keywords, then sort by traffic or backlinks.
  • This helps quickly identify high-performing content and sparks ideas for your own content creation.
• Competitive Content Analysis:
  • Analyze your competitors\’ articles and their backlinks for further insights.

#2: Content Gap

Content Gap helps identify keywords and content that your competitors cover but you may be missing.

Content Gap Use Cases

• Keyword and Content Gaps:
  • Generate a list of keywords and content that your competitors are targeting but that you have not yet covered.

• Market Positioning Analysis:
  • By analyzing keyword coverage gaps, you can better understand your competitors\’ audience targeting and content focus.

Here’s the optimized, mobile-friendly version of the Rank Math content features section:

Rank Math

✅ Comprehensive Functionality

• Offers 40+ AI tools covering every aspect of content marketing.
• Supports blog tasks like:
• Topic ideas
• Outlines
• Titles
• Intro/Conclusion paragraphs
• Long-form content generation

🎯 Targeted Content Creation

• Create content tailored to specific audience types by setting your target customer profile.
• Delivers diverse outputs based on your content goals.

⚡ 125+ Supercharged Prompts

• Gain access to a wide range of AI writing prompts to spark creativity and speed up production.

🛠️ One-Click SEO Fixes

• Instantly resolve SEO issues with one click—AI will automatically apply the recommended improvements to your article.

🌍 Multilingual Support

• Create content in multiple languages, making it ideal for reaching a global audience.

This structure uses icons, headers, and short bullet points to ensure clarity and a smooth reading experience on mobile devices.

6. Real-World Test #5: Data Tracking

Here’s the content with only the small icons for the first level points, without the bullet points:

Semrush: Keyword Tracking & Competitor Analysis

🖥️ Comprehensive Functionality

• Tracks keywords across both desktop and mobile devices.
• Monitors keyword rankings in specific regions.

🤼 Competitor Analysis

• Allows you to add competitor websites and compare keyword ranking performance.

📊 Report Generation

Ahrefs: Visibility & Competitor Comparison

📈 Visibility Report

• Provides detailed visual charts to help understand ranking trends and changes.

🤼 Competitor Comparison

• Allows you to add competitors and compare keyword rankings and visibility.

Rank Math: Basic Keyword Tracking

📊 Offers basic data on:

• Keyword impressions
• Clicks
• Rankings
• Ranking history

• Features are relatively basic and limited to tracking your own website’s data.

7. Neo’s Insight

After comparing these three tools, you should now have a clearer understanding of their differences.

But here’s the key:

it’s not about who’s better.

It all depends on your needs.

Don’t you agree?

Based on my experience, here’s what I think:

8. How to Choose ?

Step 1: List Your Needs

Start by making a list of your needs.
This is the most important step!

Step 2: Compare Features

Next, compare your list with the features of the three tools.
See which one best matches your needs.

Step 3: Make Your Choice

Choose the tool that fully aligns with your needs.

Step 4: Price & Priority

If all three tools meet your needs, then compare prices.
Focus on which tool excels in your most important area.

This approach will help you avoid “decision fatigue”.

For an easier choice, check out the list I’ve summarized below and pick the option that works best for you!

 9. FAQ

10. Additional Resources

SEMRUSH

1. Official Guides
• Semrush Help Center

2. Video Learning
• Semrush Academy (Free Courses)
• YouTube Channel →

3. Community & Networking
• Official Community Forum
• Facebook Group →

4. Insights & Updates
• Official Blog →

AHREFS

1. Official Guides
• Ahrefs Help Docs

2. Practical Learning
• Ahrefs Academy (Free Courses) →
• YouTube Channel →

3. Case Studies & Trends
• Official Blog →

4. Community Support
• Facebook Group →

RANK MATH

1. Core Documentation
• Knowledge Base →

2. SEO Learning Hub
• SEO Academy →
• YouTube Channel →

3. User Community
• Support Forum →
• Facebook Group →