Ahrefs vs Semrush for AEO in 2026: Which Tool Actually Helps You Get Cited

Both Ahrefs and Semrush rolled out AEO-flavored features in 2025. Both are loud about them. Both have real strengths and real gaps. After 6 months running both side by side on real client accounts, here's the honest comparison — what each does well, what each fakes, and which one to pick if you can only afford one.

Ahrefs vs Semrush for AEO — which one wins?

For AI Overview visibility tracking, Ahrefs is meaningfully better — bigger query database, more reliable SERP tracking, deeper SERP feature breakdowns. For ChatGPT/Perplexity citation tracking, neither is great; both lag dedicated tools (Profound, Otterly, AthenaHQ). For entity research and content gap analysis, Semrush has the edge with its entity/topical authority module. If you can only buy one for AEO work, pick Ahrefs and pair it with a dedicated citation tracker.

AI Overview tracking

Ahrefs: tracks AI Overview presence and the cited domains for tracked keywords. Solid daily refresh, reliable historical data. Semrush: similar feature, smaller query coverage, occasional gaps in cited-domain detection. For mature AI Overview tracking at scale, Ahrefs wins clearly.

ChatGPT and Perplexity citation tracking

Both are weak. Ahrefs added a 'mentioned in AI answers' beta in late 2025 — it works for some prompts, misses many. Semrush has a similar feature with similar coverage. Neither matches Profound, Otterly, or AthenaHQ for actual citation rigor. For serious AEO programs, treat the citation tracking inside Ahrefs/Semrush as a bonus, not a primary signal.

Entity and topical authority research

Semrush's topical authority and entity modules are genuinely useful for mapping which topics you have authority for and which gaps to fill. Ahrefs' equivalent is shallower. For AEO content planning, Semrush has the edge here.

Backlink analysis (still relevant for AEO)

Both excellent. Ahrefs' index is slightly larger and refreshes faster. Semrush's UI for backlink work is faster to navigate. Coin flip — pick the one your team prefers.

Pricing

Ahrefs Lite $129/mo, Standard $249/mo, Advanced $499/mo. Semrush Pro $140/mo, Guru $250/mo, Business $500/mo. Pricing is a wash; the per-feature value is what matters.

What about smaller / specialist tools

For citation-specific work, the dedicated stack (Profound + Ahrefs, or Otterly + Semrush) typically outperforms either generalist alone. Don't expect Ahrefs or Semrush to replace your dedicated AEO tool — they complement it.

The honest recommendation

Ahrefs for tracking and SERP/AI Overview data. Semrush for entity/topic research and content planning. A dedicated citation tracker (Profound or Otterly) for the actual ChatGPT/Perplexity work. Most serious AEO teams I work with end up with a 2-tool combo, not just one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run AEO without either Ahrefs or Semrush?

Yes, but harder. You can substitute Google Search Console + a dedicated citation tracker + a manual prompt-tracking spreadsheet for the first 6 months.

Which is better for solo consultants?

Ahrefs Standard — the data quality justifies the price for a solo workload.

Which is better for agencies?

Semrush Business — the multi-client management and white-label reports are stronger.

Do either tool track Perplexity?

Both have beta features; both miss material citations. Use a dedicated tracker for Perplexity.

Will these tools improve their AEO features?

Almost certainly yes through 2026. Re-evaluate quarterly — the gap between generalists and dedicated trackers is closing fast.