Switching from Semrush to Ahrefs
There is no project importer between SEO platforms. What you move is your configuration — tracked keywords, tags and target sites. Your ranking history stays behind.
Quick verdict: Export your tracked keywords from Semrush Position Tracking and import them into Ahrefs Rank Tracker as a TXT or CSV file, keeping only the keyword and tag columns. Ahrefs rebuilds backlink and audit data from its own index, so there is nothing to move there. Ranking history does not transfer, and Ahrefs offers no trial and does not generally refund — so export everything you need from Semrush before your subscription ends.
Switching Cost & Friction Estimator
Most buyers only budget for the new subscription. This estimates the hidden labor, data-cleanup, and retraining cost of actually making the switch.
Estimate assumes: 1 hour of data-mapping/cleaning labor per 2,000 records, a blended $75/hr ops rate, tiered migration & cleaning tooling fees, and 4 hours of retraining per seat at a $45/hr fully-loaded rate.
Why teams move from Semrush to Ahrefs
Lower entry price
Ahrefs Lite is $129/mo against $139/mo for Semrush’s SEO plan on monthly billing, and Ahrefs Starter is $29/mo.
Long history on higher tiers
Ahrefs Standard keeps 2 years of historical data and Advanced 5 years.
Clear extra-user pricing
Ahrefs publishes per-tier prices and caps for additional users.
How the migration actually works
Treat this as re-creating your setup, not migrating data.
| Step | What you do |
|---|---|
| 1. Export tracked keywords | Export your keyword list and tags from Semrush Position Tracking. |
| 2. Export anything you need to keep | Download ranking history, reports and audit results from Semrush — they will not carry over. |
| 3. Clean the file | Remove every column that is not a keyword or tag, as Ahrefs requires. |
| 4. Create projects in Ahrefs | Add each site as an Ahrefs project, within your plan’s project limit. |
| 5. Import into Rank Tracker | Upload the TXT or CSV file, or paste the keywords, and set locations. |
| 6. Re-run audits | Run Site Audit on each project to rebuild technical baselines in Ahrefs. |
What this path doesn’t do for you:
Ranking history, reports and audit history do not transfer — tracking starts fresh in Ahrefs. Plan limits also differ: Ahrefs Lite tracks 750 keywords and keeps 6 months of history, so large Semrush setups may need Standard or above. Ahrefs offers no trial and does not generally issue refunds, so size the plan before you pay.
Pricing side by side
| Plan | Semrush | Ahrefs |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Limited free account | Ahrefs Free (sites you own) |
| Entry paid | SEO — $139/mo ($117.33 annual) | Starter — $29/mo; Lite — $129/mo |
| Mid | Starter (SEO + AI) — $199/mo; Pro+ — $299/mo | Standard — $249/mo |
| Top | Advanced — $549/mo; Enterprise custom | Advanced — $449/mo; Enterprise $1,499/mo |
List prices checked on the vendors’ pricing pages on September 17, 2026. Confirm current rates before you buy.
Feature parity check
| Capability | Semrush | Ahrefs |
|---|---|---|
| Rank tracking keyword import | TXT/CSV, plus GSC and GA | TXT/CSV or paste |
| Ranking history import | No | No |
| AI search visibility | Included from Starter (SEO + AI) | Brand Radar add-on from $199/mo |
| Free trial | 7 days | None |
| Free option | Limited free account | Ahrefs Free (sites you own) |
Going the other direction, or want the full comparison first?
Read the Semrush vs Ahrefs comparison Switching from Ahrefs to Semrush instead?Frequently Asked Questions
Can Ahrefs import my Semrush projects?
No. You can import tracked keywords from a TXT or CSV file, but projects, reports and history do not transfer.
Does my ranking history come with me?
No. Rank tracking starts fresh in Ahrefs, so export any history you need from Semrush first.
What format does Ahrefs Rank Tracker need?
A TXT or CSV file with only keyword and tag columns, or keywords pasted directly.
Can I trial Ahrefs first?
Ahrefs offers no trial and says it never runs discounts. Ahrefs Free gives limited access for sites you own.
Canonical data for the tools on this page
Every pricing fact, rating, AI billing model and switching guide we hold on each tool, on one page — with the date each figure was last verified.