Ahrefs vs Semrush
Which does AI actually recommend? We asked ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini the questions real buyers ask about SEO tool.
The verdict
When buyers ask AI for recommendations, Semrush is recommended more often — scoring 89/100 vs 84/100.
Engine by engine
Ahrefs vs Semrush: what the data says
When buyers ask AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini to recommend SEO tool, Semrush is recommended more often than Ahrefs — scoring 89/100 for AI visibility versus 84/100. Semrush shows up in 90% of AI answers to real buyer questions; Ahrefs shows up in 90%.
In practice, an AI assistant asked “What are the best SEO tools for keyword research?” is more likely to put Semrush on its shortlist. Both are in the running, but the more consistently a brand is described the same way across the web, the more confidently the models name it.
Frequently asked
Does AI recommend Ahrefs or Semrush more?
Semrush. It scores 89/100 for AI visibility versus Ahrefs's 84/100, based on how often ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini recommend each for SEO tool.
Which is more visible on ChatGPT — Ahrefs or Semrush?
On ChatGPT specifically, Ahrefs is recommended 100% of the time and Semrush 100% for SEO tool questions.
How is AI visibility measured?
Ranklisted runs the real questions buyers ask AI assistants about SEO tool across ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini, records whether each brand is recommended and where it ranks, and turns it into a 0–100 score. It's re-checked weekly.
Can Ahrefs improve how often AI recommends it?
Yes. AI assistants recommend brands that are described consistently across third-party "best of" lists, reviews and comparison content. Building that presence raises the score over time — you can track the change weekly.