# Evidence-led brief: Ahrefs / Semrush for a small research team

Original editorial example, 2026-10-10. Not a client study, purchase recommendation or hands-on test of these products.
Reader: two people needing keyword research and a traceable export.
Fictional existing target: /seo-tools ; no assignment to create a URL for every query.

## Current primary evidence, narrow claims
| Field | Ahrefs | Semrush | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Published plan | Lite: USD 129/month | SEO: EUR 134/month; EUR 112.52/month billed annually on the checked page | Different currencies; separate monthly/annual scope, not a checkout quote. |
| Access | Lite lists one included user and extra users at USD 40/month | Pricing page lists additional users from EUR 43/month | Exact Semrush seat cost for the chosen plan and tax scope remain unknown. |
| Feature evidence | Pricing page lists Keywords Explorer and Site Audit | SEO plan lists keyword/competitor research and Site Audit | Vendor description, not independently measured data quality. |
| Rights / reuse | https://ahrefs.com/legal/terms | https://www.semrush.com/company/legal/terms-of-service/ | Current sources resolved; specific reuse rights not conclusively assessed. |

Price sources: https://ahrefs.com/pricing and https://www.semrush.com/pricing/seo-ai-search/ ; checked 2026-10-10.
No currency conversion, assumed discount or full-cost winner. Two required seats are an editorial scenario, not an observed client.

## Turn questions into sections
- Access/cost: exact plan, people, billing cycle, taxes and possible extras; resolve unknowns before publication.
- Task/function: a defined query-research task and actual export; same input and controlled quantities for a later hands-on check.
- Traceability: attach source, review date and data scope to each claim.
- Rights: check the specific proposed published/exported material against applicable conditions; a vendor link does not grant a license.

## Non-goals and stop rules
No general winner, actual data-quality verdict or AI-citation effect.
No API-trace/fanout claim about these products from their names appearing in a search list.
Demand stays not_checked. Seat terms, complete cost and the export task remain research_required/test_required.
Next: clarify exact Semrush access; define an export test; improve the existing selection page using verified questions.