Ahrefs vs Semrush
Which does AI actually recommend? We asked ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini the questions real buyers ask about SEO tool.
The verdict
Ahrefs and Semrush are neck-and-neck in AI recommendations.
Engine by engine
Ahrefs vs Semrush: what the data says
When buyers ask AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini to recommend SEO tool, Ahrefs and Semrush are neck-and-neck: both score 85/100 for AI visibility, meaning the models name them about equally often. Ahrefs appears in 90% of answers and Semrush in 90%.
The gap is widest on ChatGPT, where Semrush is clearly favoured: Ahrefs is recommended 80% of the time and Semrush 100%. Because each engine draws on different sources, a brand can lead on one and trail on another — which is why it pays to track all three rather than assume one result holds everywhere.
In practice, an AI assistant asked “What are the best SEO tools for keyword research?” is about equally likely to put either brand 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?
They're roughly equal — both score 85/100 for AI visibility across ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini.
Which is more visible on ChatGPT — Ahrefs or Semrush?
On ChatGPT specifically, Ahrefs is recommended 80% 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 Semrush 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.