For free alternatives that cover all three areas—Audit, Rank Tracking, and Backlink Analysis—you need to build a strategic stack combining the best free tools, as no single tool replaces Ahrefs/Semrush entirely.
- Audit (Technical SEO): Use Google Search Console (GSC) for all core technical health, indexation, and errors; pair it with the Screaming Frog SEO Spider (free up to 500 URLs) for deep on-page and internal linking audits.
- Rank Tracking (and Audit): Use Ahrefs Webmaster Tools (free for verified site owners) to access their Site Audit and Backlink Checker for your own domain's data, which is an unparalleled source.
- Backlink Analysis (Competitor): Pair Moz's Free Link Explorer or Majestic's Free Tool with Linkody's Free Backlink Checker for limited checks on competitor domains to find anchor text and referring domains.