Ahrefs API vs DataForSEO

Ahrefs API and DataForSEO are both Backlink Data APIs, compared here on pricing, compliance, capabilities, and developer experience from structured, cited data - not reviews or paid placement. On compliance, Ahrefs API additionally documents SOC 2. DataForSEO supports webhooks for event-driven integration; the other does not document them. For coding-agent use, DataForSEO scores higher on agent-friendliness (60 vs 50).

Comparedby a transparent data-readiness score computed from each API's published, sourced fields. No reviews, no paid placement. How we rank.

Data last verified 2026-06-06, with every field cited on each profile.

Head-to-head, from published, cited fields (auto-generated; no paid placement)
Field	Ahrefs API	DataForSEO
Starting price	$449 month	$0.0006 request
Pricing model	Hybrid	Usage
Free tier	✗	✗
Self-serve signup	✓	✓
SOC 2	In progress	·
HIPAA	·	·
GDPR	✓	✓
Webhooks	✗	✓
Sandbox	✗	✓
Documented actions	71	74

Full data and citations: Ahrefs API · DataForSEO. See more Backlink Data APIs.