Ahrefs vs Semrush for "toxic" link audits

Ahrefs vs Semrush for "toxic" link audits

The myth: pick the tool with the better toxicity score and you're covered.

Reality: neither tool has access to Google's link-ignoring data, so both are guessing. The difference is which guess.

— Semrush sells a 0-100 "Toxicity Score" — a black-box composite that flags PBNs, but also flags legit niche directories and forum profiles.
— Ahrefs deliberately refuses to ship a toxicity score and tells you to judge links manually.

That refusal is the more honest product. Ahrefs is better when you want raw referring-domain data to judge yourself. Semrush is faster when a client demands a number on a slide.

Actually, the right comparison isn't accuracy — it's how much each tool nudges you toward disavowing links Google already throws away for free.

Reality check: use the link index, skip the verdict.