This profile is part of our MCP server directory, within The MCP Guide. Profiles are checked against each vendor's own documentation. Need a server built? See MCP development.
The Ahrefs MCP server lets an AI app pull Ahrefs data, such as backlinks, keywords, rankings and site audit issues, into a chat. Ahrefs hosts the server, so there is nothing to install. It is available on paid plans from Lite upward.
Checked against: Ahrefs MCP documentation on 28 October 2026. eSEOspace did not install or test this server.
See MCP for SEO for how servers like this change keyword and link research.
Key Takeaways
- Ahrefs hosts the server at
https://api.ahrefs.com/mcp/mcpover Streamable HTTP. - It needs a paid plan from Lite up; the $29 Starter plan does not list MCP access.
- Calls use API units from your monthly allowance, the same as direct API use.
- Keys created through OAuth for MCP default to a 200,000-unit monthly cap, which workspace admins can change.
- Ahrefs says using the endpoint "via custom scripts, bridges, or standalone HTTP/JSON-RPC clients is unsupported and not permitted."
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Ahrefs |
| Official? | Yes |
| Hosting | Remote URL: https://api.ahrefs.com/mcp/mcp |
| Transport | Streamable HTTP |
| Sign-in | OAuth consent screen that creates an MCP-scoped API key; manual MCP keys also supported |
| Read or write | Mostly read; a "management" group covers projects, keyword lists and Brand Radar settings |
| Price | Lite $129/mo, Standard $249/mo, Advanced $449/mo list "API and MCP access" |
| Source code | Closed (an older local repo is archived) |
| Status | Not stated |
What it can do
Ahrefs groups its tools into categories you can select with a tools URL parameter. The tool categories page lists:
site-explorer-overviewandsite-explorer-reports: domain rating, backlinks, referring domains, anchors, organic keywords, competitors and top pages.keywords-explorer: volume, history, matching terms and suggestions.serp-overview: the SERP for a keyword.rank-trackerandsite-audit: your projects, issues and page content.brand-radar-simpleandbrand-radar-entities: Brand Radar reports.web-analytics-overview,web-analytics-sources,web-analytics-geo,web-analytics-user-agentsandweb-analytics-pages: Ahrefs Web Analytics.gsc: Google Search Console keywords, pages and positions.social-media,content-helperandbatch-analysis.management: projects, keyword lists, locations and Brand Radar configuration.publicandsubscription-info: free endpoints and your usage limits.
If your client caps tool counts, ?tools=essentials loads a curated set. Ahrefs says documentation and rendering helper tools are always included.
How to connect it
For Claude Code, the Ahrefs setup guide gives:
claude mcp add ahrefs https://api.ahrefs.com/mcp/mcp -t httpThen launch Claude, run /mcp, authenticate, log in to Ahrefs, select a workspace and click "Allow."
To limit the tools your client sees, add groups to the URL:
https://api.ahrefs.com/mcp/mcp?tools=site-explorer-overview,keywords-explorerAhrefs also publishes guides for Claude Desktop and web, Claude Mobile, Copilot Studio, ChatGPT, Lovable, n8n, Manus, Mistral's Le Chat and OpenClaw.
Pricing
Ahrefs' pricing page lists "API and MCP access" on Lite ($129 a month), Standard ($249) and Advanced ($449). Annual billing saves "up to 17%." Each plan has a monthly allowance of API units and a row limit per request. You can track usage in Account settings under Limits and usage.
Security notes
- Per-key spending cap. OAuth-created MCP keys default to 200,000 units a month. Manually created keys have no per-key limit by default. Keep the cap unless you have a reason to raise it.
- Write-capable group. The
managementgroup can work with projects, keyword lists and Brand Radar configuration. Leave it out of thetoolsparameter if you only need reports. - Usage rules. Ahrefs forbids scripted or bridged access to the MCP endpoint and points developers to its public API instead.
- Third-party terms. Ahrefs says your use of Claude, Copilot and other AI tools is governed by those tools' own terms.
- Untrusted page text. Audit and SERP data include content from other sites. Read our guide to MCP prompt injection.
The MCP security hub covers approvals and least privilege in more depth.
Alternatives
- Semrush MCP server: hosted, OAuth 2.1, eligible Semrush plans.
- DataForSEO MCP server: pay-as-you-go SEO APIs, open-source server.
- Similarweb MCP server: traffic and audience benchmarks.
Next step
If you are choosing between SEO data servers, start with our MCP servers for marketing comparison. For help wiring Ahrefs data into content and reporting workflows, see MCP marketing.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ahrefs plan do I need for MCP?
Ahrefs says the remote MCP server is available on paid plans starting from Lite. The pricing page lists "API and MCP access" on Lite, Standard and Advanced. Starter does not list it.
Does using Ahrefs MCP cost API units?
Yes. Ahrefs says calls made on your behalf consume API units from your monthly allowance, the same way as direct API use. You can track usage under Account settings.
Can I call the Ahrefs MCP endpoint from my own script?
No. Ahrefs says custom scripts, bridges and standalone HTTP or JSON-RPC clients are unsupported and not permitted. Use the Ahrefs public API for programmatic access.
My AI client says Ahrefs has too many tools. What do I do?
Use the tools URL parameter to load only the groups you need, or tools=essentials for a curated set. Ahrefs notes that essentials cannot be combined with other groups.
