Best Backlink Checker Tools & Apps (Free & Paid)

Why do you need backlink checker tools?

Backlink checker tools are essential for website owners, digital marketers, and SEO professionals for several reasons. Here are some of the main reasons why you need backlink checker tools:

1. Understand your backlink profile: These tools help you gain insights into your website’s backlink profile, allowing you to evaluate the quantity and quality of your backlinks. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about your link-building strategy and improving your website’s search engine ranking.
2. Identify high-quality backlinks: Backlink checker tools enable you to identify high-quality, authoritative backlinks that contribute positively to your website’s search engine ranking. By recognizing these valuable backlinks, you can focus on building relationships with these sites and acquiring more high-quality backlinks.
3. Spot low-quality or toxic backlinks: On the other hand, these tools also help you identify low-quality or toxic backlinks that may harm your website’s search engine ranking. Detecting these harmful backlinks allows you to take corrective action, such as disavowing them, to minimize any negative impact.
4. Analyze competitors’ backlink profiles: Backlink checker tools enable you to analyze your competitors’ backlink profiles, which can provide valuable insights into their link-building strategies. By understanding the sources and types of backlinks your competitors have, you can identify potential link-building opportunities for your own website.
5. Track backlink changes over time: Monitoring your backlink profile over time helps you identify trends, such as an increase or decrease in the number of backlinks. This information is essential for adjusting your link-building strategy to maintain or improve your search engine ranking.
6. Anchor text distribution analysis: Analyzing anchor text distribution provides insights into the text used to link to your website, which is an important ranking factor. Backlink checker tools can help identify over-optimized or unnatural anchor text patterns that might raise red flags with search engines.
7. Improve SEO strategy: By using backlink checker tools, you can identify areas for improvement in your overall SEO strategy. This includes discovering potential link-building opportunities, fixing broken backlinks, and disavowing toxic backlinks.

Backlink checker tools are indispensable for anyone looking to optimize their website’s search engine performance. They provide valuable insights into your backlink profile and offer actionable steps for improving your site’s authority, trustworthiness, and search engine ranking.

10 Best Backlink Checker Tools (Free & Paid)

Here’s an overview of the 10 best backlink checker tools, both free and paid, along with their analysis, features, additional features, pricing plans, free trials, pros and cons, recommendations, and frequently asked questions.

Ahrefs

• Analysis: Ahrefs is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive backlink checker tools available. It provides in-depth backlink analysis, including referring domains, anchor text distribution, and lost/gained backlinks.
• Features: Backlink analysis, keyword research, competitor analysis, site audit, content explorer, and rank tracker.
• Additional Features: Alerts for new/lost backlinks, organic keywords, and mentions.
• Pricing Plans: Lite ($99/month), Standard ($179/month), Advanced ($399/month), and Agency ($999/month).
• Free Trial: 7-day trial for $7.
• Pros: Extensive data, user-friendly interface, and frequent data updates.
• Cons: Can be expensive for small businesses or individuals.

SEMrush

• Analysis: SEMrush is a versatile SEO tool offering detailed backlink analysis and various other SEO features.
• Features: Backlink analysis, keyword research, site audit, traffic analytics, position tracking, and competitor analysis.
• Additional Features: Social media tracker, brand monitoring, and content analyzer.
• Pricing Plans: Pro ($119.95/month), Guru ($229.95/month), and Business ($449.95/month).
• Free Trial: 7-day trial for the Pro and Guru plans.
• Pros: Comprehensive SEO toolset, easy-to-use interface, and extensive data.
• Cons: Limited backlink data compared to Ahrefs.

Moz Link Explorer

• Analysis: Moz Link Explorer is a powerful backlink analysis tool offering quality metrics such as domain authority (DA) and page authority (PA).
• Features: Backlink analysis, anchor text, spam score, and link intersect.
• Additional Features: Keyword research, rank tracking, and site audit (available with a Moz Pro subscription).
• Pricing Plans: Moz Pro plans – Standard ($99/month), Medium ($179/month), Large ($249/month), and Premium ($599/month).
• Free Trial: 30-day trial for the Medium plan.
• Pros: User-friendly interface, quality metrics (DA and PA), and large link index.
• Cons: Less comprehensive data compared to Ahrefs and SEMrush.

Majestic SEO

• Analysis: Majestic SEO focuses primarily on backlink analysis, providing detailed information on backlinks, referring domains, and anchor text.
• Features: Backlink analysis, anchor text, link context, and topical trust flow.
• Additional Features: Bulk backlink checker, historical index, and tracking reports.
• Pricing Plans: Lite ($49.99/month), Pro ($99.99/month), and API (starting at $399.99/month).
• Free Trial: Limited free account with basic features.
• Pros: Focused on backlink analysis, large link index, and unique metrics (trust flow and citation flow).
• Cons: Lacks additional SEO features offered by other tools.

Ubersuggest

• Analysis: Ubersuggest is an affordable SEO tool providing backlink analysis, keyword research, and site audit features.
• Features: Backlink analysis, keyword research, site audit, and content ideas.
• Additional Features: Traffic analyzer and rank tracking.
• Pricing Plans: Individual ($29/month), Business ($49/month), and Enterprise/Agency ($99/month).
• Free Trial: Limited free version with basic features.
• Pros: Affordable, user-friendly interface, and integration with Google Search Console.
• Cons: Smaller link index and less detailed data compared to other tools.

Monitor Backlinks

• Analysis: Monitor Backlinks focuses on tracking backlinks and providing insights into your website’s backlink profile. It’s a straightforward tool for monitoring changes in your backlinks, such as new and lost links, and evaluating their quality.
• Features: Backlink analysis, new and lost backlinks, referring domains, anchor text, and dofollow/nofollow link distribution.
• Additional Features: Keyword rank tracking, competitor backlink monitoring, and disavow tool.
• Pricing Plans: Start ($25/month), Plus ($47.40/month), and Professional ($89.91/month).
• Free Trial: 30-day trial with limited features.
• Pros: Easy-to-use interface, efficient backlink monitoring, and affordable pricing plans.
• Cons: Lacks some advanced features and comprehensive data offered by other tools.

CognitiveSEO

• Analysis: CognitiveSEO is a comprehensive SEO tool that offers detailed backlink analysis, along with other valuable SEO features.
• Features: Backlink analysis, lost and broken backlinks, referring domains, anchor text, and unnatural link detection.
• Additional Features: Keyword research, site audit, content analysis, and rank tracking.
• Pricing Plans: Starter ($129.99/month), Business ($299.99/month), and Enterprise (custom pricing).
• Free Trial: 7-day trial with full features.
• Pros: Comprehensive SEO features, user-friendly interface, and powerful backlink analysis.
• Cons: Can be expensive for small businesses or individuals.

Linkody

• Analysis: Linkody is a dedicated backlink monitoring and analysis tool, providing insights into backlink profiles, link quality, and competitor backlinks.
• Features: Backlink analysis, new and lost backlinks, link quality metrics, and competitor backlink monitoring.
• Additional Features: Disavow tool and white-label reporting.
• Pricing Plans: Webmaster ($13.5/month), Advanced ($22.5/month), Pro ($45/month), Agency ($90/month), and Enterprise ($153/month).
• Free Trial: 30-day trial with limited features.
• Pros: Affordable pricing, simple interface, and dedicated backlink monitoring.
• Cons: Lacks additional SEO features provided by other tools.

Serpstat

• Analysis: Serpstat is an all-in-one SEO platform that offers backlink analysis along with other SEO and digital marketing features.
• Features: Backlink analysis, referring domains, anchor text, and link quality metrics.
• Additional Features: Keyword research, site audit, rank tracking, and competitor analysis.
• Pricing Plans: Lite ($69/month), Standard ($149/month), Advanced ($299/month), and Enterprise ($499/month).
• Free Trial: Limited free version with basic features.
• Pros: Comprehensive SEO features, user-friendly interface, and competitive pricing.
• Cons: Backlink data may not be as extensive as other tools.

BuzzSumo

• Analysis: While BuzzSumo is primarily a content marketing and social media analysis tool, it also offers backlink analysis features.
• Features: Backlink analysis, content insights, and domain authority.
• Additional Features: Content discovery, content research, influencer identification, and social media analysis.
• Pricing Plans: Pro ($99/month), Plus ($179/month), Large ($299/month), and Enterprise (custom pricing).
• Free Trial: 30-day trial for Pro plan.
• Pros: Unique focus on content marketing and social media, and easy-to-use interface.
• Cons: Limited backlink analysis features compared to dedicated backlink checker tools.

Which is best:

The best backlink checker tool depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. Ahrefs and SEMrush are widely considered to be the most comprehensive and powerful tools, but they may be too expensive for small businesses or individuals. For those looking for a more affordable option, Ubersuggest and Monitor Backlinks are solid choices. If you’re interested in a tool that focuses on content marketing, BuzzSumo is worth considering.

Using multiple backlink checker tools

Using multiple backlink checker tools can be beneficial for a more in-depth understanding of your website’s backlink profile. However, there are some factors to consider when combining these tools:

1. Cost: Subscribing to multiple tools can be expensive, especially for small businesses and individuals with limited budgets. Assess your financial resources and determine if the additional expense is justifiable.
2. Time and resources: Managing and analyzing data from multiple tools can be time-consuming and may require additional resources. Ensure that you or your team has the time and capacity to handle the workload effectively.
3. Data overlap: There may be some overlap in the data provided by different backlink checker tools. While using multiple tools can offer a more comprehensive view, it’s essential to identify redundancies and avoid over-analyzing the same information.
4. Tool compatibility: Some tools may offer integration options or the ability to import and export data between platforms. Before combining tools, check if they are compatible with each other to streamline your workflow.
5. Learning curve: Each tool has its interface and unique features, which may require a learning curve to use effectively. Be prepared to invest time in learning how to use each tool to its full potential.

Combining multiple backlink checker tools can be advantageous for a more comprehensive and accurate analysis of your backlink profile. However, be mindful of the potential challenges associated with using multiple tools, such as increased costs, time, and resources. Weigh the pros and cons carefully to determine if combining tools is the best strategy for your SEO needs.

Conclusion:

Backlink checker tools play a crucial role in optimizing your website’s SEO and improving its search engine ranking. By carefully considering the features, pricing, and limitations of each tool, you can find the best backlink checker tool that suits your needs.

Frequently asked questions:

What is a backlink checker tool?

A backlink checker tool is a software or online service that helps you analyze and monitor the backlinks pointing to your website. These tools provide insights into the quantity, quality, and relevance of the backlinks, which are important factors for search engine rankings.

Why are backlinks important for SEO?

Backlinks are important for SEO because they serve as “votes” from other websites, indicating that your content is valuable and relevant. High-quality backlinks from authoritative sites can improve your search engine ranking and increase your website’s credibility, visibility, and organic traffic.

Are there any free backlink checker tools?

There are free backlink checker tools available, such as Google Search Console, Ubersuggest’s free version, and the limited free account offered by Majestic SEO. However, these free options may not provide the comprehensive data and features needed for advanced SEO optimization.

Can I combine multiple backlink checker tools for better results?

Yes, you can combine multiple backlink checker tools to get a more comprehensive view of your backlink profile. Each tool has its strengths and limitations, so using a combination can help you gather more accurate information. However, using multiple tools may require additional time, resources, and expenses.

How often should I check my backlinks?

The frequency of checking your backlinks depends on your website’s size, industry, and competition level. For most websites, it’s a good idea to monitor backlinks monthly or quarterly. However, for highly competitive niches or rapidly growing sites, more frequent checks may be necessary to stay ahead of the competition.

How can I improve my backlink profile?

To improve your backlink profile, focus on obtaining high-quality backlinks from authoritative and relevant websites. This can be achieved through various strategies, such as content marketing, guest blogging, influencer outreach, and building relationships with industry partners. Additionally, regularly monitoring and removing toxic or low-quality backlinks can help maintain a healthy backlink profile.

What is a toxic backlink?

A toxic backlink is a link from a low-quality or spammy website that can negatively impact your website’s search engine ranking. These backlinks are often associated with link schemes, black-hat SEO tactics, or websites that have been penalized by search engines. It’s essential to monitor your backlink profile and disavow toxic backlinks to protect your site’s ranking and credibility.