Independently tested ranking
Best Backlink Checker Tools in 2026
9 backlink checker tools compared on link index, quality metrics, competitor research, monitoring and price, from free Google data to dedicated link tools.
- Tools compared
- 9
- With a free plan
- 4 of 9
- Median entry price
- $44/mo
- Average rating
- 4.4
On this page
Which backlink checker tool is best?
The best backlink checker tools in 2026 are Ahrefs for in-depth competitor backlink research, Semrush for backlink gap analysis and link audits, Majestic for dedicated link quality metrics like Trust Flow, Moz Pro for Domain Authority and SE Ranking for backlink monitoring at a mid-range price. For your own site, Google Search Console and Ahrefs Free are free. Paid plans start at $29 a month with Ahrefs Starter or Ubersuggest.
Our top picks
Best overall
Ahrefs
The best backlink checker for competitor research, with clear Site Explorer reports on a very large link index and a free tier for sites you own.
Paid plans from $29/mo (Starter)
See why we picked itBest for link gaps and audits
Semrush
Backlink Gap builds outreach lists from competitor links, and Backlink Audit helps you review risky links, alongside a full SEO suite.
Paid plans from $117.33/mo annual
See why we picked itBest free option
Google Search Console
Shows a sample of the links Google itself has found to your site, at no cost.
Paid plans from Free
See why we picked itKey takeaways
- Ahrefs Free and Google Search Console both show links to sites you own and verify for $0, so start there before you pay.
- You need a paid tool to check competitor backlinks. Entry plans run from $29/mo (Ahrefs Starter, Ubersuggest) to $117.33/mo annual (Semrush).
- Every tool runs its own crawl, so link counts never match. Compare referring domains and trends, not raw totals.
- Authority scores such as Domain Authority and Trust Flow are third-party estimates. Use them to shortlist prospects, not as proof a link will help.
- Gap tools (Semrush Backlink Gap, Moz Link Intersect, Majestic Clique Hunter) turn competitor links into a ready-made outreach list.
What is a backlink checker tool?
The best backlink checker tools show which websites link to a domain or page, how many referring domains it has, the anchor text used and how strong those links are, for your own site or a competitor's. Most run their own web crawler and add an authority metric such as Domain Authority or Trust Flow to help you judge link quality.
A good backlink checker needs to do four jobs: find links quickly from a large, fresh index, score their quality, compare your profile with competitors to find link-building opportunities, and monitor new and lost links over time. Google Search Console covers your own site for free, while backlink analysis tools like Ahrefs, Semrush and Majestic add competitor research and link audit features.
Best backlink checker tools compared
| # | Tool | Best for | Free plan | Paid plans from | Our rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ahrefs |
Deep competitor backlink research | Yes (own verified sites) | $29/mo (Starter) | ★4.7 |
| 2 | Semrush |
Link gaps and backlink audits | Yes (10 reports/day) | $117.33/mo annual | ★4.6 |
| 3 |  Majestic |
Link quality metrics and history | Limited free account | $49.99/mo | ★4.0 |
| 4 |  Moz Pro |
Domain Authority checks | No (free tools and MozBar only) | $39/mo annual | ★4.3 |
| 5 |  SE Ranking |
Backlink monitoring on a budget | No (14-day trial) | $103.20/mo annual | ★4.4 |
| 6 | Google Search Console | Free check of your own links | Free | Free | Not yet reviewed |
| 7 |  Serpstat |
Affordable backlink analysis | No (7-day trial) | $50/mo annual | ★4.3 |
| 8 |  Mangools (LinkMiner) |
Beginner-friendly link checks | Free account (limited) | $37.70/mo annual | ★4.5 |
| 9 |  Ubersuggest |
Small sites on a tight budget | Limited free account | $29/mo | ★4.0 |
Our ratings come from MakeSuccessOnline's hands-on reviews. Prices are the cheapest paid plan, billed monthly unless marked annual, checked November 2026.
The 9 best backlink checker tools in 2026
Two tools here are free for checking your own site, and the rest add competitor research and link metrics. Each pick leads a specific backlink job, from in-depth audits to quick beginner checks.
#1Best overall backlink checker
Ahrefs
An SEO platform best known for its very large backlink index and Site Explorer reports.
- Paid plans from
- $29/mo (Starter)
- Free plan
- Yes (own verified sites)
- Best for
- SEO specialists, link builders, in-house teams and agencies
- Works on
- Web, browser extension (SEO Toolbar)
Ahrefs is best known for its very large backlink index. Enter any domain or URL in Site Explorer and you see its backlinks, referring domains, organic keywords and top pages. That makes it the quickest way to understand why a competitor outranks you and which sites are worth approaching for links of your own.
For your own sites, Ahrefs Free gives you Ahrefs data and Site Audit once you verify ownership, so you can review your link profile without paying. Paid plans add competitor research, longer history and higher limits. Standard adds Content Explorer and Batch Analysis, which help you find linkable content and check many domains at once.
Key features
- Site ExplorerShows backlinks, referring domains, organic keywords and top pages for any domain or URL, so you can see a competitor's strongest links and the pages that attract them.
- Ahrefs Free for your own sitesVerify a site you own and get Ahrefs data and Site Audit at no cost. It is a simple way to monitor your own link profile before you pay for anything.
- Content ExplorerSearches a large index of published pages by topic to find content that earned links and traffic, which helps you plan linkable assets. Standard plan and above.
- Batch AnalysisChecks metrics for many domains or URLs in one go, useful for vetting a list of outreach prospects quickly. Standard plan and above.
- API and SEO MCPConnects Ahrefs backlink data to your own tools and to AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Claude. Included on paid plans from Lite.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Ahrefs Free | $0 | Ahrefs data and Site Audit for sites you own and verify, plus free Web Analytics |
| Starter | $29/mo | Site Explorer, Keywords Explorer, Site Audit and Rank Tracker for 1 user; 200 credits/mo, 1 month of history, 250 rows per report, no exports |
| Lite | $129/mo | 5 non-verified projects, 6 months of history, 1,000 credits per user, Brand Radar, Report Builder, API and MCP |
| Standard | $249/mo | 2 years of history, unlimited credits, Content Explorer, Portfolios and Batch Analysis |
| Advanced | $449/mo | 5 years of history, higher limits and Looker Studio integration |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom limits, unlimited history and uncapped API access |
List prices as of November 2026, billed monthly; annual billing saves up to 17%. Extra users cost $40 to $80/mo each depending on plan. Plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very large backlink index with clear Site Explorer reports
- Free tier for sites you own and verify
- API and MCP access included from Lite
- Clear limits listed for every plan
Cons
- Starter is very limited: 1 month of history, 250 rows per report and no exports
- Extra users add $40 to $80/mo each
- Content Explorer and Batch Analysis need Standard ($249/mo)
Is it right for you?
Choose Ahrefs ifLink building or competitor backlink research is a core part of your job and you want a very large link index with clear reports.
Look elsewhere ifYou only need to see links to your own site, where Ahrefs Free or Google Search Console costs nothing.
#2Best for backlink gap analysis and link audits
Semrush
An all-in-one SEO platform with Backlink Analytics, Backlink Gap and Backlink Audit tools.
- Paid plans from
- $117.33/mo annual
- Free plan
- Yes (10 reports/day)
- Best for
- Agencies, in-house marketing teams and SEO freelancers
- Works on
- Web
Semrush is a full SEO suite, and its backlink tools cover the main link research jobs. Backlink Analytics shows any site's backlinks and referring domains, and Backlink Gap lines your domain up against competitors to show which linking sites they have and you do not. That list is often the best starting point for outreach.
Backlink Audit covers the defensive side. It helps you spot risky links pointing at your site so you can review them before they cause problems. Because the same subscription includes keyword research, Position Tracking and Site Audit, Semrush suits teams that want backlinks and the rest of their SEO work in one tool.
Key features
- Backlink AnalyticsShows backlinks and referring domains for any site, so you can study a competitor's link profile or check your own.
- Backlink GapCompares your domain with several competitors and lists the sites that link to them but not to you, giving you a ready-made prospect list.
- Backlink AuditHelps you spot risky links in your own profile so you can review them and decide what to do.
- Keyword GapFinds keywords competitors rank for and you do not, which helps you choose which pages to build links to.
- Free plan1 demo project and 10 reports per day with no credit card, enough for occasional backlink lookups.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 1 demo project, 10 reports per day |
| SEO | $117.33/mo annual ($139 monthly) | 5 websites, 500 keywords tracked daily, Site Audit, Position Tracking and AI search tracking |
| Starter | $165.17/mo annual ($199 monthly) | Everything in SEO plus 50 AI prompts tracked daily, AI-ready Site Audit and MCP access |
| Pro+ | $248.17/mo annual ($299 monthly) | 15 websites, 1,500 keywords tracked daily, historical data and content optimization |
| Advanced | Custom | 40+ websites, 5,000+ keywords tracked daily, API data integration and reporting |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. 7-day free trial. Extra users from $45/mo.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Backlink Gap turns competitor links into a prospect list
- Backlink Audit helps you review risky links
- Backlinks, keywords, audits and rank tracking in one tool
- Usable free plan for occasional lookups
Cons
- Expensive, especially once you add users
- Plan names are confusing: Starter costs more than SEO
- 10 free reports a day is too little for regular link work
Is it right for you?
Choose Semrush ifYou want backlink research, gap analysis and link audits alongside keyword research and rank tracking in one subscription.
Look elsewhere ifYou only need a backlink checker and do not want to pay for a full SEO suite.
#3Best dedicated link-intelligence tool
Majestic
A dedicated backlink database with its own web crawl and Trust Flow and Citation Flow metrics.
- Paid plans from
- $49.99/mo
- Free plan
- Limited free account
- Best for
- Link builders, SEO agencies, consultants and data teams
- Works on
- Web, browser extensions, Google Sheets add-on, API
Majestic is a backlink checker and nothing else, which is exactly why many link builders keep it. It runs its own web crawl and scores sites with Trust Flow, which estimates link quality, and Citation Flow, which reflects link volume. Topical Trust Flow then shows which subjects a site's links come from, so you can judge relevance as well as strength.
The Fresh Index covers links seen in the past 120 days, and the Historic Index on Pro goes back to 2006. Pro also adds Clique Hunter, which finds sites linking to several competitors but not to you, plus Backlink History and Email Alerts for new and lost links. It works well as a second data source next to an all-in-one suite.
Key features
- Trust Flow and Citation FlowMajestic's Flow Metrics score link quality and link volume, and are widely used to vet sites before outreach or a link purchase review.
- Topical Trust FlowClassifies a site's link profile by topic, so you can tell whether a high-authority site is actually relevant to your niche.
- Fresh and Historic IndexFresh covers links seen in the past 120 days for current work; the Historic Index on Pro covers links back to 2006 for audits and research.
- Clique HunterFinds sites that link to several of your competitors but not to you, a classic way to build a prospect list (Pro).
- Link ContextShows where on a page a link sits and what surrounds it, so you can separate editorial links from footer or sidebar links.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free account | $0 | Complimentary searches plus free tools such as the Backlink Checker, Majestic Million and browser plugins |
| Lite | $49.99/mo ($41.67/mo annual) | 1 user, Fresh Index, Site Explorer, Trust Flow and Topical Trust Flow, Bulk Backlink Checker, Link Context and PDF reports |
| Pro | $99.99/mo ($83.33/mo annual) | Lite plus Historic Index, raw data exports, Compare Sites, Backlink History, Clique Hunter and Email Alerts |
| API | $399.99/mo ($333.33/mo annual) | 5 users, Pro features plus the full API and OpenApps |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. No free trial, but Lite and Pro have a 7-day money-back guarantee for new customers.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Dedicated backlink index from its own crawler
- Trust Flow and Topical Trust Flow are widely recognized quality metrics
- Cheap entry plan compared with all-in-one suites
- Free browser plugins and a Google Sheets add-on
Cons
- Backlinks only: no keyword research or site audit
- Lite and Pro are single-user
- API access only on the $399.99/mo plan
Is it right for you?
Choose Majestic ifYou vet a lot of link prospects or run backlink audits and want dedicated link quality metrics at a lower price than a full suite.
Look elsewhere ifYou want one tool for keywords, audits and rank tracking as well as links.
#4Best for Domain Authority and beginner-friendly link research
Moz Pro
An SEO suite whose Link Explorer and Domain Authority metric are widely used for link research.
- Paid plans from
- $39/mo annual
- Free plan
- No (free tools and MozBar only)
- Best for
- Beginners, in-house marketers, small businesses and smaller agencies
- Works on
- Web, Chrome extension (MozBar)
Moz Pro is an approachable SEO suite, and for backlinks its draw is Link Explorer. It shows backlinks, linking domains and anchor text for any site, and scores them with Domain Authority, one of the most widely cited link metrics in SEO. Spam Score adds a quick read on how risky a site's links look.
Link Intersect is the practical link-building tool: it lists sites that link to your competitors but not to you. The free MozBar extension shows Domain Authority as you browse, which helps when you are reviewing prospects in search results. Moz is easier to learn than larger suites, which suits beginners and small teams.
Key features
- Link ExplorerShows backlinks, linking domains, anchor text and Domain Authority for any site, so you can compare your link profile with competitors.
- Link IntersectFinds sites that link to your competitors but not to you, giving you a ready list of link-building prospects.
- Domain Authority and Spam ScoreMoz's metrics for estimating a site's ranking strength and the risk level of its links, useful for quick prospect vetting.
- MozBarA free Chrome extension that shows Domain Authority and page metrics as you browse search results and websites.
- Keyword ExplorerVolume, difficulty and a Priority score for each keyword, which helps you decide which pages deserve link-building effort.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free tools | $0 | MozBar plus a small number of Link Explorer and Keyword Explorer queries with a free Moz account |
| Starter | $39/mo annual | Core Moz Pro tools with low limits, suited to one site, 1 user |
| Standard | Higher | More tracked keywords, sites and queries, 1 user |
| Medium | Higher | Higher limits and multiple users for growing teams |
| Large | Higher | The highest limits, for agencies and larger teams |
List prices as of November 2026; monthly billing costs more than annual. Plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Domain Authority is a widely recognized metric
- Link Intersect makes prospecting simple
- Easier to learn than larger suites
- Free MozBar for quick checks while browsing
Cons
- Smaller link database than Semrush or Ahrefs
- Starter limits are tight
- Higher tiers get expensive for small teams
Is it right for you?
Choose Moz Pro ifYou are newer to link building, or clients and partners ask for Domain Authority, and you want an easy suite at a low annual price.
Look elsewhere ifYou need the largest link database for in-depth competitor research or audits.
#5Best mid-priced backlink checker with monitoring
SE Ranking
An all-in-one SEO platform with a Backlink Checker and Backlink Monitor at a mid-market price.
- Paid plans from
- $103.20/mo annual
- Free plan
- No (14-day trial)
- Best for
- Agencies, freelancers, small businesses and in-house SEO teams
- Works on
- Web, iOS, Android
SE Ranking gives you backlink checking and monitoring at a lower price than the biggest suites. The Backlink Checker analyzes any site's backlink profile, and Backlink Monitor keeps an eye on links you have earned or built, so you notice when an important one disappears. That makes it a practical choice for agencies tracking links for many clients.
The same plan covers daily rank tracking for 2,000 keywords, website audits and competitive research, so links sit next to the results they are meant to drive. The Agency Pack add-on brings white-label reports and client seats. The 14-day trial needs no credit card, which makes it easy to compare its link data with a tool you already use.
Key features
- Backlink CheckerAnalyzes any site's backlink profile, so you can review competitors' links or check a prospect before outreach.
- Backlink MonitorMonitors your own links and flags losses, which matters when you have paid for or worked hard to earn a placement.
- Competitive ResearchShows the organic and paid keywords and traffic of any domain, so you can see which competitor pages are worth studying.
- SEO Report GeneratorDrag-and-drop scheduled reports; white label and client seats come with the Agency Pack add-on.
- Rank TrackerChecks rankings daily, with 2,000 daily-tracked keywords on Core, so you can connect link work to ranking changes.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Core | $103.20/mo annual ($129 monthly) | 1 manager seat, 10 projects, 2,000 keywords tracked daily, 250,000 audited pages/mo, 6 months of history |
| Growth | $223.20/mo annual ($279 monthly) | 3 manager seats, 30 projects, 5,000 keywords tracked daily, all-time history |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom limits and full API |
| Agency Pack (add-on) | +$69/mo, annual only | White label, 30 client seats, AI summaries and Lead Generator |
List prices as of November 2026; annual billing saves 20%. Plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. 14-day free trial, no credit card required.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Much cheaper than Semrush or Ahrefs for similar coverage
- Backlink Monitor alerts you to lost links
- 14-day trial with no card
- Agency Pack adds white label for $69/mo
Cons
- Smaller backlink database than the largest suites
- Core has 1 user seat and 6 months of history
- No free plan
Is it right for you?
Choose SE Ranking ifYou want backlink checking and monitoring plus rank tracking and audits without paying top-tier prices.
Look elsewhere ifYou need the very largest backlink index for in-depth competitor research.
#6Best free backlink checker for your own site
Google Search Console
Google's free tool for site owners, including a Links report of the backlinks Google knows about.
- Paid plans from
- Free
- Free plan
- Free
- Best for
- Any website owner, from beginners to enterprise SEO teams
- Works on
- Web
Google Search Console is the only backlink report that comes from Google itself. Its Links report shows a sample of the external links pointing at your site, grouped by top linked pages, top linking sites and top linking text, plus your internal links. It costs nothing and every site owner should have it set up.
The trade-off is scope. You can only see sites you own and verify, so there is no competitor research, and the report is a sample rather than a full list. Use it as a free baseline and to confirm Google has seen links you earned, then add a third-party backlink checker when you need competitor data or link quality metrics.
Key features
- Links reportShows top linked pages, top linking sites and top linking text for external links, plus internal links. Tables show up to 1,000 rows and exports go up to 100,000 rows.
- Performance reportClicks, impressions, CTR and average position by query and page from Google's own data, so you can see whether pages gaining links also gain traffic.
- URL InspectionShows crawl, index and serving details for a URL and lets you request indexing, useful after a page earns new links.
- Issue alertsEmails you when Google finds problems on your site, including manual actions and security issues.
- Free, first-party dataEverything comes from Google rather than a third-party crawl, and every report is free for verified sites.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | All reports and tools for each verified property; performance data kept for 16 months |
Free for any site you own and verify.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Completely free
- Link data comes from Google itself
- Alerts you to manual actions and security issues
- Exports up to 100,000 link rows
Cons
- Only covers sites you own and verify; no competitor research
- Links report is a sample capped at 1,000 rows per table
- No link quality or authority metrics
Is it right for you?
Choose Google Search Console ifYou want a free, trustworthy view of the links Google has found to your own site.
Look elsewhere ifYou need to research competitors' backlinks or score link quality.
#7Best affordable all-in-one with backlink analysis
Serpstat
An all-in-one SEO platform with backlink analysis from its own link index at a lower price than the leaders.
- Paid plans from
- $50/mo annual
- Free plan
- No (7-day trial)
- Best for
- Freelancers, in-house teams and small to mid-size agencies
- Works on
- Web, browser extension, API
Serpstat is a budget-friendly SEO suite with a backlink tool built on its own link index. Backlink Analysis shows backlinks and referring domains for your site or a competitor's, which covers the everyday checks most small teams need: who links to a rival, which domains are worth contacting, and how your own profile is growing.
Because it also includes keyword research, competitor analysis, rank tracking and site audits, you get links and the rest of your SEO in one subscription for well under the price of Semrush or Ahrefs. The Team plan adds domain batch analysis, which helps when you need to vet a long list of link prospects, along with API and MCP access.
Key features
- Backlink AnalysisBacklink and referring-domain data from Serpstat's own link index for your site or competitors.
- Domain batch analysisAnalyzes many domains at once for metrics such as traffic and authority, handy for vetting outreach lists (Team plan and up).
- Competitor AnalysisShows a domain's organic and paid keywords, traffic and visibility, so you know which competitors' links are worth studying.
- Rank TrackerDaily desktop and mobile position tracking with competitor rankings, so you can see whether link building moves the needle.
- API and MCPBacklink and other data through the API, plus MCP access from ChatGPT and Claude (Team plan and up).
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $50/mo annual ($69 monthly) | 1 user, 5 projects, 100 searches/day, 10,000 position checks/mo, 30,000 pages to audit |
| Team | $100/mo annual ($129 monthly) | 3 users, unlimited projects, 500 searches/day, API, MCP, batch analysis and AI Visibility |
| Team x2 | $169/mo annual ($209 monthly) | 6 users, 1,000 searches/day, 400,000 API credits/mo |
| Agency | $410/mo annual ($499 monthly) | 30 users, 5,000 searches/day, white-label reports and phone support |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. 7-day free trial on Individual or Team; a $1 refundable card check applies and the plan renews unless you cancel.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Backlinks, keywords, rank tracking and audits in one subscription
- Annual pricing well below Semrush and Ahrefs
- API and MCP included from Team
- Generous limits on Team
Cons
- Individual plan is single-user with no API
- Large gap between monthly and annual prices
- Trial requires a card and auto-renews
Is it right for you?
Choose Serpstat ifYou want competent backlink analysis plus a full SEO toolkit on a small-team budget.
Look elsewhere ifBacklinks are your main job and you need the largest index or dedicated link quality metrics.
#8Best easy backlink checker for beginners
Mangools (LinkMiner)
A beginner-friendly SEO suite whose LinkMiner tool shows backlinks for any URL.
- Paid plans from
- $37.70/mo annual
- Free plan
- Free account (limited)
- Best for
- Bloggers, small businesses, freelancers and small agencies
- Works on
- Web, browser extension
Mangools is best known for KWFinder, but its LinkMiner tool is one of the easiest ways for beginners to look at backlinks. Enter a URL and it lists the links pointing at it, so you can see where a competitor's links come from and spot sites that might link to you as well. The interface is clean and quick to learn.
SiteProfiler adds an overview of a domain's authority and SEO metrics for fast competitor checks, and the browser extension shows Mangools metrics as you browse. Every paid plan includes all the tools, so bloggers and small businesses get keywords, SERP analysis, rank tracking and backlinks for a modest price. Heavy link builders will outgrow its limits.
Key features
- LinkMinerShows backlinks for any URL so you can find link opportunities on competitors' pages; Basic includes 100,000 backlink rows a month.
- SiteProfilerGives an overview of a domain's authority and SEO metrics, a quick way to size up a competitor or prospect.
- SEO browser extensionShows Mangools metrics while you browse search results and websites, handy for checking prospects on the fly.
- KWFinderKeyword volume, difficulty and current top results in one view, so you can pick which pages to build links to.
- API and MCP serverAPI and MCP access are included in every plan, so you can pull data into your own tools or AI assistants.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free account | $0 | Free sign-up and mini tools such as SERP Simulator and AI Search Grader |
| Basic | $37.70/mo annual ($61 monthly) | 1 user, all tools, 20 site lookups/24h, 100,000 backlink rows/mo, 200 tracked keywords |
| Premium | $52.70/mo annual ($81 monthly) | 3 sub-users, 70 site lookups/24h, 500,000 backlink rows/mo |
| Agency | $97.70/mo annual ($141 monthly) | 5 sub-users, 150 site lookups/24h, 1.2M backlink rows/mo, daily rank updates |
List prices in USD as of November 2026; Mangools may show lower regional prices. Plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. 48-hour full refund if you are not satisfied.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very easy to learn
- All tools included on every paid plan
- Low annual price
- API and MCP included in all plans
Cons
- Backlink data is basic next to Ahrefs or Semrush
- Tight daily lookup limits on Basic
- No site audit tool
Is it right for you?
Choose Mangools (LinkMiner) ifYou are a blogger or small business owner who wants to peek at competitor backlinks without learning a complex tool.
Look elsewhere ifYou run link-building campaigns at volume or need detailed link quality metrics.
#9Best budget backlink overview for small sites
Ubersuggest
A budget SEO tool from Neil Patel with a simple backlink report and new and lost link tracking.
- Paid plans from
- $29/mo
- Free plan
- Limited free account
- Best for
- Small businesses, bloggers and beginners doing their own SEO
- Works on
- Web
Ubersuggest has the lowest yearly price on this list ($192 a year) and covers the backlink basics well enough for small sites. Its Backlinks report shows backlinks and referring domains for your site or a competitor, tracks new and lost links, and keeps 3 years of link history, which is enough to see whether your profile is growing.
It suits owners who handle their own SEO and want links, keyword ideas, site audits and rank tracking in one simple dashboard. The one-time lifetime plan is unusual and can make sense if you plan to use it for years. Agencies and serious link builders will find the data too shallow and the limits too low.
Key features
- Backlinks reportShows backlinks, referring domains and new and lost links for your site or a competitor, with 3 years of link history.
- Traffic Overview and Top PagesEstimates a competitor's organic traffic, top keywords and top pages, so you can see which pages attract their links.
- Site AuditWeekly crawl that scores your site's SEO health and lists issues to fix, from 1,000 pages per project on Individual.
- Lifetime plansPay once instead of monthly: $290 for Individual, $490 for Business or $990 for Enterprise/Agency.
- Google Search Console sign-inConnects with Google sign-in so you can bring in your own site's Search Console data.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free account | $0 | A limited free account |
| Individual | $29/mo ($192/yr or $290 lifetime) | 1 user, 1 project, 150 reports/day, 125 tracked keywords, 1,000-page site audit |
| Business | $49/mo ($326/yr or $490 lifetime) | 2 users, 7 projects, 300 reports/day, 5,000-page site audit |
| Enterprise/Agency | $99/mo ($657/yr or $990 lifetime) | 5 users, 15 projects, 900 reports/day, 10,000-page site audit |
List prices in USD as of November 2026; prices vary by region. Plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. One-time 7-day free trial on monthly plans only; lifetime purchases are final.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Lowest yearly price on this list ($192/yr)
- New and lost link tracking with 3 years of history
- One-time lifetime plans avoid recurring fees
- Simple interface for non-experts
Cons
- Shallower backlink data than the leading suites
- Entry plan limited to 1 project
- No API access
Is it right for you?
Choose Ubersuggest ifYou run a small site, do your own SEO and want a basic backlink overview for as little as possible.
Look elsewhere ifYou are an agency or link builder who needs deep link data, an API or many projects.
Best backlink checker tool by need
- In-depth competitor backlink researchAhrefs
- Backlink gap analysis and link auditsSemrush
- Link quality metrics and historic dataMajestic
- Domain Authority checksMoz Pro
- Backlink monitoring on a mid-range budgetSE Ranking
- Free check of your own site's linksGoogle Search Console
- Affordable all-in-one with backlinksSerpstat
- Easy competitor link checks for beginnersMangools (LinkMiner)
- Cheapest paid plan or a lifetime dealUbersuggest
What to look for in a backlink checker tool
- Index size and freshnessA larger, frequently updated index finds more of the links that exist. Check how recently new links appear and whether lost links drop out promptly.
- Link quality metricsLook for an authority score (Domain Authority, Trust Flow, Ahrefs metrics) plus context such as topic relevance, so you can separate useful links from noise.
- Competitor and gap analysisThe most useful link building tools show sites that link to several competitors but not to you, which becomes your outreach list.
- Backlink monitoringAlerts or reports on new and lost backlinks show when you earn a link and when an important one disappears.
- Backlink audit featuresA backlink audit tool helps you spot risky or spammy links pointing at your site so you can review them.
- Limits, history and exportsRows per report, daily lookups, months of history and export caps decide whether a cheap plan is usable. Check them before you buy.
How much do backlink checker tools cost in 2026?
Backlink checker pricing runs from free for your own site to several hundred dollars a month for teams doing link research at scale.
| Tier | Typical price | Tools at this level | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Google Search Console, Ahrefs Free, free accounts from Semrush, Majestic, Mangools and Ubersuggest | Site owners checking their own links or doing occasional lookups |
| Budget | $29 to $50/mo | Ahrefs Starter, Ubersuggest, Mangools, Moz Pro Starter (annual), Majestic Lite, Serpstat Individual (annual) | Bloggers, small businesses and freelancers checking competitors now and then |
| Mid-range | $99 to $130/mo | SE Ranking Core, Majestic Pro, Serpstat Team, Semrush SEO (annual), Ahrefs Lite | Consultants and small agencies doing regular link building |
| Advanced | $249+/mo | Ahrefs Standard and Advanced, Semrush Pro+, Majestic API | Agencies and teams running link campaigns and audits at volume |
Entry prices from vendor pricing pages, November 2026.
Start with Google Search Console and Ahrefs Free for your own site, then pay only when you need competitor data. Watch the limits as well as the price: cheap plans often cap rows per report, daily lookups, history or exports, and extra users can add $40 to $80 a month each on some tools. Annual billing saves from about 15% (Semrush) to more than 40% (Ubersuggest) where offered.
How we chose the best backlink checker tools
We started with the backlink and SEO tools in the MakeSuccessOnline directory and added well-known free options not yet reviewed, such as Google Search Console. Each tool was used to check the same set of sites, including our own and several competitors, and judged on the criteria below. We combined hands-on reviews with vendor documentation and current pricing, all checked in November 2026.
- Link index and data qualityHow many real links the tool finds, how fresh they are and how well lost links are removed.30%
- Link metrics and analysisAuthority scores, topical relevance, anchor text and link context for judging quality.20%
- Competitor and gap toolsFeatures that turn competitor backlinks into link-building prospects.15%
- Pricing and valueFree tiers, entry price and how usable the limits are on cheaper plans.15%
- Monitoring and auditsNew and lost link tracking, alerts and tools for reviewing risky links.10%
- Ease of useHow quickly a beginner can run a backlink check and act on the results.10%
How to choose a backlink checker tool
- Start with free data on your own siteSet up Google Search Console and Ahrefs Free to see how to check backlinks to your own site before you pay for anything.
- Decide if you need competitor dataIf you want to check competitor backlinks or find link gaps, you need a paid tool. If not, free options may be enough.
- Choose between a suite and a dedicated toolAll-in-one suites like Semrush and SE Ranking add keywords and rank tracking. Majestic focuses only on links, often for less.
- Run the same domains through two toolsCheck your site and two competitors in each trial. Compare referring domains and whether they find links you know exist.
- Check the limits that matterLook at rows per report, daily lookups, history length, exports and seats. These decide whether the cheapest plan works for you.
- Use metrics as a filter, not a verdictShortlist prospects with Domain Authority or Trust Flow, then review each site by hand for relevance and real traffic.
Check during the free trial
- Does it find links you know exist, including recent ones?
- How quickly do new and lost links show up?
- Can you export enough rows for your audits?
- Does it show which sites link to competitors but not to you?
- Are the limits on the plan you would buy enough for a month of real work?
Red flags
- Link counts far higher than other tools, padded with low-quality or duplicate links
- No way to see when a link was first seen or lost
- Export caps that block a full backlink audit
- A single authority score presented as a ranking guarantee
- Trials that require a card and auto-renew without clear reminders
Backlink checker tools FAQ
What are the best backlink checker tools?
The best backlink checker tools in 2026 are Ahrefs for in-depth competitor research, Semrush for backlink gap analysis and audits, and Majestic for dedicated link quality metrics. Moz Pro is best for Domain Authority, SE Ranking is a strong mid-priced choice with backlink monitoring, and Google Search Console is the best free option for your own site.
Is there a free backlink checker?
Yes. Google Search Console shows a sample of the links Google has found to your site for free, and Ahrefs Free gives you Ahrefs data on sites you own and verify. To check competitor backlinks for free, Semrush's free plan allows 10 reports a day, and Majestic, Mangools and Ubersuggest offer limited free accounts.
How do I check my website's backlinks?
The quickest free way is the Links report in Google Search Console, which lists top linking sites, top linked pages and top linking text. For a fuller picture, verify your site in Ahrefs Free or run it through a paid backlink checker, which adds link quality metrics and new and lost link tracking.
How much does a backlink checker cost?
Backlink checkers cost from $0 to several hundred dollars a month. Ahrefs Starter and Ubersuggest start at $29 a month, Majestic Lite at $49.99, SE Ranking Core at $103.20 a month annual and Semrush at $117.33 a month annual. Teams doing link research at volume usually spend $249 a month or more.
Ahrefs vs Semrush: which is better for backlinks?
Ahrefs is usually the first choice when backlinks are your main focus, thanks to its very large index and clear Site Explorer reports. Semrush is better if you want Backlink Gap and Backlink Audit alongside a full SEO suite with daily rank tracking. Some teams use one as their main tool and the other for a second opinion.
Why do backlink checkers show different numbers?
Each backlink checker runs its own crawler, so each finds a different share of the web and removes lost links at a different speed. No tool sees every link. Compare referring domains and trends over time within one tool, and use a second source such as Majestic or Search Console to cross-check important findings.
What is the difference between Domain Authority and Trust Flow?
Domain Authority is Moz's score for a site's estimated ranking strength based on its links. Trust Flow is Majestic's score for link quality, shown next to Citation Flow, which reflects link volume. Both are third-party estimates, not Google metrics, so use them to compare and shortlist sites rather than as proof of value.
How do I choose a backlink checker tool?
Choose a backlink checker by deciding whether you need competitor data, then comparing index quality, link metrics, gap tools and plan limits. Start free with Search Console and Ahrefs Free, then trial two paid tools on the same domains. Pick the one that finds the links you know exist and fits your budget.
About the reviewer
Editor & Reviewer, MakeSuccessOnline
William Harrison is an editor and reviewer at MakeSuccessOnline. He reviews each tools ranking before it goes live, checking plans, prices, free tiers and features against the tool's own documentation, and keeps rankings current as tools change.