Best Backlink Checkers

What separates the best backlink checker picks?

All four tools were pointed at the same 200 known links. Ahrefs found 186, Semrush 171, Moz Pro 148 and Serpstat 118. That gap is the single biggest difference on this page, and it is why Ahrefs sits at 8.3 and Semrush at 8.2 despite Semrush costing more.

Price splits the group in two. Moz Pro starts at $49 and Serpstat at $59. Ahrefs is $129 for one seat and 750 tracked keywords, with extra seats at $50 each. Semrush is $139.95 for one seat, extra seats $45.

What you get beyond link data matters too. Semrush covers paid search, display, social and PR in one subscription, and its keyword volumes tracked Google Ads figures most closely on head terms. Serpstat includes API credits on every plan and 1,000 tracked keywords at $59. Moz Pro writes its explanations for people still learning SEO, and Moz Local manages listings across directories.

What should I check before buying a backlink checker?

Index size and data accuracy carry the most weight in our scoring at 30 points, so start with how many links a tool actually finds on sites you know. Feature coverage is next at 25, then value at 20, usability and reporting at 15, and limits and fair use at 10.

• Seat costs: Ahrefs charges $50 per extra seat, Semrush $45.
• Keyword tracking: Ahrefs includes 750 tracked keywords, Serpstat 1,000, Moz Pro Starter only 50.
• Free access: Ahrefs Webmaster Tools is free for sites you verify, and Moz offers free versions of most of its tooling.
• API access: Serpstat includes API credits on every plan.
• Database depth: Serpstat's US keyword database is weaker than Semrush's.

Ahrefs — when link coverage is the priority

Pick Ahrefs if you want the largest index in this test and a Site Explorer that answers a competitor question in about three clicks. Budget $129 for one seat.

Semrush — when you need more than backlinks

Semrush suits teams running SEO alongside paid search, social and PR. It found 171 of 200 links and costs $139.95 for one seat.

Moz Pro — when you are learning

Moz Pro is the cheapest paid tool here at $49, with explanations written for people learning SEO and Moz Local for directory listings. Starter tracks 50 keywords.

Serpstat — when you want API access

Serpstat gives you API credits on every plan, 1,000 tracked keywords at $59, and keyword clustering and text analytics built in.

For the largest backlink index in this test, Ahrefs found 186 of 200 links at $129. Semrush suits teams that want SEO, paid search, social and PR in one subscription at $139.95. Moz Pro is the cheapest paid option at $49 for people learning SEO, and Serpstat at $59 is the pick when you need API credits on every plan.