Quick Overview
- 1#1: Ahrefs - Provides the most comprehensive backlink database for monitoring new and lost links, analyzing anchors, and detecting toxic backlinks.
- 2#2: SEMrush - Offers robust backlink analytics, audit tools, and monitoring to track link quality, toxicity, and changes over time.
- 3#3: Majestic - Delivers specialized backlink intelligence with historic index data, Trust Flow, and Citation Flow metrics for in-depth analysis.
- 4#4: Moz Pro - Features Link Explorer for backlink checking, spam score detection, and monitoring link profiles against competitors.
- 5#5: Linkody - Automates backlink tracking with real-time alerts for new, lost, and changed links, plus competitor monitoring.
- 6#6: Monitor Backlinks - Sends daily email alerts for new and lost backlinks while providing detailed analysis and disavow file generation.
- 7#7: CognitiveSEO - Analyzes backlinks for patterns, toxicity, and opportunities with automated disavow tools and competitor insights.
- 8#8: SEO SpyGlass - Desktop tool for deep backlink auditing, anchor text analysis, and penalty risk assessment with unlimited data.
- 9#9: SpyFu - Reveals competitors' backlinks with historical data, top pages, and opportunities for link acquisition.
- 10#10: SERPstat - Provides backlink monitoring, toxicity checks, and anchor text analysis within an affordable all-in-one SEO platform.
We evaluated these tools based on factors including depth of backlink databases, precision in toxicity detection, real-time monitoring capabilities, user experience, and overall value, ensuring the list represents the most reliable and impactful solutions for SEO professionals.
Comparison Table
Backlink analysis is a critical component of SEO, directly impacting a site’s authority and search rankings. This comparison table explores leading tools—such as Ahrefs, SEMrush, Majestic, Moz Pro, and Linkody—examining key features, pricing structures, and performance to help users identify the most suitable backlink monitor software for their needs. Readers will gain clarity on balancing functionality, cost, and specific goals to optimize their backlink strategies.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ahrefs Provides the most comprehensive backlink database for monitoring new and lost links, analyzing anchors, and detecting toxic backlinks. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | SEMrush Offers robust backlink analytics, audit tools, and monitoring to track link quality, toxicity, and changes over time. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | Majestic Delivers specialized backlink intelligence with historic index data, Trust Flow, and Citation Flow metrics for in-depth analysis. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Moz Pro Features Link Explorer for backlink checking, spam score detection, and monitoring link profiles against competitors. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | Linkody Automates backlink tracking with real-time alerts for new, lost, and changed links, plus competitor monitoring. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Monitor Backlinks Sends daily email alerts for new and lost backlinks while providing detailed analysis and disavow file generation. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | CognitiveSEO Analyzes backlinks for patterns, toxicity, and opportunities with automated disavow tools and competitor insights. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | SEO SpyGlass Desktop tool for deep backlink auditing, anchor text analysis, and penalty risk assessment with unlimited data. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | SpyFu Reveals competitors' backlinks with historical data, top pages, and opportunities for link acquisition. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | SERPstat Provides backlink monitoring, toxicity checks, and anchor text analysis within an affordable all-in-one SEO platform. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
Provides the most comprehensive backlink database for monitoring new and lost links, analyzing anchors, and detecting toxic backlinks.
Offers robust backlink analytics, audit tools, and monitoring to track link quality, toxicity, and changes over time.
Delivers specialized backlink intelligence with historic index data, Trust Flow, and Citation Flow metrics for in-depth analysis.
Features Link Explorer for backlink checking, spam score detection, and monitoring link profiles against competitors.
Automates backlink tracking with real-time alerts for new, lost, and changed links, plus competitor monitoring.
Sends daily email alerts for new and lost backlinks while providing detailed analysis and disavow file generation.
Analyzes backlinks for patterns, toxicity, and opportunities with automated disavow tools and competitor insights.
Desktop tool for deep backlink auditing, anchor text analysis, and penalty risk assessment with unlimited data.
Reveals competitors' backlinks with historical data, top pages, and opportunities for link acquisition.
Provides backlink monitoring, toxicity checks, and anchor text analysis within an affordable all-in-one SEO platform.
Ahrefs
specializedProvides the most comprehensive backlink database for monitoring new and lost links, analyzing anchors, and detecting toxic backlinks.
The world's largest backlink index (30+ trillion links) with daily updates and precise historical tracking
Ahrefs is a leading SEO toolset with exceptional backlink monitoring and analysis capabilities, powered by one of the largest databases of live backlinks exceeding 30 trillion. It enables users to track new and lost backlinks, analyze anchor texts, referring domains, and detect toxic links through Site Explorer and dedicated alerts. The platform also offers competitor backlink insights, historical data, and performance metrics like Domain Rating (DR) for strategic link building and disavowal.
Pros
- Massive, fresh backlink index with historical data for unparalleled depth
- Real-time alerts for new/lost/toxic backlinks and competitor changes
- Advanced tools like Link Intersect and anchor text analysis for actionable insights
Cons
- High cost, especially for smaller users or beginners
- Steep learning curve due to feature density
- No free tier beyond limited webmaster tools
Best For
SEO professionals, agencies, and enterprises needing comprehensive backlink monitoring and competitive analysis.
Pricing
Lite ($129/mo), Standard ($249/mo), Advanced ($399/mo), Enterprise ($999/mo), with 20% discount on annual billing; 7-day trial for $7.
SEMrush
specializedOffers robust backlink analytics, audit tools, and monitoring to track link quality, toxicity, and changes over time.
Proprietary Backlink Toxicity Score with automated audit scheduling and one-click disavow file generation
SEMrush is a powerful all-in-one SEO platform with advanced backlink monitoring capabilities through its Backlink Analytics and Backlink Audit tools. It tracks new and lost backlinks, analyzes anchor texts, referring domains, and provides historical data from a massive index of over 50 trillion backlinks. The Backlink Audit feature identifies toxic links using a proprietary toxicity score, enabling proactive disavow management and competitor benchmarking.
Pros
- Massive backlink database with detailed metrics like dofollow/nofollow ratios and anchor text analysis
- Automated toxicity scoring and scheduled audits for easy toxic link detection
- Competitor backlink spying with gap analysis to identify link-building opportunities
Cons
- High pricing, especially for higher usage limits needed for extensive monitoring
- Complex interface that can overwhelm beginners despite intuitive dashboards
- Crawl and tracking limits on lower plans restrict heavy backlink monitoring
Best For
Agencies and SEO teams handling multiple domains who need comprehensive backlink analysis integrated with broader SEO tools.
Pricing
Starts at $139.95/mo (Pro), $249.95/mo (Guru), $499.95/mo (Business), billed annually; backlink audit units scale with tier.
Majestic
specializedDelivers specialized backlink intelligence with historic index data, Trust Flow, and Citation Flow metrics for in-depth analysis.
Trust Flow metric, which uniquely evaluates backlink quality by propagating trust from hand-picked seed sites.
Majestic is a premier backlink analysis platform renowned for its massive index of over 500 trillion links, enabling users to explore inbound and outbound links in depth. It provides unique metrics like Trust Flow (link quality) and Citation Flow (link quantity), along with Topical Trust Flow for category-specific analysis. The tool excels in historic data visualization, anchor text reports, and competitor link profiling, making it ideal for comprehensive backlink audits and monitoring.
Pros
- Vast backlink database with historic data spanning years
- Proprietary Trust Flow and Citation Flow metrics for quality assessment
- Powerful tools like Site Explorer and Campaign Manager for audits
Cons
- Dated and clunky user interface
- Expensive plans with usage-based limits
- Limited real-time monitoring and alerts
Best For
SEO agencies and professionals requiring in-depth historic backlink analysis and quality metrics.
Pricing
Freemium with paid plans from $49.99/mo (Silver, 500 ref domains) to $399/mo (Platinum, 3K ref domains); API extra.
Moz Pro
specializedFeatures Link Explorer for backlink checking, spam score detection, and monitoring link profiles against competitors.
Spam Score: A machine-learning powered metric (0-100) that uniquely predicts a site's spamminess and penalty risk based on 40+ signals.
Moz Pro is an all-in-one SEO platform with strong backlink monitoring capabilities via its Link Explorer tool, allowing users to discover, analyze, and track inbound and outbound links for their sites and competitors. It provides metrics like Domain Authority (DA), Page Authority (PA), and the unique Spam Score to evaluate link quality and potential risks. Users can set up alerts for new or lost links, compare backlink profiles historically, and identify link-building opportunities through features like Link Intersect.
Pros
- Proprietary Spam Score for quick link quality assessment
- Intuitive interface with easy backlink exploration and competitor comparison
- Custom alerts for new, lost, or changed links
Cons
- Smaller backlink index compared to Ahrefs or SEMrush (around 40 trillion links)
- Credit-based limitations on link checks in lower plans
- Less depth in historical backlink data and anchor text analysis
Best For
SEO professionals and agencies seeking an user-friendly all-in-one SEO suite with reliable backlink monitoring as part of broader optimization efforts.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Standard, 1,500 link checks/mo), $179/month (Medium), $299/month (Large), $599/month (Premium); annual billing offers 20% discount.
Linkody
specializedAutomates backlink tracking with real-time alerts for new, lost, and changed links, plus competitor monitoring.
White-label customizable reports for seamless client sharing
Linkody is a dedicated backlink monitoring tool that automatically discovers, tracks, and analyzes backlinks for your site and competitors, providing alerts for new, lost, or changed links. It includes features like anchor text analysis, dofollow/nofollow detection, toxic link scoring, and white-label reporting for agencies. Users can generate disavow files and spy on competitors' link profiles with ease.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and real-time alerts
- Affordable pricing suitable for small teams and agencies
- White-label reports and disavow file generation
Cons
- Limited link volume on entry-level plans
- Fewer advanced analytics than premium tools like Ahrefs
- Basic integrations compared to enterprise solutions
Best For
Small to mid-sized SEO agencies and freelancers seeking straightforward backlink tracking and client-ready reports.
Pricing
Starts at $14.90/month (100 links) up to $299.90/month (50,000 links), with annual discounts and custom enterprise options.
Monitor Backlinks
specializedSends daily email alerts for new and lost backlinks while providing detailed analysis and disavow file generation.
Instant email notifications for backlinks discovered within hours of Google indexing
Monitor Backlinks is a dedicated backlink monitoring tool that tracks new and lost backlinks for your site and competitors, sending instant email alerts to keep you informed. It offers features like toxic link detection, competitor analysis, and white-label PDF reports for client sharing. Additionally, it includes a built-in disavow tool for quick action against harmful links, making it straightforward for ongoing link profile management.
Pros
- Lightning-fast email alerts for new and lost backlinks
- User-friendly dashboard with competitor spying
- White-label reports and direct disavow integration
Cons
- Limited to backlink tracking without keyword or rank features
- Pricing scales quickly with link volume limits
- Historical data depth not as robust as enterprise tools
Best For
SEO freelancers and agencies needing simple, alert-driven backlink monitoring without a full SEO suite.
Pricing
Starts at $67/month (3,000 backlinks, 1 site), $97/month (10,000 backlinks, 5 sites), $197/month (50,000 backlinks, unlimited sites); 30% off annual plans.
CognitiveSEO
specializedAnalyzes backlinks for patterns, toxicity, and opportunities with automated disavow tools and competitor insights.
Toxic Score algorithm that predicts backlink impact on rankings using machine learning
CognitiveSEO is an advanced SEO platform specializing in backlink monitoring and analysis, offering a vast database of over 500 trillion links for comprehensive audits. It excels in tracking backlink velocity, anchor text distribution, historical changes, and competitor comparisons. The tool's toxicity scoring helps identify harmful links, making it ideal for proactive link management and SEO strategy refinement.
Pros
- Massive backlink index with historical data spanning years
- Advanced toxic link detection and scoring system
- Detailed competitor backlink analysis and gap identification
Cons
- Complex interface with steep learning curve for beginners
- Higher pricing compared to some alternatives
- Occasional data lags or inaccuracies in link freshness
Best For
SEO professionals and agencies requiring deep, historical backlink audits and toxicity monitoring for large-scale campaigns.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month (Agency 500 plan) up to $349/month (Agency 25K), with custom enterprise options.
SEO SpyGlass
specializedDesktop tool for deep backlink auditing, anchor text analysis, and penalty risk assessment with unlimited data.
Toxicity Link Detector that evaluates links using over 60 SEO risk factors to identify spammy backlinks
SEO SpyGlass is a desktop-based backlink analysis tool from Link-Assistant.com that enables users to audit their own backlink profiles, spy on competitors' links, and uncover new link-building opportunities. It offers detailed metrics including anchor text distribution, domain authority, and spam scores, with tools to detect and disavow toxic links. The software supports historical tracking of backlink changes and customizable filters for prioritizing high-quality prospects.
Pros
- In-depth backlink auditing with 60+ filters and metrics
- Powerful competitor analysis and link prospecting
- Unique toxicity scoring system for risk assessment
Cons
- Desktop-only software requiring installation and local resources
- Dated interface with a learning curve for beginners
- Slower data collection reliant on public indexes
Best For
Experienced SEO professionals and agencies needing thorough, one-time-purchase backlink audits without subscription fees.
Pricing
Free version with limits; Professional license at $169 one-time fee (includes 1 year of updates); Enterprise at $389.
SpyFu
specializedReveals competitors' backlinks with historical data, top pages, and opportunities for link acquisition.
Integrated backlink analysis with competitors' keyword and PPC data for holistic SEO spying
SpyFu is a competitive intelligence tool for SEO that includes backlink analysis features, allowing users to uncover competitors' backlinks, historical link changes, anchor text distributions, and top linking domains. It provides insights into backlink profiles to identify opportunities for link-building strategies. While not a dedicated backlink monitor, it excels in quick competitor spying with integrated keyword and PPC data.
Pros
- Intuitive interface for quick backlink lookups
- Historical backlink data for trend analysis
- Affordable access to competitor insights
Cons
- Smaller backlink database than top tools like Ahrefs
- No real-time alerts or proactive monitoring
- Limited advanced metrics like toxicity scores
Best For
Small businesses and solo SEOs seeking cost-effective competitor backlink spying without needing enterprise-level depth.
Pricing
Basic plan at $39/month (limited results), Professional at $79/month (unlimited searches), with a free tier for basic lookups.
SERPstat
specializedProvides backlink monitoring, toxicity checks, and anchor text analysis within an affordable all-in-one SEO platform.
Backlink toxicity score with automated risk assessment and disavow recommendations
SERPstat is a comprehensive SEO platform with dedicated backlink monitoring and analysis capabilities, allowing users to track new and lost backlinks, analyze anchor texts, domains, and referring pages. It provides insights into backlink quality through toxicity detection and competitor backlink spying, integrated within its broader suite of keyword, site audit, and rank tracking tools. Ideal for ongoing backlink profile management, it helps identify opportunities and risks in link-building strategies.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with extensive backlink data including new/lost links and anchors
- User-friendly dashboard for quick monitoring and reports
- Integrated toxicity checker and competitor analysis
Cons
- Smaller backlink index compared to Ahrefs or SEMrush
- Limited historical data depth
- Occasional data inaccuracies in niche markets
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses and freelancers needing cost-effective backlink monitoring without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Plans start at $69/month (Lite, billed annually) up to $449/month (Enterprise), with a free trial available.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools vary in focus, with each offering unique strengths to address backlink monitoring needs. Ahrefs clearly leads as the top choice, boasting the most comprehensive backlink database for tracking new, lost, and toxic links. SEMrush and Majestic follow closely, with SEMrush excelling in robust analytics and Majestic providing specialized historic data through Trust Flow and Citation Flow metrics.
Take the first step to optimize your backlink profile by trying Ahrefs, the top-ranked tool, to gain deeper insights and outperform competitors.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison