Quick Overview
- 1#1: Ahrefs - Provides the most comprehensive backlink database with tracking, alerts, and competitor analysis.
- 2#2: SEMrush - Offers powerful backlink audits, toxicity scores, and anchor text tracking for SEO optimization.
- 3#3: Moz Pro - Delivers in-depth backlink metrics via Link Explorer including Domain Authority and Spam Score.
- 4#4: Majestic - Specializes in the largest link index with Trust Flow, Citation Flow, and topical authority metrics.
- 5#5: Monitor Backlinks - Automates daily backlink monitoring with email alerts for new, lost, and changed links.
- 6#6: Linkody - Tracks backlinks with real-time updates, competitor spying, and disavow file generation.
- 7#7: SEO SpyGlass - Desktop-based tool for detailed backlink research, penalty risk analysis, and competitor profiling.
- 8#8: Serpstat - Affordable backlink tracker with historical data, growth metrics, and anchor text reports.
- 9#9: SpyFu - Uncovers competitors' backlinks, keywords, and PPC data for strategic link building.
- 10#10: CognitiveSEO - AI-powered backlink analysis detecting patterns, quality issues, and growth opportunities.
Tools were evaluated based on feature efficacy (including database size, real-time tracking, and competitor analysis), user experience (ease of use and customization), and value (performance-to-cost ratios), ensuring each entry represents the pinnacle of its category.
Comparison Table
Compare top backlink tracking tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, Moz Pro, Majestic, and Monitor Backlinks, exploring key features, capabilities, and pricing. This table breaks down essential metrics to help you identify the right software for tracking, analyzing, and strengthening your backlink profile. Whether a marketer or SEO professional, discover how each tool stacks up to meet your specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ahrefs Provides the most comprehensive backlink database with tracking, alerts, and competitor analysis. | specialized | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | SEMrush Offers powerful backlink audits, toxicity scores, and anchor text tracking for SEO optimization. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | Moz Pro Delivers in-depth backlink metrics via Link Explorer including Domain Authority and Spam Score. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Majestic Specializes in the largest link index with Trust Flow, Citation Flow, and topical authority metrics. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Monitor Backlinks Automates daily backlink monitoring with email alerts for new, lost, and changed links. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Linkody Tracks backlinks with real-time updates, competitor spying, and disavow file generation. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 7 | SEO SpyGlass Desktop-based tool for detailed backlink research, penalty risk analysis, and competitor profiling. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 8 | Serpstat Affordable backlink tracker with historical data, growth metrics, and anchor text reports. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 9 | SpyFu Uncovers competitors' backlinks, keywords, and PPC data for strategic link building. | specialized | 6.2/10 | 5.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 10 | CognitiveSEO AI-powered backlink analysis detecting patterns, quality issues, and growth opportunities. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
Provides the most comprehensive backlink database with tracking, alerts, and competitor analysis.
Offers powerful backlink audits, toxicity scores, and anchor text tracking for SEO optimization.
Delivers in-depth backlink metrics via Link Explorer including Domain Authority and Spam Score.
Specializes in the largest link index with Trust Flow, Citation Flow, and topical authority metrics.
Automates daily backlink monitoring with email alerts for new, lost, and changed links.
Tracks backlinks with real-time updates, competitor spying, and disavow file generation.
Desktop-based tool for detailed backlink research, penalty risk analysis, and competitor profiling.
Affordable backlink tracker with historical data, growth metrics, and anchor text reports.
Uncovers competitors' backlinks, keywords, and PPC data for strategic link building.
AI-powered backlink analysis detecting patterns, quality issues, and growth opportunities.
Ahrefs
specializedProvides the most comprehensive backlink database with tracking, alerts, and competitor analysis.
The largest backlink index (35+ trillion links) with daily updates for unparalleled coverage and freshness
Ahrefs is a leading SEO toolkit with exceptional backlink tracking features, boasting one of the world's largest indexes of over 35 trillion known links for comprehensive analysis. It enables users to monitor new and lost backlinks, audit profiles, spy on competitors, and set up alerts for changes via Site Explorer and dedicated monitoring tools. The platform provides granular data on anchor texts, referring domains, dofollow/nofollow status, and traffic estimates, making it ideal for strategic link building.
Pros
- Massive, fresh backlink database with unmatched scale and accuracy
- Advanced monitoring, alerts, and competitor analysis tools
- Detailed metrics like Domain Rating, anchor text segmentation, and toxicity scores
Cons
- Expensive pricing, especially for small sites or beginners
- Credit-based limits on lower plans restrict heavy usage
- Steeper learning curve due to feature depth
Best For
SEO professionals, agencies, and enterprises needing in-depth backlink intelligence, monitoring, and competitive analysis.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month (Lite, limited credits), $249/month (Standard), $449/month (Advanced), $1,499+/month (Enterprise); annual discounts available.
SEMrush
specializedOffers powerful backlink audits, toxicity scores, and anchor text tracking for SEO optimization.
Toxicity Score with AI-powered toxic link detection and one-click disavow file export
SEMrush is an all-in-one SEO platform with powerful backlink tracking features via Backlink Analytics and Backlink Audit tools, enabling users to monitor new and lost backlinks, analyze anchor texts, referring domains, and link quality metrics. It excels in competitor backlink analysis, gap identification, and detecting toxic links with a proprietary Toxicity Score to protect site rankings. The tool integrates seamlessly with broader SEO functionalities like keyword research and site audits for comprehensive link-building strategies.
Pros
- Massive backlink database with historical data for accurate tracking
- Advanced Toxicity Score and automated disavow file generation
- Competitor Backlink Gap tool for uncovering link opportunities
Cons
- Expensive pricing, especially for smaller teams or solo users
- Overwhelming interface with a steep learning curve for beginners
- Tracking limits on lower plans restrict high-volume monitoring
Best For
SEO professionals and agencies needing integrated backlink tracking within a full SEO suite.
Pricing
Pro plan starts at $129.95/mo (7,500 backlinks tracked); Guru $249.95/mo (30,000); Business $499.95/mo (unlimited), billed annually.
Moz Pro
specializedDelivers in-depth backlink metrics via Link Explorer including Domain Authority and Spam Score.
Spam Score: A unique 1-100 metric predicting the risk of search engine penalties for links or sites.
Moz Pro is a comprehensive SEO platform with powerful backlink tracking via its Link Explorer tool, enabling users to analyze backlink profiles, track new and lost links, and evaluate link quality. It provides proprietary metrics like Domain Authority (DA), Page Authority (PA), and Spam Score to assess link trustworthiness and potential risks. The tool integrates seamlessly with other Moz features for holistic SEO management, making it suitable for monitoring competitor backlinks and refining link-building strategies.
Pros
- Proprietary Spam Score for identifying risky links
- Trusted Domain and Page Authority metrics widely used in SEO
- Intuitive interface with easy competitor analysis
Cons
- Smaller backlink index compared to Ahrefs or SEMrush
- Higher pricing for advanced plans with more link tracking limits
- Limited historical data depth for long-term trends
Best For
SEO professionals and agencies prioritizing quality metrics and spam detection over massive link volume.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (billed annually) for Foundation plan; scales to $599/month for Large plan, with 30-day free trial.
Majestic
specializedSpecializes in the largest link index with Trust Flow, Citation Flow, and topical authority metrics.
Trust Flow and Citation Flow metrics, providing a nuanced measure of link profile quality and spamminess
Majestic is a premier backlink analysis platform specializing in comprehensive link intelligence with one of the largest indexes of live and historical backlinks available. It offers tools like Site Explorer for domain analysis, backlink history visualization, and proprietary metrics such as Trust Flow and Citation Flow to evaluate link quality and quantity. Ideal for SEO professionals seeking deep insights into competitor backlink profiles and link-building opportunities.
Pros
- Massive index of over 500 trillion URLs with extensive historical data
- Unique Trust Flow and Citation Flow metrics for quality assessment
- Powerful Site Explorer and backlink visualization tools
Cons
- Dated and clunky user interface
- High pricing for full access and API usage
- Limited real-time alerts and automated tracking compared to competitors
Best For
SEO agencies and researchers needing in-depth historical backlink analysis and competitor profiling.
Pricing
Free limited plan; Lite from $49.99/month (100 queries); Gold $99.99/month (1,000 queries); Platinum $399.99/month (10,000 queries); API plans extra.
Monitor Backlinks
specializedAutomates daily backlink monitoring with email alerts for new, lost, and changed links.
Layered spam detection and automated Google disavow file creation directly from the dashboard
Monitor Backlinks is a dedicated backlink monitoring tool that tracks new, lost, and changed backlinks for your site and competitors in real-time. It sends daily email alerts, analyzes anchor texts and spam scores, and includes features like automated disavow file generation for Google. The platform also supports white-label reporting and competitor analysis, making it suitable for SEO agencies and marketers focused on link health.
Pros
- Real-time email alerts for new and lost backlinks
- White-label reports ideal for agencies
- Automated disavow tool integration
Cons
- Limited depth in historical backlink data compared to Ahrefs
- Pricing scales quickly with backlink volume
- Fewer integrations than comprehensive SEO suites
Best For
SEO agencies and marketers who need simple, alert-driven backlink monitoring with client-ready white-label reports.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month (Pro plan, up to 7,500 verified backlinks), with higher tiers like Agency at $129/month (25,000 backlinks) and Enterprise custom pricing.
Linkody
specializedTracks backlinks with real-time updates, competitor spying, and disavow file generation.
Automated toxic link analyzer with spam score metrics and direct disavow file export
Linkody is a specialized backlink tracking and monitoring tool that helps SEO professionals discover, analyze, and manage their backlink profiles in real-time. It tracks new and lost links, provides anchor text analysis, competitor spying, and identifies toxic or spammy backlinks with a dedicated analyzer. The platform also supports white-label reporting and easy disavow file generation for Google Search Console integration.
Pros
- Intuitive and clean dashboard for quick backlink overviews
- Affordable pricing with scalable plans
- Strong toxic link detection and one-click disavow tool
Cons
- Smaller backlink index compared to Ahrefs or Majestic
- Limited historical data depth
- Reporting customization lacks advanced options
Best For
Freelancers, small agencies, and SMBs seeking an easy-to-use, cost-effective backlink tracker without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Plans start at $14.90/mo (Starter, 1,000 backlinks) up to $349/mo (Enterprise, 500,000+ backlinks), with 30-day free trial and annual discounts.
SEO SpyGlass
specializedDesktop-based tool for detailed backlink research, penalty risk analysis, and competitor profiling.
Historical Backlink Snapshots for tracking link profile evolution over multiple years
SEO SpyGlass is a desktop-based backlink analysis tool from Link-Assistant.com that enables users to audit their own site's backlinks, spy on competitors' link profiles, and identify link-building opportunities. It provides in-depth metrics like spam scores, trust ranks, anchor text analysis, and historical snapshots to detect toxic links and track changes over time. The software supports large-scale projects with millions of links, making it suitable for comprehensive SEO audits.
Pros
- Powerful competitor backlink spying and historical tracking
- Advanced filters for spam detection and segmentation
- Handles massive link volumes efficiently
Cons
- Dated, clunky desktop interface
- No seamless cloud integration or mobile access
- Steep learning curve for beginners
Best For
SEO professionals and agencies needing deep, historical backlink analysis for large-scale audits.
Pricing
Free limited version; Professional $299/year or lifetime; Enterprise $699/year.
Serpstat
specializedAffordable backlink tracker with historical data, growth metrics, and anchor text reports.
Backlink Toxicity Score for quick identification of harmful links
Serpstat is an all-in-one SEO platform with a dedicated backlink analysis module that tracks new and lost backlinks, referring domains, anchor texts, and link toxicity. It provides insights into backlink quality via metrics like Domain Rank and Page Rank, alongside competitor backlink spying. Users can monitor backlink changes over time and export data for further analysis, making it a solid mid-tier option for backlink tracking.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with strong value for SMBs
- Comprehensive backlink metrics including toxicity scores and anchors
- Integrated competitor backlink analysis within the SEO suite
Cons
- Smaller backlink index than Ahrefs or SEMrush
- Limited historical data depth
- Some advanced filters require higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and agencies seeking cost-effective backlink monitoring alongside other SEO tools.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month (Lite plan, billed annually) up to $499/month (Enterprise), with a 7-day free trial.
SpyFu
specializedUncovers competitors' backlinks, keywords, and PPC data for strategic link building.
Competitor-focused backlink explorer integrated with comprehensive keyword and ad history data
SpyFu is a competitive SEO intelligence platform that excels in keyword research, PPC ad spying, and basic backlink analysis for competitors. As a backlink tracking tool, it provides insights into competitors' linking domains, top backlink pages, anchor texts, and backlink counts, drawing from a large index. However, it offers limited capabilities for monitoring one's own backlinks, lacking features like real-time alerts, lost link detection, or toxicity scoring.
Pros
- Quick and easy competitor backlink overviews
- Integrates backlink data seamlessly with keyword and ad research
- Affordable entry-level pricing for broad SEO insights
Cons
- No robust tracking or alerts for your own site's backlinks
- Limited depth in metrics like domain authority or historical link changes
- Lacks advanced features like disavow tools or link opportunity finders
Best For
Budget-conscious marketers focused on spying on competitors' backlink strategies rather than managing their own link profile.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month (billed annually) for Professional plan with unlimited searches; higher tiers at $79/month for Business and custom Agency pricing.
CognitiveSEO
specializedAI-powered backlink analysis detecting patterns, quality issues, and growth opportunities.
AI-powered Cognitive Link Score for precise toxicity and quality assessment
CognitiveSEO is a comprehensive SEO platform specializing in backlink tracking, offering detailed monitoring of new, lost, and toxic links across large indexes. It provides advanced analytics like anchor text distribution, link velocity, and competitor backlink profiles to help users optimize their link-building strategies. The tool uses proprietary AI-driven metrics to score link quality and identify risks, making it suitable for in-depth SEO audits.
Pros
- Powerful toxic link detection with AI scoring
- Historical backlink data and velocity tracking
- In-depth competitor backlink analysis
Cons
- Complex interface with steep learning curve
- Higher pricing for smaller users
- Limited real-time updates compared to top competitors
Best For
Advanced SEO agencies and professionals needing detailed backlink audits and competitor intelligence.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month (Basic), up to $399/month (Premium), with annual discounts available.
Conclusion
The reviewed backlink tracking tools offer diverse strengths, but Ahrefs reigns supreme as the top choice, boasting the most comprehensive backlink database, robust tracking capabilities, and competitor analysis. SEMrush and Moz Pro follow as strong alternatives: SEMrush excels in audits and toxicity scoring, while Moz Pro delivers deep metrics like Domain Authority, catering to varied SEO needs. Together, they underscore the importance of tools that adapt to different link-building and optimization goals.
Ready to elevate your SEO efforts? Try Ahrefs today to access its unmatched features and gain a competitive edge in backlink management and search performance.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison