Ahrefs
A backlink-focused SEO suite with keyword, audit and content tools
Best for: SEO professionals whose work centres on backlink analysis and who want detailed link data
6 tools compared
Backlink Analysis Tools 2026
Backlink analysis is where SEO tools differ most. Ahrefs and Semrush are the best-known suites for link data, and neither is cheap. Majestic has its own metrics (Trust Flow and Citation Flow). Moz publishes Domain Authority. There are also usable free options. Here's how they compare for practical link building work.
The tools, one by one
Semrush
An all-in-one SEO and marketing suite covering research, audits and content
Best for: Agencies and serious marketers who need everything in one platform and can justify the investment
Moz Pro
Long-established SEO suite behind the Domain Authority metric
Best for: SEOs who value the DA metric and want a familiar, established platform with strong educational resources
Majestic
Specialist backlink intelligence with Trust Flow and Citation Flow
Best for: Link building specialists who need Trust Flow metrics and historic backlink data
Seobility
Technical SEO audit tool with a generous free tier
Best for: Site owners who need technical SEO auditing on a budget, or as a complement to keyword-focused tools
SE Ranking
Affordable all-in-one SEO platform that punches above its weight
Best for: Small agencies and freelancers who want Semrush-like features at a lower price
Feature coverage
| Feature | Ahrefs | Semrush | Moz Pro | Majestic | Seobility | SE Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keyword research | Included | Included | Included | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Backlink analysis | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Rank tracking | Included | Included | Included | Not included | Included | Included |
| Site audit | Included | Included | Included | Not included | Included | Included |
| Content tools | Included | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Competitor analysis | Included | Included | Included | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Local SEO | Not included | Included | Included | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Reporting | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| White-label reports | Not included | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included |
| API access | Included | Included | Included | Included | Not included | Included |
Coverage as recorded in our tool data; depth varies by plan. Swipe sideways to see every tool.
- Prices read from vendor site; some terms not published thereAhrefs: prices read from ahrefs.com on . Shown in GBP as the vendor displayed it; not converted.
- Prices read from vendor site; some terms not published thereSemrush: prices read from semrush.com on . Shown in GBP as the vendor displayed it; not converted.
- Prices read from vendor site; some terms not published thereMoz Pro: prices read from moz.com on .
- Checked on vendor siteMajestic: prices read from majestic.com on . Shown in GBP as the vendor displayed it; not converted.
- Checked on vendor siteSeobility: prices read from seobility.net on . Shown in EUR as the vendor displayed it; not converted.
- Checked on vendor siteSE Ranking: prices read from seranking.com on . Shown in GBP as the vendor displayed it; not converted.