Here is a Top 10 Free Backlink Checker Tools list for 2026. Free access varies by tool—most provide limited backlink data, while Google Search Console is completely free for websites you own.
Top 10 Free Backlink Checker Tools
| No. | Tool | Best For | Free Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ahrefs Backlink Checker | Backlink and competitor research | Free limited data |
| 2 | Semrush Backlink Checker | Backlinks, referring domains & Authority Score | Free limited checks |
| 3 | Google Search Console | Checking backlinks to your own website | Completely free |
| 4 | Moz Link Explorer | Domain Authority and backlink analysis | Free limited searches |
| 5 | Ubersuggest | Beginners and basic backlink research | Free limited usage |
| 6 | Majestic | Trust Flow and Citation Flow | Free limited data |
| 7 | SEO SpyGlass | Desktop-based backlink analysis | Free version available |
| 8 | SE Ranking Backlink Checker | Quick backlink and referring-domain checks | Limited free access |
| 9 | OpenLinkProfiler | Quick backlink discovery | Free |
| 10 | Small SEO Tools Backlink Checker | Simple backlink checking | Free |
1. Ahrefs Backlink Checker
Ahrefs is one of the strongest options for backlink research. Its free Backlink Checker can show backlink information, referring domains and authority-related metrics. Ahrefs also provides a free account with Site Explorer access for verified websites.
Best for: SEO professionals and competitor backlink research.
2. Semrush Backlink Checker
Semrush offers a free backlink checker that can show backlinks, referring domains, Authority Score, anchor text and follow/nofollow information.
Best for: Backlink analysis combined with broader SEO research.
3. Google Search Console
Google Search Console is one of the best completely free choices for checking links pointing to your own verified website. It isn’t designed for competitor backlink research.
Best for: Website owners who want Google’s own backlink data.
4. Moz Link Explorer
Moz Link Explorer is particularly useful for checking Domain Authority (DA) and researching linking domains. Its free access is limited compared with Moz’s paid plans.
Best for: DA and basic link analysis.
5. Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest provides backlink information alongside keyword and traffic research. Its straightforward interface makes it useful for beginners, although free usage and data depth are limited.
Best for: Beginners and small websites.
6. Majestic
Majestic specializes heavily in link intelligence and is well known for metrics such as Trust Flow and Citation Flow.
Best for: Link quality and backlink-focused research.
7. SEO SpyGlass
SEO SpyGlass is a desktop-based backlink analysis tool. A free version is available, with limits on the amount of backlink data you can analyze.
Best for: Users who prefer desktop SEO software.
8. SE Ranking Backlink Checker
SE Ranking provides backlink analysis as part of its SEO platform. It can be useful for researching backlinks and referring domains, although ongoing access is more limited without a paid plan.
Best for: SEO agencies and broader SEO campaigns.
9. OpenLinkProfiler
OpenLinkProfiler is designed for quick backlink discovery and can be useful when you need a simple backlink check without using a full SEO suite.
Best for: Quick backlink research.
10. Small SEO Tools Backlink Checker
Small SEO Tools provides a simple interface for checking backlinks and is suitable for basic SEO research.
Best for: Beginners and quick checks.
Which Free Backlink Checker Should You Use?
- 🥇 Best overall: Ahrefs
- 🆓 Best completely free for your own website: Google Search Console
- 🔎 Best for competitor research: Semrush / Ahrefs
- 📊 Best for DA: Moz Link Explorer
- 👶 Best for beginners: Ubersuggest
- 🔗 Best link-focused tool: Majestic
- 💻 Best desktop option: SEO SpyGlass
Tip: Don’t rely on just one backlink checker. Different platforms crawl the web independently, so their backlink counts can differ substantially. Using Google Search Console + Ahrefs + Semrush/Moz can give you a more useful overall picture.
