5 Best Backlink APIs in 2024 [w/ Feature Comparison Table]

Published: November 20, 2024 - 5 min read

Julian Alvarado

Managing backlink data at scale requires robust API solutions that can handle large datasets and provide reliable metrics. Let’s explore the top backlink APIs that enable seamless integration and comprehensive link analysis capabilities.

Feature

Ahrefs API

Semrush API

Majestic SEO API

Serpstat API

SE Ranking API

Row/Export Limits

Enterprise-based

1M rows/month

100M-1B units/month

1M+ rows/month

Custom limits

Data Freshness

Daily updates

2-3 days

Real-time

Weekly

Daily

Available Metrics

30+ metrics

25+ metrics

20+ metrics

15+ metrics

18+ metrics

API Rate Limits

Custom

3000/day

Based on plan

10000/day

5000/day

Authentication

OAuth 2.0

API key

API key + OAuth

API key

API key

Pricing Tiers

Custom

Business plan

3 tiers

Per-row pricing

Enterprise-based

Documentation

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Extensive

Comprehensive

Detailed

Basic

Moderate

Support Options

Enterprise support

24/7 support

Email + chat

Email support

Multi-channel

Ahrefs API is a comprehensive backlink API service providing access to the web’s largest link database. Their backlink API includes detailed metrics like URL rating, domain rating, and referring domains count.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive backlink database with over 30 trillion backlinks
  • Advanced filtering options for precise data selection
  • Historical data access spanning multiple years

Pros

  • Largest link database in the industry
  • Regular index updates ensuring fresh data
  • Extensive technical documentation and implementation guides

Cons

  • Higher price point compared to competitors
  • Strict API rate limiting requires careful resource management
  • Complex implementation requirements need technical expertise

Pricing

As of March 2024, Ahrefs has transitioned to API v3. Pricing is now customized based on enterprise requirements. Contact their Enterprise team directly for specific pricing details.

Support Options

Enterprise customers receive dedicated support channels including:

  • Priority email support
  • Technical implementation assistance
  • Custom integration guidance
  • Direct access to API engineering team

Semrush Backlinks API is a powerful backlink API offering detailed insights into referring domains and link quality. The backlink API provides historical data and toxic link identification for complete link profile analysis.

Key Features

  • Integration with Semrush’s complete SEO toolkit
  • Real-time backlink discovery and monitoring
  • Comprehensive domain analytics
  • Custom report generation capabilities

Pros

  • Extensive integration options
  • Reliable data accuracy
  • Regular database updates
  • Comprehensive metric coverage

Cons

  • Higher entry-level pricing
  • Limited historical data access
  • API rate limitations on lower tiers

Pricing

The Semrush Backlinks API is available through their Business subscription at $449.95 per month. Additional API units can be purchased separately:

  • Basic API units: $20 per 1M units
  • Advanced API units: $250 per 1M units Pricing varies based on data type requested.

Support Options

  • 24/7 technical support
  • Dedicated API documentation portal
  • Implementation guidance
  • Regular webinars and training sessions

Majestic SEO API

Majestic SEO API is a specialized backlink API delivering in-depth link analysis and trust metrics. Their backlink API includes unique metrics like Trust Flow and Citation Flow for advanced link quality assessment.

Key Features

  • Flow Metrics integration
  • Historical index access
  • Custom data filtering
  • Bulk analysis capabilities

Pros

  • Unique link metrics
  • Extensive historical data
  • Flexible API implementation
  • Competitive pricing structure

Cons

  • Learning curve for proprietary metrics
  • Limited real-time data
  • Complex authentication process

Pricing

Majestic SEO offers three distinct API tiers:

  • API (100M units): $399.99/month or $3,999.90/year
  • API L (300M units): $799.99/month or $7,999.90/year
  • API XL (1B units): $1,599.99/month or $15,999.90/year

Support Options

  • Email support
  • Live chat assistance
  • Technical documentation
  • API implementation guides
  • OpenApps development support

Serpstat API

Serpstat API is a versatile backlink API tool providing complete domain analysis and link monitoring. The backlink API includes features for competitor link analysis and new/lost backlink tracking.

Key Features

  • Scalable data access
  • Custom report generation
  • Competitive analysis tools
  • Batch processing capabilities

Pros

  • Competitive pricing
  • Flexible usage options
  • Good data accuracy
  • User-friendly implementation

Cons

  • Smaller database compared to leaders
  • Limited advanced features
  • Basic support options

Pricing

  • Team plan starting at $119/month includes basic API access
  • Dedicated API plan from $180 per million rows
  • Volume discounts available down to $100 per million rows
  • Custom enterprise solutions available

Support Options

  • Email support
  • Documentation portal
  • Community forum
  • Basic implementation guides

SE Ranking API

SE Ranking API is a reliable backlink API service offering real-time link monitoring and analysis. Their backlink API provides detailed anchor text distribution and link attribute analysis.

Key Features

  • White-label functionality
  • Custom report building
  • Multiple integration options
  • Regular data updates

Pros

  • Affordable pricing
  • Comprehensive toolset
  • Good documentation
  • White-label capabilities

Cons

  • Limited database size
  • Basic API features
  • Restricted rate limits

Pricing

Enterprise plan includes API access:

  • Starting from $53/month
  • Scales up to $535/month
  • Custom solutions available
  • White-label features included

Support Options

  • Multi-channel support
  • Technical documentation
  • Implementation assistance
  • Regular platform updates

Selecting the optimal backlink API depends on your specific requirements for data volume, freshness, and budget constraints. Ahrefs and Semrush lead in data comprehensiveness but come at premium price points. Majestic SEO offers unique metrics and historical data access at mid-range pricing. Serpstat and SE Ranking provide cost-effective solutions for smaller operations or those just beginning to scale their link analysis capabilities. Consider your technical resources for implementation and ongoing support needs when making your final decision.

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Julian Alvarado Content Marketing
Julian is a dynamic B2B marketer with 8+ years of experience creating full-funnel marketing journeys, leveraging an analytical background in biological sciences to examine customer needs.
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