Best backlinks.sh Alternatives in 2026
The top backlinks.sh alternatives are Semust API, SEO API and Ahrefs: 15 SEO APIs our editors would look at instead of backlinks.sh, in our ranking order.
backlinks.sh: A focused, pay-as-you-go API for backlink and referring-domain lookups. Where it falls short: no permanent free plan.
Switching from backlinks.sh? For most seo apis buyers the best backlinks.sh alternative is Semust API, built for broad, low-cost SEO data API access. On a budget, Moz API starts at $20/mo. Ahrefs has a free plan, which backlinks.sh does not. DataForSEO Labs API offers the most rate limit (2000 requests/min).
Why People Look for a backlinks.sh Alternative
- No permanent free plan
- Focuses primarily on backlink and domain lookup
- Optional ranking data adds scope but not broader SEO tooling
- No free plan — 6 of the alternatives below have it
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallSemust API9.4
Broad, low-cost SEO data API access
Visit Semust API - Lowest priceMoz API8.6
Paid plans from $20/mo
Visit Moz API - Best free optionAhrefs9.1
Has a free plan (backlinks.sh has none)
Visit Ahrefs - Most rate limitDataForSEO Labs API8.5
2000 requests/min
Visit DataForSEO Labs API
All 15 backlinks.sh Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forBroad, low-cost SEO data API access
- Better than backlinks.sh:
- Editor score 9.4 vs 6.7
Broad SEO data coverage with request-based pricing starting at $0.01.
- Rankings data
- Backlink data
- Keyword data
9.4/10★★★★★Visit Semust -
Best forEnterprise SEO API deployments
- Better than backlinks.sh:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 6.7
A broad SEO data API for enterprise workflows, dashboards and white-label platforms.
- Rankings data
- Backlink data
- Keyword data
9.2/10★★★★★Visit SEO API -
Best forEstablished teams needing broad SEO coverage
- Better than backlinks.sh:
- Free plan
- Editor score 9.1 vs 6.7
A broad SEO platform with API access, audits, research, tracking, and reporting.
9.1/10★★★★★Visit Ahrefs -
Best forIntegrated SEO and marketing analytics
- Better than backlinks.sh:
- Free plan
- Editor score 9.0 vs 6.7
A broad SEO and marketing analytics suite with API access and a limited free plan.
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit Semrush -
Best forOne-time-credit SEO API workloads
- Better than backlinks.sh:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 6.7
A credit-based REST API for developers building SEO and AI-visibility tools.
- Rankings data
- Backlink data
- Keyword data
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit seofetch -
Best forAI-search visibility API use cases
- Better than backlinks.sh:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 6.7
A focused API for teams combining traditional SEO data with AI-search visibility.
- Rankings data
- Backlink data
- Keyword data
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Ranked AI -
Best forDomain, backlink, and keyword metrics
- Better than backlinks.sh:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.6 vs 6.7
A broad SEO data API with free access and row-based paid plans.
- Rankings data
- Backlink data
- Keyword data
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit Moz API -
Best forHistorical SERP and competitor research
- Better than backlinks.sh:
- Editor score 8.5 vs 6.7
A focused API for historical SERP, rankings, keyword and competitor research.
- Rankings data
- Keyword data
- Domain data
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit DataForSEO -
Best forAffordable full-suite SEO API access
- Better than backlinks.sh:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.4 vs 6.7
Affordable SEO API access with broad research, audit, rank, backlink, and reporting tools.
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Serpstat -
Best forCompetitor-focused SEO research
- Better than backlinks.sh:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.3 vs 6.7
A competitor-focused SEO and PPC research suite with free access, API tools, and tiered limits.
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit SpyFu -
Best forAgencies needing connected SEO workflows
- Better than backlinks.sh:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 6.7
A broad SEO workspace with APIs, automation, and agency-focused reporting.
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit SE Ranking -
Best forDesktop-based SEO suites with API access
- Better than backlinks.sh:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.1 vs 6.7
A broad desktop SEO suite for teams that need research, tracking, audits, and API access.
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit SEO PowerSuite -
Best forSmall teams needing affordable SEO automation
- Better than backlinks.sh:
- Editor score 8.0 vs 6.7
Affordable SEO automation with rank tracking, audits, research and API access on higher tiers.
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit Newinterval -
Best forEnterprise SEO reporting and integrations
- Better than backlinks.sh:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 6.7
A broad enterprise SEO suite with API access, AI assistance, and ten integrations.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit BrightEdge -
Best forVisibility-focused SEO teams
- Better than backlinks.sh:
- Editor score 7.8 vs 6.7
A broad SEO analytics suite for teams that need visibility tracking and API access.
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit SISTRIX
backlinks.sh Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to backlinks.sh?
Semust API: #1 in our SEO APIs ranking, with an editor score of 9.4 out of 10. Broad SEO data coverage with request-based pricing starting at $0.01.
Is there a free alternative to backlinks.sh?
Yes. Ahrefs, Semrush, Moz API, Serpstat and SpyFu have a free plan or a free tier (6 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
What is the cheapest paid alternative to backlinks.sh?
Of the alternatives here that publish a price, Moz API starts lowest, at $20/mo.
Why do people look for backlinks.sh alternatives?
No permanent free plan; Focuses primarily on backlink and domain lookup; Optional ranking data adds scope but not broader SEO tooling.
Which backlinks.sh alternative has the most rate limit?
DataForSEO Labs API, with 2000 requests/min.
How do I switch from backlinks.sh?
Export your data from backlinks.sh (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel backlinks.sh.
How to Switch from backlinks.sh
- Export your data from backlinks.sh (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel backlinks.sh.
backlinks.sh vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | backlinks.sh | No | $10/unit usage-based | 6.7 |
| 1 | Semust API | No | $0.01/unit usage-based | 9.4 |
| 2 | SEO API | 9.2 | ||
| 3 | Ahrefs | Yes | $29/mo | 9.1 |
| 4 | Semrush | Yes | 9.0 | |
| 5 | seofetch | No | 8.8 | |
| 6 | Ranked AI API | No | $99/site/mo | 8.7 |
| 7 | Moz API | Yes | $20/mo | 8.6 |
| 8 | DataForSEO Labs API | No | 8.5 | |
| 9 | Serpstat | Yes | $50/mo | 8.4 |
| 10 | SpyFu | Yes | $29/mo | 8.3 |
| 11 | SE Ranking | No | $103.20/mo | 8.2 |
| 12 | SEO PowerSuite | Yes | $349/yr | 8.1 |
| 13 | Newinterval | No | $20/mo | 8.0 |
| 14 | BrightEdge | No | 7.9 | |
| 15 | SISTRIX | No | €119/mo | 7.8 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update