
When it comes to understanding your website’s backlink profile, few tools have stood the test of time like Moz’s Link Explorer. As one of the most trusted names in the SEO industry, Moz built Link Explorer to give marketers, SEO professionals, and website owners an in-depth look at the links pointing to their sites — and those of their competitors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Moz’s Link Explorer: what it does, how it works, how it stacks up against the competition, and how you can access it at an incredibly affordable price.
What Is Moz’s Link Explorer?

Moz’s Link Explorer is a dedicated backlink analysis tool developed by Moz, one of the pioneering companies in the SEO software space. It replaced the older Open Site Explorer (OSE) tool and significantly expanded its capabilities, offering a richer dataset, more accurate metrics, and a cleaner user interface.
At its core, Link Explorer helps you:
- Discover all backlinks pointing to any URL or domain
- Evaluate link quality using Moz’s proprietary metrics
- Identify new and lost links over time
- Analyze anchor text distribution
- Spy on competitor link-building strategies
- Find link-building opportunities through competitor research
Whether you’re an SEO beginner or an experienced digital marketer, Link Explorer provides actionable data that can directly influence your search engine rankings.
Key Features of Moz’s Link Explorer
1. Comprehensive Backlink Index
Moz’s Link Explorer boasts one of the largest backlink indexes in the industry, with over 40 trillion links crawled. This massive dataset ensures you’re working with up-to-date, comprehensive information about your site’s link profile — or your competitor’s. The tool refreshes its data regularly, meaning you won’t be working with stale information when making critical SEO decisions.
2. Domain Authority (DA) and Page Authority (PA)
Perhaps the most famous metrics in all of SEO, Domain Authority (DA) and Page Authority (PA) were invented by Moz. These scores predict how likely a domain or page is to rank in search engine results pages (SERPs), based on link data. A score from 1 to 100, these metrics have become industry standards that countless SEOs rely on for quick quality assessments.
Within Link Explorer, you can instantly see the DA of any domain, the PA of any page, the Spam Score (which identifies potentially harmful or low-quality links), and the MozRank and MozTrust scores that further quantify link quality.
3. Inbound Links Analysis
The Inbound Links section is the heart of Link Explorer. It shows every link pointing to a given page or domain, sortable by metrics like DA, PA, and anchor text. You can filter by link type (follow vs. nofollow), anchor text, and time period to zero in on exactly what you need.
This makes it invaluable for tasks like identifying your most powerful backlinks, finding broken link opportunities, and discovering which content naturally attracts the most links.
4. Anchor Text Analysis
Over-optimized anchor text is a major red flag for Google’s algorithms. Link Explorer’s anchor text report shows you the distribution of anchor text across all your backlinks, helping you identify if you have an unnatural pattern that could be triggering algorithmic penalties. This is especially useful for sites recovering from a Google Penguin hit or manual action.
5. Linking Domains
Rather than viewing individual links, the Linking Domains report aggregates links at the domain level. This gives you a cleaner picture of how many unique referring domains you have — a metric that strongly correlates with higher search rankings. The report also shows DA and Spam Score for each linking domain, so you can quickly assess the quality of your link portfolio.
6. New and Lost Links Tracking
Link Explorer highlights recently acquired and recently lost backlinks, with data going back 60 days. This real-time visibility lets you monitor the health of your link profile, catch spam links early, and respond quickly if high-value links are lost (for example, from a site updating its content).
7. Competitor Link Analysis
Enter any competitor’s domain and instantly see their complete backlink profile. This is one of the most powerful uses of Link Explorer — by understanding where your competitors get their links, you can replicate their best link-building strategies. Look for resource pages, guest post opportunities, and directories that are already linking to your competitors but not to you. For those who also want a broader competitive perspective, tools like our SEMrush review highlight how competitive intelligence can be layered for maximum SEO impact.
8. Link Intersect Tool
The Link Intersect feature lets you find sites that link to your competitors but not to you. Enter up to five competing domains, and Link Explorer will show you all the backlinks they share that you’re missing. These are golden link-building prospects because they’ve already demonstrated a willingness to link to content in your niche.
Moz’s Proprietary Metrics Explained
Domain Authority (DA)
DA is calculated using a machine learning model that factors in dozens of link-related signals. It’s updated monthly and reflects changes in your link profile over time. A DA of 50+ is generally considered strong, while 70+ puts you in the top tier of the web.
Page Authority (PA)
PA works the same way as DA but at the page level. A high PA page can rank for competitive keywords even if the overall domain DA is moderate, which is why individual page analysis matters so much.
Spam Score
Moz’s Spam Score (0–100%) identifies the percentage of sites with similar features that have been penalized or banned by Google. Links from high Spam Score domains are toxic and should be disavowed. Link Explorer makes it easy to spot these and take corrective action before they impact your rankings.
How Link Explorer Compares to Competitors
Moz Link Explorer vs. Ahrefs
Ahrefs is widely considered to have the largest and most frequently updated backlink index. Its Site Explorer provides more granular data, including HTTP status codes for links, link velocity trends, and a more intuitive UI. However, Ahrefs comes at a significantly higher price — starting at $129/month. Link Explorer, included in Moz Pro plans starting at $99/month, is more budget-friendly. If you’re primarily focused on backlink analysis and value Moz’s DA/PA metrics, Link Explorer is a strong contender. For a deeper dive into affordable Ahrefs access, check out our guide on Ahrefs group buy options.
Moz Link Explorer vs. SEMrush
SEMrush offers a Backlink Analytics tool that rivals Link Explorer in many ways, with strong data on new and lost links and good anchor text analysis. SEMrush also bundles backlink analysis with keyword research, site auditing, and rank tracking — making it a broader all-in-one suite. However, for pure backlink-focused work, many SEOs prefer the simplicity of Link Explorer’s interface.
Moz Link Explorer vs. Majestic
Majestic is a backlink-specialist tool known for its Trust Flow and Citation Flow metrics. It has an enormous index and is often preferred for high-stakes link audits. However, Majestic lacks the full SEO suite that Moz offers, and its UI feels more dated. Link Explorer’s Spam Score is often seen as more actionable for day-to-day link management.
Who Should Use Moz’s Link Explorer?
Link Explorer is ideal for a wide range of users:
- SEO Consultants — Monitor client backlink profiles and generate white-label reports
- Content Marketers — Identify which content types attract the most backlinks in your niche
- Digital PR Professionals — Track the impact of PR campaigns on link acquisition
- E-commerce Site Owners — Identify toxic links that could be suppressing product page rankings
- Bloggers — Research competitor backlinks to find guest posting and outreach opportunities
- Agencies — Manage link-building campaigns across multiple client accounts
Moz Pro Plans and Link Explorer Access
Link Explorer is available as part of Moz Pro, which offers four pricing tiers:
- Starter — $49/month (limited queries)
- Standard — $99/month (most popular)
- Medium — $179/month
- Large — $299/month
All plans include Link Explorer access, but higher tiers unlock more queries per month, more campaigns, and additional users. For individual bloggers and small business owners, the Standard plan offers excellent value. For SEO agencies managing many clients, the Medium or Large plans are more appropriate.
However, even $99/month can feel steep for freelancers, students, or marketers working with tight budgets. That’s where group buy services come in.
Get Moz Link Explorer Access at a Fraction of the Price
If $99–$299/month is beyond your current budget, you’re not out of options. Through group buy SEO tool services like ToolSurf, you can access Moz Pro — including Link Explorer — for a small fraction of the standard retail price. Group buy services pool subscription costs among multiple users, making premium tools accessible to everyone.
ToolSurf is one of the most trusted and reliable group buy SEO tool providers, offering instant access, uptime guarantees, and a constantly updated library of tools. For less than the cost of a single Moz Pro subscription, you can often access Moz Pro plus dozens of other premium tools through ToolSurf’s plans. Learn more about group buy SEO tools and how they work, or explore the best group buy SEO tools in 2025.
How to Use Moz’s Link Explorer: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Enter Your Target URL
Navigate to the Link Explorer tool within Moz Pro. Enter any URL or domain you want to analyze in the search bar. You can analyze your own site, a competitor’s site, or any specific page.
Step 2: Review the Overview Dashboard
The overview dashboard gives you a quick snapshot: DA, PA, total backlinks, total linking root domains, and Spam Score. This is your starting point for assessing the health of any domain’s link profile.
Step 3: Dive Into Inbound Links
Click on the “Inbound Links” tab to see every backlink. Filter by follow/nofollow, sort by DA or PA, and look for patterns. High-DA, dofollow links are your most valuable assets.
Step 4: Run a Link Intersect Analysis
Enter your top 3–5 competitors in the Link Intersect tool. Export the results as a CSV and use them as your outreach target list. Focus on high-DA sites with a low Spam Score that link to multiple competitors — they’re most likely to respond positively to outreach.
Step 5: Monitor New and Lost Links
Make it a monthly habit to check the “New & Lost Links” report. If you see a high-value link disappear, reach out to the linking site to find out why. If you’re suddenly gaining many links, investigate the source — it could be organic growth or a spam attack.
Advanced Link Explorer Tips
Tip 1: Use the Spam Score to Disavow Toxic Links
Export your full backlink list, filter for links from domains with a Spam Score above 30%, and compile them into a disavow file. Submit this to Google Search Console to neutralize their negative impact on your rankings.
Tip 2: Find Unlinked Mentions
Use Link Explorer in combination with Moz’s other tools to find sites that mention your brand but don’t link to you. These “unlinked mentions” are low-hanging fruit — a single, polite email often converts them into valuable backlinks.
Tip 3: Benchmark Against Competitors Monthly
Set up a monthly ritual of checking your DA and total linking root domains against your top 3 competitors. Track these in a simple spreadsheet. Any sudden spikes in a competitor’s DA can indicate a successful link-building campaign you should investigate and potentially replicate.
Common Link Explorer FAQs
Is Moz Link Explorer free?
Moz offers a free version of Link Explorer with limited queries (10 per month). For unlimited access and the full feature set, you need a Moz Pro subscription. Alternatively, you can access it through ToolSurf’s group buy plans at a much lower cost.
How accurate is Moz’s backlink data?
Moz’s backlink index is large and reasonably accurate, though Ahrefs and Majestic are generally considered to have larger and more frequently refreshed indexes. For most SEO tasks, Moz’s data is more than sufficient. For ultra-competitive niches with razor-thin margins, you might want to cross-reference with multiple tools.
Can I use Link Explorer to find guest posting opportunities?
Absolutely. The Link Intersect tool is perfect for finding sites that have already linked to your competitors. Many of these sites accept guest posts, sponsored content, or resource page inclusions. With a well-crafted pitch, these prospects can become valuable link sources.
Does Link Explorer show nofollow links?
Yes. Link Explorer shows both dofollow and nofollow links, and you can filter to see either type. While nofollow links don’t pass PageRank directly, they can still drive traffic, increase brand visibility, and provide indirect SEO benefits.
ToolSurf Verdict
⭐ ToolSurf Verdict: Moz’s Link Explorer
Moz’s Link Explorer is a powerful, reliable, and easy-to-use backlink analysis tool that belongs in every serious SEO’s toolkit. Its proprietary DA/PA metrics remain industry standards, its Spam Score is excellent for link auditing, and the Link Intersect tool is a gold mine for competitive link-building research.
How to Buy Mozs Link Explorer at an Affordable Price from Toolsurf.com
Getting access to premium tools like Mozs Link Explorer doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s how to get it through Toolsurf:
- Visit the Toolsurf Store: Go to tools.toolsurf.com/cart
- Search for the Product: Search for “Mozs Link Explorer” and click on “Buy Now”
- Complete Your Purchase: Enter your details and complete the purchase process
That’s it! You’ll have access within minutes.
Why Choose Toolsurf to Buy Mozs Link Explorer?
- 💰 Save Up to 99% on Premium Tools
- ⚡ Get Access in Under 2 Minutes
- 🔒 99.9% Uptime Guarantee
- 💸 24-Hour Money-Back Guarantee
- 🎧 Avg. 5-Minute Response Time for Support
👉 Get Mozs Link Explorer at Toolsurf Now
The main drawback is cost — at $99–$299/month, it’s not accessible for everyone. But through ToolSurf’s group buy service, you can access Moz Pro (including Link Explorer) at a fraction of the retail price, making it one of the best value SEO investments you can make.
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Conclusion
Moz’s Link Explorer has earned its place as one of the most respected backlink analysis tools in the SEO industry. From its comprehensive backlink index and industry-standard Domain Authority metric to the powerful Link Intersect feature and Spam Score identification, it gives SEO professionals everything they need to build a strong, clean link profile and outmaneuver the competition.
Whether you’re auditing toxic links, reverse-engineering a competitor’s link-building strategy, or tracking the impact of your own outreach campaigns, Link Explorer delivers the data you need in a clear, actionable format. And with affordable access through ToolSurf’s group buy plans, there’s no reason not to add it to your SEO arsenal today.
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