If you're tracking your website's authority or evaluating backlink opportunities, you’ll need accurate tools to check Domain Authority (DA). But with several SEO platforms offering similar metrics under different names, it can be confusing to choose the right one.
In this guide, we list the best tools for checking Domain Authority, compare their features, and show how to use them effectively as part of your SEO workflow.
What Is Domain Authority?
Domain Authority is a score developed by Moz that predicts how likely a domain is to rank in search engines. It ranges from 1 to 100 and is based on:
Total number of links
Linking root domains
Link quality and structure
Moz’s proprietary scoring system
DA is not a Google ranking factor but serves as a reliable comparative metric when used correctly. See Frequently Asked Questions About DA for more background.
1. Moz Link Explorer
Key Features
Official tool from the creators of DA
Displays DA, Page Authority (PA), and Spam Score
Offers Link Intersect (shows who links to competitors but not to you)
Provides top linking domains and anchor text distribution
Pros
Most accurate DA score
Trusted brand in SEO
Easy to understand for beginners
Cons
Limited free reports
Crawling index smaller than Ahrefs or SEMrush
Best For: Tracking your DA and analyzing competitor domains side-by-side.
2. MozBar (Chrome Extension)
Key Features
Displays DA and PA instantly on SERPs
Highlights follow/no-follow links
One-click access to Moz’s Link Explorer
Pros
Free to use
Great for quick on-the-go domain checks
Easy overlay in Google Search results
Cons
Requires login
Shows fewer metrics than full Moz dashboard
Best For: Instant DA insights during keyword research or competitor scanning.
3. Ahrefs
Key Features
Uses Domain Rating (DR), a metric similar to DA
Tracks backlinks, referring domains, and top-performing content
Provides keyword insights and traffic metrics
Pros
Extensive backlink database
Updated more frequently than most tools
Offers valuable content gap analysis
Cons
DR is not the same as DA (so no official DA score)
Premium pricing
Best For: Advanced backlink audits and holistic SEO analysis.
4. SEMrush
Key Features
Offers Authority Score, an alternative to DA
Combines link metrics with traffic and keyword data
Includes toxic backlink identification
Pros
All-in-one SEO suite
Traffic, keywords, and link health in one place
Built-in competitive intelligence
Cons
Doesn’t use DA terminology
Heavier interface than Moz
Best For: SEO professionals who want comprehensive domain authority analysis with keyword integration.
5. Ubersuggest (by Neil Patel)
Key Features
Offers a Domain Score loosely modeled on DA
Shows backlinks, top pages, and SEO keywords
Offers free access with limited queries
Pros
Beginner-friendly dashboard
Affordable compared to other paid tools
Offers keyword suggestions
Cons
Metrics are less robust than Moz or Ahrefs
Not ideal for enterprise use
Best For: Freelancers, startups, or bloggers needing quick authority snapshots.
6. Small SEO Tools / PrePostSEO
Key Features
Free DA checking tools with bulk-check options
Typically pull data via Moz API or custom metrics
Allow up to 10 URLs at once
Pros
100% free
Great for bulk domain scans
No signup needed
Cons
Data accuracy can be inconsistent
Ad-heavy interface
Best For: Quick, non-critical checks when doing outreach or guest post research.
Tips for Using DA Tools Effectively
Use the same tool consistently to monitor changes
Don’t compare DA across tools (Moz DA ≠ Ahrefs DR ≠ SEMrush Score)
Pair DA data with other insights like organic traffic and keyword positions
Use DA as a benchmark, not an ultimate success metric
Avoid focusing only on high DA—evaluate relevance and context
Combine DA Insights With Deeper SEO Metrics
Tracking Domain Authority is helpful—but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Combine it with:
Backlink audits
Keyword visibility
Content performance
Technical SEO health
You’ll find more reliable, action-ready signals when you zoom out and view DA in context.
Choose the Tool That Aligns With Your SEO Goals
Whether you’re looking for quick DA snapshots or deep authority audits, there’s a tool on this list that fits your need. The key is to use it wisely - not blindly.
Need help selecting or interpreting these tools for your business? Talk to us through our Contact page, explore our SEO Services, or check out Digital Marketing Services, for complete solutions.
For more practical guidance on building and measuring website authority, continue exploring the full Domain Authority Guide r explore SEO use cases and comparisons on our Blog
