If you’re trying to improve your website’s SEO, chances are you’ve come across terms like Domain Authority (DA) and Page Authority (PA). These metrics, introduced by Moz, are essential in understanding how strong your website is in the eyes of search engines. To track these scores, marketers rely on DA PA checker tools. But the big question is: should you go for a free tool or invest in a paid one?
In this guide, we’ll compare free vs paid DA PA checker tools, helping you decide which option suits your needs, your budget, and your SEO goals best.
Understanding DA and PA
Before we dive into the tools, let’s quickly revisit what these metrics mean:
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Domain Authority (DA): A score (from 1 to 100) that predicts how likely your entire website is to rank in search engine result pages (SERPs). The higher, the better.
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Page Authority (PA): Similar to DA, but instead of the whole domain, it evaluates individual web pages.
Both scores are based on several factors including backlinks, domain age, and linking root domains.
Why You Need a DA PA Checker Tool
DA and PA are not shown directly by search engines like Google. You need third-party tools to estimate them based on their own algorithms. These tools help you:
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Benchmark your SEO progress
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Evaluate potential backlink partners
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Analyze competitors
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Spot technical issues
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Build authority-driven content strategies
Now let’s look at free and paid options.
Free DA PA Checker Tools
1. Moz Link Explorer (Limited Access)
Moz offers a free version of its Link Explorer tool where users can check DA and PA for a few URLs per day. It’s ideal for beginners.
Pros:
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No cost
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Trusted accuracy
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Clean interface
Cons:
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Daily search limit
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No bulk checking
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Limited historical data
2. Small SEO Tools
A popular all-in-one SEO suite that includes a free DA PA checker. You can check multiple URLs in one go.
Pros:
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Free bulk checker
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Simple to use
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Offers additional tools (plagiarism checker, grammar, etc.)
Cons:
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Ads can be distracting
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Accuracy isn’t as high as premium tools
3. Prepostseo
Another free tool that allows you to input a URL and get DA, PA, spam score, and other metrics.
Pros:
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No registration needed
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Fast results
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Extra SEO insights included
Cons:
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Sometimes slow
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Not the most user-friendly design
Paid DA PA Checker Tools
1. Moz Pro
The gold standard in authority metrics. With Moz Pro, you get full access to Link Explorer and tons of additional features.
Pros:
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High accuracy
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Historical tracking
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Custom reports
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Unlimited searches
Cons:
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Starts at $99/month
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May be too advanced for casual users
2. Ahrefs
While Ahrefs doesn’t show DA/PA specifically (it uses its own “Domain Rating” and “URL Rating”), it is a powerhouse tool for checking site authority.
Pros:
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Most comprehensive backlink database
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Great for competitor research
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Full suite of SEO tools
Cons:
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Expensive (starts at $99/month)
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Learning curve
3. SEMrush
Like Ahrefs, SEMrush doesn’t directly show DA/PA but gives similar metrics like “Authority Score”. Still a great paid tool for serious marketers.
Pros:
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Competitive analysis
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In-depth keyword tools
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Strong reporting features
Cons:
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Pricey (starts at $129/month)
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DA/PA not included explicitly
Comparing Free vs Paid DA PA Checker Tools
| Cost | $0 | $99+ per month |
| Accuracy | Moderate | High |
| Bulk Checking | Limited | Yes |
| Backlink Analysis | Basic | Advanced |
| Historical Data | Usually unavailable | Yes |
| Interface Quality | Varies | Polished and intuitive |
| Extra Features | Minimal | Extensive (Keyword research, site audit, etc.) |
Who Should Use Free DA PA Checkers?
Free tools are perfect for:
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Beginners learning SEO
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Bloggers on a budget
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Small businesses with few URLs to track
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Quick one-off checks
They provide the basics, which is enough if you’re not diving deep into technical analysis or large-scale link building.
Who Should Use Paid DA PA Checkers?
If you’re serious about SEO, investing in a paid tool is worth it. These tools are best for:
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SEO agencies and consultants
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In-house marketers at mid to large companies
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Affiliate marketers with multiple domains
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Entrepreneurs aiming to scale their online visibility
Tips for Using Any DA PA Checker Tool Effectively
Regardless of whether you go free or paid, keep these practices in mind:
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Use DA/PA comparatively, not absolutely. A DA of 30 might be strong in one niche but weak in another.
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Track your progress monthly. Sudden changes in scores can indicate algorithm updates or backlink shifts.
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Don’t ignore content quality. High DA won’t save you from poor content or bad user experience.
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Combine tools for better insights. Use Google Search Console, Analytics, and your DA PA checker together.
Conclusion
If you’re just getting started or have limited resources, using a da checker free tool is a smart and practical way to begin optimizing your site’s authority. These tools offer a solid foundation for understanding where your site stands in the SEO hierarchy. However, if you’re managing multiple domains, analyzing competitor profiles, or planning extensive backlink strategies, investing in a paid tool like Moz Pro or Ahrefs could bring significantly better insights and long-term results.
