Best Broken Link Checkers (2026): 10 Tools Compared

Every site collects dead links over time. A page gets deleted, a partner changes its address or a typo slips into a web address, and visitors land on an error page instead of what they wanted. Broken link checkers crawl your pages, follow each link and report the ones that fail, so you can fix them before a customer finds them.

Here's a list of ten broken link checkers, in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. Three are better known and the rest are smaller makers. I've taken every description from each tool's own website and directory listings, so check the current details on the site itself before you run a scan. If you'd like background on why tidy site structure matters, my walkthrough on using a sitemap tool is a useful partner to this page.

Ten broken link checkers compared

In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a permanent free plan, a free version, a free online check or open-source software. Trial only means a free trial but no ongoing free plan. Free versions often cap the number of pages or projects, so check the limits against the size of your site.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Ahrefs Broken Link Checker	Online checker	A quick scan of one site's links	Yes
Broken Link Check	Online checker	Scanning a site from a browser	Yes
Broken Link Checker by WPMU DEV	WordPress plugin	Scans inside your dashboard	Yes
Dead Link Checker	Online checker	One-off checks and scheduled ones	Yes
Dr. Link Check	Online checker	Project-based link reports	Yes
Integrity	Mac app	Crawling a site from your Mac	Yes
LinkChecker	Open-source tool	Command-line and desktop checks	Yes
Netpeak Spider	Desktop crawler	Site audits that include link checks	Trial only
Screaming Frog SEO Spider	Desktop crawler	Finding broken links, errors and redirects	Yes
WebSite Auditor	Desktop auditor	Site audits with link reports	Yes

Broken link checkers, one entry at a time

Ahrefs Broken Link Checker

Best for: Owners who want a fast online scan of the links on their own site without installing anything.

Broken Link Check

Best for: Small site owners who want a no-install checker that reports dead addresses on their pages.

Broken Link Checker by WPMU DEV

Best for: WordPress owners who'd like broken links, missing images and redirects flagged from the dashboard.

Dead Link Checker

Best for: Owners who want manual checks for free and the option of scheduled scans later.

Dr. Link Check

Best for: Freelancers who look after a couple of small sites and want a report for each one.

Integrity

Best for: Mac users who'd rather run a native app on their own computer than use a website.

LinkChecker

Best for: Technical users who are comfortable with Python tools and want open-source software.

Netpeak Spider

Best for: Consultants who want a desktop crawler that reports link problems with many other site issues.

Screaming Frog SEO Spider

Best for: Anyone who wants a crawler that lists broken links, server errors and redirects for a whole site.

WebSite Auditor

Best for: Owners who want an audit package where link checks sit beside other on-page reports.

What a broken link checker looks for

A checker visits each page, collects every link on it and asks the other end whether the page is still there. It then sorts the answers into groups, and knowing the groups helps you read a report.

• Not found errors. The page has gone or the address is wrong. These are the ones to fix first.
• Server errors. The other site is down or struggling. Some of these clear up on their own, so check again later.
• Redirects. The link still works but passes through another address. It's worth tidying up, though not urgent.
• Timeouts and blocked checks. Some sites refuse automated visits, so a failure here can be a false alarm.
• Missing images. Some tools also flag pictures that no longer load.

Online checker, desktop app or plugin?

The three styles suit different sites. An online checker needs nothing installed and works on any platform, but free versions often limit how much of a site they scan. A desktop app runs on your own computer and usually handles bigger sites, though it takes a little setup. A plugin lives inside your site editor, which is handy for WordPress owners, but it adds some work for your own server.

If you're unsure, start with an online checker on your most important pages. My article on site auditor tools explains what the wider audit tools add on top of link checks.

Reading your broken link report

• Sort by how many pages carry the broken link. One bad link in your menu matters more than one in an old post.
• Fix links on your key pages first, such as services, contact and product pages.
• Open a few reported links by hand. Automated checks sometimes flag links that work fine in a browser.
• Note links that point to other sites. You can't fix those at the source, so replace them or remove them.
• Save the report, then run the same check again after your edits to confirm the problems are gone.

Fixing broken links without making things worse

The usual fixes are to update the address, point the link at a similar page, or remove the link and keep the text. If you've moved or deleted one of your own pages, set up a redirect so old addresses lead somewhere useful. Take care not to redirect everything to your homepage, because visitors who wanted something specific find that confusing.

Bad links on your own pages are one of several common slips. My list of common SEO mistakes and how to fix them covers the others.

Are smaller broken link checkers worth a look?

They often are. Smaller makers tend to focus on a single job, so the report is simpler to read, and many answer support questions quickly. Some of the free versions are generous enough for a small business site.

Before you commit, check that the tool is still being updated, read its help pages and run it on a small section of your site first. Be gentle with scans: crawling a site very hard can slow it down, so use the tool's speed settings on shared hosting. Only scan sites you own or have permission to check.

Do you make a broken link checker or site audit tool? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

Final checks before you run a broken link scan

Pick two tools that suit your platform, then scan the same small section of your site with each. Compare how clearly the reports read and whether the results match what you find by hand. Keep the one that fits your routine and note anything you'd want to ask the maker.

Frequently asked questions

What is a broken link checker?

It's a tool that follows the links on your pages and reports the ones that lead to an error, such as a page that no longer exists. Some also flag redirects and missing images.

How often should I check for broken links?

That depends on how often your site changes. A small site might be fine with a check every few months, while a busy blog or shop benefits from regular scans.

Do broken links hurt my search visibility?

They can make your site harder to use and harder for search engines to crawl, so tidying them up is sensible. I wouldn't expect one dead link to cause problems.

Is there a free broken link checker?

Yes, several. Some are online checkers, some are desktop apps and some are open source. The table on this page shows what each tool's own site says, and free versions usually have limits.

Can a checker be wrong?

Yes. Some sites block automated visits, so a link can be flagged even though it works. Open reported links by hand before you change anything.