Alexa.com Alternatives

15+ Top Alexa.com Alternatives

Several decades ago, a company named after the library of Alexandria was founded – Alexa Internet. Initially functioning as a content recommendation engine, Alexa Internet observed user browsing habits and provided suggestions through a toolbar, recommending sites for users to explore next. In the internet’s earlier, more unregulated days of 1996, this concept was exciting and appealing.

As Alexa made recommendations, it simultaneously gathered information about websites, including details like site registration, page count, backlinks, and update frequency. This information was then provided to users, contributing to their awareness of the online landscape. Over time, Alexa accumulated an archive of web content, which was eventually donated to the Library of Congress and laid the foundation for the Internet Archive Wayback Machine.

In 1999, Amazon acquired Alexa.com and transformed it into a robust analytics platform. Collaborating with entities such as Google, DMOZ, and the Internet Archive, Alexa offered a global ranking of websites based on traffic numbers, known as the “Alexa Rank.” While not always highly practical, monitoring this rank became an interesting aspect of the internet landscape.

As with many large services owned by contemporary mega-corporations, Alexa underwent substantial changes. The search engine component was eventually shut down, and the archival efforts were scaled back. Around 2009, Amazon declared that Alexa would focus exclusively on analytics, becoming a powerful analytics platform. The Alexa API became instrumental, supporting numerous tools and applications across the internet.

Regrettably, in December 2021, Amazon announced the discontinuation of Alexa’s operations, marking the end of its journey as an analytics powerhouse.

What is Alexa.com?

Alexa.com, distinct from the Alexa voice assistant, was a web analytics company based in San Francisco. Established in 1996, it gained prominence for its global ranking system, analyzing web traffic data to compile a list of the most popular internet companies. The position on this list, known as the “Alexa Rank,” indicated a company’s internet traffic, with lower ranks denoting higher popularity (e.g., Google consistently held the top position).

In 1999, Amazon acquired Alexa, a noteworthy move occurring 15 years before the tech giant introduced its smart speaker bearing the same name.

Alexa Shutdown Details

On December 8, 2021, the announcement of Alexa’s shutdown was made. Subsequently, in early 2023, the support subdomain on Alexa.com was also closed down. The original Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding this development is no longer accessible. However, a copy of their initial release and FAQ is provided below:

“Twenty-five years ago, we founded Alexa Internet. After two decades of helping you find, reach, and convert your digital audience, we’ve made the difficult decision to retire Alexa.com on May 1, 2022. Thank you for making us your go-to resource for content research, competitive analysis, keyword research, and so much more. We have been proud to serve you as customers. Thank you sincerely, The Alexa.com Team.

How do I export data from Alexa.com?

We offer several data exports.

Please see this FAQ for more information:

How can I export Alexa’s data?

Can I buy a new subscription? No, Alexa.com stopped offering new subscriptions on December 8, 2021 UTC. Customers with existing subscriptions will continue to have access to their subscriptions until May 1, 2022 UTC.

What will happen to my existing subscription?

Existing subscriptions will remain active until May 1, 2022 UTC. After that, customers will no longer have access to Alexa.com.

Will I be charged for my existing subscription?

Yes, the last subscription billing date will be prior to April 1, 2022 UTC. Customers will continue to have access to Alexa.com until May 1, 2022 UTC.

I use the Alexa.com Top Sites and/or the Alexa.com Web Information Service APIs. What will happen to the APIs?

The APIs will be retired on December 15, 2022. You can find more information here: We will be retiring the Alexa.com APIs on December 15, 2022.

Can I delete my Alexa.com account?

Yes, please refer to How do I delete my Alexa.com account?”

The Alexa APIs, which power various online analytics apps and tools, will remain operational until December 15, 2022. Existing Alexa subscribers have access to the platform until May 1, 2022. However, new user registrations are no longer accepted, and the creation of new accounts is not possible. Users have the option to export Alexa data, but its utility diminishes over time as the data becomes outdated.

15+ Top Alexa.com Alternatives

1: Ahrefs

Ahrefs stands out as one of the largest and most advanced analytics and SEO tools available in the market. Boasting an extensive storage capacity with hundreds of petabytes of data, Ahrefs is consistently engaged in web crawling to analyze and maintain this vast repository. This commitment allows them to offer high-quality analytics, ensuring that the data is current and relevant.

One standout feature of Ahrefs is its site audit functionality, providing users with valuable optimization recommendations to enhance their online presence. The tool further empowers users by allowing them to explore the strategies of their competitors. Users can peek into the top-performing pages of competitors on search engines, gaining valuable insights into successful tactics.

Ahrefs ranks high among traffic analysis tools, particularly favored by content marketers for its comprehensive capabilities. While its offerings are robust, it’s essential to note that the service comes with an initial price tag of $99 per month for its entry-level plan. Despite this, the wealth of features and insights provided make Ahrefs a worthwhile investment. It shares similarities with other notable tools such as Semrush and Moz, which will be discussed shortly.

2: Semrush

Semrush holds a place among my preferred analytics platforms, offering a potent set of tools. While it may not provide the same depth of comparative ranking features as Alexa did, Semrush remains a robust tool, particularly known for its analytics capabilities. Backlink monitoring and rank tracking are standout features, making it a valuable asset for users looking to gain insights into their online performance.

Much like Ahrefs, Semrush comes with a relatively high starting price of $120 per month. However, the investment proves worthwhile for users who prioritize advanced analytics, backlink monitoring, and rank tracking in their digital strategy. Despite the steep cost, Semrush’s comprehensive suite of tools positions it as a formidable alternative, especially for those focused on analytics-driven decision-making.

3: Similarweb

Similarweb is a notable contender often mentioned in discussions about alternatives to Alexa. The resemblance between the two companies is so apparent that Similarweb seized the opportunity presented by Alexa’s closure to release a dedicated blog post. In this post, they emphasized their commitment to investing more in data scraping, analytics, and ranking tools.

A significant move from Similarweb is the launch of an API, a strategic response to cater to those left without the Alexa API. This initiative aims to capture users seeking a replacement for Alexa’s functionalities. Additionally, Similarweb introduces distinctive features, such as their audience analysis tool. This tool provides insights into the demographics of pageviews, a feature absent in Alexa’s offerings. While intriguing, questions may arise regarding the accuracy verification of such demographic data. Overall, Similarweb stands out as a robust alternative with added functionalities and a focused effort to meet the needs of users left in search of alternatives post-Alexa

4: Moz

Moz Pro is frequently cited among analytics platforms for web administrators, although it serves a distinct purpose compared to Alexa. Moz Pro is designed to facilitate localized SEO decision-making rather than providing insights into the broader internet landscape. In terms of cost, it aligns with Ahrefs, with the entry-level plan starting at $100 per month.

While Moz Pro offers valuable features, such as a backlink database, there is room for improvement, particularly in comparison to Ahrefs and Semrush. The speed and comprehensiveness of Moz’s backlink database might not be on par with the top-tier competitors. Nevertheless, Moz Pro remains a solid option, even if it doesn’t rank at the pinnacle of the industry.

5: Serpstat

Serpstat positions itself as an “all-in-one SEO platform” offering over 30 interconnected tools to assist webmasters in analyzing their situations and making informed decisions. The platform excels in search ranking, keyword research and tracking, as well as comprehensive keyword analysis. Serpstat provides a free tool for users to try before committing to a purchase, although registration is required. Pricing for the service starts at a relatively affordable $55 per month, with API access available at higher tiers starting from $120 per month.

6: Ubersuggest

Neil Patel’s Ubersuggest, a keyword recommendation tool, is both user-friendly and potent. The tool provides various features, including rank tracking, with a limited free trial available. However, one drawback is that the data may experience some delay, potentially lacking information on recent popular content. On the positive side, Ubersuggest comes with a more affordable starting price of $30 per month. Neil Patel also offers a one-time “lifetime purchase” option for the tool, beginning at $300.

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7: Spyfu

SpyFu stands out as a potent competitor analysis tool, akin to one of the key services provided by Alexa that many found beneficial. While not the most exhaustive or robust option available, it offers compelling features. SpyFu goes beyond tracking organic data, incorporating Google PPC data and valuable keyword information. With a reasonable starting price of $40 per month, it provides accessible pricing for its offerings. Additionally, they offer an API at the $60 per month tier, potentially serving as a viable replacement for Alexa’s data.

If you’re looking to gain insights into your competitors and enhance your strategic approach, SpyFu could be a valuable addition to your toolkit.

8: Kissmetrics

Kissmetrics is a well-established analytics platform that has stood the test of time. While it may not always top the charts, it is recognized for being good, solid, and valuable, if not exceptionally outstanding. Kissmetrics serves well in website analytics and comparative analytics, catering to a range of businesses from small to enterprise level. With a substantial amount of data at its disposal, Kissmetrics offers reasonable pricing, though it’s worth noting that payments are made annually rather than monthly.

If you’re seeking a reliable analytics solution that provides solid value, Kissmetrics could be a worthy choice for your business needs.

9: Authoritas

Authoritas is a well-established analytics and data monitoring company based in the U.K., operating since 2009. While it might not be as well-known in the U.S., it has been a reliable choice for European users. The service offered by Authoritas is robust, including API access for users who require more extensive capabilities. However, it’s essential to note that their pricing is relatively high, and it doesn’t adjust for currency value. The entry-level plan is either $99 or £99, translating to $134 (at the time of this writing). If API access is a priority for your needs, exploring Authoritas could be worthwhile despite the pricing considerations.

10: Comscore

Alexa’s website ranking list was a distinctive feature that attracted users by providing a ranking system based on the overall web traffic received by different websites. Despite being somewhat gimmicky and not always offering highly practical insights, it gained popularity among users curious about the most frequented sites on the internet. Users could explore a list of websites ordered by their perceived popularity and traffic volume.

In a similar vein, Comscore also engages in providing rankings, but with a focus on privacy, which is a commendable aspect for a company dealing with data. Comscore, however, diverges from Alexa in its primary focus. While Alexa encompassed a broader spectrum of internet-related data, Comscore predominantly concentrates on analytics related to movies and TV. This specialization may limit its relevance to the interests of search marketers and bloggers, who typically seek insights into web-related analytics rather than the entertainment industry.

 

12: Quantcast

Quantcast stands out as an analytics platform with a primary emphasis on providing insights into your audience. It differentiates itself by offering real-time data, leveraging machine learning techniques, and maintaining a commitment to privacy regarding user information. Notably, Quantcast takes a pioneering stance in advocating for a shift away from traditional cookie-based tracking methods. Instead, it encourages the adoption of more advanced, resilient, and less intrusive tracking approaches.

While it may take some time to familiarize yourself with Quantcast’s unique methods, many users find that once they do, the platform becomes an indispensable tool for understanding and analyzing audience data.

13: Website Informer

Website Informer, although smaller compared to many other platforms on this list, shouldn’t be dismissed solely based on its size. In certain situations, having a smaller, cost-effective, or free alternative can be advantageous. However, it’s worth noting that the platform may face challenges in the future. Its data is predominantly sourced from a WHOIS lookup and, interestingly, from Alexa. Given Alexa’s impending API retirement, the future of Website Informer remains uncertain. It will be intriguing to observe how the platform adapts or seeks alternative data sources if Alexa discontinues its API.

14: WatchThemLive

15: Majestic

Majestic emerged as a prominent contender to fill the void left by PageRank when Google retired the metric for marketers. Known for its robust trust and citation metrics, Majestic also offered valuable comparative analytics. Despite not fully capitalizing on a previous opportunity, the platform continues to provide strong analytics. With Alexa discontinuing its services, Majestic might seize the opportunity to further establish itself in the analytics space.

 

16: Cloudflare Radar

17: SERanking

I came across SERanking shortly after Alexa’s announcement of closure. The data provided by SERanking appears to be quite comparable to Alexa, and their top keywords estimates were remarkably accurate. The precision in the top keywords section, a feature valued in Alexa, makes SERanking a close alternative for those seeking to replace that functionality. Additionally, SERanking offers a free version allowing up to 10 searches per day and provides an API for extended use.

18: Internet Traffic Report

The Internet Traffic Report serves a different analytical purpose. Its primary objective is to provide an overview of the internet’s overall functionality across different countries and continents. It can be likened to Alexa’s top list, offering interesting insights but not much beyond that. I mention it as an Alexa alternative based on references from various sources, though personally, I wouldn’t consider it a preferred choice.

19: Amazon Quicksight

The decision to shut down Alexa, despite being one of the most popular comparative analytics platforms globally, may have stemmed from Amazon’s desire to consolidate the Alexa name. Rebranding the analytics was likely deemed more straightforward than re-engineering the Alexa smart home system. However, this move doesn’t signify Amazon’s complete departure from the analytics arena. Quicksight, a component of their business analytics suite, is a potential destination for much of the information and capabilities from Alexa.