Understanding HTTP Redirect Status Codes (301 vs 302 vs 303 vs 307 vs 308)
HTTP redirect status codes instruct web browsers, API consumers, and search engine crawlers that the requested resource has relocated. Selecting the correct status code preserves crawl budget, safeguards link equity (PageRank), and ensures data integrity during form submissions and API integrations.
| Status Code | Type | Method Preservation | PageRank Transfer | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 301 Moved Permanently | Permanent | May change POST to GET | 100% Transfer | Site migrations, HTTP ➡️ HTTPS, URL slug updates |
| 302 Found | Temporary | May change POST to GET | Keeps Source Indexed | A/B split testing, seasonal promotions |
| 303 See Other | Temporary | Always switches to GET | None (Dynamic flow) | Post-Redirect-Get pattern (form checkout flow) |
| 307 Temporary Redirect | Temporary | Strictly Preserved | Keeps Source Indexed | API endpoints, HSTS internal redirection |
| 308 Permanent Redirect | Permanent | Strictly Preserved | 100% Transfer | Modern REST API versioning, permanent POST routes |
How to Audit URL Redirects Online in 3 Simple Steps
Choose Audit Mode
Select Bulk URLs (paste one per line), XML Sitemap (enter sitemap URL), or Website Crawl (crawl root domain).
Trace Chains & Status
Click Check Redirects Now. The engine follows every hop in real time, recording status codes, response time, and headers.
Export & Optimize
Filter by status code or chain warnings, inspect response headers, and export a complete CSV or JSON audit report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a redirect checker and why is it essential for technical SEO?
A redirect checker traces the full HTTP path a URL takes before arriving at its final destination. It uncovers intermediate status codes like 301, 302, 307, or 308, response latency, and headers. Verifying redirects is essential because broken links, loops, and multi-hop chains waste search engine crawl budget, slow down page load times, and dilute PageRank link equity.
How does the bulk URL redirect checker test multiple links at once?
You can paste a list of URLs directly into the input area. The tool queries each address concurrently, recording individual hop status codes, latency in milliseconds, and destination addresses. You get an immediate aggregate report with 200 OK statuses, redirect types, and error flags without testing URLs one by one.
Can this tool audit an entire XML sitemap or crawl website links?
Yes. Switch to the XML Sitemap tab and enter your sitemap URL to parse and audit all listed links automatically. Alternatively, choose the Website Audit mode and enter a root domain: the engine crawls the page, extracts internal hyperlinks, and audits every found link for redirect chains and broken destinations.
What is the difference between a 301 and a 302 redirect?
A 301 Moved Permanently redirect signals to search engines that the original URL has permanently relocated, passing approximately 90-99% of PageRank link equity to the destination. A 302 Found redirect indicates a temporary relocation; search engines keep the original URL indexed and do not pass full long-term link equity.
How do redirect chains hurt website speed and crawl budget?
A redirect chain occurs when a request passes through two or more intermediate redirects (e.g., HTTP -> HTTPS -> www -> trailing slash). Each hop requires a new DNS/TCP/TLS handshake, adding latency for users. Crawlers like Googlebot may abandon crawling after 4-5 hops, leaving destination pages unindexed.