The Best Keyword Research Tools

1. Ahrefs

Ahrefs is the go-to tool for SEO professionals who want reliable keyword data, deep SERP insights, and best-in-class backlink integration.

While other tools try to be all-in-one marketing platforms, Ahrefs keeps its focus tight on SEO—and it shows.

If you're doing content planning, competitive audits, or trying to rank on Google, Ahrefs gives you what you need without bloated extras.

How it Works

You enter a seed keyword into Keywords Explorer and Ahrefs instantly delivers a complete data profile.

This includes global and country-specific volume, Keyword Difficulty (based on backlinks), clicks data, and a full SERP snapshot with metrics like Domain Rating and backlink count.

You can switch the search engine to YouTube, Amazon, or Bing if needed.

From there, save promising keywords to lists, group by Parent Topic, or batch export to plan your content. SERP analysis is just a click away for any keyword.

Ideal Users

• SEO professionals and content strategists
• Agencies handling multiple client sites
• Marketers focused on traffic and backlinks
• Affiliate site builders and niche publishers
• Anyone who wants keyword data they can actually trust

Key Differentiators

• Clicks Data: Shows not just search volume but how many people actually click
• Keyword Difficulty Score: Based on how many backlinks are needed to rank
• Parent Topic Grouping: Helps avoid keyword cannibalization
• Multi-Platform Support: Research keywords on Google, YouTube, Amazon, Bing
• SERP-Level Context: Full backlink and authority data on top results
• Content Gap & Batch Analysis Tools: Spot opportunities across multiple domains or bulk keyword lists
• Massive Link Index: Best-in-class backlink data integrated into every keyword analysis

Pricing & Plans

Ahrefs is a premium platform with no true free version, although you can access limited keyword and backlink data through Ahrefs Webmaster Tools. For full access to Keywords Explorer and advanced features, you’ll need a paid plan.

• The Lite plan starts at $99 per month and includes full access to core tools like Keywords Explorer, but with lower limits on reports and rows.
• The Standard plan, at $199 per month, raises those limits and unlocks features like historical data, SERP movement tracking, and more extensive site audits.
• Higher-tier plans support additional users, larger projects, and API access for teams that need deep integration or client reporting.

Ahrefs does not offer a free trial, but they do have a 48-hour refund policy if you cancel early. Their pricing is usage-based—so if you exceed your monthly query or row limits, you may incur additional charges.

This is a tool built for working SEOs and agencies, and it’s priced accordingly.

What Surprised Me

The Clicks per Search metric is a game changer. Two keywords might both have 10K searches per month, but one gets 9K clicks while the other gets 1K. Knowing where people actually click is priceless—and no other tool quantifies this as well as Ahrefs.

Pro Tip

Use the “Also rank for” feature to find closely related keywords your competitors already rank for. These are often easy wins. Then use Content Gap to see what you’re missing across multiple domains and plan your editorial calendar around that.

If I Could Start Over

I’d batch more keyword inputs from the beginning. Paste in 100 keywords at once using Batch Analysis and you’ll instantly get volume, difficulty, and click metrics for all of them. It saves hours and helps you focus your strategy faster.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely. If you’re serious about SEO and want reliable, actionable keyword data, Ahrefs is the tool to beat. It’s not the cheapest, and it’s not for hobbyists. But for professionals who care about what actually ranks, it’s the most trustworthy tool on the market.

2. Semrush

Semrush is one of the most comprehensive keyword research tools on the market. But more than that, it’s a full digital marketing suite.

From SEO and PPC to content marketing, competitive analysis, and social media scheduling, Semrush gives you a complete toolkit under one roof.

If you're managing multiple marketing channels or working across departments, this is the tool that keeps everything in one place.

How it Works

Start with a seed keyword or a competitor domain.

Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool then pulls thousands of related terms with filters for match type, keyword intent, SERP features, and difficulty.

You can build keyword lists, export data, and send your findings into other Semrush tools.

From there, use the SEO Content Template or the Writing Assistant to create optimized content, and run site audits or backlink analysis to support it.

It’s a connected ecosystem that saves time if you’re juggling multiple SEO tasks.

Ideal Users

• Marketing teams and SEO professionals
• Agencies managing SEO, content, and PPC together
• Enterprise users running international or multi-domain sites
• Businesses needing one tool for multiple marketing functions

Key Differentiators

Semrush stands out for its massive keyword database, accurate search volume data, and deep competitive analysis. You can see exactly what your competitors rank for, where their traffic comes from, and which keywords they are missing. Tools like Keyword Gap, Position Tracking, and Organic Research make it easy to uncover opportunities. You also get data from over 140 countries, which is a major plus for international SEO.

Pricing & Plans

Semrush offers a limited free tier that lets you run a few keyword searches per day. For ongoing use, you’ll need a paid subscription.

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The Pro plan starts at $139.95 per month and includes the core toolset with generous usage limits.

The Guru plan is $249.95 per month and adds content marketing tools, historical data, and extended limits.

For agencies and large businesses, the Business plan starts at $499.95 per month with advanced features and user seats.

Additional users are billed separately. Semrush often offers 7-day trials or partner promotions, but there is no long-term free version.

What Surprised Me
The Keyword Magic Tool is surprisingly deep. One keyword can unlock thousands of variations, grouped and filtered by theme, difficulty, and question format. It turns brainstorming into a process. Also, their Keyword Gap tool is perfect for seeing what your competitors rank for that you completely missed.

Pro Tip
Start your workflow with a competitor domain instead of a seed keyword. Use the Organic Research tool to pull their top pages and export their highest-traffic keywords. Then run those through Keyword Gap to uncover what you’re not ranking for. This shortcut can surface dozens of relevant keywords in just a few minutes.

If I Could Start Over
I would have used the Keyword Manager feature sooner. You can save up to 1,000 keywords into a list and refresh the data over time. That alone makes it easy to monitor trends, keyword volatility, and SERP changes without having to re-research every time.

Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially if you're managing more than just SEO. Semrush is ideal for marketers who need keyword research, content tools, competitor tracking, and PPC data in one place. It’s not the cheapest option, but it can easily replace two or three other tools.

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3. Moz Keyword Explorer

Moz Keyword Explorer is part of the Moz Pro suite and is designed to make keyword research simple and approachable.

It may not have the raw data power of Ahrefs or Semrush, but for users who want clarity over complexity, Moz delivers.

The interface is beginner-friendly, the metrics are easy to understand, and it’s backed by Moz’s long-standing reputation in the SEO world.

How it Works

Enter a keyword and Moz will return monthly search volume, Keyword Difficulty, organic click-through rate, and a unique metric called Priority.

This Priority score combines volume, CTR, and difficulty into a single value to help you quickly spot which keywords are worth targeting.

You can also build keyword lists, compare multiple keywords, and explore SERP analysis with Domain Authority and Page Authority metrics for the top-ranking pages.

The interface is straightforward enough that most users can get started with minimal training.

Ideal Users

• Beginners learning SEO or managing their own website
• Freelancers and consultants working with smaller clients
• Content marketers who need easy-to-use keyword tools
• Small teams that want clarity over data overload

Key Differentiators‍

Moz’s Priority score is unique. It helps surface “low-hanging fruit” by combining multiple signals into one number. You also get keyword suggestions categorized as closely related, broad matches, and questions.

SERP analysis includes useful trust signals like DA, PA, and link metrics that help you quickly gauge competitiveness.

And if you're using other Moz tools, Keyword Explorer integrates nicely with Rank Tracking, Site Audit, and Link Explorer.

Pricing & Plans

Moz offers a 30-day free trial of its Pro plan, which includes full access to Keyword Explorer. After that, plans start at $99 per month for the Standard tier, which gives you 5,000 keyword queries per month and up to 30 keyword lists.

They also offer a $49 per month Starter plan if you pay annually. Higher plans increase usage limits and add more users.

There are no surprise overages. If you hit your plan limits, you’ll just have to wait for the reset or upgrade.

That predictability makes Moz one of the most budget-friendly options in the premium tool space.

What Surprised Me

The Priority score actually works. It is not just a gimmick. If you sort your keyword list by Priority, you’ll often see valuable keywords with decent volume and much lower competition than the high-volume head terms everyone else chases. It’s a time saver and a smart way to prioritize content creation.

Pro Tip

Use the “Are Questions” filter in the keyword suggestions to pull long-tail question keywords. These make for great blog post titles or FAQ sections, and often have higher intent. Moz’s suggestions are usually clean and relevant, so you won’t waste time wading through junk.‍

If I Could Start Over

I would have taken full advantage of the keyword list feature. It lets you store keyword batches and Moz automatically rolls up aggregate metrics like average difficulty, CTR, and estimated total volume. This makes content planning and reporting much easier when you’re working across multiple topics or client projects.‍

Would I Recommend It?

Yes, especially for beginners or small teams who want reliable keyword data without the complexity or cost of higher-end tools. Moz makes it easy to find targetable keywords, understand competitiveness, and prioritize your efforts. For power users, it might feel a bit limited, but for the rest of us, it gets the job done efficiently.

4. KWFinder

KWFinder, part of the Mangools SEO suite, is one of the most user-friendly keyword tools on the market. It’s built for people who want clean data, fast insights, and an interface that doesn’t feel overwhelming.

While it may not have the scale or feature depth of tools like Ahrefs or Semrush, it excels at helping you find long-tail, low-competition keywords that are perfect for content marketing and niche SEO strategies.

How it Works

Enter a seed keyword, choose a location and language, and KWFinder returns a list of related keywords along with key metrics like search volume, CPC, and keyword difficulty.

Suggestions appear in a clean list on the left, while the right-hand panel shows SERP analysis for the selected keyword.

This includes Domain Authority, Page Authority, backlink count, and social shares for each of the top 10 ranking pages.

You can filter keywords by volume, difficulty, and even isolate questions or autocomplete terms for content ideas.

Ideal Users

• Bloggers and content creators
• Small business owners and freelancers
• Local SEOs looking for city-level data
• Marketers who want a fast, visual keyword workflow

Key Differentiators‍

KWFinder is built for usability. Everything happens on one screen and the layout makes it easy to compare keyword ideas with their SERP difficulty at a glance. It supports local keyword research down to the city level and also includes filters to focus on long-tail and low-competition phrases. The difficulty score uses Moz’s link metrics, which gives you a sense of how competitive a term really is. KWFinder also offers tabs for related keywords, questions, and Google autocomplete terms to help with blog topic generation.

Pricing & Plans‍

KWFinder is part of the Mangools suite, which includes SERPWatcher, LinkMiner, and other tools. Plans start at $49 per month for Basic, $69 for Premium, and $129 for Agency. If you pay annually, prices drop to $29, $39, and $79 per month respectively. The Basic plan allows 100 keyword lookups per day with 200 suggestions per search, which is more than enough for solo users. All plans include access to KWFinder and the rest of the suite. Mangools also offers a 10-day free trial with no credit card required. There is no pay-as-you-go option, but the pricing is affordable compared to premium alternatives.

What Surprised Me‍

The built-in SERP analysis is more helpful than I expected. Seeing a keyword's competition side by side with its volume and difficulty, all on one screen, saves a lot of time. It helped me catch cases where a keyword seemed easy until I realized the SERP was full of high-authority domains.

Pro Tip‍

Use the “Questions” tab to pull blog-friendly long-tail queries. You’ll find natural-sounding search terms like “how to fix a leaky faucet” or “what is the best productivity app,” which are perfect for ranking with evergreen content.

If I Could Start Over‍

I would have used the filter tool from day one. By setting a max difficulty score and a minimum volume, you can quickly isolate high-opportunity keywords without sorting through everything manually.

Would I Recommend It?‍

Yes, especially if you’re a content-focused marketer or SEO working on a tight budget. KWFinder is ideal for finding rankable long-tail keywords fast, and the interface is simple enough for non-technical users. It’s not built for deep competitor research or technical SEO, but for pure keyword discovery, it’s one of the best values out there.

5. Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner is one of the most used tools for keyword research, not because it has the most features, but because it provides data directly from the source.

Built for advertisers, GKP is housed inside Google Ads but is often used by SEOs as a free way to find keyword ideas and search volumes.

While it lacks SEO-specific features like keyword difficulty or SERP analysis, it remains a trusted source for volume data and commercial intent.

How it Works

You can start with a seed keyword, a competitor URL, or even multiply two keyword lists to create combinations.

Google will return a list of related keyword suggestions, each with estimated monthly search volume, CPC, and ad competition level.

If you are not actively running ads, search volumes may show as broad ranges like 1K to 10K, rather than exact numbers. You can filter by location, language, and search network.

Once you build a list, you can export it or use the forecast feature to estimate impressions and clicks for the next 30 days based on ad spend.

Ideal Users

• Beginners starting SEO on a budget
• Content creators and bloggers looking for free data
• Local businesses wanting location-specific insights
• PPC and SEO professionals who need to align keyword targeting

Key Differentiators

GKP pulls directly from Google’s internal data, so its keyword volumes are highly trustworthy. It includes CPC data and competition scores that hint at commercial value. It also allows hyper-local targeting and language filtering, making it especially useful for local SEO. Despite being a PPC tool, many SEOs use it to validate demand or uncover new keyword angles. While there are no SEO metrics like keyword difficulty, GKP excels at baseline volume validation and basic ideation.

Pricing & Plans

Google Keyword Planner is completely free to use with a Google Ads account. You do not need to run active campaigns to access it.

However, if you are not spending on ads, volume estimates will appear as ranges rather than exact figures.

Some SEOs choose to run a low-budget campaign temporarily to unlock more precise data, but this is optional.

There is no credit card requirement to sign up and no monthly fees. GKP also has generous query limits, making it a solid no-cost resource.

What Surprised Me

Using the “Start with a website” option gives surprisingly useful keyword suggestions. Google scans the URL and returns terms based on what it finds. It is a subtle but effective way to reverse-engineer a competitor’s keyword strategy.

Pro Tip

Use GKP to cross-reference volume on terms you find with other tools. For example, plug in a keyword you found in Ahrefs or KWFinder and see what Google reports. If both sources align, you can feel more confident in targeting that keyword.

If I Could Start Over

I would have combined Keyword Planner with manual SERP checks sooner. Just because a keyword has volume and low ad competition does not mean it is easy to rank for. Pairing GKP with a quick SERP analysis gives better context for SEO decisions.

Would I Recommend It?

Yes, especially as a free baseline tool. GKP is not perfect for SEO planning on its own, but it is excellent for verifying demand and finding keyword ideas without paying for a premium platform. Every SEO should at least be familiar with it.

6. Serpstat

Serpstat is an underrated but surprisingly powerful SEO tool that combines keyword research, competitor analysis, backlink audits, and site audits into one affordable platform.

It may not have the brand recognition of Semrush or Ahrefs, but it delivers a lot of functionality for the price.

Serpstat is especially popular among small agencies and growing teams that need scalable features without paying enterprise-level fees.

How it Works

You can start by entering a keyword or a domain.

For keyword research, Serpstat provides volume, CPC, competition level, keyword difficulty, and a list of related phrases including suggestions, autocomplete terms, and question-based queries.

You can switch between SEO and PPC keyword suggestions and explore keyword trends and seasonal patterns.

The tool also includes batch analysis and keyword clustering, so you can analyze or group large lists at once.

If you input a domain, you can pull ranking keywords, run a content gap report, or explore competitors visually through graphs.

Ideal Users

• Small to mid-sized SEO agencies
• In-house marketers working across multiple markets
• Freelancers who manage multiple websites
• Teams looking for an affordable all-in-one SEO solution

Key Differentiators

Serpstat has one of the largest regional keyword databases with coverage in over 230 locations. It offers built-in keyword clustering and text analysis, which is rare at this price point.

You also get a competitive analysis dashboard that includes missing keyword reports, SEO market share, and visual competitor mapping.

These features are especially useful for planning large-scale content strategies.

The platform also includes tools for backlink tracking and technical site audits, making it a well-rounded option for holistic SEO management.

Pricing & Plans

Serpstat starts at $55 per month for the Lite plan, which includes 4,000 daily keyword queries, 10,000 results per report, and access to most core features. The Standard plan is $119 per month, followed by Advanced at $239 and Enterprise at $399.

All plans come with generous usage caps and the ability to share access with team members. You can pay annually for a discount and most plans allow multiple users without paying separately for each seat.

There is a limited free version with restricted access, and Serpstat occasionally offers trials and promotional discounts.

What Surprised Me

The keyword clustering tool saved me hours. Instead of manually organizing keywords into content groups, Serpstat automatically grouped them based on semantic similarity. It made building content hubs and pillar pages much faster and more strategic.

Pro Tip

Use the Domain vs Domain comparison feature to find keyword gaps between you and up to two competitors. It is a quick way to identify what topics your site has not covered yet, especially when planning out new blog categories or service pages.

If I Could Start Over

I would have leaned into Serpstat’s content gap and clustering tools right away. These features are strong and can uncover missed opportunities that do not always surface through standard keyword research alone.

Would I Recommend It?

Yes, particularly for agencies and teams who need reliable SEO features without the high price tag of bigger platforms. Serpstat offers more than enough power for most keyword research tasks and shines when used to support larger-scale planning and competitive strategy.

7. Ubersuggest

Ubersuggest started as a free keyword idea scraper but has evolved into a lightweight all-in-one SEO tool. It focuses on accessibility, ease of use, and affordability.

Backed by Neil Patel, Ubersuggest is designed for beginners and small business owners who want basic keyword data, site audits, and content ideas without paying for the big platforms.

It is not built for advanced SEOs, but it is a great entry point for anyone learning the ropes.

How it Works

Enter a keyword and Ubersuggest returns basic metrics like search volume, SEO difficulty, CPC, and paid difficulty.

It also shows a list of related keywords, questions, prepositions, and comparisons. There is a SERP overview with backlink data and estimated traffic for each top-ranking result.

You can also use the Content Ideas tool to find articles that already rank well for your keyword, along with data on backlinks and social shares.

The tool has a rank tracker and site audit features too, making it possible to run your entire SEO workflow inside one interface.

Ideal Users

• Beginners just starting with SEO
• Freelancers or bloggers with limited budgets
• Small businesses that want quick keyword ideas
• Users looking for a simple lifetime pricing option

Key Differentiators

• Offers keyword research, content analysis, site audits, and rank tracking in one tool
• Beginner-friendly interface with a clean, modern layout
• Content Ideas tab shows top-performing articles with engagement data
• Provides basic on-page SEO recommendations for targeted keywords
• Prioritizes simplicity and affordability over advanced technical depth

Pricing & Plans

Ubersuggest stands out for its low cost and one-time lifetime payment option. While many SEO tools charge monthly, Ubersuggest gives you the choice to pay once and keep access forever. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly keyword research tools available.

Monthly pricing is structured into three tiers:

• Individual Plan: $29 per month
• Business Plan: $49 per month
• Enterprise/Agency Plan: $99 per month

Each plan increases your daily search limits, number of tracked keywords, and number of users.

The Business and Enterprise plans support multiple team members and more projects, making them ideal for agencies or consultants managing several clients.

The lifetime deal is where Ubersuggest really stands out. You can get:

• Lifetime Individual Access: Around $120 one-time
• Lifetime Business Access: Typically around $200 to $250
• Lifetime Agency Access: Varies, often under $400

There is also a 7-day free trial for paid plans and a limited free version that allows a few searches per day. Ubersuggest also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, even on lifetime purchases, which makes it a low-risk option for beginners testing the waters.

What Surprised Me

The Content Ideas section consistently surfaces high-performing blog posts with actual engagement data. Being able to see backlinks, estimated traffic, and shares at a glance helped me understand what type of content is actually working in a space.

Pro Tip

If you find a keyword with good volume and low SEO difficulty, check the SERP manually. Ubersuggest’s difficulty score can sometimes be off, so always verify how strong the top-ranking pages really are.

If I Could Start Over

I would have used Ubersuggest as a launchpad but moved to a more advanced tool sooner once my traffic goals scaled. It is perfect for early-stage planning, but eventually you will want deeper SERP and competitor insights.

Would I Recommend It?

Yes, for beginners or anyone on a budget. Ubersuggest covers a lot of ground and the lifetime deal makes it one of the most affordable keyword research tools available. Just be aware of its limitations and use it for what it does well.

8. AnswerThePublic

AnswerThePublic is a visual keyword tool built specifically for uncovering search questions and content angles.

Rather than focusing on raw SEO metrics, this tool shows you what real people are asking about your topic.

It is especially useful for brainstorming blog post ideas, structuring FAQ pages, and capturing long-tail question keywords that tools like Google Keyword Planner may not highlight as clearly.

How it Works

You start by entering a keyword or topic.

AnswerThePublic pulls from autocomplete data across Google and Bing, organizing the results into categories like Questions, Prepositions, Comparisons, Alphabeticals, and Related searches.

The tool presents this data in both visual mind-map style diagrams and simple list formats.

It helps you quickly identify what users are curious about, how they phrase their searches, and what types of content you can create to address those queries.

Ideal Users

• Content marketers and editorial teams
• SEO writers looking for natural, long-tail phrases
• Businesses building FAQ or support content
• Anyone needing a fast way to generate content ideas

Key Differentiators

Unlike traditional keyword tools, AnswerThePublic focuses on user intent and search behavior rather than hard metrics.

It organizes keywords into intuitive clusters like "how," "what," "why," and "can" to help you create useful, people-first content.

This tool is especially strong at uncovering voice search queries and natural language patterns, which are increasingly important for SEO and AI-driven search.

Pricing & Plans‍

AnswerThePublic offers limited free daily searches, which is often enough for individuals or small teams doing occasional content planning. However, for regular use or broader keyword research, a paid subscription is required.

There are three main pricing tiers.

• The Individual plan is $9 per month and is limited to one user with up to three daily searches.
• The Pro plan, priced at $99 per month, includes unlimited searches, access to historical data comparisons, and collaboration tools for sharing insights across a team.
• The Expert plan comes in at $199 per month and is built for agencies or teams that need multiple user seats, advanced reporting, and broader project management features.

A free trial is available, and AnswerThePublic occasionally runs discounts for users who choose annual billing.

For most users, the Pro plan offers the best value. It unlocks the full feature set and removes all search limits, making it a practical choice for editorial teams, SEO writers, or agencies with ongoing content workflows.

What Surprised Me

The variety of phrasing for the same topic is eye-opening. A single keyword like "running shoes" can trigger hundreds of real search variations you would never think to target on your own. It is like tapping into the mindset of your audience before you write a word.

Pro Tip

Export the data as a CSV and group similar phrases into blog themes or article outlines. This saves you from writing duplicate content and helps plan entire content hubs from a single keyword.

If I Could Start Over

I would have used this tool earlier in the content ideation phase. It is far easier to develop high-quality briefs or outlines when you know exactly what questions users are asking.

Would I Recommend It?

Yes, especially for content marketers, blog writers, and anyone focused on answering user questions. It will not replace a full SEO suite, but it is one of the best tools available for brainstorming content angles that align with real-world search intent.

9. SpyFu

SpyFu is a competitive intelligence tool designed to help you uncover the keywords your competitors are targeting—both organically and in paid search.

Its strength lies in showing how other businesses rank, what ads they run, and which keywords drive their traffic.

While SpyFu includes traditional keyword research features, its true power is in revealing competitor strategies that you can reverse-engineer.

How it Works

Start by entering a competitor’s domain. SpyFu then displays all the keywords that site ranks for in Google, along with rankings, estimated monthly clicks, and keyword difficulty.

You can also see which keywords the domain bids on in Google Ads, their ad copy history, and what their ad spend looks like over time.

If you are looking for organic keywords, you can flip to keyword research mode and find related terms, group them by topic, and assess their difficulty and value.

SpyFu also includes backlink data, SERP snapshots, and domain comparisons to help you build a full picture of your niche.

Ideal Users

• SEO pros doing competitor audits
• PPC marketers managing Google Ads campaigns
• Agencies pitching new clients or reviewing competitor gaps
• Businesses looking to identify keyword opportunities through competitive analysis

Key Differentiators

SpyFu’s PPC database is one of the most transparent in the industry.

It lets you see the exact keywords your competitors are bidding on, their historical ads, and how their campaigns have evolved over time. This includes estimated ad budgets, copy variations, and even landing page examples.

On the SEO side, SpyFu offers side-by-side domain comparisons and keyword overlap visuals that help you spot gaps fast. Their reporting tools are also tailored to agencies, with white-label PDF templates and client-ready charts.

Pricing & Plans

SpyFu keeps its pricing simple and flat, with no usage-based overages. All plans include unlimited searches and unlimited data exports.

• The Basic plan is $39 per month and gives access to all core features with a limit of five sales leads and domain projects.
• The Professional plan costs $79 per month and expands limits, adds custom branded reports, API access, and tracks up to 15 keyword rankings and domain projects.
• The Team plan is $299 per month and is geared toward agencies, with support for multiple users, extended API access, and deeper sales lead tools.

You can test SpyFu with a free account, although results are partially blurred. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, which makes trying the full version relatively risk-free.

What Surprised Me

SpyFu keeps a historical archive of competitors’ PPC ads. I was able to review a full year's worth of ad copy for one competitor and spot seasonal offers, messaging trends, and copy tests they had used. This gave me a serious edge when planning both SEO content and future ads.

Pro Tip

Use the Kombat tool to compare up to three domains at once. It highlights keywords that your competitors are ranking for but you are not. It is one of the fastest ways to generate a focused list of target keywords based on real performance data.‍

If I Could Start Over

I would have used SpyFu earlier in the sales process for client pitches. Their domain overviews and white-label reports are perfect for showing prospects where they are missing out—and how you can help them close the gap.

Would I Recommend It?

Yes, especially for agencies and marketers who work across both SEO and paid search. SpyFu is one of the best tools for keyword research through a competitive lens, and it is priced affordably given the depth of its data.

10. KeywordTool.io

KeywordTool.io is a search-focused keyword research tool that shines when you need ideas across multiple platforms.

Unlike most tools that focus solely on Google, KeywordTool.io provides keyword suggestions for YouTube, Amazon, Bing, eBay, Instagram, and the App Store.

It pulls autocomplete data from each engine, helping you discover long-tail keywords and search phrases directly tied to user intent across different channels.

How it Works

You choose your platform, enter a keyword, and KeywordTool.io returns a list of autocomplete-style queries that real users are searching for. These are often long-tail keywords or question-based phrases that you might miss in traditional tools.

The results are organized into tabs for suggestions, questions, prepositions, and comparisons. You can filter by language, country, or match type, and export the list for deeper analysis

While KeywordTool.io does not include deep SEO metrics like Keyword Difficulty or SERP snapshots, it makes up for that with breadth and speed across multiple search engines.

Ideal Users

• YouTube creators doing video keyword research
• Amazon sellers optimizing product listings
• Content marketers writing across platforms
• SEOs who want fast autocomplete suggestions at scale

Key Differentiators‍

KeywordTool.io specializes in autocomplete data, not clickstream or PPC databases. That makes it especially valuable for discovering natural language phrases and untapped long-tails. It is one of the few tools to support keyword research for YouTube and Amazon with the same interface you would use for Google. You can also search in dozens of languages and countries, which is ideal for international or non-English SEO projects. It does not include backlink analysis or site audits, but for pure idea generation across platforms, it is fast and focused.

Pricing & Plans
The tool offers a limited free version that shows keyword suggestions without metrics. To unlock search volume, trend data, and cost-per-click info, you will need a paid plan.

Pricing includes:

• Pro Basic: $89 per month
• Pro Plus: $99 per month
• Pro Business: $199 per month

All plans include unlimited keyword lookups across all supported platforms. The differences are mainly in the number of keywords per export, access to competitor keywords, and team logins.

Annual plans are available at a discount and a free trial is offered, although access is limited. KeywordTool.io does not offer a full suite of SEO tools, but what it does, it does well.

What Surprised Me‍

The YouTube keyword results are more accurate than expected. I found a number of content ideas just by entering a topic and sorting by long-tail questions. This alone helped me improve video titles and tags for better discoverability.

Pro Tip‍

Use KeywordTool.io for early-stage brainstorming, then run your short list through a deeper SEO tool like Ahrefs or Semrush for validation. It is a great way to start wide and then go narrow.

If I Could Start Over‍

I would have used the Instagram and App Store options sooner. These are underrated for niche marketers and app developers trying to find discoverable keywords outside of traditional search.

Would I Recommend It?‍

Yes, for anyone who creates content or sells products across multiple search platforms. KeywordTool.io is not a full SEO solution, but for quick keyword discovery across Google, YouTube, Amazon, and beyond, it delivers fast and useful results.