SEO tools
SEO keyword research tools: free and paid, compared
Which keyword tool to use depends on whether you need Google’s own numbers, competitor keywords or question clusters. Here is the shortlist, with what each costs.
No minimum contract · Itemised monthly deliverables · UK team, Fareham HQ · Reporting from your own GA4 & Search Console
Quick answer
Free
Keyword Planner, Trends, Search Console
$12/mo
AlsoAsked for question clusters
$129/mo
Ahrefs Lite for competitor keywords
Scroll for the full shortlist with free tiers and prices.
The shortlist
Keyword research tools
Free Google tools first, then paid platforms for competitor data.
Prices are as shown on vendor sites on 19 October 2026 and change often; we have no commercial relationship with any tool listed.
Google Keyword Planner
Best for: Volume ranges straight from Google
Google’s keyword volume and forecast tool inside Google Ads.
Google Trends
Best for: Seasonality and rising topics
Relative search interest over time and by region.
AlsoAsked
Best for: Question research for guides and FAQs
Maps People Also Ask questions into clusters for content planning.
AnswerThePublic
Best for: Brainstorming content angles
Visualises autocomplete questions and phrases around a seed keyword.
Keywords Everywhere
Best for: Keyword data while you browse
Browser extension that shows volume, CPC and related keywords inside Google and other sites.
Ubersuggest
Best for: Low-cost all-rounder for small sites
Keyword research, site audit and rank tracking from Neil Patel.
KWFinder (Mangools)
Best for: Long-tail research on a budget
Long-tail keyword research with difficulty scores, part of Mangools.
How we use them
Search Console for what already works, Keyword Planner and Trends for demand and seasonality, Ahrefs or Semrush for competitor gaps and clustering, AlsoAsked for questions. The method is in our keyword research guide; our own site was rebuilt from a 9,999-keyword Ahrefs export using it.
What the numbers mean
Volumes are modelled estimates averaged over twelve months and differ between tools. Use them for relative comparison, not forecasting.
FAQ
Questions we get asked
What is the best free keyword research tool?
Search Console for your own data; Keyword Planner and Trends for demand; AlsoAsked for questions.
Which paid keyword tool is best?
Ahrefs or Semrush for depth; Mangools or SE Ranking for value on a single site.
Can AI tools do keyword research?
They suggest topics and phrasing but have no live volume data; pair them with a keyword tool.
Can you do the research for us?
Yes — keyword and page mapping is the first deliverable in every package.
Rather have someone run the tools for you?
Our free growth plan uses all of these on your site. You get the findings; we only get paid if you hire us.
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