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8 tools compared

Keyword Research Tools 2026

This guide compares the keyword research tools most often shortlisted, from full suites to low-cost specialists. The ranking reflects published features, data focus, ease of use and pricing structure, not who pays the highest affiliate commission. Whether you need an entry-level tool or a full platform, there's a right option for your situation. Check the plan table on each tool page for the current price and the date it was checked.

The tools, one by one

Semrush

An all-in-one SEO and marketing suite covering research, audits and content

Best for: Agencies and serious marketers who need everything in one platform and can justify the investment

from $139/mo
  • Free plan
Plans, catches and verdict

Ahrefs

A backlink-focused SEO suite with keyword, audit and content tools

Best for: SEO professionals whose work centres on backlink analysis and who want detailed link data

from £23/mo
  • Free plan
Plans, catches and verdict

Mangools

Beautiful keyword research tools that don't need a manual

Best for: Bloggers, niche site builders, and freelancers who want keyword research without the Semrush price tag

from $49/mo
  • Free plan
Plans, catches and verdict

KeySearch

No-frills keyword research for bloggers on a budget

Best for: New bloggers and niche site builders who want to keep their SEO tool budget as small as possible

from $24/mo
  • 7-day trial
Plans, catches and verdict

LowFruits

Find low-competition keywords that forums and weak sites rank for

Best for: New site owners hunting for low-competition keywords they can realistically rank for

from $29.90/mo
    Plans, catches and verdict

    Serpstat

    Growth hacking SEO platform with strong competitor analysis

    Best for: Budget-conscious SEOs who want all-in-one features without the Semrush price tag

    from $69/mo
    • 7-day trial
    Plans, catches and verdict

    Ubersuggest

    Neil Patel's freemium SEO tool for beginners and small businesses

    Best for: Complete beginners who want to learn SEO with guided tutorials and a simple interface

    price not verified
    • Free plan
    • 7-day trial
    Plans, catches and verdict

    WriterZen

    AI-powered content workflow from keyword research to finished article

    Best for: Content creators who want an end-to-end workflow from keyword research to AI-assisted draft

    $135 one-time
      Plans, catches and verdict

      Feature coverage

      What each tool covers
      FeatureSemrushAhrefsMangoolsKeySearchLowFruitsSerpstatUbersuggestWriterZen
      Keyword researchIncludedIncludedIncludedIncludedIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
      Backlink analysisIncludedIncludedIncludedNot includedNot includedIncludedIncludedNot included
      Rank trackingIncludedIncludedIncludedIncludedNot includedIncludedIncludedNot included
      Site auditIncludedIncludedNot includedNot includedNot includedIncludedIncludedNot included
      Content toolsIncludedIncludedNot includedIncludedNot includedNot includedIncludedIncluded
      Competitor analysisIncludedIncludedIncludedIncludedNot includedIncludedIncludedNot included
      Local SEOIncludedNot includedNot includedNot includedNot includedNot includedNot includedNot included
      ReportingIncludedIncludedNot includedNot includedNot includedIncludedNot includedNot included
      White-label reportsIncludedNot includedNot includedNot includedNot includedNot includedNot includedNot included
      API accessIncludedIncludedNot includedNot includedNot includedIncludedNot includedNot included

      Coverage as recorded in our tool data; depth varies by plan. Swipe sideways to see every tool.

      • Partly checkedSemrush: prices read from semrush.com on .
      • Partly checkedAhrefs: prices read from ahrefs.com on . Shown in GBP as the vendor displayed it; not converted.
      • Partly checkedMangools: prices read from mangools.com and mangools.com on .
      • Checked on vendor siteKeySearch: prices read from keysearch.co on .
      • Checked on vendor siteLowFruits: prices read from lowfruits.io on .
      • Checked on vendor siteSerpstat: prices read from serpstat.com on .
      • Not verifiedUbersuggest We could not read current prices from the vendor's own pages, so no price is shown. Check the vendor's pricing page before buying.
      • Partly checkedWriterZen: prices read from writerzen.net on .

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