Top 15 SEO Keyword Research Tools for 2024: Free and Paid Options

Top 15 SEO Keyword Research Tools for 2024: Free and Paid Options

When it comes to optimizing your website for search engines, keyword research is key. By targeting the right keywords, you can increase your chances of ranking on Google and driving organic search traffic to your site. To help you in this endeavor, we have compiled a list of the top keyword research tools for 2024, both free and paid options, that you can use to discover high-volume, low-competition keywords that your competitors may not know about. We will also provide insights on how to effectively use each tool to enhance your SEO strategy.

1. SE Ranking
SE Ranking is our top choice for keyword research tools. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools in one platform and boasts one of the largest keyword databases in the market. With features like keyword research, competitive analysis, keyword grouping, and rank tracking, SE Ranking provides all the necessary tools for effective keyword research. The platform is user-friendly and offers valuable insights into keyword difficulty, search volume, CPC, and related keyword ideas. Additionally, SE Ranking’s keyword grouper tool allows you to cluster keywords based on SERP similarity, enabling you to target multiple related keywords in a single post.

Pros:
– Comprehensive keyword research tools
– All-in-one platform with additional SEO tools
– Large keyword database
– Provides essential keyword metrics
– Affordable pricing plans
Cons:
– No Chrome extension
– Learning curve for beginners

Pricing:
Starting from $55/month with a 14-day free trial available.

2. Mangools
Mangools is another all-in-one platform that offers a powerful keyword research tool, KWFinder, along with other useful SEO tools. KWFinder is known for its user-friendly interface and ability to generate low-competition keyword ideas quickly. The platform’s proprietary KD metric is highly accurate, and trend data for each keyword helps users understand search volume fluctuations over time. In addition to KWFinder, Mangools offers SERPChecker and SERPWatcher tools for in-depth keyword analysis and rank tracking.

Pros:
– Easy to use
– Five tools in one platform
– Affordable pricing plans
– Trend data for keyword analysis
Cons:
– No search intent metric
– Limited daily keyword lookups

Pricing:
Free plan available, with paid plans starting from $29/month.

3. Morningscore
Morningscore stands out as a fun and gamified keyword research tool that offers a unique approach to SEO. The platform awards users XP points for completing tasks and provides a ‘Max Morningscore’ metric for each keyword, indicating its value in dollars if ranked in position one. Morningscore’s keyword research tool generates related keyword suggestions with monthly search volume, CPC, difficulty, and Max Morningscore metrics. Users can save keywords to lists, track rankings, and complete SEO tasks through personalized missions.

Pros:
– Gamified keyword research experience
– Max Morningscore metric for keyword value
– Personalized SEO missions
– Built-in rank tracker and competitor analysis
Cons:
– Keyword limits on certain plans
– More suitable for beginners

Pricing:
Starting from $49/month with a 14-day free trial available.

4. KWHero
KWHero is a feature-rich keyword research tool that offers comprehensive keyword discovery, analysis, and content optimization features. The platform allows users to analyze keywords, group them into clusters, and optimize content based on keyword suggestions. KWHero’s SERP analysis provides insights into top-ranking pages and their authority metrics, helping users assess competition and optimize their content effectively.

Pros:
– Advanced keyword discovery and clustering
– SERP analysis for competitive insights
– Content optimization suggestions
– AI writer for content creation
Cons:
– Entry-level pricing may be high
– No free trial or free plan

Pricing:
Starting from $59/month with 2 months free on annual billing.

5. SEO PowerSuite
SEO PowerSuite is a powerful desktop-based SEO tool that offers a range of features, including keyword research and rank tracking. The platform’s Rank Tracker tool provides in-depth keyword analysis, competitor research, and SERP tracking capabilities. SEO PowerSuite’s keyword research functionality allows users to explore keyword ideas, analyze competitor keywords, and optimize content around target keywords.

Pros:
– Feature-rich SEO tool
– Powerful keyword discovery and analysis
– Competitor research and rank tracking
– Great value for money
Cons:
– Requires software download
– Cluttered user interface

Pricing:
Free plan available, with paid plans starting from $299/year.

6. Semrush
Semrush is a comprehensive SEO suite that offers a wide range of tools, including multiple keyword research options. The platform’s Keyword Magic Tool provides millions of keyword suggestions from Semrush’s extensive database, allowing users to explore search volume, difficulty, and intent metrics. Semrush’s Keyword Gap tool is useful for identifying keyword opportunities by comparing site keywords with up to four competitors. With 40+ tools available, Semrush is a valuable resource for SMBs, agencies, and in-house teams.

Pros:
– Largest keyword database
– Multiple keyword research tools
– Covers all essential keyword metrics
– Great for competitive keyword analysis
Cons:
– High pricing
– Complex user interface

Pricing:
Limited free plan available, with paid plans starting from $139.95/month.

7. Moz Keyword Explorer
Moz Keyword Explorer is a powerful keyword research tool that offers unique metrics and insights. The platform provides keyword suggestions, search volume estimations, and competition ratings, along with Organic CTR and Priority scores to evaluate keyword value. Moz’s keyword research tool is part of the Moz Pro suite, which includes additional SEO tools like rank tracking and site auditing.

Pros:
– Unique keyword metrics
– Huge keyword database
– Analyze keywords individually or in bulk
– Free plan available
Cons:
– Price may be high for some users
– Limited free queries per day

Pricing:
Free plan available, with paid plans starting from $49/month.

8. Soovle
Soovle is a free keyword research tool that aggregates autocomplete suggestions from various search engines. The platform is known for its simplicity and ease of use, providing keyword ideas from Google, YouTube, Bing, Amazon, and other sources. While Soovle lacks search volume estimations and keyword difficulty scoring, it is a valuable tool for gathering keyword ideas quickly and efficiently.

Pros:
– Completely free
– Multiple search engine autocomplete suggestions
– Easy to use
– Great for keyword ideation
Cons:
– No keyword metrics
– Relies solely on autocomplete data

Pricing:
Soovle is completely free to use.

9. Keyword Tool
Keyword Tool is another powerful autocomplete-based keyword research tool that offers localized keyword suggestions. The platform allows users to generate keyword ideas from Google, Bing, Amazon, and other search engines, along with search volume and competition metrics. Keyword Tool is user-friendly and provides valuable insights for keyword research and content optimization.

Pros:
– Generate keyword ideas quickly
– Localized autocomplete suggestions
– Includes search volume and competition metrics
– Easy to use
Cons:
– Relatively expensive
– Relies solely on autocomplete data

Pricing:
Starting from $89/month, with a free trial available.

10. Serpstat
Serpstat is an all-in-one platform that offers a wide range of SEO tools, including keyword research and clustering features. The platform allows users to analyze keywords, generate related ideas, and track rankings for target keywords. Serpstat’s keyword research tool provides search volume, competition, and trend data, along with competitor analysis and rank tracking capabilities.

Pros:
– Advanced keyword analysis and clustering
– Multiple keyword research tools
– Access to additional SEO features
– Affordable pricing plans
Cons:
– Daily query limits
– Complex user interface

Pricing:
Starting from $59/month, with a 7-day free trial available.

11. QuestionDB
QuestionDB is a unique keyword research tool that focuses on question-related keywords. The platform sources keyword ideas from multiple sources, providing users with valuable insights into long-string keyword opportunities. QuestionDB offers monthly search volume and difficulty metrics, allowing users to identify valuable keyword opportunities for their content.

Pros:
– Uses multiple sources for keyword suggestions
– Finds long-string keyword opportunities
– Includes search volume and difficulty metrics
– Easy to use
Cons:
– Daily search limits
– More suitable for beginners

Pricing:
Free plan available, with paid plans starting from $15/month.

12. Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is a free keyword research tool provided by Google. While primarily designed for advertisers, the platform offers valuable keyword insights for SEO purposes. Users can generate keyword ideas, search volumes, and forecasts, along with competition ratings and bidding ranges. Google Keyword Planner is easy to use but lacks precise search volume estimations and has a complex user interface.

Pros:
– Keyword data directly from Google
– Generates keyword ideas quickly
– Completely free
– Great for PPC keyword research
Cons:
– Vague search volume estimations
– Frustrating user interface

Pricing:
Google Keyword Planner is free to use.

13. Google Search Console
Google Search Console is a valuable tool for uncovering hidden keyword opportunities within existing content. By analyzing search queries that drive traffic to your site, users can identify valuable keywords for content optimization. Google Search Console provides accurate and reliable keyword insights, making it a valuable resource for SEO professionals.

Pros:
– Completely free
– Finds hidden keyword opportunities
– Accurate and reliable keyword insights
– Great for existing traffic optimization
Cons:
– Lacks search volume and difficulty estimations
– Requires website traffic to be useful

Pricing:
Google Search Console is free to use.

14. AnswerThePublic
AnswerThePublic is a unique keyword research tool that focuses on question-related keywords. The platform generates keyword ideas based on autocomplete data from Google, YouTube, and Bing, providing users with valuable insights for content optimization. AnswerThePublic offers question keywords, preposition keywords, and comparison keywords, along with search volume and CPC metrics.

Pros:
– Unique user interface
– Perfect for question keyword research
– Easy-to-read keyword visualizations
– Keyword search volume and CPC metrics
Cons:
– No keyword difficulty scoring
– Daily keyword search limits

Pricing:
Free plan available, with paid plans starting from $9/month.

15. Google Trends
Google Trends is an underrated tool for keyword research that offers insights into trending keywords and search volume fluctuations. While lacking precise search volume estimations, Google Trends provides valuable insights into keyword trends and popularity. Users can use Google Trends to discover new keyword opportunities and validate existing keywords for optimization.

Pros:
– Find trending keyword ideas
– Discover search volume trends
– Easy to use
– Completely free
Cons:
– No search volume estimations
– No keyword difficulty scoring

Pricing:
Google Trends is free to use.

In Conclusion
Choosing the right keyword research tool is essential for optimizing your website for search engines. By utilizing a combination of these top tools, you can discover valuable keyword opportunities, analyze competition, and optimize your content effectively. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced SEO professional, these tools offer valuable insights and features to enhance your keyword research strategy. Remember to consider factors like keyword metrics, database size, and additional SEO features when selecting the best tool for your needs. By leveraging the power of these keyword research tools, you can take your SEO efforts to the next level in 2024.