Top Free & Paid Keyword Research Tools You Need in 2024

Keyword research is a critical component of search engine optimization (SEO) and digital marketing. It involves identifying the terms and phrases that people use when searching for information online. By understanding these keywords, businesses can optimize their content to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), attract more organic traffic, and ultimately drive more conversions. In 2025, several free and paid keyword research tools stand out for their effectiveness and features. Here, we'll explore the top tools you need to consider for your keyword research strategy.

1. Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner is a staple in the world of keyword research. As a free tool provided by Google, it offers valuable insights into search volumes, competition levels, and keyword suggestions. It's particularly useful for those running Google Ads campaigns, but it's also a powerful tool for organic SEO efforts. The tool allows users to discover new keywords related to their business, see how often certain keywords are searched, and get bid estimates for keywords.

Pricing: Free Google Keyword Planner is a free tool provided by Google. It's particularly useful for those running Google Ads campaigns, but it's also a powerful tool for organic SEO efforts. The tool allows users to discover new keywords related to their business, see how often certain keywords are searched, and get bid estimates for keywords.

2. Ahrefs Keywords Explorer

Ahrefs is a comprehensive SEO toolset, and its Keywords Explorer is one of the best in the industry. This paid tool provides detailed keyword data, including search volume, keyword difficulty, and click-through rates. Ahrefs also offers insights into the top-ranking pages for any keyword, helping users understand the competition and identify content gaps.

Pricing:

• Lite: $129/month

• Standard: $249/month

• Advanced: $449/month

• Enterprise: $1,499/month

3. SEMrush

SEMrush is another popular paid tool that offers a wide range of SEO and digital marketing features. Its keyword research tool provides in-depth data on search volumes, keyword difficulty, and competitive analysis. SEMrush also offers a unique feature called the Keyword Magic Tool, which generates a comprehensive list of related keywords and phrases.

Pricing:

• Pro: $139.95/month

• Guru: $249.95/month

• Business: $499.95/month SEMrush offers a wide range of SEO and digital marketing features. Its keyword research tool provides in-depth data on search volumes, keyword difficulty, and competitive analysis. The Keyword Magic Tool generates a comprehensive list of related keywords and phrases.

4. Moz Keyword Explorer

Moz Keyword Explorer is a user-friendly tool that provides valuable keyword data, including search volume, keyword difficulty, and organic click-through rates. Moz also offers a unique metric called Priority, which combines various factors to help users prioritize their keyword targeting efforts.

Pricing:

• Standard: $99/month

• Medium: $179/month

• Large: $299/month Moz Keyword Explorer provides valuable keyword data, including search volume, keyword difficulty, and organic click-through rates. Moz also offers a unique metric called Priority, which combines various factors to help users prioritize their keyword targeting efforts.

5. Ubersuggest

Ubersuggest, developed by Neil Patel, is a versatile keyword research tool that offers both free and paid versions. It provides keyword suggestions, search volume data, and competitive analysis. Ubersuggest also offers content ideas and backlink data, making it a comprehensive tool for SEO and content marketing.

Pricing:

• Individual: $12/month

• Business: $20/month

• Enterprise: $40/month Ubersuggest offers both free and paid versions. It provides keyword suggestions, search volume data, and competitive analysis. Ubersuggest also offers content ideas and backlink data, making it a comprehensive tool for SEO and content marketing.

6. Keyword Tool

Keyword Tool is a freemium tool that generates keyword suggestions based on Google Autocomplete. It provides keyword ideas for various platforms, including Google, YouTube, Bing, Amazon, and more. The free version offers basic keyword suggestions, while the paid version provides additional data such as search volume, competition, and cost-per-click (CPC) metrics.

Pricing:

• Basic: $69/month

• Pro Plus: $79/month

• Business: $159/month Keyword Tool generates keyword suggestions based on Google Autocomplete. The free version offers basic keyword suggestions, while the paid version provides additional data such as search volume, competition, and cost-per-click (CPC) metrics.

7. AnswerThePublic

AnswerThePublic is a unique keyword research tool that visualizes search queries in a creative way. It generates keyword ideas based on questions, prepositions, and comparisons that people commonly search for. This tool is particularly useful for content creators looking to address specific user queries and create targeted content.

Pricing:

• Individual: $11/month

• Pro: $99/month

• Expert: $199/month AnswerThePublic visualizes search queries in a creative way. It generates keyword ideas based on questions, prepositions, and comparisons that people commonly search for. This tool is particularly useful for content creators looking to address specific user queries and create targeted content.

8. KWFinder

KWFinder by Mangools is a powerful keyword research tool that provides detailed keyword data, including search volume, keyword difficulty, and trends. It also offers competitive analysis and SERP analysis, helping users identify the best keywords to target. KWFinder's user-friendly interface makes it accessible to both beginners and experienced SEO professionals.

Pricing:

• Basic: $29/month (when paid annually)

• Premium: $39/month (when paid annually)

• Agency: $79/month (when paid annually) KWFinder provides detailed keyword data, including search volume, keyword difficulty, and trends. It also offers competitive analysis and SERP analysis, helping users identify the best keywords to target.

9. Long Tail Pro

Long Tail Pro is a paid keyword research tool that focuses on finding long-tail keywords with low competition. It provides detailed keyword metrics, including search volume, keyword competitiveness, and profitability. Long Tail Pro also offers a rank tracker and backlink analysis, making it a comprehensive tool for SEO.

Pricing:

• Starter: $24.75/month

• Pro: $67/month

• Agency: $147/month Long Tail Pro focuses on finding long-tail keywords with low competition. It provides detailed keyword metrics, including search volume, keyword competitiveness, and profitability. Long Tail Pro also offers a rank tracker and backlink analysis.

10. SpyFu

SpyFu is a competitive analysis tool that provides valuable keyword data, including search volume, keyword difficulty, and CPC metrics. It also offers insights into competitors' keywords and ad campaigns, helping users identify opportunities and optimize their own strategies. SpyFu's historical data feature allows users to track keyword performance over time.

Pricing:

• Basic: $33/month

• Professional: $58/month

• Team: $199/month SpyFu provides valuable keyword data, including search volume, keyword difficulty, and CPC metrics. It also offers insights into competitors' keywords and ad campaigns, helping users identify opportunities and optimize their own strategies.

Conclusion

In 2025, keyword research remains a crucial aspect of SEO and digital marketing. The tools mentioned above offer a range of features and capabilities to help businesses identify the best keywords to target, optimize their content, and drive more organic traffic. Whether you're looking for a free tool to get started or a comprehensive paid tool for advanced keyword research, there's something on this list for everyone.

By leveraging these tools, you can stay ahead of the competition, create targeted content, and achieve your SEO goals. Remember, the key to successful keyword research is to continuously analyze and adapt your strategy based on the latest data and trends. Happy keyword hunting!