I Tested 15 AI SEO Tools: My Top Picks [Free & Paid]

SEO has always been a game of precision, strategy, and adaptability. I’ve spent over a decade in SaaS marketing, and I know that what worked yesterday won’t necessarily work tomorrow.

Algorithms evolve, user behavior shifts, and competition gets fiercer.

But AI SEO tools have fundamentally changed how I approach search engine optimization. 

Unfortunately, not all tools are created equal.

Some promise automation but lack real intelligence. Others generate content that sounds robotic. Then there are tools that claim to provide “SEO insights” but offer little more than recycled data. 

Based on real-world performance, data accuracy, and ease of use, I’ve tested and evaluated the best AI powered SEO tools available today. If you’re serious about getting better rankings, driving organic traffic, and automating time-consuming SEO tasks, you’ll want to keep reading.

How I assessed the best SEO AI tools

AI has transformed SEO from a manual, time-consuming process into a data-driven, automated strategy. But I’ve found that not every AI tool actually delivers meaningful results. 

Many tools claim to leverage AI but only offer basic automation without truly understanding search intent, ranking factors, or real-time algorithm changes.

To cut through the noise, I evaluated each tool based on its ability to improve search rankings, enhance efficiency, and automate complex SEO tasks without compromising quality. 

Here are five different criteria I focused on:

1. AI’s role in search intent and SERP analysis

SEO today is about understanding what users truly want—not just inserting keywords. I assessed whether these tools go beyond keyword matching to analyze search intent, track SERP feature changes, and adapt to how Google prioritizes results, including AI-generated answers in search results.

2. Content optimization and generative engine optimization (GEO)

With AI-generated search summaries becoming more prevalent, ranking on traditional SERPs is no longer enough. I tested whether these tools optimize content for passage ranking, entity recognition, and structured data—all of which help content get picked up by AI search engines and generative engine optimization (GEO).

3. Data integration and real-time insights

The best AI SEO tools don’t work in isolation. I prioritized tools that pull in live data from Google Search Console, Ahrefs, and other SEO platforms, ensuring recommendations are based on real search trends, not outdated data sets.

4. Efficiency and workflow automation

AI should reduce manual SEO work by automating keyword clustering, competitor analysis, content brief creation, and internal linking suggestions. I tested how well these tools streamlined the entire SEO workflow, from research to execution and monitoring.

5. Practical ROI and cost justification

An AI SEO tool should deliver real ranking improvements and organic traffic growth, not just automate tasks for the sake of it. I compared how well each tool impacted search visibility and whether the cost was justified by its ability to drive results.

💡 Also check out: 10 Best Budget-Friendly SEO Software Tools

12 best AI SEO tools you must try [Paid]

As an SEO specialist, I’ve spent years navigating keyword research, content optimization, and technical SEO audits—manually. While traditional tools have been useful, AI has completely changed how I approach SEO.

Instead of spending hours analyzing data, writing optimized content, or fine-tuning on-page SEO, I now rely on AI-driven platforms that automate my entire SEO workflow. 

To help you out, here are the AI-powered SEO tools I’ve personally tested and found to be the most effective in real-world scenarios. But first, here’s a quick overview of the tools I’ve covered:

1. Chatsonic AI SEO agent: The all-in-one SEO powerhouse

With over a decade of experience in SaaS marketing and SEO, I’ve seen countless tools, but the Chatsonic AI SEO agent stands out as a true game-changer. 

This intuitive AI agent works as an end-to-end chat-based platform designed to take over the repetitive, time-consuming tasks that eat up your time—so you can focus more on strategy.

What I love most is how this tool integrates every aspect of SEO into a single, intuitive platform so you don’t have to juggle between multiple tools and pay for various platform subscriptions. 

Its end-to-end automation capabilities handle everything from keyword discovery to content creation with remarkable efficiency. In short, Chatsonic’s AI SEO agent acts as a fully automated personal SEO assistant–perfect for small businesses. 

Key features that make Chatsonic a game-changer for AI SEO tool:

1. Multi-modal AI: Works with multiple AI models, including  GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, and Flux 1.1.
2. Canvas + artifacts: Canvas feature provides a visual workspace to organize your SEO research using reusable Artifacts. This allows for seamless collaboration and iteration, streamlining your workflow.
3. Content + SEO AI agent combination: Combines content creation and SEO optimization into a single, cohesive process. 
4. Built-In integrations: Connects with essential tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, People Also Ask, Zapier, and WordPress. Provides real-time data and insights directly within the Chatsonic interface, for data-driven decision-making without constant tool switching.
5. Real-time web search: Live web searches for up-to-the-minute data on search trends, competitor strategies, and emerging topics (not inaccurate historical data).

Pros:

• Eliminates manual keyword research, competitor analysis, SERP analysis, content optimization, and other SEO tasks. 
• Significantly reduces SEO content creation time. 
• Provides comprehensive and actionable SEO suggestions and strategies to boost visibility and rankings. 
• Adapts to new Google updates.
• Works in real-time instead of historical data, so you get the most recent data insights. 
• Built-in prompt library for specific use cases ranging from content creation to ranking for a specific keyword. 

Cons:

• Slight learning curve due to extensive features. 
• May be overwhelming for SEO beginners

Recently, my team and I used Chatsonic’s SEO AI agent to create blogs around AI agents and related topic clusters, and these are the results we witnessed:

• 65% increase in organic traffic within three months. 
• Average position for target keywords improved from page 3 to page 1. 
• 7-10 hours saved weekly on SEO tasks. 

Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $16/month.

G2 rating: 4.0/5

2. Semrush: An industry standard for SEO professionals

I’ve had my fair share of experiences with various SEO tools. But SEMrush has been a constant companion in my digital marketing journey.

SEMrush is a comprehensive digital marketing suite that’s become an industry standard for professionals. What sets it apart is its ability to provide a level of data depth that few other tools can match.

From keyword research and competitor analysis to site audits and PPC campaign management, SEMrush offers a wide array of features that cater to virtually every aspect of digital marketing. 

Key features that make SEMrush stand out:

1. Comprehensive keyword research: Offers a massive database of over 26 billion keywords in its Magic Keyword Database. The quality and accuracy of the data are what truly set it apart. You get insights into search volume, keyword difficulty, and even seasonal trends.
2. In-depth competitor analysis: SEMrush’s domain vs. domain analysis lets you compare entire domains, spotting competitor keywords, strengths, weaknesses, and SERP feature analysis. 
3. AI-powered content optimization: The SEO Writing Assistant is a game-changer. It provides real-time optimization suggestions based on AI analysis of top-ranking pages. This feature alone has helped me improve content quality and search rankings significantly.
4. Powerful site audit tool: The technical SEO audit feature is thorough and actionable. It identifies issues like crawl errors, duplicate content, and site speed problems, then provides step-by-step fixes. 
5. PPC insights: For those running paid campaigns, SEMrush offers valuable PPC data to improve ROI, including keyword suggestions and ad copy analysis.

Pros:

• Unmatched depth of data for SEO and PPC. 
• Regularly updated features to keep up with industry changes. 
• Comprehensive suite of tools covering multiple aspects of digital marketing. 
• Excellent competitor analysis capabilities. 
• Integration with Google tools like Search Console and Data Studio. 

Cons:

• Steep learning curve due to the vast array of features. 
• Can be pricey for small businesses or individual users. 
• Some users report occasional data discrepancies. 

Pricing: Starting at $139.95 monthly. 

G2 rating: 4.6/5 based on 3,800+ reviews

💡 Also read: Semrush vs Ahrefs in 2025

3. SE Ranking: A budget-friendly platform with AI-powered insights

SE Ranking stands out as a versatile and comprehensive SEO platform that caters to businesses of all sizes. As someone who’s worked with numerous SEO tools, I can confidently say that SE Ranking offers a robust set of features that rival even the most established players in the market.

What sets this platform apart from others is its ability to provide a wide range of SEO functionalities without overwhelming users. 

Key features I love about SE Ranking:

1. Comprehensive rank tracking: SE Ranking’s rank tracker is impressively accurate, covering over 188 geo databases. It allows you to track rankings across multiple search engines, giving you a global perspective on your SEO performance.
2. In-depth website audit: The website audit tool scans for over 120 technical SEO issues, helping you identify and fix problems that could be holding back your rankings.
3. Competitor analysis: SE Ranking offers robust competitor analysis features, allowing you to compare your site against competitors and uncover new opportunities for improvement.
4. Backlink checker and monitoring: With a database of 2.9 trillion backlinks, SE Ranking provides comprehensive backlink analysis and monitoring, helping you maintain a healthy link profile.
5. Keyword research and grouping: The platform offers advanced keyword research tools, including a keyword grouper that helps you organize your target keywords effectively.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface suitable for beginners and experts alike. 
• Comprehensive feature set covering all aspects of SEO. 
• Offers customizable white-label reports, for digital marketing agencies who want to present professional SEO reports to clients. 

Cons:

• Limited integration options compared to some competitors. 

Pricing: 14-day free trial available with paid plans starting at $52/month. 

G2 rating: 4.8/5 based on 1,360 user reviews. 

4. SEO.ai

SEO.ai, launched in 2022, is a Danish startup that’s reimagining SEO with an AI-first approach.

What I like about this AI SEO tool, in particular, is–unlike traditional tools that have added AI features over time, SEO.ai was built from the ground up with artificial intelligence as its core.

Key features that make SEO.ai stand out:

1. AI-driven content creation for SEO: Generate entire pieces of content, including articles, blog posts, and product descriptions in over 50 languages, all optimized for search engines.
2. Predictive keyword intelligence: Predicts emerging search trends and topic clusters using machine learning before they become mainstream.
3. Dynamic content gap analysis: Continuously scans your content against competitors and search trends, proactively suggesting new topics and content updates.
4. AI-powered internal linking: SEO.ai’s AI understands context and relevance, automatically building a robust internal linking structure to boost SEO performance.
5. Real-time SEO optimization: As you write, the AI provides instant suggestions for titles, headers, and content structure, ensuring SEO-friendly content from the start.
6. Interactive AI chat assistant: This feature acts as an SEO consultant, allowing you to brainstorm ideas, get instant content tweaks, or generate complex SEO strategies through natural language interaction.

Pros:

• AI-first approach, not an add-on feature. 
• Automates complex SEO tasks. 
• Multilingual support for global SEO strategies. 
• Integrates content creation and SEO optimization seamlessly. 

Cons:

• Newer platform with potentially limited historical data. 
• Heavy AI automation might require oversight for brand voice consistency. 
• Limited track record compared to established tools. 

Pricing: 7-day free trial available with paid plans starting at $49/month. 

G2 rating: Not available. 

5. Alli AI: Best for technical SEO automation

I’ve seen many tools come and go. Alli AI, however, has caught my attention for its ability to handle large-scale SEO tasks efficiently.

Alli AI is an all-in-one SEO platform that’s particularly useful for agencies, consultants, and SEO professionals managing multiple websites. What sets it apart is its focus on automation and scalability.

Its ability to handle large-scale optimizations and integrate with various CMS platforms makes it particularly attractive for agencies and enterprises managing multiple websites. Overall, if you’re looking for an AI tool to automate technical and on-page SEO tasks, Alli AI is perfect. 

Key features I love about Alli AI:

• Automated on-page SEO: Alli AI can make thousands to millions of code changes across multiple websites, all managed from a single dashboard. 
• Live editing: Real-time editing feature that allows you to make changes to text, content, and code directly in the browser. 
• Site speed optimization: In my experience, page load time is crucial for both user experience and search rankings. Alli AI’s focus on reducing load times by up to 80% through server-side rendering and asset optimization is impressive.
• CMS integration: The seamless integration with various Content Management Systems, including WordPress, Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace, makes it versatile for different client needs.
• AI-powered recommendations: The AI-driven approach to prioritizing keywords, analyzing search terms, and optimizing pages aligns with the current SEO trends, ensuring data-driven decision-making.

Pros:

• Significantly reduces manual effort in on-page SEO tasks. 
• Handles optimizations across multiple websites efficiently. 
• Works with any content management system. 
• Provides real-time optimization suggestions and implementation. 
• Offers a comprehensive suite of SEO tools in one platform. 

Cons:

• The initial setup and configuration might be challenging for those without technical expertise. 
• The pricing might be steep for smaller businesses or individual users. 

Pricing: 10-day free trial available with paid plans starting at $169/month. 

G2 rating: 3.4/5 based on 8 reviews. 

6. OTTO SEO: Best for enterprise-level website SEO audits

I found OTTO SEO a great tool for businesses who want to handle large-scale SEO operations in particular. It’s designed to automate a wide range of website-related SEO tasks, from on-page content optimization to technical and local SEO management. 

OTTO SEO stands out for its ability to implement changes across thousands of pages automatically, making it a powerful tool for enterprises and agencies who want to conduct seamless SEO audits in an instant. 

To use this tool, you need to add a pixel code to your website header, then OTTO SEO will automatically audit your website data and make recommendations for improvement.

Key features of OTTO SEO:

1. Automated on-page optimization: Automatically optimizes meta tags, headings, and content across thousands of pages, reducing time and effort required for large-scale on-page SEO tasks.
2. Automated technical SEO automation: Handles complex technical SEO tasks without manual intervention, including schema markup implementation, XML sitemap generation, robots.txt management, and JavaScript rendering optimization.
3. Content optimization at scale: Analyzes and automatically optimizes content across entire websites, and executes internal linking, ensuring content automation and consistency.
4. Local SEO automation: Offers automated Google Business Profile management and local citation building. This feature streamlines the process of maintaining consistent local SEO efforts across multiple locations.
5. Comprehensive SEO audits: Conducts thorough site audits, identifying issues related to crawlability, mobile optimization, page speed, and duplicate content. These audits provide actionable insights for continuous SEO improvement.

Pros:

• Handles SEO tasks at a massive scale, ideal for large websites and enterprises. 
• Implements content changes automatically, significantly reducing manual work. 
• Provides comprehensive technical SEO audits and automated optimization. 
• Offers advanced features like automated content optimization and internal linking. 
• Integrates with WordPress. 

Cons:

• Not suitable for individual SEO specialists or small teams. 
• Requires some setup and configuration for optimal performance. 

Pricing: 7-day free trial available with paid plans starting at $99/month. 

G2 rating: 4.8/5 based on 91 reviews. 

7. Koala: Great for internal link structuring

Koala is an AI content creation tool that’s specifically designed with SEO in mind. What sets it apart is its focus on creating content that’s not just readable but also optimized for search engines from the ground up.

What I like best about this SEO tool is that the KoalaLinks feature can analyze your entire site and automatically add internal links, related posts, and schema markup to your pages.

Key features of Koala:

1. SERP-driven content creation: Analyzes top-ranking pages for your target keyword and to guide its content creation. This ensures that the content it produces is competitive right out of the gate. 
2. Real-time fact-checking: Unlike many AI writing tools that rely on outdated training data, Koala integrates real-time web search to fact-check and update information as it writes.
3. SEO optimization dashboard: Comprehensive SEO dashboard for each piece of content it creates. This includes keyword density analysis, readability scores, and suggestions for improving on-page SEO. 
4. Multilingual SEO support: Offers SEO-optimized content in over 50 languages, considering local search trends and language-specific SEO best practices.

Pros:

• Creates SEO-optimized content based on real SERP data. 
• Offers real-time fact-checking for up-to-date content. 
• Provides comprehensive SEO analysis for each piece of content. 

Cons:

• The quality of output can vary depending on the complexity of the topic. 
• Limited SEO features as compared to other competitors. 
• Limited integrations. 
• Too simplistic for advanced SEO workflows. 

Pricing: Starts at $7/month. 

Capterra rating: 4.6/5 based on 67 reviews. 

8. Outranking: AI SEO content optimization

Outranking is an innovative AI-driven platform that’s reshaping how we approach SEO content creation. As someone who’s spent years optimizing content, I can say that Outranking’s approach is refreshingly different.

Its ability to generate SEO-friendly content drafts and provide real-time optimization suggestions makes it a powerful ally for content creators and SEO professionals alike. 

But I’d suggest that while Outranking can significantly streamline your SEO content process, human creativity, and expertise are still crucial for creating truly outstanding content that resonates with your audience.

Key features that set Outranking apart:

1. AI-powered SEO content generation: Outranking doesn’t just suggest keywords; it helps create entire pieces of content. Its AI analyzes top-ranking pages and generates SEO-optimized drafts that are ready for human refinement. 
2. Content gap analysis: Continuously scans your content against competitors and search trends, proactively suggesting new topics and content updates. This feature helps you stay ahead of the curve in your niche. 
3. Real-time SERP analysis: Instant insights into what’s currently ranking for your target keywords, allowing you to tailor your content strategy on the fly. 
4. SEO scoring system: Offers a detailed SEO score for your content, giving you a clear picture of how well-optimized your pages are and where improvements can be made. 
5. Workflow automation: Outranking streamlines the entire content creation process, from research to optimization, significantly reducing the time spent on manual tasks. 

Pros:

• Combines content creation and SEO optimization seamlessly. 
• Provides data-driven insights for content strategy.
• Offers real-time optimization suggestions. 
• Supports multiple languages for global SEO strategies. 
• Integrates with popular publishing platforms.

Cons:

• The AI-generated content may require significant editing for brand voice consistency. 
• Learning curve can be steep for those new to AI-powered tools. 
• Pricing may be high for individual content creators or small businesses. 

Pricing: Paid plans start at $19/month. 

Capterra rating: 4.5/5 based on 17 reviews.

9. Localo: A powerhouse for local SEO

What sets Localo apart is its laser focus on local search optimization, powered by advanced AI capabilities that make it a game-changer for businesses looking to dominate their local markets.

For businesses just dipping their toes into local SEO or agencies managing multiple local clients, Localo offers a comprehensive suite of tools that cater to various needs and budgets. The platform’s scalability is impressive, allowing users to start with basic features and seamlessly upgrade as their local SEO efforts expand.

Key features I love about Localo:

1. AI growth strategy: Offers personalized insights and suggestions to optimize your Google Business Profile.
2. Local rank tracker: Real-time updates on your Google visibility, allowing you to track your rankings for crucial local keywords across different locations. 
3. Local business schema generator: A true time-saver, this tool automatically generates schema markup tailored to your business. It’s a technical SEO boost that many local businesses often overlook.
4. Multi-publication platform: Streamlines content management across various platforms, making it easy to create, schedule, and publish posts directly to your Google Business Profile and other citation sites.
5. Review management system: Helps manage reviews and automates responses, saving time while maintaining engagement.

Pros:

• Highly intuitive user interface, making it accessible even for SEO beginners. 
• Comprehensive suite of tools specifically designed for local SEO. 
• AI-powered insights provide actionable, data-driven recommendations. 
• Regular updates and new feature additions keep the tool current with Google’s evolving local search algorithms. 

Cons:

• The free plan, while useful, has limited features compared to paid tiers. 
• Some advanced features may require a learning curve to fully utilize. 
• Primarily focused on Google and local SEO, with less emphasis on other search engines. 

Pricing: Paid plans starting at $99/month for single businesses, scaling up to $499/month for agencies managing multiple locations.

G2 rating: 4.9/5 based on 120 reviews. 

9. MarketMuse: SEO-powered content strategies

MarketMuse is an AI-driven content-planning and optimization platform that helps you create more effective content for SEO. It can analyze your website’s content, compares it to top-ranking pages, and provides specific recommendations to improve your content’s relevance and competitiveness for target keywords.

The platform uses AI to analyze thousands of pages related to your topic, identifying key concepts, questions, and semantic relationships that should be included in your content to make it more comprehensive and relevant to search engines.

Key features I love about MarketMuse:

1. AI-powered content analysis: Analyzes your existing content and provides detailed insights on how to improve it, acting as an expert content strategist.
2. Content brief generator: Creates comprehensive briefs that guide writers to create SEO-optimized, topically rich content that aligns with your overall strategy.
3. Competitive content analysis: Offers a deep dive into what your competitors are doing well, helping you identify content gaps and opportunities in your niche.
4. Topic navigator: An invaluable tool for content ideation, helping you explore related topics and keywords to build out comprehensive content clusters.
5. Personalized difficulty metrics: Unlike generic difficulty scores, MarketMuse tailors these metrics to your site’s authority, giving you a realistic view of what topics you can effectively compete for.

Pros:

• Comprehensive and in-depth content analysis and strategic insights.
• Customized recommendations based on your site’s unique position in the market.
• Comprehensive suite of tools covering every aspect of content strategy.
• Regular updates incorporating the latest in AI and SEO best practices.
• Excellent for building topical authority and creating content clusters.

Cons:

• Steep learning curve due to the depth and complexity of features.
• Higher price point compared to some competitors, which may be challenging for smaller businesses.
• User interface can be complex. 

Pricing: Limited features available on free plan. Paid plans start at $99/month, scaling up to $499/month. Custom enterprise solutions are also available.

G2 rating: 4.6/5 based on 214 reviews.

10. GREMI – Best for AI-powered SEO blogging

GREMI is a fairly new cutting-edge AI tool that combines content creation and SEO optimization in one streamlined platform. 

GREMI’s ability to generate SEO-optimized content based on real-time Google search results sets it apart, making it a powerful ally for content creators and digital marketers.

For bloggers, content marketers, and SEO professionals looking to create highly relevant and competitive content quickly, GREMI offers a unique approach. It helps you identify valuable keywords and generates content tailored to rank well for those keywords, all within a single, user-friendly interface.

Key features I love about GREMI:

1. Keyword research and analysis: Identifies relevant keywords and provides search volume and competititor data.
2. AI-powered content generation: Creates SEO-optimized articles based on your chosen keywords and topics.
3. SERP analysis: Examines top-ranking content for your target keywords to inform content strategy.
4. Content optimization suggestions: Offers real-time recommendations to improve your content’s SEO performance.
5. Automated SEO campaigns: Allows you to set up and manage ongoing SEO content strategies with ease.

Pros:

• All-in-one platform for keyword research, content creation, and SEO optimization.
• Generates instant SEO-friendly blogs. 
• User-friendly interface that simplifies the SEO content creation process.
• Provides detailed SEO analytics on website performance, including traffic analysis, keyword rankings, backlink analysis, and competitor metrics.

Cons:

• AI-generated content may require human editing to ensure quality and brand voice.
• Keyword research capabilities may not be as extensive as specialized SEO tools. 

Pricing: GREMI offers tiered pricing plans:

• Basic: $29.99/month (500 keyword researches, 80 generated articles)
• Standard: $49.99/month (1,000 keyword researches, 160 generated articles)
• Premium: $99.99/month (2,000 keyword researches, 320 generated articles)

11. SEOpital – Best SEO writing tool for SERP rankings

SEOpital is a comprehensive SEO platform that combines multiple tools and features to provide a holistic approach to search engine optimization. 

What sets SEOpital apart is its integration of various SEO aspects, from keyword research and content optimization to technical SEO and backlink analysis, all within a single, user-friendly interface.

I love how the platform provides actionable insights and recommendations across different areas of SEO, helping users improve their search engine rankings effectively.

Key features I love about SEOpital:

1. Comprehensive keyword research: Offers in-depth keyword analysis, including search volume, difficulty, and trend data.
2. Content optimization tool: Provides real-time suggestions for optimizing your content, including keyword usage, readability, and semantic relevance.
3. Technical SEO audit: Conducts thorough website audits to identify and help fix technical SEO issues.
4. Backlink analysis and monitoring: Tracks your backlink profile and helps identify new link-building opportunities.
5. Competitor analysis: Allows you to benchmark your SEO performance against competitors and identify areas for improvement.

Pros:

• All-in-one platform that covers multiple aspects of SEO.
• User-friendly interface with intuitive dashboards and reports.
• Easy analytics tracking. 
• Suitable for both beginners and experienced SEO professionals.

Cons:

• As a newer platform, it may lack some integrations available in more established tools.
• The all-in-one approach may not be as deep in certain areas as specialized tools.

Pricing: Free trial available with paid plans starting at $49/month.

Capterra rating: 4.7/5 based on 50 reviews. 

💡 Learn more about: How to Rank in AI Overviews

3 free AI SEO tools you must try

1. Ahrefs: Your go-to platform for all things SEO

Ahrefs has long been a staple in my SEO toolkit, and for good reason. What sets Ahrefs apart is not just its comprehensive paid features, but also its robust set of free tools that provide significant value for SEO beginners and professionals alike.

For those just starting with SEO or small businesses with limited budgets, Ahrefs’ free tools provide an excellent entry point into professional-grade SEO analysis. As your needs grow, the seamless integration with their more advanced paid features makes it easy to scale up your SEO efforts.

Key features I love about Ahrefs’ free tools:

1. Webmaster tools: Allows website owners to monitor their site’s SEO health, providing a site audit, backlink checking, and basic keyword rankings. 
2. Keyword generator: Provides up to 150 keyword ideas based on your seed keyword. It’s an excellent starting point for keyword research, offering insights into search volume and keyword difficulty. 
3. SERP checker: Allows you to analyze the top 10 search results for any keyword, giving you valuable insights into what’s currently ranking. 
4. Backlink checker: Even with the free version, you can check backlinks for any website, although with some limitations compared to paid plans. 

Pros:

• Offers a robust set of free tools for basic SEO tasks. 
• Provides access to enterprise-level SEO data without cost. 
• Regular updates and new feature additions keep the tools current. 
• Excellent learning resources for SEO beginners. 
• Free tools integrate seamlessly with paid features for easy upgrade path. 

Cons:

• Full feature set only available with paid plans. 
• Some tools have usage limits on the free plan. 

Pricing: Webmaster tools require no subscription, whereas paid plans start from $129/month with a starter plan available for $29/month. 

G2 rating: 4.5/5 based on 549 reviews. 

2. Mangools: Best free AI SEO tools 

I’ve come across many SEO tools in the past, but nothing compares to what I found on Mangools. 

Mangools, a suite of SEO tools launched in 2014, has caught my attention for its user-friendly approach and list of free features. 

Mangools’ free SEO tools are a solid starting point for those new to SEO or small businesses looking to dip their toes into search engine optimization. 

I found the interface very user-friendly and the quick insights valuable for basic SEO tasks and learning.

However, for more comprehensive SEO work, you’ll probably need to consider their paid plans or look at other alternatives. The free tools are best used as a complement to other SEO strategies rather than a standalone solution.

If you’re serious about SEO and have the budget, you might want to explore Mangools’ paid plans or consider more feature-rich alternatives. 

But for those just starting out or working with limited resources, Mangools’ free tools can provide a helpful introduction to the world of SEO.

Mangools offers five main SEO tools for free:

1. KWFinder: For keyword research
2. SERPChecker: For SERP analysis
3. SERPWatcher: For rank tracking
4. LinkMiner: For backlink analysis
5. SiteProfiler: For SEO metrics and insights

While Mangools primarily offers paid plans, their list of free SEO tools can be valuable for beginners or those on a tight budget. Here’s what you need to know about Mangools’ free offerings:

1. SEO browser extension: This free extension for Chrome and Firefox allows you to quickly analyze keywords, backlinks, and on-page SEO of the page you’re visiting. It’s a handy tool for quick SEO checks on the go.
2. SERP Simulator: Helps you visualize how your page might appear in Google search results. 
3. AI Search Grader: Evaluates how your website ranks for AI search engines like ChatGPT and how well it is optimized for generative engine optimization.
4. SERP Location Changer: Checks search results from different locations. 
5. Share of Search: Compares the popularity of multiple brands or topics over time. 
6. SERP Volatility Checker: Monitors changes in search engine results pages. 

Pros:

• Clean, intuitive design, making it an excellent choice for SEO beginners. 
• Browser extension and free tools provide rapid SEO insights without the need for in-depth analysis.
• Free tools allow users to explore SEO concepts and get a taste of Mangools’ capabilities without financial commitment.

Cons:

• Limited functionality as compared to other AI SEO tools. 
• Insights provided are generally surface-level and may not be sufficient for advanced SEO strategies.
• Daily limits on searches and features can be constraining for users with more extensive SEO needs.

Pricing: Free plan is available at no cost forever but with limitations. Paid plans start at $14.95/month. 

G2 rating: 4.7/5 based on 89 reviews

3. ChatGPT: AI assistant for basic content and SEO tasks

We all know how useful ChatGPT can be for quick answers or generating content in an instant.

While it’s not specifically designed for SEO, its natural language processing capabilities are helpful for content ideation, basic keyword research, and generating content briefs.

For content creators and marketers on a budget, or freelancers, ChatGPT’s free version or their Plus version can definitely kickstart your content strategy. However, it’s important to note that while the platform can provide a solid starting point, it lacks the specialized SEO features and real-time data capabilities of more advanced alternatives to ChatGPT like Chatsonic.

With ChatGPT, you’ll need to verify any facts or SEO insights it provides you with, as the platform relies on historical data instead of real-time and data-driven web results like Chatsonic. 

Key features I appreciate about ChatGPT:

1. Quick content ideation: Helps come up with instant topic ideas and content outlines based on given prompts or keywords.
2. Versatility: Can be used for multiple use cases, not just limited to SEO tasks.
3. Basic keyword research: Suggests related keywords and phrases for your content without search volume data.
4. Question answering: Provides answers to specific questions, which can be useful for creating FAQ sections.
5. Language translation: Offers basic translation capabilities, helpful for multilingual and international SEO and content strategies.

Pros:

• Versatile tool that can assist with various content-related tasks.
• ChatGPT’s “memory” understands the context of your requests for more accurate future responses. 
• Continuously improving with regular model updates.
• No special technical knowledge is required. 

Cons:

• Lacks specialized SEO features and real-time data.
• Can produce inaccurate or outdated information, resulting in AI hallucinations.
• No integration with other SEO tools or platforms.
• Limited context window, which can affect the coherence of longer content pieces.

Pricing: Free for basic use. Plus subscription is available for $20/month with additional features like research mode, extended limits, multiple reasoning models, etc.

💡 Read more: 10 Ways to Use ChatGPT for SEO

How to use AI for SEO

AI revolutionizes SEO by automating research, keyword optimization, and performance tracking—turning time-consuming tasks into data-driven, real-time insights. Whether you are optimizing content, analyzing competitors, or refining your keyword strategy, AI can handle the heavy lifting while you focus on strategy.

Here’s how to use AI for SEO effectively:

1. Keyword research and SERP analysis: AI tools analyze search trends, competition, and intent to suggest high-performing, low-competition keywords. They can also track SERP changes, helping you optimize for Google’s AI-generated results.
2. Content optimization: AI improves readability, suggests better keyword placements, and ensures your content aligns with Google’s ranking factors.
3. Technical SEO and site audits: AI can scan your website in seconds for broken links, duplicate content, and indexing issues, offering real-time fixes.
4. Backlink and competitor analysis: AI identifies high-authority backlinks and analyzes competitor strategies, revealing opportunities to outperform them.
5. SEO performance tracking: AI-powered tools integrate with Google Search Console, Ahrefs, and SEMrush to provide real-time SEO insights, helping you adjust strategies dynamically.

A powerful AI tool that covers all these areas is Chatsonic’s SEO AI agent. Unlike standard AI SEO tools, it combines keyword research, content creation, and on-page optimization into a single automated workflow. 

For example, if you ask Chatsonic, “Identify keyword opportunities for [my site], by identifuong pages ranking for 11-20 that can easily fmove to top 10.”

The agent immediately pulls your site’s rank data, cross-references competitor difficulty, and compiles a shortlist of keywords that could jump into the top 10 with minimal effort.

You’ll get an in-depth research analysis report detailing each keyword’s volume, competition, and suggested approach.

By pulling live data from Google Search Console and analyzing real-time search trends, Chatsonic ensures your content ranks higher while reducing SEO workload.

If you’re serious about SEO automation, accuracy, and efficiency, leveraging AI is the next step—and Chatsonic’s SEO AI agent makes it easier than ever. 

Try Chatsonic today and watch your SEO performance improve instantly!

FAQs

1. What are the best AI SEO tools available?

Some of the top AI SEO tools in 2025 include Chatsonic’s SEO AI agent, Semrush, MarketMuse, Frase, and Localo. 

Chatsonic’s SEO AI agent stands out as an all-rounder AI SEO tool, offering comprehensive features for content creation, keyword research, and SEO optimization. It provides real-time, data-driven insights, making it a powerful choice for SEO professionals. 

2. What is AI SEO, and how is it changing modern search engines?

AI SEO refers to the use of artificial intelligence technologies to enhance and automate various aspects of search engine optimization. It’s also evolving to include tactics for optimizing content visibility in AI-generated overviews on search engines and AI chatbots. 

Features like Google’s AI Overviews are reshaping how users interact with search results, leading to more zero-click searches and changing the way SEO professionals approach content optimization. 

AI SEO tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated, offering predictive analytics and automated optimization suggestions that were previously unattainable.

3. Can Google detect AI-generated content, and is it against their guidelines?

Google doesn’t explicitly reveal how it detects AI content, but its algorithms are likely becoming more sophisticated at identifying AI-generated text. 

Google’s Helpful Content update reveals that their algorithms are not against AI content as long as it’s high-quality, original, and helpful to users. The key is to ensure AI-generated content demonstrates E-E-A-T: Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. 

Along with E-E-A-T guidelines, it’s crucial to use AI tools responsibly and maintain a human touch in content creation.

4. How are AI chatbots like ChatGPT impacting traditional search engines?

AI chatbots are changing how people search for information but aren’t replacing traditional search engines yet. They provide direct, conversational answers but lack real-time indexing and aren’t ideal for discovery-based searches. Users tend to use both AI chatbots and search engines in complementary ways. This shift has given rise to a new SEO practice called Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), which focuses on optimizing content for AI-powered search and content generation systems.

Anoob PT

Anoob is the Head of Marketing at Writesonic; previously, he was heading marketing at SocialPilot. Anoob is passionate about AI and spends time exploring the endless possibilities of AI.