11 Free Keyword Research Tools to Try Out in 2025 [+ Free Tool]

Keyword research is the backbone of any successful SEO strategy. Whether you’re crafting blog posts, optimizing product pages, or running ad campaigns, finding the right keywords can make or break your online visibility.

But here’s the problem — most premium keyword research tools come with a hefty price tag. While they offer powerful insights, not everyone has the budget for them, especially freelancers, startups, small businesses, and SEO beginners.

The good news? There are free keyword research tools that can still give you valuable data to optimize your content, rank higher, and attract the right audience. Many of these tools are developed by the same premium SEO brands and are great to get started with.

In this article, we’ll explore eleven of the best free keyword research tools, breaking down their features, use cases, and whether they require you to sign up.

Let’s dive in! 

11 Free Keyword Research Tools at a Glance

Here’s a comparison of all 11 free keyword research tools based on key factors like features, pros, cons, and whether they require sign-up.

Now that you’ve seen the free keyword research tools at a glance, let’s take a look at them in depth.

What Are Keyword Research Tools?

Keyword research tools help you discover what people are searching for online. Whether you’re writing a blog post, optimizing a product page, or planning a paid ad campaign, the right keywords ensure your content appears in front of the right audience.

These tools provide valuable insights into search volume, competition levels, keyword variations, and search trends. Instead of guessing which keywords might work, they allow you to make data-driven decisions. You can identify high-traffic keywords, spot emerging trends, and find long-tail phrases that are easier to rank for — metrics that are important for any keyword research strategy.

By using keyword research tools, businesses and content creators can optimize their content, improve search engine rankings, and attract more visitors. The best part? You don’t always need expensive keyword research software to get these insights. There are powerful free tools that can help you find the right keywords without spending a dime.

Now, let’s dive into eleven of the best free keyword research tools you can start using today.

11 Free Keyword Research Tools To Try Out

Here are the eleven free keyword research tools to try out in 2025:

• Writesonic Keyword Generator
• Google Trends
• Ubersuggest
• Google Keyword Planner
• Writesonic Keyword Extractor
• AnswerThePublic
• Keyword Surfer

1. Writesonic Keyword Generator Tool

The Writesonic Keyword Generator Tool is a free keyword research tool that provides an AI-powered solution designed to help users discover keyword ideas quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re a blogger, marketer, or business owner, finding the right keywords is essential for driving traffic to your website. This tool simplifies the keyword research process by generating relevant keyword suggestions based on a seed keyword, helping users uncover both short-tail and long-tail keyword opportunities.

What sets Writesonic apart is its AI-driven insights, which analyze search intent and trending keywords to suggest terms with real ranking potential. Instead of manually brainstorming keyword variations, users can leverage this tool to get a comprehensive list of potential keywords within seconds.

Key Features of Writesonic Keyword Generator Tool

• Generates keyword variations and related terms based on seed keywords.
• Provides AI-powered insights to align with search intent.
• Suggests a mix of short-tail and long-tail keywords for different ranking opportunities.
• Identifies trending search terms to help you stay ahead of the competition.

Pros

• AI-powered suggestions make keyword discovery fast and efficient.
• Helps uncover search intent, ensuring better content targeting.
• Generates both broad and niche keyword ideas, making it useful for various SEO strategies.

Cons

• Requires sign-up to access the tool.
• The free version has limited features compared to the premium plan.

Writesonic Keyword Generator Tool Is Best For

For quick and effective keyword ideas.

Does It Have a Paid Version?

Yes, Writesonic offers advanced AI-powered features in its paid plans.

Does It Require Sign-Up?

No, you don’t need to create an account or provide any kind of payment information to access the tool.

2. Google Trends

Google Trends is a free keyword tool from Google that helps users track the popularity of search queries over time. Unlike traditional keyword research tools that focus on providing static search volume numbers, Google Trends offers dynamic insights into how interest in a keyword fluctuates. This makes it particularly valuable for identifying seasonal trends, viral topics, and emerging search patterns.

For businesses and content creators, Google Trends can be a powerful tool for strategic content planning. It allows users to compare multiple keywords, analyze interest across different geographic regions, and determine whether a keyword is gaining or losing traction. If you’re looking to optimize your content for trending topics or plan campaigns around seasonal demand, Google Trends provides real-time data to help you stay ahead.

Key Features of Google Trends

• Tracks keyword popularity over time, showing whether interest is rising or falling.
• Allows keyword comparisons to determine which terms perform better.
• Identifies regional interest, helping businesses tailor their local SEO strategies to specific locations.
• Highlights related queries and trending searches to uncover emerging keyword opportunities.

Pros

• Completely free with unlimited searches.
• Provides real-time trend data for spotting rising search terms.
• Helps identify seasonal trends and regional keyword demand.

Cons

• Doesn’t provide exact search volume — only relative popularity.
• Lacks detailed competition or keyword difficulty metrics.

Google Trends Is Best For

For analyzing keyword trends and identifying seasonal opportunities.

Does It Have a Paid Version?

No, Google Trends is completely free.

Does It Require Sign-Up?

Yes, you need a Google account to use it.

3. Ubersuggest

Ubersuggest, created by digital marketing expert Neil Patel, is a powerful keyword research tool that provides in-depth keyword data for SEO and content marketing. Unlike basic keyword generators, Ubersuggest offers search volume, keyword difficulty, and competitor insights, making it a well-rounded tool for anyone looking to improve their search rankings.

One of the biggest advantages of Ubersuggest is its ability to analyze competitor websites and uncover the keywords they are ranking for. This allows businesses to reverse-engineer successful SEO strategies and find untapped keyword opportunities. Additionally, Ubersuggest suggests long-tail variations, related keywords, and content ideas, helping users craft SEO-friendly content that matches search intent.

Key Features of Ubersuggest

• Provides search volume, keyword difficulty, and CPC (cost-per-click) data.
• Offers competitor keyword analysis, showing which keywords drive traffic to other websites.
• Generates long-tail keyword suggestions based on user input.
• Includes content idea recommendations to help with SEO-focused content creation.

Pros

• Free version provides detailed keyword insights beyond just search volume.
• Helps analyze competitor keywords for a data-driven SEO strategy.
• Generates content ideas based on trending and high-performing keywords.

Cons

• The free version has a limited number of daily searches.
• Some features, like historical data and advanced SEO metrics, require a paid plan.

Ubersuggest Is Best For

For detailed keyword insights and competitor analysis.

Does It Have a Paid Version?

Yes, Ubersuggest offers paid plans with additional keyword data and SEO features.

Does It Require Sign-Up?

No, but signing up allows more free searches per day.

4. Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner is a free tool designed primarily for advertisers using Google Ads, but it’s also widely used for SEO and content marketing. Since it pulls data directly from Google’s search engine, it provides some of the most accurate and reliable keyword insights available.

This tool allows users to discover new keyword ideas, analyze search volume, and assess competition levels. It also provides cost-per-click (CPC) estimates, which can be useful in determining the commercial value of a keyword. While its main focus is on paid advertising, SEO professionals use it to identify high-potential keywords for organic search optimization.

Key Features of Google Keyword Planner

• Generates keyword suggestions based on a seed keyword or website URL.
• Provides search volume, competition level, and CPC estimates.
• Allows keyword filtering by location, language, and search network.
• Offers historical search data to track keyword trends over time.

Pros

• Directly powered by Google, ensuring highly accurate keyword data.
• Provides search volume and competition insights for both SEO and PPC campaigns.
• Allows location-based keyword research, making it useful for local SEO.

Cons

• Doesn’t show precise search volumes — only estimated ranges.
• Primarily designed for Google Ads users, so some features are PPC-focused.

Google Keyword Planner Is Best For

For highly accurate keyword data and advertising insights.

Does It Have a Paid Version?

No, but some advanced features require an active Google Ads campaign.

Does It Require Sign-Up?

Yes, you need a Google Ads account to access the tool.

5. Writesonic Keyword Extractor Tool

The Writesonic Keyword Extractor Tool is designed to help users analyze existing content and extract the most relevant keywords from it. Unlike traditional keyword research tools that generate keyword ideas from a seed term, this tool scans webpages, competitor content, or any text input to identify high-impact keywords.

This is especially useful for competitive analysis and on-page SEO optimization. If you want to understand which keywords a top-ranking article is targeting or refine your own content for better search visibility, this tool provides quick and accurate keyword insights. It’s a great way to ensure your content is optimized with the right keywords without overstuffing or missing key terms.

Key Features of Writesonic Keyword Extractor Tool

• Extracts high-impact keywords from any given text or webpage.
• Helps with competitor analysis by identifying keywords from top-ranking content.
• Provides quick insights for on-page SEO improvements.
• Works well for content refinement and ensuring keyword optimization.

Pros

• Ideal for analyzing content and finding competitor keyword opportunities.
• Helps refine on-page SEO by identifying important missing keywords.
• Saves time by automating keyword extraction from existing content.

Cons

• Requires sign-up to access the tool.
• The free version has usage limitations compared to the premium plan.

Writesonic Keyword Extractor Tool Is Best For

SEO professionals, content writers, and digital marketers looking to extract relevant keywords from competitor content or existing webpages.

Does It Have a Paid Version?

Yes, Writesonic offers additional features in its paid plans.

Does It Require Sign-Up?

No, you don’t need to sign up or provide payment details to access the tool.

6. AnswerThePublic

AnswerThePublic is a unique keyword research tool that focuses on question-based search queries. Instead of just providing keyword lists, it generates a visual map of real questions, prepositions, and comparisons that people search for related to a given keyword. This makes it especially valuable for content creators, bloggers, and SEO professionals looking to optimize for long-tail keywords and voice search queries.

By pulling autocomplete data from Google and Bing, AnswerThePublic helps users understand what their audience is actively searching for. Whether you’re brainstorming blog post topics, optimizing FAQ pages, or planning video content, this tool provides insightful keyword ideas based on real user intent.

Key Features of AnswerThePublic

• Generates question-based keyword ideas based on real user searches.
• Visualizes keyword data in an easy-to-understand mind map format.
• Helps uncover long-tail keywords and voice search queries.
• Pulls data from Google and Bing autocomplete for accurate search trends.

Pros

• Provides highly relevant, intent-driven keyword ideas.
• Ideal for bloggers and content marketers looking for unique topic ideas.
• Helps optimize content for voice search and conversational queries.

Cons

• The free version has limited daily searches.
• Doesn’t provide search volume or competition metrics.

AnswerThePublic Is Best For

For discovering question-based keywords for engaging and search-friendly content.

Does It Have a Paid Version?

Yes, the paid version offers unlimited searches and additional insights.

Does It Require Sign-Up?

No, but the free version limits daily searches.

7. Keyword Surfer

Keyword Surfer is a free Chrome extension that provides real-time keyword insights directly in Google search results. Unlike other keyword research tools that require switching between platforms, Keyword Surfer lets users analyze search volume, keyword variations, and related terms without leaving the search engine results page (SERP).

This tool is perfect for quick, on-the-go keyword research. As you type a search query in Google, Keyword Surfer instantly displays estimated monthly search volume, CPC (cost per click) data, and a list of related keyword suggestions. It also shows basic domain-level traffic insights, making it useful for competitive analysis.

Key Features of Keyword Surfer

• Provides search volume and CPC data directly in Google search results.
• Suggests related keyword variations for content optimization.
• Displays domain-level traffic insights for competitor analysis.
• Offers SERP similarity score to measure keyword relevance.

Pros

• Convenient and fast — no need to switch between tools.
• Helps with real-time keyword research while browsing Google.
• Free to use with no daily search limits.

Cons

• Lacks advanced keyword difficulty or competitive analysis metrics.
• Data accuracy can sometimes vary compared to premium tools.

Keyword Surfer Is Best For

For quick keyword insights directly in Google search results.

Does It Have a Paid Version?

Yes, it’s part of Surfer SEO which provides a host of other paid tools.

Does It Require Sign-Up?

No, but you need to install the Chrome extension to use it.

8. WordStream Free Keyword Tool

WordStream Free Keyword Tool is a beginner-friendly keyword research tool designed to help users uncover relevant keywords for SEO and PPC campaigns. Simply enter a seed keyword or website URL, and the tool generates a list of keyword suggestions alongside essential metrics like competition level and estimated cost-per-click.

This tool is especially useful for small businesses and digital marketers looking to plan Google Ads campaigns or optimize website content without investing in expensive software. It also offers filters for industry and location, making it more targeted.

Key Features of WordStream Free Keyword Tool

• Generates keyword ideas from a seed keyword or URL.
• Shows competition level and estimated CPC.
• Offers filters for industry and geographic targeting.
• Provides downloadable keyword reports.

Pros

• Simple and fast interface.
• Useful for both SEO and PPC.
• No login required for basic results.

Cons

• Limited number of free searches per day.
• More in-depth data requires email submission.

WordStream Free Keyword Tool Is Best For

Running quick PPC-focused keyword research.

Does It Have a Paid Version?

No, but it connects with WordStream’s PPC Advisor, which is a paid platform.

Does It Require Sign-Up?

No, you can access basic results without creating an account.

9. Soovle

Soovle is a multi-source keyword research tool that pulls autocomplete suggestions from popular platforms like Google, YouTube, Amazon, Bing, and Wikipedia—all in one place. It’s ideal for marketers who want to explore how users are searching across different platforms.

Just enter your base keyword, and Soovle instantly shows top search phrases from each engine, helping you identify platform-specific search intent.

Key Features of Soovle

• Combines search suggestions from multiple platforms.
• Updates results in real-time as you type.
• Offers a simple and intuitive interface.
• Allows users to save favorite keywords.

Pros

• Great for multi-platform keyword discovery.
• No sign-up or installation required.
• Fast and easy to use.

Cons

• Lacks keyword metrics like search volume or competition.
• No export functionality for free version.

Soovle Is Best For

Finding keyword trends across various search engines.

Does It Have a Paid Version?

No, Soovle is completely free to use.

Does It Require Sign-Up?

No sign-up is required to access any features.

10. Ahrefs Free Keyword Generator Tool

Ahrefs Free Keyword Generator Tool is a simplified version of Ahrefs’ powerful keyword research suite. This free tool provides keyword ideas from Google and Bing, along with essential metrics like search volume and keyword difficulty for the top five results.

Ideal for beginners and budget-conscious marketers, it offers a quick way to uncover keyword opportunities without needing a full subscription. It’s especially helpful for content creators and bloggers who want data-backed ideas to plan their SEO strategy.

Key Features of Ahrefs Free Keyword Generator Tool

• Generates up to 150 keyword suggestions per search.
• Includes keyword difficulty and search volume for top results.
• Covers multiple search engines including Google, Bing, YouTube, and Amazon.
• Available in dozens of languages and locations.

Pros

• Provides reliable SEO metrics from a trusted source.
• Offers keyword suggestions for different platforms.
• No account needed to access core features.

Cons

• Limited to top 100 keywords per query.
• No access to full metrics like CPC without a paid plan.

Ahrefs Free Keyword Generator Tool Is Best For

Quick keyword research with credible SEO data.

Does It Have a Paid Version?

Yes, the full Ahrefs suite includes advanced keyword tools and in-depth analytics.

Does It Require Sign-Up?

No, you can use the tool for free without creating an account.

11. Keyword Tool Dominator (Free Version)

Keyword Tool Dominator specializes in uncovering long-tail keywords from platforms like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Google. It’s particularly useful for e-commerce sellers looking to optimize product listings with high-intent search terms.

The tool emulates autocomplete data from search engines and marketplaces to reveal real user queries.

Key Features of Keyword Tool Dominator

• Generates platform-specific long-tail keywords.
• Supports Amazon, Etsy, eBay, Google, YouTube, and Walmart.
• Offers real-time autocomplete suggestions.
• Export keywords to CSV.

Pros

• Ideal for marketplace keyword research.
• Covers multiple platforms in one dashboard.
• No login required for limited use.

Cons

• Limited to a few searches per day in the free version.
• More advanced filters require payment.

Keyword Tool Dominator Is Best For

Amazon and Etsy sellers optimizing product listings.

Does It Have a Paid Version?

Yes, paid plans unlock unlimited searches and advanced filtering.

Does It Require Sign-Up?

No, you can perform limited searches without creating an account.

Final Thoughts: Building A Keyword Strategy Using Free Keyword Research Tools

The best free keyword research tool to use depends on your requirements and your work volume. Some tools above are completely free with unlimited usage, while others give limited free usage but have quite useful features behind their paid versions.

However, it’s possible to get started with these tools and build a beginner keyword strategy. For example, you can use Google Trends to identify trending topics, and then plug these topics into any of the other free keyword research tools to get specific keyword ideas.

We suggest using this Keyword Generator to get those keywords for your content. You can also use the Keyword Extractor to identify keywords your competitors are targeting, and start working on the same.

If you feel you need more features or a sophisticated SEO tool, some of the above tools, such as Chatsonic, offer credits to try out their paid versions for free. Try them out, explore their features, and decide if you’re ready to move on to a paid keyword research tool.

Niyati Mahale

Niyati Mahale is a Content Writer @Writesonic. She specializes in artificial intelligence and B2B, with a flair for combining effective storytelling and SEO best practices to create impactful content.