It is no secret that keyword research is essential for improving search engine optimization (SEO) and driving traffic to your content. Especially as 2025 is only months away, and the landscape of SEO tools will continue to evolve, offering more advanced and user-friendly options.
Keyword research tools are crucial because search trends constantly change. They can help businesses predict the most searched terms and optimize their pages to appear higher in search rankings.
Fortunately, with several free keyword research tools available, you can optimize your online presence without spending a fortune. Below you can find the list of the top free keyword research tools in 2025, which you can tap into to experience the valuable features.
15 Top Free Keyword Research Tools
Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is the first tool that you have to utilize as a beginner. They can help provide keyword search volume data and estimate the cost of running ads for those keywords. It shows broad ranges for search volume and helps identify which keywords are most competitive based on advertising costs.
Pros:
- Direct from Google, offering accurate search data.
- Provides cost-per-click (CPC) information for paid ads.
- Good for basic keyword analysis.
Cons:
- Search volume is displayed in broad ranges.
- Primarily designed for advertisers, so lacks some advanced SEO features.
Google Trends
Just like its name, Google Trends visualizes the search volume of keywords over time, making it ideal for identifying seasonal trends or spikes due to current events. It’s especially useful for understanding when specific keywords are most popular, such as around holiday season, weather changes, special events, and etc.
Pros:
- Great for identifying keyword trends over time.
- Useful for spotting seasonal trends and event-driven spikes.
- Completely free with no need to sign up.
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide exact search volume.
- Limited keyword suggestions compared to other tools.
Google Search Console
Another tool that you can use by Google is the Google Search Console. Google Search Console helps you analyze keywords that are driving traffic to your site. It shows which keywords you're already ranking for and allows you to improve or replicate content that's performing well.
Pros:
- Free tool for monitoring your website’s organic search performance.
- Provides actual keywords that bring traffic to your site.
- Great for tracking rankings and technical SEO issues.
Cons:
- Only shows data for keywords you're already ranking for.
- No keyword suggestions for new content ideas.
ChatGPT
This ai-powered tool is great to give you all-around insight and knowledge, and one of which is related to keywords. ChatGPT can generate keyword ideas and related content suggestions based on specific topics or queries.
It definitely will help you to brainstorm and find new angles for content. But do keep in mind, although you may get new keyword insight from ChatGPT, they won't be able to provide search volume data to add to your keyword research.
Pros:
- Great for brainstorming keyword ideas and generating content-related suggestions.
- Can provide unique perspectives based on natural language input.
- Free for basic use.
Cons:
- Does not provide search volume or competition metrics.
- Not a specialized SEO tool, so lacks advanced analytics features.
Moz
Moz is a premium tool with a limited free version. Moz can provide you with the keyword suggestions, search volume data, and keyword difficulty scores. Thus, you will be able to not only gain your data, but also do proper research on them. If you need more advanced features for your keyword research, you can also explore the advanced features. They also have a free trial that can be extra benefitting for you!
Pros:
- Offers detailed metrics like keyword difficulty and SERP analysis.
- Free trial and limited free access for basic use.
- Provides organic click-through rate (CTR) estimates.
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version.
- Paid plans are expensive for small businesses.
SEMRush
SEMRush, though primarily a paid tool, offers a limited free version. It includes features like competitor keyword gap analysis, showing keywords your competitors are ranking for that you're missing.
Pros:
- Comprehensive keyword and competitor research tool.
- Offers a free trial with access to powerful SEO features.
- Competitor gap analysis shows what keywords competitors rank for.
Cons:
- Free version has limited queries.
- Full features require a pricey subscription.
AHrefs Keyword Generator
This tool is one of the most favorite keyword generator tools by beginners and professionals alike. AHrefs Keyword Generator allows you to generate up to 150 keyword ideas based on a seed keyword. Additionally, it also provides search volume data and difficulty scores to help you prioritize which keywords to use.
Pros:
- Provides up to 150 keyword ideas for free.
- Also gives keyword difficulty scores and related questions.
- Simple, fast, and user-friendly interface.
Cons:
- Limited free features compared to the paid version.
- Full access requires a subscription, which can be expensive.
Keyword Sheeter
Keyword Sheeter generates hundreds of keyword ideas quickly by pulling data from Google autocomplete. It’s helpful for brainstorming keyword ideas. But just like ChatGPT it won't be able to provide you with search volume or competition data.
Pros:
- Generates thousands of keyword ideas quickly.
- Completely free and easy to use.
- Great for bulk keyword brainstorming.
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide search volume or competition data.
- Lacks filtering or advanced analytics features.
Keyword Surfer
Keyword Surfer is a free Chrome extension that provides keyword search volume and cost-per-click (CPC) data directly in the Google search results page. It's convenient for quick keyword insights without you needing to leave your browser.
Pros:
- Free Chrome extension that provides keyword data directly in Google search results.
- Offers search volume and CPC data in real-time.
- Convenient for quick research without leaving your browser.
Cons:
- Limited to Chrome users.
- Basic in comparison to other tools, with fewer keyword suggestions.
Bulk Keyword Generator
Bulk Keyword Generator is designed for local businesses, allowing you to generate keywords specific to your services or products. It’s particularly useful for location-based keyword research.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for local businesses.
- Helps generate location-based keyword ideas.
- Free and simple to use for basic keyword generation.
Cons:
- Limited to business and service keywords.
- No detailed analytics or search volume data.
Answer the Public
Answer the Public generates keyword ideas in the form of questions that people are asking. It's especially great for finding long-tail keywords and understanding user intent by analyzing the types of questions users search for.
Pros:
- Visualizes keyword ideas in the form of questions, prepositions, and comparisons.
- Excellent for understanding user intent and discovering long-tail keywords.
- Free version offers plenty of queries.
Cons:
- Limited to a few searches per day without upgrading.
- Doesn’t provide search volume or competition data.
SERPstat
SERPstat offers a free version that provides keyword ideas, search volume, and difficulty scores. It also includes competitor analysis and trends, helping you find gaps in your SEO strategy.
Pros:
- Offers keyword analysis, competitor research, and rank tracking.
- Free version provides useful keyword data.
- Good for discovering gaps in competitor strategies.
Cons:
- Limited functionality in the free version.
- Full features require a paid plan.
QuestionDB
QuestionDB is another tool focused on keyword research through user questions. It helps you discover what people are asking about a specific topic, offering insights into potential content ideas.
Pros:
- Focuses on providing keyword ideas based on real user questions.
- Helps generate content ideas by understanding common queries.
- Free version offers access to basic features.
Cons:
- Lacks search volume or difficulty data.
- Limited number of free searches.
SERPchecker by Mangools
SERPchecker by Mangools analyzes the search engine results pages (SERPs) to evaluate the competitiveness of a keyword. It helps you determine how difficult it will be to rank for a particular keyword by analyzing the top-ranking pages.
Pros:
- Analyzes the competitiveness of keywords by examining top search results.
- Helps assess ranking difficulty for specific keywords.
- Free version offers basic SERP analysis.
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version.
- Full access requires a subscription.
Google Gemini
Google Gemini is a new AI-powered tool from Google that integrates advanced machine learning to help marketers predict keyword trends, search behaviors, and offer deeper insights into user intent, based on real-time data.
Pros:
- AI-powered insights into user behavior and keyword trends.
- Uses machine learning to predict keyword relevance and search trends.
- Integrates with Google Ads and other Google services.
Cons:
- As a new tool, it may not be fully mature or widely available yet.
- Likely to be more useful for advanced users with technical knowledge.
How to Use Keyword Research Tools in SEO?
If your business isn’t ranking well, you may miss out on significant traffic, as most users don't look beyond the first few results. With Google processing billions of searches daily, optimizing for the right keywords can make a huge difference in reaching new customers. Here’s what you can do to use keyword research tools effectively.
- Identify Seed Keywords: Start by identifying general terms or “seed keywords”. These are basic words or phrases that define your industry or niche.
- Use the Tool to Generate Keyword: Input seed keywords into the keyword research tool. The tool will generate a list of related keywords, including long-tail keywords that are more specific and easier to rank for.
- Analyze Search Volume and Competition: For the keyword suggestion, the tool will provide key metrics like search volume (how often the keyword is searched) and competition level (how hard it is to rank for). Prioritize keywords with high search volume and low-to-moderate competition for the best chances of ranking.
- Look at Keyword Difficulty: Many tools provide a keyword difficulty score, which indicates how challenging it is to rank for a particular keyword.
- Examine Competitor Keywords: Use the tool to analyze which keywords your competitors are ranking for. This gives you insight into what’s working for them and helps you discover new keywords you may not have considered.
- Optimize Your Content: Once you’ve selected your target keywords, incorporate them naturally into your website’s content. But, be careful not to overuse them, as keyword stuffing can harm your SEO.
Final Thoughts
There are many free keyword research tools out there, however we recommend sticking to one to three tools that work for you as there are multiple overlaps in most tools.
In addition to using these tools, it is also important to know how to convert the insights into useful SEO strategies that will help improve traffic to your website. While the basics are easily learnt, we recommend seeking professional SEO services, such as those offered by our team to truly elevate your business!
Contact us today for a free consultation.
