Google Keyword Planner has been a go-to tool for marketers and SEO professionals for years. It’s free, reliable, and great for getting started with keyword research. But is it really giving you everything you need? 👀
While Google Keyword Planner can help uncover basic keyword ideas, many users quickly hit limitations. From restricted search volume ranges to limited competitor insights, it might not be the best fit if you’re serious about growing your traffic and staying ahead of the competition.
That’s why it might be interesting to look for Keyword Planner alternatives. 📝
Some tools are built for deep keyword analysis. Others focus on content optimization, SERP tracking, or competitor research. And then there are platforms that package all of these features into one smooth, user-friendly experience.
To make things easier, we’ve rounded up the 12 best Google Keyword Planner alternatives. Each one offers something different—whether it’s broader data, smarter suggestions, or better integration with your content workflow.
Ready to find your next favorite keyword tool? Let’s jump in!
What To Consider in Google Keyword Planner Alternatives
Google Keyword Planner is a great starting point; but if you’re thinking of switching, it’s essential to understand what you might be missing out on. For starters, while it helps you discover keywords and see search volumes, it often limits the data you can access. 😅
Plus, it’s built with advertisers in mind. That means the suggestions and data are tailored more toward paid search campaigns, rather than the organic SEO strategies that content marketers and SEOs rely on.
So, what should you look for when choosing a Google Keyword Planner alternative? First, look for platforms that give precise search volumes, difficulty scores, and CPC data. Some tools even show trends over time and seasonal changes—giving you a more complete picture.
Also, take into account:
- Competitor Insights: Some alternatives will show you exactly which keywords your competitors rank for and how much traffic they get. This can help you spot gaps and new opportunities faster.
- SERP Analysis and Content Suggestions: Tools with SERP breakdowns and question-based suggestions can help you craft content that answers exactly what searchers are looking for.
- Workflow and Efficiency: If you’re juggling multiple projects or clients, pick a tool that makes research smooth and fast.
- Integration with Other SEO Features: The best platforms don’t stop at keyword research. They offer backlink tracking, rank monitoring, site audits, and more—so everything works together to support your SEO strategy.
At the end of the day, it’s about finding a tool that doesn’t just show you keywords but helps you turn them into content that ranks and drives results.
Keep these factors in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to picking the right fit! ✅
12 Game-Changing Keyword Planner Alternatives for Better SEO Strategy
Wondering which Google Keyword Planner alternative can give you more detailed insights and help you level up your SEO strategy? Below, we’ll walk you through 12 great options, highlighting key features, unique strengths, and pricing.
1. Search Atlas
Search Atlas is an all-in-one SEO platform designed to support keyword research, content creation, and performance analysis. If you’ve felt limited by Google Keyword Planner’s narrow focus or lack of competitive insights, this tool can fill those gaps.
Its Keyword Researcher tool goes beyond simple search volume and competition data, offering in-depth keyword suggestions and keyword difficulty scores.
For content creators and SEO professionals, Search Atlas brings everything under one roof—from keyword discovery to content optimization and reporting.
What sets it apart from Google Keyword Planner is its ability to combine keyword research with actionable on-page recommendations and competitive analysis. Instead of working with raw data alone, users get meaningful insights that help inform both strategy and execution.
A standout feature is OTTO, their AI-driven assistant that takes automation to the next level. OTTO is designed to handle SEO and PPC tasks, including content optimization, technical fixes, backlinking, and even Google Ads management.
For SEO, it can make on-site improvements automatically, giving your team more time for strategy. In the world of PPC, OTTO Google Ads revolutionizes campaign management by automating keyword selection, ad copywriting, and campaign structuring, all powered by AI.
Whether you’re focused on outranking competitors or boosting your Google Ads performance, Search Atlas offers the tools and automation to take your campaigns to the next level without the need for external platforms.
Popular features
- Site Explorer: Analyze competitor backlinks, keywords, and overall SEO performance in one place.
- Content Genius: Study competitor content outlines and performance to craft higher-quality content optimized for the SERP.
- Keyword Gap Analysis: Identify keywords your competitors are excelling at and uncover opportunities they’ve missed.
- Backlink Gap Analysis: Compare backlink profiles to identify strategic linking opportunities and improve your authority.
- Local Heatmap Tracker: Visualize local keyword rankings on an interactive map to track your geographic SEO performance.
- OTTO AI Assistant: Automates on-site SEO optimizations, technical fixes, and content improvements.
- OTTO Google Ads: Automates Google Ads campaign management, from smart keyword targeting to AI-optimized ad copy and automated campaign structuring.
- White-Label for Agencies: Agencies can white-label Search Atlas tools, allowing seamless management of client campaigns.
Limitations
- New users may need time to adapt to the innovative features, but 1-on-1 onboarding is available.
- OTTO Google Ads is still evolving, and some features are being developed based on user feedback.
Pricing
| Starter plan | Growth plan | Pro plan | |
| Price | $99/month | $199/month | $399/month |
| Free OTTO activation | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| User seats | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Keywords Tracking | 1,000 | 2,500 | 5,000 |
| Content Assistant Keywords | 120 | 300 | 600 |
| Keyword Rank Tracking Projects | 20 | 50 | 1,000 |
| Content Plans | 40 | 100 | 200 |
| Pages / Articles Created | 40 | 100 | 200 |
| Full Article Generation Quota | 30 | 60 | 90 |
| Regular AI Quota | 100 | 250 | 99,999 |
| Competitor Research Credit | 2,000 | 20,000 | 50,000 |
Search Atlas reviews
- G2: 4.8/5 (91)
- Capterra: 4.9/5 (63)
2. Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest is a user-friendly SEO tool that simplifies the process of keyword research, competitor analysis, and site optimization. Ubersuggest is known for its user-friendly interface and competitive pricing, making it a solid option for businesses that want to focus on SEO without complicated features.
The platform is widely appreciated for its keyword suggestions and SEO insights, and it’s a solid alternative for those seeking a reliable keyword tool to support content optimization and rank tracking.
Popular features
- Keyword Suggestions: Offers a broad range of keyword ideas with search volume, competition level, and CPC data.
- Competitor Analysis: Allows you to analyze your competitors’ top-ranking keywords and identify gaps in their strategy.
- SEO Dashboard: Provides a snapshot of your website’s performance and areas for improvement.
- Backlink Data: Analyzes backlink profiles to help you build authority and uncover new link-building opportunities.
- Content Ideas: Suggests high-performing content based on top-ranking pages for specific keywords.
Limitations
- Limited to basic SEO features compared to larger tools with more comprehensive reports and integrations.
- The free version is quite limited, and the paid version might not include all the features that larger competitors offer.
Pricing
- Individual: US$12/month, 1 user, 1 domain, 150 searches/day, 5 competitors/domain.
- Business: US$20/month, 2 users, 7 domains, 300 searches/day, 10 competitors/domain.
- Enterprise: US$40/month, 5 users, 15 domains, 900 searches/day, 15 competitors/domain.
Ubersuggest reviews
- G2: 4.2/5 (141)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (92)
3. SpyFu
SpyFu is a comprehensive competitor research tool that provides deep insights into both paid and organic search strategies. SpyFu is designed to help businesses identify profitable keywords, track competitors’ performance, and refine their own SEO and PPC campaigns.
With SpyFu, users can uncover the exact keywords their competitors are targeting, as well as track ad spend, backlinks, and top-performing pages. This makes it an invaluable tool for those seeking to optimize their strategy and stay ahead of the competition.
Popular features
- Keyword Research: Discover valuable keywords, along with detailed data on cost-per-click (CPC) and search volume.
- Competitor Analysis: View your competitors’ paid and organic search strategies, including their top-performing keywords.
- SEO Research: Analyze backlinks, organic rankings, and overall domain strength of competitors.
- Ad History: Access past ad campaigns to see which keywords competitors have targeted, and how their strategy has evolved.
- SERP Analysis: Understand the search landscape for your target keywords and monitor performance over time.
Limitations
- Some users feel that the interface could be more user-friendly, especially for beginners.
- The data available in SpyFu may not always be as up-to-date as that of other tools.
Pricing
- Basic: $39/month, 10k row search results, 10k row data exports, 100 domain overview PDFs, 6 months historical data, 250 sales leads & domain contacts, 5k weekly tracked keyword rankings.
- Professional: $79/month, unlimited search results, unlimited data exports, unlimited domain overview PDFs, 10+ years of historical data, 500 sales leads & domain contacts, 15k weekly tracked keyword rankings, API access.
SpyFu reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (512)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (143)
4. Raven Tools
Raven Tools is an all-in-one marketing platform built for agencies and marketing teams that need comprehensive reporting and data aggregation. While it offers SEO and PPC insights, its real strength lies in streamlining data from multiple sources into clear, customizable reports.
Marketers can connect Google Ads, Google Analytics, and other key platforms to monitor performance, track keyword rankings, and build client-facing reports with ease.
Popular features
- Keyword Research Tool: Helps identify valuable keywords using data from multiple sources.
- SEO Site Auditor: Scans websites for technical issues that might affect rankings.
- Backlink Analysis: Analyze backlink profiles and discover new link-building opportunities.
- Competitor Research: Compare keyword and backlink data against competitors.
- Marketing Reports Builder: Create custom, white-labeled reports integrating data from Google Ads, Analytics, Facebook, and more.
Limitations
- Report customization can be limited for lower-tier plans.
- Data updates are not always as fast or frequent as with other SEO platforms.
Pricing
- Small Biz: $49/month, 2 domains/campaigns, 2 users, 1,500 position checks
- Start: $109/month, 20 domains/campaigns, 4 users, 15,000 position checks
- Grow: $199/month, 80 domains/campaigns, 8 users, 20,000 position checks
- Thrive: $299/month, 160 domains/campaigns, 20 users, 25,000 position checks
- Lead: $479/month, 320 domains/campaigns, 40 users, 30,000 position checks
Raven Tools reviews
- G2: 4.2/5 (153)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (122)
5. WordStream
WordStream is a well-known digital advertising platform designed to help businesses and agencies manage and optimize their Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Bing Ads campaigns.
Its platform simplifies complex PPC tasks, making it easier for users to identify profitable keywords, improve ad performance, and maximize their advertising budget. For those looking for more intuitive keyword planning paired with Google PPC Tools, WordStream might be a solid option.
Popular features
- Google Ads Performance Grader: Instantly audit and grade the strength of your Google Ads account.
- Smart Keyword Recommendations: Discover relevant keyword suggestions tailored to campaign goals.
- PPC Campaign Management: Manage and optimize campaigns across multiple platforms from one dashboard.
- Ad Performance Reports: Track campaign metrics and identify areas for improvement.
Limitations
- Some users say the reporting options could offer more customization.
- A few reviews mention occasional data syncing delays with ad platforms.
Pricing
Pricing is not public; interested users should contact the WordStream sales team for details.
WordStream reviews
- G2: No reviews.
- Capterra: No reviews.
6. Optmyz
Optmyz is a growing PPC management platform built for digital marketers and agencies who want to streamline their advertising processes. It helps users manage ads accounts with automation, smart recommendations, and time-saving workflows.
For those seeking an alternative to Google Keyword Planner with more actionable insights and campaign automation, Optmyz is worth considering.
Popular features
- Keyword Recommendations: Discover new keyword opportunities based on account performance and trends.
- Ad Performance Monitoring: Track ad effectiveness and receive suggestions for improvement.
- Automated PPC Tasks: Set up rules and workflows to automatically manage campaigns.
- Budget Tracking: Monitor spending and adjust budgets in real-time.
Limitations
- Some reviews mention a learning curve for setting up automated rules.
- A few users would like more integrations with third-party tools.
Pricing
Pricing is based on ad spend, starting at $208/month for $10K monthly ad spend and going to $665/month for $500K monthly ad spend.
Optmyz reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (120 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (190 reviews)
7. Serpstat
Serpstat is an all-in-one SEO platform that covers keyword research, competitor analysis, backlink tracking, and rank monitoring. Serpstat is a solid alternative for marketers and SEO professionals who want more than just keyword suggestions.
With a large database and competitive research features, Serpstat helps businesses uncover keyword opportunities and track their online visibility across different markets.
Popular features
- Keyword Research: Helps identify profitable keywords and search trends across multiple regions.
- Competitor Analysis: Allows users to explore competitor keyword profiles and backlink data.
- Rank Tracking: Monitors keyword positions for multiple projects with daily updates.
- Site Audit: Detects technical SEO issues and offers recommendations for improvement.
- Backlink Analysis: Provides insights into backlink profiles and identifies potential link-building opportunities.
Limitations
- The keyword data accuracy can vary depending on the region.
- The backlink database has been described by some as less comprehensive compared to other leading tools.
Pricing
- Individual Plan: $69/month, 10,000 position checks, 5 projects, 100 searches for sites, keywords, and links per day.
- Team Plan: $129/month, 50,000 position checks, unlimited projects, 500 searches for sites, keywords, and links per day, AI tools, batch analysis, and scheduled reports.
- Agency Plan: $499/month, everything in Team, 500,000 position checks, unlimited rank tracker and site audit, 1.5M pages to audit, 250k tools credit, white label reports, and data engineer consultation.
Serpstat reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (462)
- Capterra: 4.5/7 (169)
8. SE Ranking
SE Ranking is a versatile SEO platform designed for agencies, in-house teams, and small businesses. It provides keyword research, rank tracking, website audits, and competitor analysis in one place.
Known for its user-friendly interface and reliable data, SE Ranking helps users uncover new keyword opportunities and monitor search engine visibility with ease.
Popular features
- Keyword Research: Provides keyword suggestions, search volume, and difficulty metrics.
- Rank Tracking: Tracks keyword positions across multiple locations and devices.
- Competitor Research: Analyzes competitors’ organic and paid search strategies.
- Website Audit: Scans websites for SEO issues and provides actionable fixes.
- Backlink Monitoring: Tracks new and lost backlinks with historical data insights.
Limitations
- Some reviews mention that keyword databases may not be as large as those of more established platforms.
- Advanced features can take time to learn for beginners.
Pricing
- Essential Plan: $65/month, 1 manager seat, 5 projects, 500 keywords tracked daily, rank tracker, competitive & keyword research, Data Insights not available.
- Pro Plan: $119/month, everything in Essential, 3 manager seats, 30 projects, 2,000 keywords tracked daily, on-page and SERP analysis, Looker Studio integration, Data Insights, and Share of Voice metric.
- Business Plan: $259/month, everything in Pro, 5 manager seats, unlimited projects, 5,000 keywords tracked daily, maximized data reach, keyword database expansion, and dedicated customer support.
SE Ranking reviews
- G2: 4.8/5 (1,355)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (284)
9. Mangools
Mangools is a suite of simple, intuitive SEO tools that focus on making keyword research and SERP analysis accessible for marketers of all skill levels. Its clean design and visual reports make it popular among beginners and small businesses.
With features like keyword discovery, competitor analysis, and backlink tracking, Mangools helps users find new opportunities and better understand their competition.
Popular features
- KWFinder: Suggests keywords with search volume, trends, and difficulty ratings.
- SERPChecker: Analyzes search results with detailed metrics for each competitor.
- SERPWatcher: Monitors keyword rankings and tracks daily position changes.
- LinkMiner: Evaluates backlink profiles and identifies new link-building possibilities.
- SiteProfiler: Provides quick SEO overviews of domains with authority metrics and top content.
Limitations
- Report exports can be limited depending on the plan.
- The toolset, while user-friendly, may lack advanced features required by large agencies.
Pricing
- Basic Plan: $49 per month, 100 SERP lookups/day, 200 keyword suggestions/search, 100,000 backlink rows monthly, and more.
- Premium Plan: $69 per month, 500 SERP lookups/day, unlimited keyword suggestions/search, 500,000 backlink rows monthly, and more.
Agency Plan: $129 per month 1,200 SERP lookups/day, unlimited keyword suggestions/search, 1,200,000 backlink rows monthly, and more.
Mangools reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (87)
- Capterra: 4.8/5 (88)
10. Semrush
Semrush is a widely recognized SEO and digital marketing platform trusted by marketers, agencies, and businesses around the world. It offers an impressive range of tools for keyword research, competitor analysis, backlink tracking, and content optimization.
What makes Semrush stand out is its ability to deliver detailed data and actionable insights for SEO, PPC, social media, and even content marketing strategies.
Popular features
- Keyword Magic Tool: Generates thousands of keyword ideas with filters for search intent and difficulty.
- Domain Overview: Provides a complete snapshot of any domain’s organic and paid traffic metrics.
- Traffic Analytics: Analyzes competitors’ traffic sources and audience behavior.
- Position Tracking: Monitors daily keyword ranking movements across locations and devices.
- PPC Keyword Tool: Helps structure and optimize paid ad campaigns with targeted keyword lists.
Limitations
- The extensive range of tools might feel overwhelming for beginners.
- Certain features require higher-tier plans, limiting access on entry-level subscriptions.
Pricing
- Pro Plan: $139.95/month, 5 projects, 500 tracked keywords, 10,000 results per report
- Guru Plan: $249.95/month, 15 projects, 1,500 tracked keywords, 30,000 results per report, access to historical data, content marketing platform, Looker Studio Integration
- Business Plan: $449.95/month, 40 projects, 5,000 tracked keywords, 50,000 results per report, access to API, and extended limits.
Semrush reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (2,482)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (2,279)
11. Ahrefs
Ahrefs is a powerful SEO platform known for its robust backlink database and comprehensive keyword research tools. Widely used by SEO professionals and digital marketers, it helps users analyze competitor strategies, discover keyword opportunities, and track site performance.
Its user-friendly interface combined with detailed data reports makes it a reliable tool for anyone aiming to enhance organic visibility and outrank competitors. Whether you’re researching content gaps or building a backlink strategy, Ahrefs provides the insights to make smarter decisions.
Popular features
- Keywords Explorer: Delivers keyword suggestions along with search volume, keyword difficulty, and click metrics.
- Site Explorer: Analyzes any website’s organic search traffic, backlinks, and paid ads.
- Content Explorer: Identifies top-performing content across the web for specific topics or keywords.
- Rank Tracker: Tracks keyword rankings over time across multiple devices and locations.
Limitations
- Pricing may be prohibitive for freelancers or small businesses.
- Access to historical data and advanced reports is only available on higher-tier plans.
Pricing
- Lite: $129/month, 5 projects, 6 months of historical data, 750 tracked keywords, 100,000 crawl credits, 500 credits per user, 1 user included, add 2 more users at $40/mo each
- Standard: $249/month, 20 projects, 2 years of historical data, 2,000 tracked keywords, 500,000 crawl credits, unlimited credits per user, 1 user included, add 5 more users at $60/mo each
- Advanced: $449/month, 50 projects, 5 years of historical data, 5,000 tracked keywords, 1,500,000 crawl credits, Unlimited credits per user, 1 user included, add 10 more users at $80/mo each
- Enterprise: $1,499/month, all advanced features plus API access, SSO & enterprise-grade security, access management & audit log, unlimited historical data
Ahrefs reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (552)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (575)
12. Moz Pro
Moz Pro is a long-standing SEO platform designed to help marketers improve their organic search performance. With its suite of research and tracking tools, the software makes it easier to find keyword opportunities, monitor rankings, and analyze on-page SEO.
The platform is often appreciated for its intuitive interface and educational resources, making it a solid choice for both beginners and experienced SEO professionals.
Popular features
- Keyword Explorer: Helps users find and prioritize the best keywords with monthly volume, difficulty, and opportunity metrics.
- Site Crawl: Identifies technical issues and provides recommendations for improving site health.
- Link Explorer: Analyzes backlink profiles to uncover linking opportunities and monitor authority.
- Rank Tracking: Tracks keyword positions over time across search engines and locations.
Limitations
- Some users report that backlink data can be less comprehensive compared to competitors.
- Interface updates have been requested by a few long-term users for smoother navigation.
Pricing
- Starter Plan: $49/month, 1 user, 1 tracked site, 50 keywords/month, 20K pages crawled/month, basic SEO tools.
- Standard Plan: $99/month, 1 user, 3 tracked sites, 300 tracked keywords per month, and 400K pages crawled per month.
- Medium Plan: $179/month, 2 users, 10 tracked sites, 1,500 tracked keywords per month, and 2 million pages crawled per month.
- Large Plan: $299/month, 3 users, 25 tracked sites, 3,000 keywords/month, 5M pages crawled/month, increased quotas on SEO tools.
Moz Pro reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (569)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (349)
What is Your Top Choice Among Keyword Planner Alternatives?
When it comes to choosing a keyword planner, it’s essential to find a tool that not only helps you track your rankings but also provides actionable insights that drive real results.
While other tools offer basic functionality, Search Atlas stands apart by delivering a full suite of SEO capabilities, from competitor analysis to in-depth keyword research and content optimization.
It doesn’t just help you find keywords—it also helps you analyze competitor performance, uncover new opportunities, and optimize your content for maximum visibility.
Take your content strategy beyond basic keywords with Search Atlas—the all-in-one SEO solution. Sign up for a free trial today! 🚀
