Want more traffic to your website or blog, but don’t know what keywords to target? You need keyword research — and the good news is, you don’t have to pay for it!
In this article, we’ll cover the top free keyword research tools you can use in 2025 to:
- Discover high-ranking keywords
- Find low-competition terms
- Understand search intent
- Create SEO-optimized content that ranks on Google
Whether you’re a beginner, blogger, affiliate marketer, or digital marketer — this guide will show you how to do powerful keyword research without spending a single rupee.
📌 What Is Keyword Research?
Keyword research is the process of identifying the words and phrases people type into search engines when looking for information, products, or services.
For example:
- “best budget laptops 2025”
- “how to lose belly fat fast”
- “free keyword tools for SEO”
By targeting these keywords in your content, you can rank higher on Google and attract relevant visitors to your site.
🧰 Top 10 Free Keyword Research Tools (2025)
Let’s break down the most effective free keyword research tools, including their features, limitations, and best use cases.
1. Google Keyword Planner (100% Free)
Best For: Beginner to intermediate marketers using Google Ads or planning SEO.
Key Features:
- Find new keyword ideas based on a seed term or URL
- See monthly search volume ranges
- Discover CPC (Cost-per-click) and competition data
✅ Pros:
- Direct from Google
- Keyword suggestions are accurate
- Great for PPC and SEO
❌ Cons:
- Only shows broad search volume ranges
- Requires a free Google Ads account
🔗 Visit Google Keyword Planner
2. Ubersuggest (Free Plan)
Best For: Beginners who want fast keyword ideas and simple SEO metrics.
Key Features:
- Keyword suggestions with volume, SEO difficulty, and CPC
- Domain-level SEO audit
- Limited free daily searches
✅ Pros:
- Easy to use
- Offers content ideas
- Includes backlink data
❌ Cons:
- Limits to 3 keyword searches/day on free plan
3. Google Search Console (GSC)
Best For: Finding the keywords you’re already ranking for.
Key Features:
- See search queries that drive traffic to your site
- Clicks, impressions, CTR, and average position
- Track keyword performance over time
✅ Pros:
- Accurate real-time data
- Completely free
- Essential for every website owner
❌ Cons:
- Doesn’t show new keyword ideas
- Only shows data for your own site
4. AnswerThePublic
Best For: Finding long-tail and question-based keywords.
Key Features:
- Visual keyword cloud
- Finds “how”, “what”, “why” questions
- Great for creating blog topics and FAQs
✅ Pros:
- Unique content ideas
- Helps understand user intent
- Visual format is easy to scan
❌ Cons:
- Limited free searches/day
- No search volume shown in free version
5. Keyword Surfer (Chrome Extension)
Best For: Getting keyword data directly on Google Search results.
Key Features:
- Shows search volume while browsing Google
- Related keyword ideas with volume
- Domain traffic estimation
✅ Pros:
- Free and lightweight
- Useful for quick keyword checks
- Helps with competitor research
❌ Cons:
- Doesn’t give difficulty score
- Limited analytics
6. Google Trends
Best For: Discovering keyword seasonality and trending topics.
Key Features:
- See interest over time
- Compare multiple keywords
- Discover rising/trending search terms
✅ Pros:
- Great for content planning
- Helps with real-time marketing
- Completely free
❌ Cons:
- No search volume numbers
- No competition metrics
7. Soovle
Best For: Getting keyword ideas from multiple platforms (Google, YouTube, Bing, Amazon, etc.)
Key Features:
- Autocomplete suggestions across platforms
- Covers e-commerce, video, and search engines
✅ Pros:
- Super-fast keyword research
- Great for multi-platform marketing
❌ Cons:
- No metrics like volume or difficulty
- Basic interface
8. Keyword Tool.io (Free Version)
Best For: YouTube, Amazon, App Store, and Instagram keyword research
Key Features:
- Long-tail keyword suggestions
- Multiple platforms supported
- Easy-to-copy results
✅ Pros:
- Useful for e-commerce and content
- Generates hundreds of ideas
❌ Cons:
- No volume or CPC in free version
- Limited data export
9. Moz Keyword Explorer (Free Account)
Best For: SEO beginners who want high-quality keyword suggestions.
Key Features:
- Keyword suggestions
- Search volume and difficulty
- SERP analysis
✅ Pros:
- Clean interface
- Highly accurate SEO metrics
❌ Cons:
- 10 free queries/month only
10. Ahrefs Free Keyword Generator
Best For: Finding keyword ideas with difficulty and volume data.
Key Features:
- Top 100 keyword ideas from Ahrefs database
- Shows keyword difficulty
- Works for Google, Bing, YouTube, and Amazon
✅ Pros:
- High-quality keyword suggestions
- Simple & powerful
❌ Cons:
- Limited results in free version
- Full features require paid plan
✅ How to Choose the Best Free Keyword Research Tool
When picking the right tool, consider:
| Factor | Best Tool |
|---|---|
| Search volume | Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest |
| Blog topic ideas | AnswerThePublic, KeywordTool.io |
| Long-tail terms | Soovle, Ahrefs Free |
| Existing ranking keywords | Google Search Console |
| Trends & seasonal | Google Trends |
| Ecommerce SEO | KeywordTool.io, Soovle |
| YouTube SEO | Keyword Tool for YouTube, Ahrefs |
Pro Tip: Use 2-3 tools together for the best results (e.g., combine Google Keyword Planner + AnswerThePublic + GSC).
📝 Final Thoughts
Keyword research doesn’t have to be expensive. These free keyword tools offer powerful insights to help you build traffic, create better content, and grow your online presence in 2025.
So start exploring today, and discover what your audience is really searching for.
