Top 10 Best Free Keyword Research Tools for 2025

In 2025, keyword research remains key to boosting online visibility, but with fierce competition, having a strategy that includes long-tail keywords is essential. This guide to long tail keywords explores the top free tools available, making it easier to find relevant, effective keywords without paying for premium options. By using these tools, you can start crafting an SEO strategy that drives meaningful traffic and engagement.

The SEO Landscape Today

SEO has grown increasingly competitive, with high-traffic keywords being hard to rank for. Long tail keywords offer a solution; these targeted phrases capture specific search intent, making it easier for smaller sites to rank and attract relevant audiences. For example, a search for “best running shoes for flat feet 2025” reflects a more defined intent than just “running shoes.”

The Value of Free Tools

Free keyword research tools make it possible for everyone to access keyword data, regardless of budget. They provide essential insights like search volume and competition, along with long tail keyword ideas, enabling beginners and small businesses to start refining their content without costly software.

Top 10 Best Free Keyword Research Tools for 2025

In this guide to long tail keywords, we’ll explore ten of the best free keyword research tools for 2025. Each tool has its strengths, from offering keyword ideas to providing competitive analysis and trending data. Here’s how each tool can help in your long tail keyword strategy.

Tool #1: Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner is one of the most widely used tools for keyword research, providing data directly from Google. Originally designed for advertisers, it remains popular for organic search as well.

Key Features

Monthly search volume and competition levels.
Long tail keyword ideas.
Trend data for seasonal insights.

Pros: Reliable data sourced directly from Google; detailed volume data.

Cons: Limited organic keyword insights since it’s primarily geared toward advertisers.

Tool #2: Ubersuggest

Created by Neil Patel, Ubersuggest is a user-friendly tool that offers a range of data, from search volume to keyword difficulty.

Key Features

SEO difficulty, CPC, and search volume metrics.
Long tail keyword suggestions.
Content ideas and site audit features.

Pros: Intuitive interface; great for beginners and small businesses.

Cons: Limited searches on the free plan, so it’s better for smaller projects.

Tool #3: AnswerThePublic

Known for its unique visual presentation, AnswerThePublic generates keyword ideas based on common questions, prepositions, and comparisons.

Key Features

Clusters keyword ideas around “who,” “what,” “when,” and “why.”
Visual data display for brainstorming content ideas.

Pros: Great for content inspiration and understanding search intent.

Cons: Limited daily searches on the free version.

Tool #4: Keyword Tool

Keyword Tool pulls keyword suggestions from Google Autocomplete, making it ideal for finding long tail keywords in multiple languages.

Key Features

Provides keyword ideas based on Google, YouTube, Bing, Amazon, and more.
Options to filter by language and country.

Pros: Multilingual support; ideal for e-commerce and multilingual SEO.

Cons: Limited metrics on the free version; paid plan required for advanced data.

Tool #5: Soovle

Soovle is a simple tool that compiles keyword suggestions from multiple search engines, including Google, Bing, Yahoo, and Amazon.

Key Features

Aggregates suggestions from various search engines.
Provides insight into different types of search intent across platforms.

Pros: Easy to use; provides cross-platform keyword insights.

Cons: Lacks advanced metrics like search volume or CPC.

Tool #6: WordStream Free Keyword Tool

WordStream offers a free keyword tool aimed at small businesses and marketers, with a focus on both organic and PPC data.

Key Features

Provides search volume and competition data.
Suggests keywords based on relevance.

Pros: Solid option for small businesses; integrates both SEO and PPC insights.

Cons: Requires a login for full access to features.

Tool #7: Moz Keyword Explorer

Moz’s free tool provides search volume, difficulty, and click-through rate (CTR) estimates for keywords, which are helpful for long tail keyword research.

Key Features

Offers SERP analysis and organic CTR data.
Keyword difficulty scores.

Pros: Offers accurate keyword difficulty scores; valuable for competitive analysis.

Cons: Limited daily searches; only a few queries available for free.

Tool #8: Ahrefs Keyword Generator

Ahrefs’ free Keyword Generator provides ideas and metrics from a limited selection of their main paid database.

Key Features

Search volume, difficulty, and related keywords.
Options for keywords on Google, Bing, YouTube, and Amazon.

Pros: High-quality data; ideal for SEO insights.

Cons: Limited access to the broader Ahrefs database on the free plan.

Tool #9: SEMrush Keyword Magic Tool

SEMrush offers a Keyword Magic Tool that is robust and provides insights into keyword intent and volume.

Key Features

Extensive keyword suggestions with intent data.
Volume, difficulty, and competition scores.

Pros: Powerful features for in-depth keyword research; great for serious SEO users.

Cons: Limited free searches per day; requires a paid subscription for unlimited access.

Tool #10: Keyword Surfer

Keyword Surfer is a free Chrome extension that displays keyword data directly in Google’s search results.

Key Features

Shows search volume and CPC for keywords while browsing.
Provides keyword suggestions and related terms within the search page.

Pros: Convenient; integrates directly with Google search.

Cons: Limited metrics; best used alongside other tools for full keyword research.

 

Criteria for Choosing the Best Free Keyword Research Tools

To make the most of keyword research in 2025, it’s essential to choose tools that align with your SEO goals. Not all free tools offer the same data or features, so knowing what to look for can save time and improve results. Here are the key criteria to consider when selecting the best free keyword research tools.

Essential Features to Look For

1. Data Accuracy and Volume: Choose tools that provide reliable data for search volume, competition, and trends. While no tool is perfect, some offer more dependable insights than others. Look for tools that source data from reputable platforms, as accurate volume and competition data are critical for effective keyword targeting.

2. Long Tail Keyword Suggestions: Since long tail keywords are crucial for targeted traffic, the tool you choose should excel at generating these specific, multi-word phrases. Some tools are designed specifically to provide related terms and questions people search for, which can be especially valuable for content creation.

3. Search Volume, Competition, and Trends: A good tool should show monthly search volumes, the level of competition, and keyword trends over time. Understanding these metrics helps prioritize which keywords to target based on their potential for driving traffic and the difficulty of ranking.

User-Friendliness and Accessibility

1. Ease of Use: Look for a tool that’s straightforward and easy to navigate. Beginners may find some tools overwhelming, so prioritize those with simple interfaces, clear instructions, and organized data. A user-friendly tool helps you stay focused on your research without getting lost in complex features.

2. Export Options, Filters, and Keyword Grouping: Many tools offer export options, allowing you to save and analyze your research offline. Some tools also let you filter results by factors like search volume or CPC (Cost-Per-Click) and group keywords by topic, making it easier to organize and refine your strategy.

Bonus Features to Consider

1. Extra Metrics like CPC and Competitive Density: Some free tools offer added insights, such as the cost-per-click (CPC) and competitive density, which help gauge a keyword’s value and difficulty. If your goal is to monetize content or attract high-value traffic, these metrics can be especially useful.

2. Trend Tracking and Seasonal Analysis: Tracking trends and seasonal variations can help you capture timely traffic. For example, if you’re targeting long tail keywords related to seasonal topics (e.g., “best camping gear for summer 2025”), tools with trend data can be invaluable.

Choosing a keyword research tool is about balancing your specific needs with the features each tool offers. When used thoughtfully, free tools can provide much of the essential data needed to optimize content and attract the right audience in 2025.

How to Use These Keyword Research Tools Effectively

Having the right tools is only part of the equation; knowing how to use them effectively will maximize their value. Here are some actionable steps for getting the most out of each tool and developing a strong, targeted SEO strategy.

Step 1: Start with Broad Topics and Refine to Long Tail Keywords

Begin with a broad topic that aligns with your niche, product, or target audience. Use a tool like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to get an initial list of related keywords. From there, look for long tail keywords that are specific to your target audience. These refined terms will have less competition and better reflect user intent.

Example: Instead of targeting “digital marketing,” you could refine to “digital marketing tips for local businesses 2025.”

Step 2: Analyze Search Volume and Competition

For each keyword, check the search volume and competition levels using tools like Moz Keyword Explorer or WordStream. Keywords with moderate to high search volume and low competition often offer the best opportunity for ranking.

Tip: Aim for a mix of low-competition, high-conversion keywords and a few higher-competition keywords that align with your long-term goals.

Step 3: Generate Content Ideas from Keywords

Once you’ve selected your keywords, use tools like AnswerThePublic or Keyword Tool to gather related questions or ideas. These questions reveal common search intent and provide inspiration for blog posts, guides, or FAQ sections that directly address what users are asking.

Example: For “digital marketing for local businesses,” AnswerThePublic might suggest questions like “how to start digital marketing for local businesses” or “digital marketing trends for local business owners in 2025.” Use these to create relevant content.

Step 4: Track and Organize Keywords

Use export options in tools like SEMrush Keyword Magic Tool or Ahrefs Keyword Generator to organize and prioritize your keyword list. Tracking keywords by topic, search volume, or priority helps manage your SEO plan and keeps your content focused.

Pro Tip: Create a spreadsheet with columns for keyword, search volume, competition, and content ideas. Update it regularly to stay current with trends and track your ranking progress.

Step 5: Regularly Update and Expand Your Keywords

Keyword trends change over time, so revisiting your keyword list every few months is essential to stay relevant. Tools like Keyword Surfer and Google Trends can help monitor shifts in search behavior, allowing you to adapt your content to emerging interests or seasonal trends.

Example: If you notice rising searches for “sustainable digital marketing practices,” consider creating content around that topic to capture new interest.

Guide to Long Tail Keywords: Why They’re Essential

What Are Long Tail Keywords?

Long tail keywords are phrases with three or more words, focusing on a specific topic or intent. Although they usually have lower search volumes, they attract highly targeted visitors who are ready to engage, making them effective for driving conversions.

Examples and Importance

For example, “digital marketing” is a broad keyword, whereas “digital marketing strategies for small businesses” is a long tail keyword that can help you reach a specific audience. These keywords improve your chances of ranking well, especially in niches, and attract users searching for specific information or solutions.

Long Tail Keywords in SEO Strategy

Incorporating long tail keywords can set a site apart from competitors by bringing in targeted traffic. This approach aligns with search engines’ focus on user intent, rewarding content that addresses clear needs. For smaller sites, long tail keywords are a practical way to attract loyal, engaged audiences without competing directly with larger players.

FAQs: 

How accurate are free keyword research tools compared to paid ones?

Yes, many free keyword research tools offer accurate data. Free tools are excellent for initial research, but businesses with advanced needs may benefit from paid tools for more detailed metrics.

Is Google Keyword Planner free to use for keyword research?

Yes, Google Keyword Planner is a free tool provided by Google Ads that helps users discover new keywords and analyze search volumes.

How do I choose the best keyword research tool for my needs?

To choose the best keyword research tool, first define your goals (e.g., finding keyword volume, competitor analysis), assess your budget, and consider your skill level. Free tools work well for basic needs, while paid options offer advanced features for in-depth analysis.

How often should I conduct keyword research?

Conduct keyword research regularly to stay current with trends, ideally every few months. For seasonal or trending topics, consider more frequent checks to capture relevant keywords and adjust your content strategy as needed.

Can I rank well using only long tail keywords?

Absolutely. Many websites, especially in niches, achieve strong rankings by focusing on long tail keywords. Although these terms may bring in lower traffic individually, they often drive highly engaged and converting visitors due to the specificity of the search intent.

Are there any limitations to using free keyword research tools?

Yes, free tools often come with limitations, such as daily search caps, fewer metrics, and limited competitive data. They are perfect for basic keyword research but may lack advanced options like deep competitor analysis or trend forecasting.

What’s the best way to use long tail keywords in my content?

Include long tail keywords naturally in your titles, headers, meta descriptions, and body text. Focus on user intent and ensure the keywords enhance readability, rather than “stuffing” keywords, which can harm SEO. AnswerThePublic and KeywordTool.io are particularly good for generating long-tail keyword ideas for niche topics.