Best SEO Tools You Should Be Using in 2026
Keyword research is only half of SEO. Here's the tool shortlist we use, and why the technical/performance side is where we've actually moved the needle for clients.
TL;DR
- Keyword research is one half of SEO. The other half is technical and performance work, and that's the half we've actually built a track record on: around 20 client websites brought to a Google PageSpeed Insights score above 90.
- Eight free or low-cost keyword research tools we've actually used: Google Keyword Planner, SearchVolume.io, Ubersuggest, WordStream's Free Keyword Tool, Keyword Surfer, Ahrefs Keyword Generator, The Hoth's planner, and Ryan Robinson's tool.
- Most cover the same basics (search volume, related keywords); the differences show up in Chrome-extension convenience (Keyword Surfer) versus deeper competitive data (Ahrefs).
SEO Is More Than Keyword Research
Keyword research tells you what to target. It doesn't fix a site that takes eight seconds to load, fails Core Web Vitals, or buries the content those keywords are supposed to rank under a render-blocking script. That second half, the technical and performance side, is where we've actually delivered measurable results for clients: helping around 20 client websites reach a PageSpeed Insights score above 90, which matters directly for a game or app tied to that site, since load speed and Core Web Vitals are themselves ranking factors.
The list below is the keyword-research shortlist we personally reach for. It's useful for figuring out what to target, but it's not the part of SEO we get hired to fix.
1. Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner remains one of the best free tools for basic keyword research. It helps you discover new keywords related to your business and see estimated search volumes, allowing you to choose the right keywords to target.
Google Keyword Planner is part of Google Ads, which can be accessed here:
2. SearchVolume.io
SearchVolume.io is a simple and effective tool for finding the search volume of specific keywords. It provides real-time insights into keyword popularity, helping you prioritize which terms to focus on for your SEO efforts. It now also offers an AI keyword assistant and competitor analysis on its paid tiers, if the free bulk lookup isn't enough.
3. Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest is a powerful tool created by Neil Patel that offers a wide range of SEO features.
From keyword suggestions and search volume data to competitive analysis, Ubersuggest helps you craft a winning SEO strategy without breaking the bank.
4. WordStream's Free Keyword Tool
WordStream’s Free Keyword Tool allows you to research relevant keywords quickly.
With filters for industry-specific searches and a focus on PPC optimization, it’s a great tool for both organic SEO and paid advertising.
5. Keyword Surfer Chrome Extension
Keyword Surfer is another free Chrome extension that provides keyword data directly on Google search results pages.
It gives instant search volume insights for any query, helping you adjust your content strategy on the fly.
6. Ahrefs Keyword Generator
Ahrefs Keyword Generator is known for its robust SEO capabilities.
This tool offers keyword suggestions, search volumes, and data on keyword difficulty, making it useful for more advanced SEO campaigns.
7. The Hoth’s Google Keyword Planner Tool
The Hoth’s Google Keyword Planner Tool is a user-friendly alternative to Google’s original planner.
It provides accurate keyword data, including search volumes, trends, and competition levels, making it a useful tool for SEO beginners.
8. Ryan Robinson’s Keyword Research Tool
Ryan Robinson’s Keyword Research Tool is a useful resource for finding relevant keywords for your niche, now with AI-generated keyword ideas and keyword difficulty scoring alongside search volume.
It’s designed with bloggers in mind but is useful for anyone looking to improve online visibility.
Wrapping Up
These tools are a good starting point for keyword research, whichever one fits how you work. Take the time to experiment with each one and figure out which works best for your business.
If your keywords are right but the site itself is slow or failing Core Web Vitals, that's the part we can actually help with directly, not just point you at a tool for. If you're generally trying to stay on top of a fast-moving field rather than just SEO, see Staying Up to Date with Technology.