Quick Verdict
Both Keywords Everywhere and Keyword Surfer solve the same core problem: getting keyword data without leaving your browser. Instead of jumping between tabs or opening separate tools, these extensions display search volumes, CPC data, and related keywords right where you're already working. The key difference is their approach to monetization and feature depth.
Keywords Everywhere pioneered the browser-based keyword research space in 2015, building a credit-based system that displays data across dozens of platforms. Keyword Surfer, launched by SurferSEO in 2020, took a different approach by offering core functionality completely free while promoting their paid content optimization platform.
Score comparison
Score Comparison
| Dimension | Keywords Everywhere | Keyword Surfer |
|---|---|---|
| Feature Depth | 15.0 | 2.0 |
| Ease of Use | 65.0 | 50.0 |
| Data Quality | 10.0 | 0.0 |
| Value for Money | 95.0 | 85.0 |
| Integration | 30.0 | 10.0 |
| Market Traction | 19.0 | 19.0 |
Feature comparison
| Feature | Keywords Everywhere | Keyword Surfer |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Keyword Metrics | ✓ | — |
| Related Keywords Widget | ✓ | — |
| Bulk Keyword Analysis | ✓ | — |
| Historical Trend Data | ✓ | — |
| People Also Search For | ✓ | — |
| YouTube Analytics Integration | ✓ | — |
| Chrome and Firefox Support | ✓ | — |
| API Access | ✓ | — |
| Search Volume Overlay | — | ✓ |
| Related Keywords Sidebar | — | ✓ |
| Word Count Analysis | — | ✓ |
| SERP Snapshot | — | ✓ |
Pricing comparison
| Plan | Keywords Everywhere | Keyword Surfer |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | $0 |
| 10,000 Credits | $10 | — |
| 100,000 Credits | $100 | — |
| 1,000,000 Credits | $1,000 | — |
Feature Comparison
Keywords Everywhere works across 15+ platforms including Google, YouTube, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Answer the Public. It shows search volume, CPC, competition metrics, and related keywords with trend data going back 12 months. The extension also provides keyword difficulty scores and displays data in keyword planning tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest. You can export data to CSV files and access historical search volume trends. Keyword Surfer focuses primarily on Google search results, showing search volume estimates, keyword difficulty, and related keywords in the sidebar. Its standout feature is displaying estimated organic traffic for each ranking page plus word counts and exact keyword usage on competing pages. This on-page analysis gives you immediate insights into what's working for top-ranking content. However, it lacks the multi-platform coverage and historical data that Keywords Everywhere provides. Both extensions display data instantly without slowing down your browsing, but Keywords Everywhere offers more comprehensive coverage while Keyword Surfer provides deeper insights specifically for Google search optimization.
Pricing Comparison
Keyword Surfer wins on price — it's completely free with no usage limits, credit systems, or hidden fees. This makes it accessible for beginners and budget-conscious users who need basic keyword data for Google search optimization. Keywords Everywhere uses a credit-based system starting at $1.25 per 100 credits, with each search typically consuming 1-5 credits depending on the platform. A typical user doing moderate keyword research might spend $10-20 monthly. While this isn't expensive, it does add up for heavy users, and you need to monitor your credit usage to avoid running out mid-project.
Best For
Keywords Everywhere is better for comprehensive keyword research across multiple platforms. If you're doing Amazon SEO, YouTube optimization, or need historical trend data, the credit cost is worth it. It's also superior for agencies managing diverse clients across different platforms or anyone who needs exportable data for client reports. Keyword Surfer excels for content creators and bloggers focused on Google search rankings. The free pricing makes it perfect for startups and individual creators, while the on-page analysis features help you understand exactly what content gaps you need to fill to outrank competitors.
The Verdict
Choose Keyword Surfer if you're primarily doing Google SEO and want to understand competitor content strategies without paying anything. Its on-page analysis features provide actionable insights that Keywords Everywhere lacks. However, if you need keyword data beyond Google search or require historical trends and multi-platform coverage, Keywords Everywhere justifies its modest credit costs with significantly broader functionality.
Our verdict
For features, keywords-everywhere leads. On a budget, go with keyword-surfer.