Keysearch
Keyword ResearchBudget-friendly keyword research with difficulty scoring for bloggers
Overview
Keysearch positions itself as the affordable alternative to enterprise keyword research tools, targeting bloggers and small publishers who need reliable data without enterprise pricing. Launched in 2016, it carved out a niche by focusing on keyword difficulty scoring and SERP analysis at a fraction of what Ahrefs or Semrush charge. The tool's strength lies in its simplicity and laser focus on finding low-competition keywords that smaller sites can actually rank for.
The platform's database isn't as comprehensive as the major players, but it covers the essentials well. Search volume data comes from multiple sources and tends to align closely with Google Keyword Planner, while the proprietary difficulty algorithm examines domain metrics, backlink profiles, and on-page factors of top-ranking pages. This combination gives users a realistic picture of what they're up against without requiring deep SEO knowledge to interpret the data.
What sets Keysearch apart is its commitment to actionable insights rather than overwhelming data dumps. The SERP analysis breaks down exactly why certain pages rank, highlighting weak spots where a well-optimized page could potentially compete. The YouTube keyword research feature is particularly valuable since few budget tools offer dedicated video keyword data.
Key features
Keyword Difficulty Score
Proprietary algorithm that analyzes top 10 SERP results to calculate ranking difficulty on a 0-100 scale. Helps identify winnable keywords for smaller sites.
SERP Analysis
Detailed breakdown of top ranking pages including domain authority, page authority, and social signals. Shows exactly what you're competing against.
Content Assistant
Suggests LSI keywords and related terms based on top-ranking content. Helps optimize content for semantic search without guesswork.
YouTube Keyword Research
Dedicated tool for finding video keywords with search volumes and competition data. Rare feature among budget keyword tools.
Website Audit
Basic technical SEO crawler that identifies common issues like broken links, missing meta tags, and page speed problems.
Rank Tracking
Monitor keyword positions across desktop and mobile with local search tracking. Updates daily with historical data charts.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $17/mo | 200 keyword lookups, rank tracking for 200 keywords, site audit for 1 website |
| Pro | $34/mo | 800 keyword lookups, rank tracking for 1,000 keywords, site audit for 3 websites |
| Agency | $68/mo | 2,000 keyword lookups, rank tracking for 5,000 keywords, site audit for 10 websites |
FAQ
How accurate is Keysearch's keyword difficulty score?
Keysearch uses a proprietary algorithm analyzing domain authority, page authority, and other SERP metrics. It's generally reliable for identifying easier opportunities but should be combined with manual SERP analysis for competitive keywords.
Can Keysearch replace more expensive tools like Ahrefs?
For basic keyword research and difficulty scoring, yes. However, it lacks the comprehensive backlink analysis, content gaps, and advanced features that make enterprise tools valuable for larger operations.
Does Keysearch have international keyword data?
Yes, it supports keyword research for multiple countries and languages, though the database isn't as extensive as larger competitors like Semrush or Ahrefs.
What makes Keysearch different from free keyword tools?
Unlike Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest's free tier, Keysearch provides actual search volumes, detailed difficulty scores, and SERP analysis without requiring ad spend or heavy limitations.
Review Sentiment
52 reviews across 1 source
Bottom line
One of the better values in keyword research. Keysearch delivers extremely affordable keyword research for just $17/mo, earning a 4.7/5 rating. The downside: keyword database is significantly smaller than Ahrefs.
People love
- +Extremely affordable keyword research at $17/mo — ideal for bloggers on a budget
- +Keyword difficulty scoring is accurate for identifying achievable ranking opportunities
- +Content assistant helps create optimized outlines based on top-ranking SERP analysis
Common complaints
- –Keyword database is significantly smaller than Ahrefs or Semrush
- –No backlink analysis or site audit features — purely a keyword research tool
- –Interface feels basic and outdated compared to modern SEO tool designs
Last updated Feb 2026