growthbar vs rankiq
GrowthBar vs RankIQ — features, pricing, and which to choose for your SEO workflow in 2026.
Quick Verdict
GrowthBar and RankIQ represent two different philosophies in content optimization. GrowthBar positions itself as an all-in-one SEO writing assistant with its popular Chrome extension, while RankIQ takes a more focused approach with curated low-competition keywords and AI content briefs.
Both tools launched in 2020 but have evolved in distinct directions. GrowthBar expanded into a comprehensive SEO platform with keyword research, content generation, and real-time SERP analysis. RankIQ stayed laser-focused on one promise: helping content creators find keywords they can actually rank for, backed by AI-generated content outlines.
Feature Comparison
GrowthBar offers a broader feature set including keyword research, content generation, optimization scoring, backlink analysis, and its signature Chrome extension for SERP analysis. The Chrome extension lets you analyze any webpage's metrics, keywords, and backlinks without leaving your browser. Its content generator produces full articles with SEO optimization suggestions built-in. RankIQ focuses on keyword intelligence and content optimization. Its core strength is the curated library of low-competition keywords with difficulty scores under 30. Each keyword comes with an AI-generated content brief showing exactly what to include in your article to rank. RankIQ's keyword database is smaller but more targeted than GrowthBar's broader keyword research tools. GrowthBar's optimization scoring analyzes your content against top-ranking pages and suggests improvements for keyword density, readability, and structure. RankIQ's approach is more prescriptive — it tells you exactly what sections, word count, and topics successful articles include for your target keyword.
Pricing Comparison
GrowthBar starts at $36/month and includes a free tier with limited features. The paid plan includes unlimited keyword research, content generation, and full access to the Chrome extension. This makes it accessible for solo bloggers testing the waters. RankIQ costs $49/month with no free tier, but includes unlimited access to their keyword library and content brief generator. While more expensive upfront, RankIQ's pricing is straightforward with no usage limits on their core features. For content creators who publish regularly, the higher price often pays for itself through better keyword targeting.
Best For
GrowthBar works best for SEO professionals and agencies who need comprehensive tooling. The Chrome extension alone makes it valuable for competitive analysis, and the content generation speeds up the writing process. If you're managing multiple clients or need versatility across different SEO tasks, GrowthBar's broader feature set justifies the investment. RankIQ excels for content creators and bloggers focused purely on organic traffic growth. If you're a food blogger, lifestyle creator, or niche site owner who needs to consistently find rankable keywords, RankIQ's curated approach eliminates the guesswork. The content briefs are particularly valuable for writers who understand their audience but struggle with SEO strategy.
The Verdict
Choose GrowthBar if you need an all-in-one SEO platform with the flexibility to handle keyword research, content creation, and competitive analysis. The free tier and Chrome extension make it especially appealing for beginners or agencies managing diverse clients. Choose RankIQ if you're a content creator who publishes regularly and wants guaranteed rankable keywords with proven content strategies. RankIQ's focused approach delivers better results for pure content marketing, while GrowthBar offers more versatility for broader SEO needs.