keyword-surfer vs lowfruits
Keyword Surfer vs LowFruits — features, pricing, and which to choose for your SEO workflow in 2026.
Quick Verdict
Keyword Surfer and LowFruits represent two completely different approaches to keyword research. Keyword Surfer is a free Chrome extension that adds search volume data directly to your Google searches, making it perfect for quick research while browsing. LowFruits is a specialized tool designed to identify low-competition keywords by analyzing SERP weakness signals.
The choice between them often comes down to workflow preference and budget. Keyword Surfer fits smoothly into natural browsing habits, while LowFruits requires dedicated research sessions but delivers more strategic insights about keyword difficulty.
Feature Comparison
Keyword Surfer excels at convenience and speed. It displays search volume data, related keywords, and on-page word counts directly in Google search results without leaving your browser. You can see monthly search volumes for the main keyword and related terms, plus analyze word count patterns of ranking pages — all while conducting normal Google searches. LowFruits takes a more analytical approach, specifically hunting for keywords where weak pages rank highly. It identifies SERP opportunities by flagging results with forum posts, thin content, or other weakness signals. The tool generates keyword lists based on seed terms, then ranks them by competition level using proprietary metrics that go beyond traditional keyword difficulty scores. While Keyword Surfer shows you basic metrics for any keyword you encounter, LowFruits actively discovers new keyword opportunities you might not find through manual searching. LowFruits also provides more detailed competition analysis, including specific weak spots in the SERPs that make keywords worth targeting.
Pricing Comparison
Keyword Surfer is completely free, funded by its parent company SurferSEO as a lead generation tool. You get unlimited searches and all features without any cost, though you'll see occasional prompts to upgrade to Surfer's paid plans. LowFruits uses a pay-per-use model where you purchase credits for keyword analysis. This approach works well for occasional users but can become expensive for heavy research. The credit system means you only pay for what you use, but it also requires planning your research sessions and tracking credit consumption.
Best For
Keyword Surfer is ideal for content creators, bloggers, and SEOs who want quick keyword data during their regular research workflow. If you're already spending time browsing Google for content ideas or competitor analysis, Keyword Surfer adds valuable context without changing your process. It's perfect for validating keywords on the fly and getting basic competition insights. LowFruits works best for SEO professionals and agencies focused on finding untapped keyword opportunities. If your strategy involves identifying gaps in competitive landscapes or you're working in challenging niches, LowFruits' weakness detection algorithms can uncover keywords that traditional tools miss. It's particularly valuable for local SEO and long-tail keyword strategies.
The Verdict
Choose Keyword Surfer if you want effortless keyword data integration into your existing workflow, especially if budget is a concern. The free tool provides solid basic functionality for most keyword research needs. However, if you're serious about finding low-competition opportunities and don't mind paying per search, LowFruits offers superior strategic insights that can lead to better ranking outcomes. For most users, starting with Keyword Surfer makes sense, then upgrading to LowFruits when you need more advanced competition analysis.