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Best keyword research tool for freelancers
Last checked: Oct 16, 2026. AI-assisted research. We have not tested these tools hands-on yet.
Quick answer
If you work alone and want to start free, Mangools KWFinder gives 5 free lookups per 24 hours, and Mangools describes its Basic plan as "for solopreneurs, freelance SEOs and marketers". If you also track rankings and audit sites for several clients, SE Ranking Core bundles keyword research with tracking and audits.
Comparison
| Tool | Free access | Paid entry | Notable published facts | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mangools KWFinder | 5 lookups per 24 hours, 15 related and 5 competitor keywords per lookup | See vendor page | About 65k supported locations; historical search volumes; full refund within 48 hours of payment | Try KWFinder |
| SE Ranking Core | 14-day free trial | $129 USD/month, or $103.20 USD/month billed annually | Keyword and competitor research included; 10 projects; 2,000 keywords tracked daily | Try SE Ranking |
| Semrush | See vendor page | See vendor page | Plans listed by websites monitored and keywords tracked | Semrush pricing |
Verdict
- Solo freelancer, mostly keyword research: start with KWFinder's free lookups, then compare Mangools Basic on its pricing page.
- Freelancer with several retainer clients: SE Ranking Core covers research plus tracking in one plan.
How to choose
- How many lookups you need per day.
- Whether you need local (city-level) data.
- Whether you also need rank tracking and audits in the same tool.
FAQ
Is KWFinder free? Mangools lists 5 free lookups per 24 hours with 15 related and 5 competitor keywords per lookup.
Can I get a refund from Mangools? Mangools says it issues a full refund within 48 hours of payment, not for 2 consecutive subscriptions.
Does SE Ranking have a free trial? Yes, 14 days.
Sources (checked Oct 16, 2026)
- Mangools KWFinder: https://mangools.com/kwfinder
- Mangools plans and pricing (refund policy): https://mangools.com/plans-and-pricing
- SE Ranking pricing: https://seranking.com/subscription.html
- Semrush prices: https://www.semrush.com/prices/