🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 15 (from laksa163)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa015.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs","crawl_time":1775333229,"first_indexed_time":1748649840,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,explodingtopics!\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs s443","src_root_hash":"15011948462211190415","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Google Keyword Planner vs Ahrefs: Which is Best?","meta_descriptions":["Compare Google Keyword Planner vs Ahrefs with our detailed analysis. Learn key features, pricing, and limitations to choose the best keyword research tool."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs are two search engine optimization (SEO) tools often recommended for beginner marketers. While it’s possible to get great keyword ideas using either platform, there are distinct limitations to both.\nMaking the right choice between Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs is important if you want to see long-term SEO success.\nGet More\nSearch Traffic\nUse trending keywords to create content your audience craves.\nContents:\nKey Differences Between Google Keyword Planner Vs. Ahrefs\nGoogle Keyword Planner Vs. Ahrefs At A Glance\nHow To Use Google Keyword Planner For SEO Research\nHow To Use Ahrefs For SEO Research\nKey Differences Between Google Keyword Planner vs. Ahrefs\nThe biggest difference between\nGoogle Keyword Planner\nand\nAhrefs\nis that Google Keyword Planner is strictly a research tool, while Ahrefs lets you research and track specific terms.\nHow the two platforms source their data is also different.\nGoogle Keyword Planner data comes from Google Ads. When you use the tool, you’re technically seeing information related to pay-per-click (PPC) keywords and searches.\nAhrefs, on the other hand, collects data from multiple sources: their own search crawlers, Google Keywords Planner, Google Trends, Google Search Console, and more.\nGoogle Keyword Planner and Ahrefs also differ in terms of price. Google Keyword Planner is a free tool, while Ahrefs paywalls many of its features.\nThat said, Ahrefs offers a free plan that is suitable for many small business owners and marketers.\nGoogle Keyword Planner vs. Ahrefs At a Glance\nGoogle Keyword Planner\nAhrefs\nData Source\nGoogle Ads\nAhrefs crawlers, Google\nBest For\nPPC ad campaigns, light SEO research, low-competition keyword suggestions\nIntensive SEO and PPC keyword research, low-competition keyword suggestions\nAdditional tools\nGoogle Ads planner\nSite audit, competitive analysis, brand monitoring, backlink analysis, rank tracking, local SEO strategy, and AI content assistant tools\nPopularity\n23% growth in interest over the past 10 years\n1,417% growth in interest over the past 10 years\nPricing model\nFree\nPaid (free version available with limitations)\nPrimary audience\nSearch engine marketing (SEM) professionals, business owners\nSEO professionals, SEM professionals, business owners, digital marketers\nHow to use Google Keyword Planner for SEO Research\nUsing Google Keyword Planner\nfor SEO research is simple—it only requires a free Google Ads account. You don’t need to pay for any ads to use the tool.\nWhen using the Keyword Planner, you’ll have the option to start your search with a term or a website domain.\nTerm-Focused Keyword Research\nType any target keyword of interest into Google Keyword Planner to generate a list of related terms.\nYou’ll be able to see valuable insights that include:\nAverage monthly search volume data\nRate of change over three months\nYear-over-year change\nCompetition (keyword difficulty) level\nAd impression share\nPPC bid ranges\nTo make your results more accurate, you can add your domain each time you run a keyword search. This will remove any keywords that are unrelated to your products, services, or content.\nYou can also transfer keywords to a \"Forecast\" report. These reports give you added information, including the expected popularity of a term in the future. A forecast report also lets you see:\nKeyword search volume by location\nExpected device usage by searchers\nPopularity by location\nUsing Google Keyword Planner in this way can help you find the best related keywords to use for SEO and other digital marketing campaigns.\nTip:\nSearching for product-related terms in Google Keyword Planner gives you insights around what customers are interested in, including sizes, colors, and more.\nWebsite-Focused Keyword Research\nYou can also generate lists of keywords using your website—either the entire domain or a single page.\nYou’ll get a list of keywords related to your site, though Google Keyword Planner won't show you how your site ranks for these terms. (To see position information, you’ll need to use a tool like\nAhrefs or Semrush\n.)\nTip:\nIf you need to see basic keyword metrics quickly, try our\nfree keyword research tool\n! It’ll show you related terms, search volume, competition levels, cost-per-click (CPC), total results, and trend patterns.\nRemember, though, that Google Keyword Planner shows you data specific to Google searches. It doesn’t reflect the popularity of different terms across social media or other platforms. To see that, you’ll need a tool like\nExploding Topics\n.\nExploding Topics shows you historical trend data from the past 15 years as well as projected popularity forecasts. We maintain a database of notable topics, but you can also search for any term with our\ntrend analysis\ntool.\nOne Big Problem With Google Keyword Planner\nBecause Google Keyword Planner is a PPC tool, the competition scores it shows are for paid ads. That's fine if you're planning an ad campaign — and if you are, we suggest using the free\nGoogle Ads competitor analysis\ntool. \nThe issue for SEO purposes is that it's possible for a keyword to have a high PPC competition rate and a low organic search difficulty score at the same time.\nWant to\nSpy on Your Competition\n?\nExplore competitors’ website traffic stats, discover growth points, and expand your market share.\nLet’s use the term “swimming pool sales” as an example. I’m writing this in May, so summer vacation and swimming pool days are on people’s minds. From a paid ads perspective, this is a highly competitive keyword. I might have to pay over three dollars per click to run an ad for this term.\nBut the same term has a low keyword difficulty score for organic search, as we see in this screenshot from the Semrush\nKeyword Overview\ntool:\nWe can also see that the organic search traffic for “swimming pool sales” is lower than the paid ad traffic reported by Google Keyword Planner. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though, and helps to make the keyword less competitive.\nIf I were using Google Keyword Planner alone, I might skip this keyword and leave it out of my SEO strategy. That would be a mistake! The organic keyword data indicates that I could reasonably rank my website for this term through targeted content marketing or local SEO efforts. If I ignored the keyword, I would miss out on connecting with (and selling to) new customers.\nGoogle Keyword Planner Pros and Cons\nGoogle Keyword Planner Pros\nGoogle Keyword Planner Cons\nFree\nLimited functionality\nShows actual and projected keyword data\nTechnically meant for PPC, not organic SEO research\nQuickly generates lists of related terms\nYou may have to sift through PPC data that’s unrelated to your SEO needs\nAllows you to scan for keywords related to your site\nData comes from a single source (Google)\nReported PPC keyword data may not match organic search volume and competition\nHow to use Ahrefs for SEO Research\nYou can use Ahrefs to research keywords and track your site’s rank for those terms all in one spot.\nSearching for Keywords Using Ahrefs\nThe Ahrefs Keyword Explorer tool provides far more detail about search terms than Google Keyword Planner. (Ahrefs is more comparable to a tool like\nSemrush\n.) You can use Ahrefs to find both short- and long-tail keywords.\nUsing the Keyword Explorer is simple—type in one or more search terms to begin your research.\nThe resulting list will show you key metrics about each term, including:\nSearch intent (the goal of the searcher)\nKeyword search volume\nCompetition (difficulty)\nPopularity trends\nRelated topics\nIndividual keyword detail pages use a colorful chart that shows you specific keyword difficulty and competition rates. This differs from Google Keyword Planner, which merely states a keyword is low, medium, or high competition.\nTracking Keywords in Ahrefs\nYou can save any of the keywords you research in Ahrefs and add them to a position tracking list. When combined with the keywords your site already ranks for (which you can also identify using Ahrefs), you’re able to better quantify the impact of your SEO efforts.\nInstantly Analyze\nAny Market\nThe ability to track and measure position changes is essential when you’re developing and monitoring an SEO strategy. This is why I always recommend that anyone who’s serious about their SEO performance invest in a paid tool like Ahrefs or Semrush. Google Keyword Planner alone won’t cut it.\nAhrefs Pricing\nUnlike Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs is not a free tool. The company does offer a free plan that lets you monitor the health of your website and its status in the search engine results page (SERP), but you can't conduct any keyword research.\nTo get the most out of Ahrefs, you need a paid plan. Options start at $108 per month when billed annually.\nAhrefs Pros and Cons\nAhrefs Pros\nAhrefs Cons\nHighly detailed keyword research results\nLimited free use\nEasy competitor analysis\nPaid plans can be expensive\nSeparate organic SEO and PPC metrics\nInterface may be overwhelming for new users\nAdditional tools for site auditing, backlink auditing, content optimization, and more\nFAQ\nHow Reliable is Google Keyword Planner?\nGoogle Keyword Planner is a reliable way to look up PPC keyword data, as it pulls its information directly from the Google search engine and ads platform. It’s a good way to get the general feel for the organic search landscape—but some keywords will have very different organic vs. paid search volume and competition rates.\nIs Ahrefs’ Search Volume Data Accurate?\nYes, Ahrefs is a reliable source of keyword information. An\nAhrefs report\nindicated that their search volume data was “roughly accurate” over 60% of the time, while Google Keyword Planner “drastically overestimated” search volume over 50% of the time.\nThat said, it’s important to note that all keyword traffic metrics are ultimately an estimation. Tools like Ahrefs use various crawlers and data sources to compile the most likely search traffic and competition rates, but these can change over time.\nWhat Other Tools are There for Keyword Research?\nGoogle Keyword Planner is one of the few\nAhrefs alternatives\nthat is completely free. Ahrefs and Semrush offer free plans that allow you to use a portion of the tool’s features at no cost. Many other SEO tools, like\nSE Ranking\n, require a paid plan at signup.\nWhat to Consider When Choosing a Keyword Research Tool\nIt’s important to consider long-term goals when evaluating the best keyword tool for your needs. If you’re interested in short-term ad campaigns or checking keyword volume at one spot in time, then Google Keyword Planner will serve your needs well. But if you want to improve your site’s SEO over the long term, you’ll be better served by Ahrefs.\nYou’ll also want to consider the metrics that are important to your work. Google Keyword Planner shows you basic rank and competition data, but it doesn’t break down the search engine results page (SERP) landscape for you. And neither Google Keyword Planner nor Ahrefs can currently show you multichannel trend data and where your site stands in ChatGPT results.\nYou can see all this data—SEO, PPC, LLM, and trend forecasts—in one spot when you use a combination of Semrush and Exploding Topics. Semrush offers a generous free plan, but you can also grab an extended 14-day free trial using our\nexclusive coupon code\n. Add on a free seven-day\ntrial of Exploding Topics Pro\nat the same time to unlock an amazing level of data—and see exactly how much more you can do with the right SEO tools.\nExploding Topics is owned by Semrush. Our mission is to provide accurate data and expert insights on emerging trends. Unless otherwise noted, this page’s content was written by either an employee or a paid contractor of Semrush Inc.","attrs_markdown":"- Trending\n- Platform\n- Tools\n- Blog\n- [Newsletter](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/newsletter)\n\n[Login](https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/login\/?redirect_to=%2Fapps%2Fexploding-topics%2Ffree-app-activation-after-login&utm_source=explodingtopics.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=blog_google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs&utm_content=mainsite_nav_pro)[Join Pro](https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/lp\/exploding-topics-pricing\/en?utm_source=explodingtopics.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=blog_google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs&utm_content=mainsite_nav_pro)\n\nExploding Topics\n\n[Remineralizing gum +5100%](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/topic\/remineralizing-gum)\n\n[GLP 1 supplement +1150%](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/topic\/glp-1-supplement)\n\n[Soursop bitters +1011%](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/topic\/soursop-bitters)\n\n[All 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Plus, expert insight and analysis.\n\nTable of contents\n\nBack to top\n\n- [Key Differences Between Google Keyword Planner Vs. Ahrefs](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#key-differences-between-google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs)\n- [Google Keyword Planner Vs. Ahrefs At A Glance](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs-at-a-glance)\n- [How To Use Google Keyword Planner For SEO Research](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#how-to-use-google-keyword-planner-for-seo-research)\n- [How To Use Ahrefs For SEO Research](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#how-to-use-ahrefs-for-seo-research)\n- [FAQ](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#faq)\n- [What To Consider When Choosing A Keyword Research Tool](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#what-to-consider-when-choosing-a-keyword-research-tool)\n\nBlog \\> Google Keyword Planner vs Ahrefs: Which is Best?\n\n# Google Keyword Planner vs Ahrefs: Which is Best?\n![author photo](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/resize=width:80,height:80\/output=f:webp\/phlwhfleSRa39eLcrrHf)\n\nby Emily Gertenbach  \nLast Updated: September 12, 2025\n\n#### Stop Guessing, Start Growing 🚀\nUse real-time topic data to create content that resonates and brings results.\n\nContents:\n\n- [Key Differences Between Google Keyword Planner vs. Ahrefs](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#key-differences-between-google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs)\n- [Google Keyword Planner vs. Ahrefs At a Glance](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs-at-a-glance)\n- [How to use Google Keyword Planner for SEO Research](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#how-to-use-google-keyword-planner-for-seo-research)\n- [How to use Ahrefs for SEO Research](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#how-to-use-ahrefs-for-seo-research)\n- [FAQ](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#faq)\n- [What to Consider When Choosing a Keyword Research Tool](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#what-to-consider-when-choosing-a-keyword-research-tool)\n\nShare:\n\nGoogle Keyword Planner and Ahrefs are two search engine optimization (SEO) tools often recommended for beginner marketers. While it’s possible to get great keyword ideas using either platform, there are distinct limitations to both.\n\nMaking the right choice between Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs is important if you want to see long-term SEO success.\n\n### Get More Search Traffic\nUse trending keywords to create content your audience craves.\n\n![Exploding Topics Logo](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/static\/images\/exploding-topics.svg)\n\nContents:\n\n- [Key Differences Between Google Keyword Planner Vs. Ahrefs](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#key-differences-between-google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs)\n- [Google Keyword Planner Vs. Ahrefs At A Glance](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs-at-a-glance)\n- [How To Use Google Keyword Planner For SEO Research](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#how-to-use-google-keyword-planner-for-seo-research)\n- [How To Use Ahrefs For SEO Research](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#how-to-use-ahrefs-for-seo-research)\n\n...more\n### Key Differences Between Google Keyword Planner vs. Ahrefs\nThe biggest difference between [Google Keyword Planner](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner) and [Ahrefs](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/ahrefs-review) is that Google Keyword Planner is strictly a research tool, while Ahrefs lets you research and track specific terms.\n\nHow the two platforms source their data is also different.\n\nGoogle Keyword Planner data comes from Google Ads. When you use the tool, you’re technically seeing information related to pay-per-click (PPC) keywords and searches.\n\n![The Google Keyword Planner Homepage says \"Choose the right keywords.\"](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/AVKDH0kSf6Qw5w9KQoy3)\n\nAhrefs, on the other hand, collects data from multiple sources: their own search crawlers, Google Keywords Planner, Google Trends, Google Search Console, and more.\n\n![ The blue and orange Ahrefs homepage features its user count and well-known customer logos.](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/BOITwF7ITi9gu6ouRJKm)\n\nGoogle Keyword Planner and Ahrefs also differ in terms of price. Google Keyword Planner is a free tool, while Ahrefs paywalls many of its features.\n\nThat said, Ahrefs offers a free plan that is suitable for many small business owners and marketers.\n\n### Google Keyword Planner vs. Ahrefs At a Glance\n|   |   |   |\n|---|---|---|\n|   | **Google Keyword Planner** | **Ahrefs** |\n| Data Source | Google Ads | Ahrefs crawlers, Google |\n| Best For | PPC ad campaigns, light SEO research, low-competition keyword suggestions | Intensive SEO and PPC keyword research, low-competition keyword suggestions |\n| Additional tools | Google Ads planner | Site audit, competitive analysis, brand monitoring, backlink analysis, rank tracking, local SEO strategy, and AI content assistant tools |\n| Popularity | 23% growth in interest over the past 10 years | 1,417% growth in interest over the past 10 years |\n| Pricing model | Free | Paid (free version available with limitations) |\n| Primary audience | Search engine marketing (SEM) professionals, business owners | SEO professionals, SEM professionals, business owners, digital marketers |\n### How to use Google Keyword Planner for SEO Research\n[Using Google Keyword Planner](https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner\/) for SEO research is simple—it only requires a free Google Ads account. You don’t need to pay for any ads to use the tool.\n\nWhen using the Keyword Planner, you’ll have the option to start your search with a term or a website domain.\n\n![The Google Keyword Planner Dashboard](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/1JtEYEdiSCuK66PsL4k0)\n\n#### **Term-Focused Keyword Research**\nType any target keyword of interest into Google Keyword Planner to generate a list of related terms.\n\n![The Google Keyword Planner search interface has fields for keyword and URL](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/w5zTKAoLSYSO4rJ9E3HN)\n\nYou’ll be able to see valuable insights that include:\n\n- Average monthly search volume data\n- Rate of change over three months\n- Year-over-year change\n- Competition (keyword difficulty) level\n- Ad impression share\n- PPC bid ranges\n\nTo make your results more accurate, you can add your domain each time you run a keyword search. This will remove any keywords that are unrelated to your products, services, or content.\n\n![Google Keyword Planner list displaying metrics including search volume](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/3U0NrwUxSPGbkT8ro1e0)\n\nYou can also transfer keywords to a \"Forecast\" report. These reports give you added information, including the expected popularity of a term in the future. A forecast report also lets you see:\n\n- Keyword search volume by location\n- Expected device usage by searchers\n- Popularity by location\n\nUsing Google Keyword Planner in this way can help you find the best related keywords to use for SEO and other digital marketing campaigns.\n\n**Tip:** Searching for product-related terms in Google Keyword Planner gives you insights around what customers are interested in, including sizes, colors, and more.\n\n#### **Website-Focused Keyword Research**\nYou can also generate lists of keywords using your website—either the entire domain or a single page.\n\n![Google Keyword Planner list showing terms associated with the Exploding Topics domain](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/SiivCkbiQzysJfqXf0Wa)\n\nYou’ll get a list of keywords related to your site, though Google Keyword Planner won't show you how your site ranks for these terms. (To see position information, you’ll need to use a tool like [Ahrefs or Semrush](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/ahrefs-vs-semrush).)\n\n**Tip:** If you need to see basic keyword metrics quickly, try our [free keyword research tool](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/tools\/keyword-research)! It’ll show you related terms, search volume, competition levels, cost-per-click (CPC), total results, and trend patterns.\n\nRemember, though, that Google Keyword Planner shows you data specific to Google searches. It doesn’t reflect the popularity of different terms across social media or other platforms. To see that, you’ll need a tool like [Exploding Topics](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/).\n\nExploding Topics shows you historical trend data from the past 15 years as well as projected popularity forecasts. We maintain a database of notable topics, but you can also search for any term with our [trend analysis](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/product-trend-analysis) tool.\n\n![An Exploding Topics graph for TikTok SEO shows an upward growth pattern.](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/HEogFolrSmmG147aEQLU)\n\n#### **One Big Problem With Google Keyword Planner**\nBecause Google Keyword Planner is a PPC tool, the competition scores it shows are for paid ads. That's fine if you're planning an ad campaign — and if you are, we suggest using the free [Google Ads competitor analysis](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/competitor-search-ads) tool.\n\nThe issue for SEO purposes is that it's possible for a keyword to have a high PPC competition rate and a low organic search difficulty score at the same time.\n\n### Want to Spy on Your Competition?\nExplore competitors’ website traffic stats, discover growth points, and expand your market share.\n\n![Exploding Topics Logo](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/static\/images\/exploding-topics.svg)\n\nLet’s use the term “swimming pool sales” as an example. I’m writing this in May, so summer vacation and swimming pool days are on people’s minds. From a paid ads perspective, this is a highly competitive keyword. I might have to pay over three dollars per click to run an ad for this term.\n\n![The Google Keyword Planner results for \"swimming pool sales.\"](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/8uXKO4svRCSVuqptNrmb)\n\nBut the same term has a low keyword difficulty score for organic search, as we see in this screenshot from the Semrush [Keyword Overview](https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/features\/keyword-research\/) tool:\n\n![Semrush Keyword Overview results for \"Swimming pool sales.\"](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/rDKs05WzSNeySdZmL0xM)\n\nWe can also see that the organic search traffic for “swimming pool sales” is lower than the paid ad traffic reported by Google Keyword Planner. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though, and helps to make the keyword less competitive.\n\nIf I were using Google Keyword Planner alone, I might skip this keyword and leave it out of my SEO strategy. That would be a mistake! The organic keyword data indicates that I could reasonably rank my website for this term through targeted content marketing or local SEO efforts. If I ignored the keyword, I would miss out on connecting with (and selling to) new customers.\n\n#### **Google Keyword Planner Pros and Cons**\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| **Google Keyword Planner Pros** | **Google Keyword Planner Cons** |\n| Free | Limited functionality |\n| Shows actual and projected keyword data | Technically meant for PPC, not organic SEO research |\n| Quickly generates lists of related terms | You may have to sift through PPC data that’s unrelated to your SEO needs |\n| Allows you to scan for keywords related to your site | Data comes from a single source (Google) |\n|   | Reported PPC keyword data may not match organic search volume and competition |\n### How to use Ahrefs for SEO Research\nYou can use Ahrefs to research keywords and track your site’s rank for those terms all in one spot.\n\n#### **Searching for Keywords Using Ahrefs**\nThe Ahrefs Keyword Explorer tool provides far more detail about search terms than Google Keyword Planner. (Ahrefs is more comparable to a tool like [Semrush](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/semrush-review).) You can use Ahrefs to find both short- and long-tail keywords.\n\nUsing the Keyword Explorer is simple—type in one or more search terms to begin your research.\n\n![The Ahrefs Keywords Explorer start page with terms related to AI and SEO.](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/9cBpMOZBTQuOgtB3A37e)\n\nThe resulting list will show you key metrics about each term, including:\n\n- Search intent (the goal of the searcher)\n- Keyword search volume\n- Competition (difficulty)\n- Popularity trends\n- Related topics\n\nIndividual keyword detail pages use a colorful chart that shows you specific keyword difficulty and competition rates. This differs from Google Keyword Planner, which merely states a keyword is low, medium, or high competition.\n\n![An Ahrefs Keyword Explorer detail page with charts, graphs, and related terms.](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/JR2N9VvVToSxKHGMcixs)\n\n#### **Tracking Keywords in Ahrefs**\nYou can save any of the keywords you research in Ahrefs and add them to a position tracking list. When combined with the keywords your site already ranks for (which you can also identify using Ahrefs), you’re able to better quantify the impact of your SEO efforts.\n\n### Instantly Analyze  Any Market\nGet My Free Report 👉\n\nThe ability to track and measure position changes is essential when you’re developing and monitoring an SEO strategy. This is why I always recommend that anyone who’s serious about their SEO performance invest in a paid tool like Ahrefs or Semrush. Google Keyword Planner alone won’t cut it.\n\n#### **Ahrefs Pricing**\nUnlike Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs is not a free tool. The company does offer a free plan that lets you monitor the health of your website and its status in the search engine results page (SERP), but you can't conduct any keyword research.\n\nTo get the most out of Ahrefs, you need a paid plan. Options start at \\$108 per month when billed annually.\n\n#### **Ahrefs Pros and Cons**\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| **Ahrefs Pros** | **Ahrefs Cons** |\n| Highly detailed keyword research results | Limited free use |\n| Easy competitor analysis | Paid plans can be expensive |\n| Separate organic SEO and PPC metrics | Interface may be overwhelming for new users |\n| Additional tools for site auditing, backlink auditing, content optimization, and more |   |\n### FAQ\n#### **How Reliable is Google Keyword Planner?**\nGoogle Keyword Planner is a reliable way to look up PPC keyword data, as it pulls its information directly from the Google search engine and ads platform. It’s a good way to get the general feel for the organic search landscape—but some keywords will have very different organic vs. paid search volume and competition rates.\n\n#### **Is Ahrefs’ Search Volume Data Accurate?**\nYes, Ahrefs is a reliable source of keyword information. An [Ahrefs report](https:\/\/help.ahrefs.com\/en\/articles\/72571-how-accurate-is-keyword-search-volume-in-ahrefs) indicated that their search volume data was “roughly accurate” over 60% of the time, while Google Keyword Planner “drastically overestimated” search volume over 50% of the time.\n\nThat said, it’s important to note that all keyword traffic metrics are ultimately an estimation. Tools like Ahrefs use various crawlers and data sources to compile the most likely search traffic and competition rates, but these can change over time.\n\n#### **What Other Tools are There for Keyword Research?**\nGoogle Keyword Planner is one of the few [Ahrefs alternatives](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/ahrefs-alternatives) that is completely free. Ahrefs and Semrush offer free plans that allow you to use a portion of the tool’s features at no cost. Many other SEO tools, like [SE Ranking](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/se-ranking-review), require a paid plan at signup.\n\n### What to Consider When Choosing a Keyword Research Tool\nIt’s important to consider long-term goals when evaluating the best keyword tool for your needs. If you’re interested in short-term ad campaigns or checking keyword volume at one spot in time, then Google Keyword Planner will serve your needs well. But if you want to improve your site’s SEO over the long term, you’ll be better served by Ahrefs.\n\nYou’ll also want to consider the metrics that are important to your work. Google Keyword Planner shows you basic rank and competition data, but it doesn’t break down the search engine results page (SERP) landscape for you. And neither Google Keyword Planner nor Ahrefs can currently show you multichannel trend data and where your site stands in ChatGPT results.\n\nYou can see all this data—SEO, PPC, LLM, and trend forecasts—in one spot when you use a combination of Semrush and Exploding Topics. Semrush offers a generous free plan, but you can also grab an extended 14-day free trial using our [exclusive coupon code](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/semrush-coupon). Add on a free seven-day [trial of Exploding Topics Pro](https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/lp\/exploding-topics-pricing\/) at the same time to unlock an amazing level of data—and see exactly how much more you can do with the right SEO tools.\n\n#### Stop Guessing, Start Growing 🚀\nUse real-time topic data to create content that resonates and brings results.\n\nFind Thousands of Trending Topics With Our Platform\n\n[Try Exploding Topics Pro](https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/lp\/exploding-topics-pricing\/en\/)\n\n![newsletter banner](https:\/\/explodingtopics.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/trends-database-blog-cta.png)\n\nExploding Topics is owned by Semrush. Our mission is to provide accurate data and expert insights on emerging trends. Unless otherwise noted, this page’s content was written by either an employee or a paid contractor of Semrush Inc.\n\nTrending Topics\n\n[Pdrn toner](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/topic\/pdrn-toner-rBqL9YyX)\n\n[\\+7200%](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/topic\/pdrn-toner-rBqL9YyX)\n\n[Soursop bitters](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/topic\/soursop-bitters)\n\n[\\+1417%](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/topic\/soursop-bitters)\n\n[Shilajit honey](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/topic\/shilajit-honey)\n\n[\\+407%](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/topic\/shilajit-honey)\n\n[B2b seo](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/topic\/b2b-seo)\n\n[\\+375%](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/topic\/b2b-seo)\n\n[Wifi 7 router](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/topic\/wifi-7-router)\n\n[\\+338%](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/topic\/wifi-7-router)\n\n[Sitegpt](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/topic\/sitegpt)\n\n[\\+271%](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/topic\/sitegpt)\n\n#### Reveal More Competitor Secrets for Free\nWhich keywords they target\n\nTheir most important pages\n\nWhere they get backlinks from\n\nHow they monetize their site\n\n[Get more free data](https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/analytics\/overview\/?searchType=domain&utm_source=explodingtopics.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=bsb-competitor-analysis)\n\nShare\n\n- [X (Twitter)](https:\/\/x.com\/share?text=Google%20Keyword%20Planner%20vs%20Ahrefs%3A%20Which%20is%20Best%3F&url=https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs&via=explodingtopics&utm_medium=social&utm_source=x&utm_campaign=Social_Share \"Share on X (Twitter)\")\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=Social_Share \"Share on Facebook\")\n- [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs&summary=Google%20Keyword%20Planner%20vs%20Ahrefs%3A%20Which%20is%20Best%3F&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&utm_campaign=Social_Share \"Share on LinkedIn\")\n- [Reddit](https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs&title=Google%20Keyword%20Planner%20vs%20Ahrefs%3A%20Which%20is%20Best%3F&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=Social_Share \"Share on Reddit\")\n\nNewsletter Signup\n\nBy clicking “Subscribe” you agree to Semrush Privacy Policy and consent to Semrush using your contact data for newsletter purposes\n\nWritten By\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/resize=width:120,height:120\/output=f:webp\/phlwhfleSRa39eLcrrHf)\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/resize=width:64,height:64\/output=f:webp\/phlwhfleSRa39eLcrrHf)\n\nEmily Gertenbach\n\nWriter\n\nEmily is a freelance content writer at Exploding Topics. A former news correspondent, she has over 15 years' experience creati... [Read more](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/author\/emily-gertenbach)\n\n#### Related Articles\n##### Exploding Topics Pro vs. Free Plans: Which Is Right For You?\nExploding Topics gives you access to lots of great trend data for free — but Pro plans unlock even more metrics. See how Exploding Topics plans differ in this complete analysis.\n\n[Read Article](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/exploding-topics-pro-vs-free)\n\n##### Top 100 Google Searches (January 2026)\nOur regularly-updated list of popular and trending Google search terms.\n\n[Read Article](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/top-google-searches)\n\n##### Using SEO MCP Servers: Complete Guide for Marketers\nMCP servers have the potential to completely overhaul your SEO workflow. Learn how to uncover key insights in your SEO data through Claude AI prompts.\n\n[Read Article](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/seo-mcp-servers)\n\n##### Fresh Content for SEO \\| Predict Your Freshness Impact\nContent freshness increases your ranking potential compared to outdated pages on SERPs. Use this calculator to estimate the impact of a freshness update.\n\n[Read Article](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/freshness-impact-calculator)\n\n##### SEO for Nonprofits: How to Get Visibility for Your Cause\nBoost your nonprofit’s visibility with smart SEO. 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Launch](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/tiktok-trends-case-study)\n***\n© 2026 [Exploding Topics is a Trademark of Semrush Inc](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/)\n\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/privacy)\n- [Terms of Service](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/terms)\n- [Cookie Settings](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs are two search engine optimization (SEO) tools often recommended for beginner marketers. While it’s possible to get great keyword ideas using either platform, there are distinct limitations to both.\n\nMaking the right choice between Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs is important if you want to see long-term SEO success.\n\n### Get More Search Traffic\nUse trending keywords to create content your audience craves.\n\nContents:\n\n- [Key Differences Between Google Keyword Planner Vs. Ahrefs](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#key-differences-between-google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs)\n- [Google Keyword Planner Vs. Ahrefs At A Glance](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs-at-a-glance)\n- [How To Use Google Keyword Planner For SEO Research](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#how-to-use-google-keyword-planner-for-seo-research)\n- [How To Use Ahrefs For SEO Research](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#how-to-use-ahrefs-for-seo-research)\n### Key Differences Between Google Keyword Planner vs. Ahrefs\nThe biggest difference between [Google Keyword Planner](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner) and [Ahrefs](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/ahrefs-review) is that Google Keyword Planner is strictly a research tool, while Ahrefs lets you research and track specific terms.\n\nHow the two platforms source their data is also different.\n\nGoogle Keyword Planner data comes from Google Ads. When you use the tool, you’re technically seeing information related to pay-per-click (PPC) keywords and searches.\n\n![The Google Keyword Planner Homepage says \"Choose the right keywords.\"](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/AVKDH0kSf6Qw5w9KQoy3)\n\nAhrefs, on the other hand, collects data from multiple sources: their own search crawlers, Google Keywords Planner, Google Trends, Google Search Console, and more.\n\n![ The blue and orange Ahrefs homepage features its user count and well-known customer logos.](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/BOITwF7ITi9gu6ouRJKm)\n\nGoogle Keyword Planner and Ahrefs also differ in terms of price. Google Keyword Planner is a free tool, while Ahrefs paywalls many of its features.\n\nThat said, Ahrefs offers a free plan that is suitable for many small business owners and marketers.\n\n### Google Keyword Planner vs. Ahrefs At a Glance\n|   |   |   |\n|---|---|---|\n|   | **Google Keyword Planner** | **Ahrefs** |\n| Data Source | Google Ads | Ahrefs crawlers, Google |\n| Best For | PPC ad campaigns, light SEO research, low-competition keyword suggestions | Intensive SEO and PPC keyword research, low-competition keyword suggestions |\n| Additional tools | Google Ads planner | Site audit, competitive analysis, brand monitoring, backlink analysis, rank tracking, local SEO strategy, and AI content assistant tools |\n| Popularity | 23% growth in interest over the past 10 years | 1,417% growth in interest over the past 10 years |\n| Pricing model | Free | Paid (free version available with limitations) |\n| Primary audience | Search engine marketing (SEM) professionals, business owners | SEO professionals, SEM professionals, business owners, digital marketers |\n### How to use Google Keyword Planner for SEO Research\n[Using Google Keyword Planner](https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/blog\/google-keyword-planner\/) for SEO research is simple—it only requires a free Google Ads account. You don’t need to pay for any ads to use the tool.\n\nWhen using the Keyword Planner, you’ll have the option to start your search with a term or a website domain.\n\n![The Google Keyword Planner Dashboard](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/1JtEYEdiSCuK66PsL4k0)\n\n#### **Term-Focused Keyword Research**\nType any target keyword of interest into Google Keyword Planner to generate a list of related terms.\n\n![The Google Keyword Planner search interface has fields for keyword and URL](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/w5zTKAoLSYSO4rJ9E3HN)\n\nYou’ll be able to see valuable insights that include:\n\n- Average monthly search volume data\n- Rate of change over three months\n- Year-over-year change\n- Competition (keyword difficulty) level\n- Ad impression share\n- PPC bid ranges\n\nTo make your results more accurate, you can add your domain each time you run a keyword search. This will remove any keywords that are unrelated to your products, services, or content.\n\n![Google Keyword Planner list displaying metrics including search volume](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/3U0NrwUxSPGbkT8ro1e0)\n\nYou can also transfer keywords to a \"Forecast\" report. These reports give you added information, including the expected popularity of a term in the future. A forecast report also lets you see:\n\n- Keyword search volume by location\n- Expected device usage by searchers\n- Popularity by location\n\nUsing Google Keyword Planner in this way can help you find the best related keywords to use for SEO and other digital marketing campaigns.\n\n**Tip:** Searching for product-related terms in Google Keyword Planner gives you insights around what customers are interested in, including sizes, colors, and more.\n\n#### **Website-Focused Keyword Research**\nYou can also generate lists of keywords using your website—either the entire domain or a single page.\n\n![Google Keyword Planner list showing terms associated with the Exploding Topics domain](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/SiivCkbiQzysJfqXf0Wa)\n\nYou’ll get a list of keywords related to your site, though Google Keyword Planner won't show you how your site ranks for these terms. (To see position information, you’ll need to use a tool like [Ahrefs or Semrush](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/ahrefs-vs-semrush).)\n\n**Tip:** If you need to see basic keyword metrics quickly, try our [free keyword research tool](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/tools\/keyword-research)! It’ll show you related terms, search volume, competition levels, cost-per-click (CPC), total results, and trend patterns.\n\nRemember, though, that Google Keyword Planner shows you data specific to Google searches. It doesn’t reflect the popularity of different terms across social media or other platforms. To see that, you’ll need a tool like [Exploding Topics](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/).\n\nExploding Topics shows you historical trend data from the past 15 years as well as projected popularity forecasts. We maintain a database of notable topics, but you can also search for any term with our [trend analysis](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/product-trend-analysis) tool.\n\n![An Exploding Topics graph for TikTok SEO shows an upward growth pattern.](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/HEogFolrSmmG147aEQLU)\n\n#### **One Big Problem With Google Keyword Planner**\nBecause Google Keyword Planner is a PPC tool, the competition scores it shows are for paid ads. That's fine if you're planning an ad campaign — and if you are, we suggest using the free [Google Ads competitor analysis](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/competitor-search-ads) tool.\n\nThe issue for SEO purposes is that it's possible for a keyword to have a high PPC competition rate and a low organic search difficulty score at the same time.\n\n### Want to Spy on Your Competition?\nExplore competitors’ website traffic stats, discover growth points, and expand your market share.\n\nLet’s use the term “swimming pool sales” as an example. I’m writing this in May, so summer vacation and swimming pool days are on people’s minds. From a paid ads perspective, this is a highly competitive keyword. I might have to pay over three dollars per click to run an ad for this term.\n\n![The Google Keyword Planner results for \"swimming pool sales.\"](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/8uXKO4svRCSVuqptNrmb)\n\nBut the same term has a low keyword difficulty score for organic search, as we see in this screenshot from the Semrush [Keyword Overview](https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/features\/keyword-research\/) tool:\n\n![Semrush Keyword Overview results for \"Swimming pool sales.\"](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/rDKs05WzSNeySdZmL0xM)\n\nWe can also see that the organic search traffic for “swimming pool sales” is lower than the paid ad traffic reported by Google Keyword Planner. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though, and helps to make the keyword less competitive.\n\nIf I were using Google Keyword Planner alone, I might skip this keyword and leave it out of my SEO strategy. That would be a mistake! The organic keyword data indicates that I could reasonably rank my website for this term through targeted content marketing or local SEO efforts. If I ignored the keyword, I would miss out on connecting with (and selling to) new customers.\n\n#### **Google Keyword Planner Pros and Cons**\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| **Google Keyword Planner Pros** | **Google Keyword Planner Cons** |\n| Free | Limited functionality |\n| Shows actual and projected keyword data | Technically meant for PPC, not organic SEO research |\n| Quickly generates lists of related terms | You may have to sift through PPC data that’s unrelated to your SEO needs |\n| Allows you to scan for keywords related to your site | Data comes from a single source (Google) |\n|   | Reported PPC keyword data may not match organic search volume and competition |\n### How to use Ahrefs for SEO Research\nYou can use Ahrefs to research keywords and track your site’s rank for those terms all in one spot.\n\n#### **Searching for Keywords Using Ahrefs**\nThe Ahrefs Keyword Explorer tool provides far more detail about search terms than Google Keyword Planner. (Ahrefs is more comparable to a tool like [Semrush](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/semrush-review).) You can use Ahrefs to find both short- and long-tail keywords.\n\nUsing the Keyword Explorer is simple—type in one or more search terms to begin your research.\n\n![The Ahrefs Keywords Explorer start page with terms related to AI and SEO.](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/9cBpMOZBTQuOgtB3A37e)\n\nThe resulting list will show you key metrics about each term, including:\n\n- Search intent (the goal of the searcher)\n- Keyword search volume\n- Competition (difficulty)\n- Popularity trends\n- Related topics\n\nIndividual keyword detail pages use a colorful chart that shows you specific keyword difficulty and competition rates. This differs from Google Keyword Planner, which merely states a keyword is low, medium, or high competition.\n\n![An Ahrefs Keyword Explorer detail page with charts, graphs, and related terms.](https:\/\/cdn.buttercms.com\/output=f:webp\/JR2N9VvVToSxKHGMcixs)\n\n#### **Tracking Keywords in Ahrefs**\nYou can save any of the keywords you research in Ahrefs and add them to a position tracking list. When combined with the keywords your site already ranks for (which you can also identify using Ahrefs), you’re able to better quantify the impact of your SEO efforts.\n\n### Instantly Analyze  Any Market\nThe ability to track and measure position changes is essential when you’re developing and monitoring an SEO strategy. This is why I always recommend that anyone who’s serious about their SEO performance invest in a paid tool like Ahrefs or Semrush. Google Keyword Planner alone won’t cut it.\n\n#### **Ahrefs Pricing**\nUnlike Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs is not a free tool. The company does offer a free plan that lets you monitor the health of your website and its status in the search engine results page (SERP), but you can't conduct any keyword research.\n\nTo get the most out of Ahrefs, you need a paid plan. Options start at \\$108 per month when billed annually.\n\n#### **Ahrefs Pros and Cons**\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| **Ahrefs Pros** | **Ahrefs Cons** |\n| Highly detailed keyword research results | Limited free use |\n| Easy competitor analysis | Paid plans can be expensive |\n| Separate organic SEO and PPC metrics | Interface may be overwhelming for new users |\n| Additional tools for site auditing, backlink auditing, content optimization, and more |   |\n### FAQ\n#### **How Reliable is Google Keyword Planner?**\nGoogle Keyword Planner is a reliable way to look up PPC keyword data, as it pulls its information directly from the Google search engine and ads platform. It’s a good way to get the general feel for the organic search landscape—but some keywords will have very different organic vs. paid search volume and competition rates.\n\n#### **Is Ahrefs’ Search Volume Data Accurate?**\nYes, Ahrefs is a reliable source of keyword information. An [Ahrefs report](https:\/\/help.ahrefs.com\/en\/articles\/72571-how-accurate-is-keyword-search-volume-in-ahrefs) indicated that their search volume data was “roughly accurate” over 60% of the time, while Google Keyword Planner “drastically overestimated” search volume over 50% of the time.\n\nThat said, it’s important to note that all keyword traffic metrics are ultimately an estimation. Tools like Ahrefs use various crawlers and data sources to compile the most likely search traffic and competition rates, but these can change over time.\n\n#### **What Other Tools are There for Keyword Research?**\nGoogle Keyword Planner is one of the few [Ahrefs alternatives](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/ahrefs-alternatives) that is completely free. Ahrefs and Semrush offer free plans that allow you to use a portion of the tool’s features at no cost. Many other SEO tools, like [SE Ranking](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/se-ranking-review), require a paid plan at signup.\n\n### What to Consider When Choosing a Keyword Research Tool\nIt’s important to consider long-term goals when evaluating the best keyword tool for your needs. If you’re interested in short-term ad campaigns or checking keyword volume at one spot in time, then Google Keyword Planner will serve your needs well. But if you want to improve your site’s SEO over the long term, you’ll be better served by Ahrefs.\n\nYou’ll also want to consider the metrics that are important to your work. Google Keyword Planner shows you basic rank and competition data, but it doesn’t break down the search engine results page (SERP) landscape for you. And neither Google Keyword Planner nor Ahrefs can currently show you multichannel trend data and where your site stands in ChatGPT results.\n\nYou can see all this data—SEO, PPC, LLM, and trend forecasts—in one spot when you use a combination of Semrush and Exploding Topics. Semrush offers a generous free plan, but you can also grab an extended 14-day free trial using our [exclusive coupon code](https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/blog\/semrush-coupon). Add on a free seven-day [trial of Exploding Topics Pro](https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/lp\/exploding-topics-pricing\/) at the same time to unlock an amazing level of data—and see exactly how much more you can do with the right SEO tools.\n\nExploding Topics is owned by Semrush. Our mission is to provide accurate data and expert insights on emerging trends. Unless otherwise noted, this page’s content was written by either an employee or a paid contractor of Semrush Inc.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Google Keyword Planner vs Ahrefs: Which is Best?
Meta Description	Compare Google Keyword Planner vs Ahrefs with our detailed analysis. Learn key features, pricing, and limitations to choose the best keyword research tool.
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Boilerpipe Text	Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs are two search engine optimization (SEO) tools often recommended for beginner marketers. While it’s possible to get great keyword ideas using either platform, there are distinct limitations to both. Making the right choice between Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs is important if you want to see long-term SEO success. Get More Search Traffic Use trending keywords to create content your audience craves. Contents: Key Differences Between Google Keyword Planner Vs. Ahrefs Google Keyword Planner Vs. Ahrefs At A Glance How To Use Google Keyword Planner For SEO Research How To Use Ahrefs For SEO Research Key Differences Between Google Keyword Planner vs. Ahrefs The biggest difference between Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs is that Google Keyword Planner is strictly a research tool, while Ahrefs lets you research and track specific terms. How the two platforms source their data is also different. Google Keyword Planner data comes from Google Ads. When you use the tool, you’re technically seeing information related to pay-per-click (PPC) keywords and searches. Ahrefs, on the other hand, collects data from multiple sources: their own search crawlers, Google Keywords Planner, Google Trends, Google Search Console, and more. Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs also differ in terms of price. Google Keyword Planner is a free tool, while Ahrefs paywalls many of its features. That said, Ahrefs offers a free plan that is suitable for many small business owners and marketers. Google Keyword Planner vs. Ahrefs At a Glance Google Keyword Planner Ahrefs Data Source Google Ads Ahrefs crawlers, Google Best For PPC ad campaigns, light SEO research, low-competition keyword suggestions Intensive SEO and PPC keyword research, low-competition keyword suggestions Additional tools Google Ads planner Site audit, competitive analysis, brand monitoring, backlink analysis, rank tracking, local SEO strategy, and AI content assistant tools Popularity 23% growth in interest over the past 10 years 1,417% growth in interest over the past 10 years Pricing model Free Paid (free version available with limitations) Primary audience Search engine marketing (SEM) professionals, business owners SEO professionals, SEM professionals, business owners, digital marketers How to use Google Keyword Planner for SEO Research Using Google Keyword Planner for SEO research is simple—it only requires a free Google Ads account. You don’t need to pay for any ads to use the tool. When using the Keyword Planner, you’ll have the option to start your search with a term or a website domain. Term-Focused Keyword Research Type any target keyword of interest into Google Keyword Planner to generate a list of related terms. You’ll be able to see valuable insights that include: Average monthly search volume data Rate of change over three months Year-over-year change Competition (keyword difficulty) level Ad impression share PPC bid ranges To make your results more accurate, you can add your domain each time you run a keyword search. This will remove any keywords that are unrelated to your products, services, or content. You can also transfer keywords to a "Forecast" report. These reports give you added information, including the expected popularity of a term in the future. A forecast report also lets you see: Keyword search volume by location Expected device usage by searchers Popularity by location Using Google Keyword Planner in this way can help you find the best related keywords to use for SEO and other digital marketing campaigns. Tip: Searching for product-related terms in Google Keyword Planner gives you insights around what customers are interested in, including sizes, colors, and more. Website-Focused Keyword Research You can also generate lists of keywords using your website—either the entire domain or a single page. You’ll get a list of keywords related to your site, though Google Keyword Planner won't show you how your site ranks for these terms. (To see position information, you’ll need to use a tool like Ahrefs or Semrush .) Tip: If you need to see basic keyword metrics quickly, try our free keyword research tool ! It’ll show you related terms, search volume, competition levels, cost-per-click (CPC), total results, and trend patterns. Remember, though, that Google Keyword Planner shows you data specific to Google searches. It doesn’t reflect the popularity of different terms across social media or other platforms. To see that, you’ll need a tool like Exploding Topics . Exploding Topics shows you historical trend data from the past 15 years as well as projected popularity forecasts. We maintain a database of notable topics, but you can also search for any term with our trend analysis tool. One Big Problem With Google Keyword Planner Because Google Keyword Planner is a PPC tool, the competition scores it shows are for paid ads. That's fine if you're planning an ad campaign — and if you are, we suggest using the free Google Ads competitor analysis tool. The issue for SEO purposes is that it's possible for a keyword to have a high PPC competition rate and a low organic search difficulty score at the same time. Want to Spy on Your Competition ? Explore competitors’ website traffic stats, discover growth points, and expand your market share. Let’s use the term “swimming pool sales” as an example. I’m writing this in May, so summer vacation and swimming pool days are on people’s minds. From a paid ads perspective, this is a highly competitive keyword. I might have to pay over three dollars per click to run an ad for this term. But the same term has a low keyword difficulty score for organic search, as we see in this screenshot from the Semrush Keyword Overview tool: We can also see that the organic search traffic for “swimming pool sales” is lower than the paid ad traffic reported by Google Keyword Planner. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though, and helps to make the keyword less competitive. If I were using Google Keyword Planner alone, I might skip this keyword and leave it out of my SEO strategy. That would be a mistake! The organic keyword data indicates that I could reasonably rank my website for this term through targeted content marketing or local SEO efforts. If I ignored the keyword, I would miss out on connecting with (and selling to) new customers. Google Keyword Planner Pros and Cons Google Keyword Planner Pros Google Keyword Planner Cons Free Limited functionality Shows actual and projected keyword data Technically meant for PPC, not organic SEO research Quickly generates lists of related terms You may have to sift through PPC data that’s unrelated to your SEO needs Allows you to scan for keywords related to your site Data comes from a single source (Google) Reported PPC keyword data may not match organic search volume and competition How to use Ahrefs for SEO Research You can use Ahrefs to research keywords and track your site’s rank for those terms all in one spot. Searching for Keywords Using Ahrefs The Ahrefs Keyword Explorer tool provides far more detail about search terms than Google Keyword Planner. (Ahrefs is more comparable to a tool like Semrush .) You can use Ahrefs to find both short- and long-tail keywords. Using the Keyword Explorer is simple—type in one or more search terms to begin your research. The resulting list will show you key metrics about each term, including: Search intent (the goal of the searcher) Keyword search volume Competition (difficulty) Popularity trends Related topics Individual keyword detail pages use a colorful chart that shows you specific keyword difficulty and competition rates. This differs from Google Keyword Planner, which merely states a keyword is low, medium, or high competition. Tracking Keywords in Ahrefs You can save any of the keywords you research in Ahrefs and add them to a position tracking list. When combined with the keywords your site already ranks for (which you can also identify using Ahrefs), you’re able to better quantify the impact of your SEO efforts. Instantly Analyze Any Market The ability to track and measure position changes is essential when you’re developing and monitoring an SEO strategy. This is why I always recommend that anyone who’s serious about their SEO performance invest in a paid tool like Ahrefs or Semrush. Google Keyword Planner alone won’t cut it. Ahrefs Pricing Unlike Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs is not a free tool. The company does offer a free plan that lets you monitor the health of your website and its status in the search engine results page (SERP), but you can't conduct any keyword research. To get the most out of Ahrefs, you need a paid plan. Options start at $108 per month when billed annually. Ahrefs Pros and Cons Ahrefs Pros Ahrefs Cons Highly detailed keyword research results Limited free use Easy competitor analysis Paid plans can be expensive Separate organic SEO and PPC metrics Interface may be overwhelming for new users Additional tools for site auditing, backlink auditing, content optimization, and more FAQ How Reliable is Google Keyword Planner? Google Keyword Planner is a reliable way to look up PPC keyword data, as it pulls its information directly from the Google search engine and ads platform. It’s a good way to get the general feel for the organic search landscape—but some keywords will have very different organic vs. paid search volume and competition rates. Is Ahrefs’ Search Volume Data Accurate? Yes, Ahrefs is a reliable source of keyword information. An Ahrefs report indicated that their search volume data was “roughly accurate” over 60% of the time, while Google Keyword Planner “drastically overestimated” search volume over 50% of the time. That said, it’s important to note that all keyword traffic metrics are ultimately an estimation. Tools like Ahrefs use various crawlers and data sources to compile the most likely search traffic and competition rates, but these can change over time. What Other Tools are There for Keyword Research? Google Keyword Planner is one of the few Ahrefs alternatives that is completely free. Ahrefs and Semrush offer free plans that allow you to use a portion of the tool’s features at no cost. Many other SEO tools, like SE Ranking , require a paid plan at signup. What to Consider When Choosing a Keyword Research Tool It’s important to consider long-term goals when evaluating the best keyword tool for your needs. If you’re interested in short-term ad campaigns or checking keyword volume at one spot in time, then Google Keyword Planner will serve your needs well. But if you want to improve your site’s SEO over the long term, you’ll be better served by Ahrefs. You’ll also want to consider the metrics that are important to your work. Google Keyword Planner shows you basic rank and competition data, but it doesn’t break down the search engine results page (SERP) landscape for you. And neither Google Keyword Planner nor Ahrefs can currently show you multichannel trend data and where your site stands in ChatGPT results. You can see all this data—SEO, PPC, LLM, and trend forecasts—in one spot when you use a combination of Semrush and Exploding Topics. Semrush offers a generous free plan, but you can also grab an extended 14-day free trial using our exclusive coupon code . Add on a free seven-day trial of Exploding Topics Pro at the same time to unlock an amazing level of data—and see exactly how much more you can do with the right SEO tools. Exploding Topics is owned by Semrush. Our mission is to provide accurate data and expert insights on emerging trends. Unless otherwise noted, this page’s content was written by either an employee or a paid contractor of Semrush Inc.
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Plus, expert insight and analysis. Table of contents Back to top - [Key Differences Between Google Keyword Planner Vs. Ahrefs](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#key-differences-between-google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs) - [Google Keyword Planner Vs. Ahrefs At A Glance](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs-at-a-glance) - [How To Use Google Keyword Planner For SEO Research](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#how-to-use-google-keyword-planner-for-seo-research) - [How To Use Ahrefs For SEO Research](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#how-to-use-ahrefs-for-seo-research) - [FAQ](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#faq) - [What To Consider When Choosing A Keyword Research Tool](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#what-to-consider-when-choosing-a-keyword-research-tool) Blog \> Google Keyword Planner vs Ahrefs: Which is Best? # Google Keyword Planner vs Ahrefs: Which is Best? ![author photo](https://cdn.buttercms.com/resize=width:80,height:80/output=f:webp/phlwhfleSRa39eLcrrHf) by Emily Gertenbach Last Updated: September 12, 2025 #### Stop Guessing, Start Growing 🚀 Use real-time topic data to create content that resonates and brings results. Contents: - [Key Differences Between Google Keyword Planner vs. Ahrefs](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#key-differences-between-google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs) - [Google Keyword Planner vs. Ahrefs At a Glance](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs-at-a-glance) - [How to use Google Keyword Planner for SEO Research](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#how-to-use-google-keyword-planner-for-seo-research) - [How to use Ahrefs for SEO Research](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#how-to-use-ahrefs-for-seo-research) - [FAQ](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#faq) - [What to Consider When Choosing a Keyword Research Tool](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#what-to-consider-when-choosing-a-keyword-research-tool) Share: Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs are two search engine optimization (SEO) tools often recommended for beginner marketers. While it’s possible to get great keyword ideas using either platform, there are distinct limitations to both. Making the right choice between Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs is important if you want to see long-term SEO success. ### Get More Search Traffic Use trending keywords to create content your audience craves. ![Exploding Topics Logo](https://explodingtopics.com/static/images/exploding-topics.svg) Contents: - [Key Differences Between Google Keyword Planner Vs. Ahrefs](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#key-differences-between-google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs) - [Google Keyword Planner Vs. Ahrefs At A Glance](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs-at-a-glance) - [How To Use Google Keyword Planner For SEO Research](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#how-to-use-google-keyword-planner-for-seo-research) - [How To Use Ahrefs For SEO Research](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#how-to-use-ahrefs-for-seo-research) ...more ### Key Differences Between Google Keyword Planner vs. Ahrefs The biggest difference between [Google Keyword Planner](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner) and [Ahrefs](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/ahrefs-review) is that Google Keyword Planner is strictly a research tool, while Ahrefs lets you research and track specific terms. How the two platforms source their data is also different. Google Keyword Planner data comes from Google Ads. When you use the tool, you’re technically seeing information related to pay-per-click (PPC) keywords and searches. ![The Google Keyword Planner Homepage says "Choose the right keywords."](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/AVKDH0kSf6Qw5w9KQoy3) Ahrefs, on the other hand, collects data from multiple sources: their own search crawlers, Google Keywords Planner, Google Trends, Google Search Console, and more. ![ The blue and orange Ahrefs homepage features its user count and well-known customer logos.](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/BOITwF7ITi9gu6ouRJKm) Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs also differ in terms of price. Google Keyword Planner is a free tool, while Ahrefs paywalls many of its features. That said, Ahrefs offers a free plan that is suitable for many small business owners and marketers. ### Google Keyword Planner vs. Ahrefs At a Glance \| \| \| \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| \| Google Keyword Planner \| Ahrefs \| \| Data Source \| Google Ads \| Ahrefs crawlers, Google \| \| Best For \| PPC ad campaigns, light SEO research, low-competition keyword suggestions \| Intensive SEO and PPC keyword research, low-competition keyword suggestions \| \| Additional tools \| Google Ads planner \| Site audit, competitive analysis, brand monitoring, backlink analysis, rank tracking, local SEO strategy, and AI content assistant tools \| \| Popularity \| 23% growth in interest over the past 10 years \| 1,417% growth in interest over the past 10 years \| \| Pricing model \| Free \| Paid (free version available with limitations) \| \| Primary audience \| Search engine marketing (SEM) professionals, business owners \| SEO professionals, SEM professionals, business owners, digital marketers \| ### How to use Google Keyword Planner for SEO Research [Using Google Keyword Planner](https://www.semrush.com/blog/google-keyword-planner/) for SEO research is simple—it only requires a free Google Ads account. You don’t need to pay for any ads to use the tool. When using the Keyword Planner, you’ll have the option to start your search with a term or a website domain. ![The Google Keyword Planner Dashboard](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/1JtEYEdiSCuK66PsL4k0) #### Term-Focused Keyword Research Type any target keyword of interest into Google Keyword Planner to generate a list of related terms. ![The Google Keyword Planner search interface has fields for keyword and URL](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/w5zTKAoLSYSO4rJ9E3HN) You’ll be able to see valuable insights that include: - Average monthly search volume data - Rate of change over three months - Year-over-year change - Competition (keyword difficulty) level - Ad impression share - PPC bid ranges To make your results more accurate, you can add your domain each time you run a keyword search. This will remove any keywords that are unrelated to your products, services, or content. ![Google Keyword Planner list displaying metrics including search volume](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/3U0NrwUxSPGbkT8ro1e0) You can also transfer keywords to a "Forecast" report. These reports give you added information, including the expected popularity of a term in the future. A forecast report also lets you see: - Keyword search volume by location - Expected device usage by searchers - Popularity by location Using Google Keyword Planner in this way can help you find the best related keywords to use for SEO and other digital marketing campaigns. Tip: Searching for product-related terms in Google Keyword Planner gives you insights around what customers are interested in, including sizes, colors, and more. #### Website-Focused Keyword Research You can also generate lists of keywords using your website—either the entire domain or a single page. ![Google Keyword Planner list showing terms associated with the Exploding Topics domain](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/SiivCkbiQzysJfqXf0Wa) You’ll get a list of keywords related to your site, though Google Keyword Planner won't show you how your site ranks for these terms. (To see position information, you’ll need to use a tool like [Ahrefs or Semrush](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/ahrefs-vs-semrush).) Tip: If you need to see basic keyword metrics quickly, try our [free keyword research tool](https://explodingtopics.com/tools/keyword-research)! It’ll show you related terms, search volume, competition levels, cost-per-click (CPC), total results, and trend patterns. Remember, though, that Google Keyword Planner shows you data specific to Google searches. It doesn’t reflect the popularity of different terms across social media or other platforms. To see that, you’ll need a tool like [Exploding Topics](https://explodingtopics.com/). Exploding Topics shows you historical trend data from the past 15 years as well as projected popularity forecasts. We maintain a database of notable topics, but you can also search for any term with our [trend analysis](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/product-trend-analysis) tool. ![An Exploding Topics graph for TikTok SEO shows an upward growth pattern.](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/HEogFolrSmmG147aEQLU) #### One Big Problem With Google Keyword Planner Because Google Keyword Planner is a PPC tool, the competition scores it shows are for paid ads. That's fine if you're planning an ad campaign — and if you are, we suggest using the free [Google Ads competitor analysis](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/competitor-search-ads) tool. The issue for SEO purposes is that it's possible for a keyword to have a high PPC competition rate and a low organic search difficulty score at the same time. ### Want to Spy on Your Competition? Explore competitors’ website traffic stats, discover growth points, and expand your market share. ![Exploding Topics Logo](https://explodingtopics.com/static/images/exploding-topics.svg) Let’s use the term “swimming pool sales” as an example. I’m writing this in May, so summer vacation and swimming pool days are on people’s minds. From a paid ads perspective, this is a highly competitive keyword. I might have to pay over three dollars per click to run an ad for this term. ![The Google Keyword Planner results for "swimming pool sales."](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/8uXKO4svRCSVuqptNrmb) But the same term has a low keyword difficulty score for organic search, as we see in this screenshot from the Semrush [Keyword Overview](https://www.semrush.com/features/keyword-research/) tool: ![Semrush Keyword Overview results for "Swimming pool sales."](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/rDKs05WzSNeySdZmL0xM) We can also see that the organic search traffic for “swimming pool sales” is lower than the paid ad traffic reported by Google Keyword Planner. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though, and helps to make the keyword less competitive. If I were using Google Keyword Planner alone, I might skip this keyword and leave it out of my SEO strategy. That would be a mistake! The organic keyword data indicates that I could reasonably rank my website for this term through targeted content marketing or local SEO efforts. If I ignored the keyword, I would miss out on connecting with (and selling to) new customers. #### Google Keyword Planner Pros and Cons \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| Google Keyword Planner Pros \| Google Keyword Planner Cons \| \| Free \| Limited functionality \| \| Shows actual and projected keyword data \| Technically meant for PPC, not organic SEO research \| \| Quickly generates lists of related terms \| You may have to sift through PPC data that’s unrelated to your SEO needs \| \| Allows you to scan for keywords related to your site \| Data comes from a single source (Google) \| \| \| Reported PPC keyword data may not match organic search volume and competition \| ### How to use Ahrefs for SEO Research You can use Ahrefs to research keywords and track your site’s rank for those terms all in one spot. #### Searching for Keywords Using Ahrefs The Ahrefs Keyword Explorer tool provides far more detail about search terms than Google Keyword Planner. (Ahrefs is more comparable to a tool like [Semrush](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/semrush-review).) You can use Ahrefs to find both short- and long-tail keywords. Using the Keyword Explorer is simple—type in one or more search terms to begin your research. ![The Ahrefs Keywords Explorer start page with terms related to AI and SEO.](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/9cBpMOZBTQuOgtB3A37e) The resulting list will show you key metrics about each term, including: - Search intent (the goal of the searcher) - Keyword search volume - Competition (difficulty) - Popularity trends - Related topics Individual keyword detail pages use a colorful chart that shows you specific keyword difficulty and competition rates. This differs from Google Keyword Planner, which merely states a keyword is low, medium, or high competition. ![An Ahrefs Keyword Explorer detail page with charts, graphs, and related terms.](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/JR2N9VvVToSxKHGMcixs) #### Tracking Keywords in Ahrefs You can save any of the keywords you research in Ahrefs and add them to a position tracking list. When combined with the keywords your site already ranks for (which you can also identify using Ahrefs), you’re able to better quantify the impact of your SEO efforts. ### Instantly Analyze Any Market Get My Free Report 👉 The ability to track and measure position changes is essential when you’re developing and monitoring an SEO strategy. This is why I always recommend that anyone who’s serious about their SEO performance invest in a paid tool like Ahrefs or Semrush. Google Keyword Planner alone won’t cut it. #### Ahrefs Pricing Unlike Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs is not a free tool. The company does offer a free plan that lets you monitor the health of your website and its status in the search engine results page (SERP), but you can't conduct any keyword research. To get the most out of Ahrefs, you need a paid plan. Options start at \$108 per month when billed annually. #### Ahrefs Pros and Cons \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| Ahrefs Pros \| Ahrefs Cons \| \| Highly detailed keyword research results \| Limited free use \| \| Easy competitor analysis \| Paid plans can be expensive \| \| Separate organic SEO and PPC metrics \| Interface may be overwhelming for new users \| \| Additional tools for site auditing, backlink auditing, content optimization, and more \| \| ### FAQ #### How Reliable is Google Keyword Planner? Google Keyword Planner is a reliable way to look up PPC keyword data, as it pulls its information directly from the Google search engine and ads platform. It’s a good way to get the general feel for the organic search landscape—but some keywords will have very different organic vs. paid search volume and competition rates. #### Is Ahrefs’ Search Volume Data Accurate? Yes, Ahrefs is a reliable source of keyword information. An [Ahrefs report](https://help.ahrefs.com/en/articles/72571-how-accurate-is-keyword-search-volume-in-ahrefs) indicated that their search volume data was “roughly accurate” over 60% of the time, while Google Keyword Planner “drastically overestimated” search volume over 50% of the time. That said, it’s important to note that all keyword traffic metrics are ultimately an estimation. Tools like Ahrefs use various crawlers and data sources to compile the most likely search traffic and competition rates, but these can change over time. #### What Other Tools are There for Keyword Research? Google Keyword Planner is one of the few [Ahrefs alternatives](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/ahrefs-alternatives) that is completely free. Ahrefs and Semrush offer free plans that allow you to use a portion of the tool’s features at no cost. Many other SEO tools, like [SE Ranking](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/se-ranking-review), require a paid plan at signup. ### What to Consider When Choosing a Keyword Research Tool It’s important to consider long-term goals when evaluating the best keyword tool for your needs. If you’re interested in short-term ad campaigns or checking keyword volume at one spot in time, then Google Keyword Planner will serve your needs well. But if you want to improve your site’s SEO over the long term, you’ll be better served by Ahrefs. You’ll also want to consider the metrics that are important to your work. Google Keyword Planner shows you basic rank and competition data, but it doesn’t break down the search engine results page (SERP) landscape for you. And neither Google Keyword Planner nor Ahrefs can currently show you multichannel trend data and where your site stands in ChatGPT results. You can see all this data—SEO, PPC, LLM, and trend forecasts—in one spot when you use a combination of Semrush and Exploding Topics. Semrush offers a generous free plan, but you can also grab an extended 14-day free trial using our [exclusive coupon code](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/semrush-coupon). Add on a free seven-day [trial of Exploding Topics Pro](https://www.semrush.com/lp/exploding-topics-pricing/) at the same time to unlock an amazing level of data—and see exactly how much more you can do with the right SEO tools. #### Stop Guessing, Start Growing 🚀 Use real-time topic data to create content that resonates and brings results. 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Readable Markdown	Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs are two search engine optimization (SEO) tools often recommended for beginner marketers. While it’s possible to get great keyword ideas using either platform, there are distinct limitations to both. Making the right choice between Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs is important if you want to see long-term SEO success. ### Get More Search Traffic Use trending keywords to create content your audience craves. Contents: - [Key Differences Between Google Keyword Planner Vs. Ahrefs](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#key-differences-between-google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs) - [Google Keyword Planner Vs. Ahrefs At A Glance](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs-at-a-glance) - [How To Use Google Keyword Planner For SEO Research](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#how-to-use-google-keyword-planner-for-seo-research) - [How To Use Ahrefs For SEO Research](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner-vs-ahrefs#how-to-use-ahrefs-for-seo-research) ### Key Differences Between Google Keyword Planner vs. Ahrefs The biggest difference between [Google Keyword Planner](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-keyword-planner) and [Ahrefs](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/ahrefs-review) is that Google Keyword Planner is strictly a research tool, while Ahrefs lets you research and track specific terms. How the two platforms source their data is also different. Google Keyword Planner data comes from Google Ads. When you use the tool, you’re technically seeing information related to pay-per-click (PPC) keywords and searches. ![The Google Keyword Planner Homepage says "Choose the right keywords."](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/AVKDH0kSf6Qw5w9KQoy3) Ahrefs, on the other hand, collects data from multiple sources: their own search crawlers, Google Keywords Planner, Google Trends, Google Search Console, and more. ![ The blue and orange Ahrefs homepage features its user count and well-known customer logos.](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/BOITwF7ITi9gu6ouRJKm) Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs also differ in terms of price. Google Keyword Planner is a free tool, while Ahrefs paywalls many of its features. That said, Ahrefs offers a free plan that is suitable for many small business owners and marketers. ### Google Keyword Planner vs. Ahrefs At a Glance \| \| \| \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| \| Google Keyword Planner \| Ahrefs \| \| Data Source \| Google Ads \| Ahrefs crawlers, Google \| \| Best For \| PPC ad campaigns, light SEO research, low-competition keyword suggestions \| Intensive SEO and PPC keyword research, low-competition keyword suggestions \| \| Additional tools \| Google Ads planner \| Site audit, competitive analysis, brand monitoring, backlink analysis, rank tracking, local SEO strategy, and AI content assistant tools \| \| Popularity \| 23% growth in interest over the past 10 years \| 1,417% growth in interest over the past 10 years \| \| Pricing model \| Free \| Paid (free version available with limitations) \| \| Primary audience \| Search engine marketing (SEM) professionals, business owners \| SEO professionals, SEM professionals, business owners, digital marketers \| ### How to use Google Keyword Planner for SEO Research [Using Google Keyword Planner](https://www.semrush.com/blog/google-keyword-planner/) for SEO research is simple—it only requires a free Google Ads account. You don’t need to pay for any ads to use the tool. When using the Keyword Planner, you’ll have the option to start your search with a term or a website domain. ![The Google Keyword Planner Dashboard](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/1JtEYEdiSCuK66PsL4k0) #### Term-Focused Keyword Research Type any target keyword of interest into Google Keyword Planner to generate a list of related terms. ![The Google Keyword Planner search interface has fields for keyword and URL](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/w5zTKAoLSYSO4rJ9E3HN) You’ll be able to see valuable insights that include: - Average monthly search volume data - Rate of change over three months - Year-over-year change - Competition (keyword difficulty) level - Ad impression share - PPC bid ranges To make your results more accurate, you can add your domain each time you run a keyword search. This will remove any keywords that are unrelated to your products, services, or content. ![Google Keyword Planner list displaying metrics including search volume](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/3U0NrwUxSPGbkT8ro1e0) You can also transfer keywords to a "Forecast" report. These reports give you added information, including the expected popularity of a term in the future. A forecast report also lets you see: - Keyword search volume by location - Expected device usage by searchers - Popularity by location Using Google Keyword Planner in this way can help you find the best related keywords to use for SEO and other digital marketing campaigns. Tip: Searching for product-related terms in Google Keyword Planner gives you insights around what customers are interested in, including sizes, colors, and more. #### Website-Focused Keyword Research You can also generate lists of keywords using your website—either the entire domain or a single page. ![Google Keyword Planner list showing terms associated with the Exploding Topics domain](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/SiivCkbiQzysJfqXf0Wa) You’ll get a list of keywords related to your site, though Google Keyword Planner won't show you how your site ranks for these terms. (To see position information, you’ll need to use a tool like [Ahrefs or Semrush](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/ahrefs-vs-semrush).) Tip: If you need to see basic keyword metrics quickly, try our [free keyword research tool](https://explodingtopics.com/tools/keyword-research)! It’ll show you related terms, search volume, competition levels, cost-per-click (CPC), total results, and trend patterns. Remember, though, that Google Keyword Planner shows you data specific to Google searches. It doesn’t reflect the popularity of different terms across social media or other platforms. To see that, you’ll need a tool like [Exploding Topics](https://explodingtopics.com/). Exploding Topics shows you historical trend data from the past 15 years as well as projected popularity forecasts. We maintain a database of notable topics, but you can also search for any term with our [trend analysis](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/product-trend-analysis) tool. ![An Exploding Topics graph for TikTok SEO shows an upward growth pattern.](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/HEogFolrSmmG147aEQLU) #### One Big Problem With Google Keyword Planner Because Google Keyword Planner is a PPC tool, the competition scores it shows are for paid ads. That's fine if you're planning an ad campaign — and if you are, we suggest using the free [Google Ads competitor analysis](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/competitor-search-ads) tool. The issue for SEO purposes is that it's possible for a keyword to have a high PPC competition rate and a low organic search difficulty score at the same time. ### Want to Spy on Your Competition? Explore competitors’ website traffic stats, discover growth points, and expand your market share. Let’s use the term “swimming pool sales” as an example. I’m writing this in May, so summer vacation and swimming pool days are on people’s minds. From a paid ads perspective, this is a highly competitive keyword. I might have to pay over three dollars per click to run an ad for this term. ![The Google Keyword Planner results for "swimming pool sales."](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/8uXKO4svRCSVuqptNrmb) But the same term has a low keyword difficulty score for organic search, as we see in this screenshot from the Semrush [Keyword Overview](https://www.semrush.com/features/keyword-research/) tool: ![Semrush Keyword Overview results for "Swimming pool sales."](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/rDKs05WzSNeySdZmL0xM) We can also see that the organic search traffic for “swimming pool sales” is lower than the paid ad traffic reported by Google Keyword Planner. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though, and helps to make the keyword less competitive. If I were using Google Keyword Planner alone, I might skip this keyword and leave it out of my SEO strategy. That would be a mistake! The organic keyword data indicates that I could reasonably rank my website for this term through targeted content marketing or local SEO efforts. If I ignored the keyword, I would miss out on connecting with (and selling to) new customers. #### Google Keyword Planner Pros and Cons \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| Google Keyword Planner Pros \| Google Keyword Planner Cons \| \| Free \| Limited functionality \| \| Shows actual and projected keyword data \| Technically meant for PPC, not organic SEO research \| \| Quickly generates lists of related terms \| You may have to sift through PPC data that’s unrelated to your SEO needs \| \| Allows you to scan for keywords related to your site \| Data comes from a single source (Google) \| \| \| Reported PPC keyword data may not match organic search volume and competition \| ### How to use Ahrefs for SEO Research You can use Ahrefs to research keywords and track your site’s rank for those terms all in one spot. #### Searching for Keywords Using Ahrefs The Ahrefs Keyword Explorer tool provides far more detail about search terms than Google Keyword Planner. (Ahrefs is more comparable to a tool like [Semrush](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/semrush-review).) You can use Ahrefs to find both short- and long-tail keywords. Using the Keyword Explorer is simple—type in one or more search terms to begin your research. ![The Ahrefs Keywords Explorer start page with terms related to AI and SEO.](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/9cBpMOZBTQuOgtB3A37e) The resulting list will show you key metrics about each term, including: - Search intent (the goal of the searcher) - Keyword search volume - Competition (difficulty) - Popularity trends - Related topics Individual keyword detail pages use a colorful chart that shows you specific keyword difficulty and competition rates. This differs from Google Keyword Planner, which merely states a keyword is low, medium, or high competition. ![An Ahrefs Keyword Explorer detail page with charts, graphs, and related terms.](https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/JR2N9VvVToSxKHGMcixs) #### Tracking Keywords in Ahrefs You can save any of the keywords you research in Ahrefs and add them to a position tracking list. When combined with the keywords your site already ranks for (which you can also identify using Ahrefs), you’re able to better quantify the impact of your SEO efforts. ### Instantly Analyze Any Market The ability to track and measure position changes is essential when you’re developing and monitoring an SEO strategy. This is why I always recommend that anyone who’s serious about their SEO performance invest in a paid tool like Ahrefs or Semrush. Google Keyword Planner alone won’t cut it. #### Ahrefs Pricing Unlike Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs is not a free tool. The company does offer a free plan that lets you monitor the health of your website and its status in the search engine results page (SERP), but you can't conduct any keyword research. To get the most out of Ahrefs, you need a paid plan. Options start at \$108 per month when billed annually. #### Ahrefs Pros and Cons \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| Ahrefs Pros \| Ahrefs Cons \| \| Highly detailed keyword research results \| Limited free use \| \| Easy competitor analysis \| Paid plans can be expensive \| \| Separate organic SEO and PPC metrics \| Interface may be overwhelming for new users \| \| Additional tools for site auditing, backlink auditing, content optimization, and more \| \| ### FAQ #### How Reliable is Google Keyword Planner? Google Keyword Planner is a reliable way to look up PPC keyword data, as it pulls its information directly from the Google search engine and ads platform. It’s a good way to get the general feel for the organic search landscape—but some keywords will have very different organic vs. paid search volume and competition rates. #### Is Ahrefs’ Search Volume Data Accurate? Yes, Ahrefs is a reliable source of keyword information. An [Ahrefs report](https://help.ahrefs.com/en/articles/72571-how-accurate-is-keyword-search-volume-in-ahrefs) indicated that their search volume data was “roughly accurate” over 60% of the time, while Google Keyword Planner “drastically overestimated” search volume over 50% of the time. That said, it’s important to note that all keyword traffic metrics are ultimately an estimation. Tools like Ahrefs use various crawlers and data sources to compile the most likely search traffic and competition rates, but these can change over time. #### What Other Tools are There for Keyword Research? Google Keyword Planner is one of the few [Ahrefs alternatives](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/ahrefs-alternatives) that is completely free. Ahrefs and Semrush offer free plans that allow you to use a portion of the tool’s features at no cost. Many other SEO tools, like [SE Ranking](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/se-ranking-review), require a paid plan at signup. ### What to Consider When Choosing a Keyword Research Tool It’s important to consider long-term goals when evaluating the best keyword tool for your needs. If you’re interested in short-term ad campaigns or checking keyword volume at one spot in time, then Google Keyword Planner will serve your needs well. But if you want to improve your site’s SEO over the long term, you’ll be better served by Ahrefs. You’ll also want to consider the metrics that are important to your work. Google Keyword Planner shows you basic rank and competition data, but it doesn’t break down the search engine results page (SERP) landscape for you. And neither Google Keyword Planner nor Ahrefs can currently show you multichannel trend data and where your site stands in ChatGPT results. You can see all this data—SEO, PPC, LLM, and trend forecasts—in one spot when you use a combination of Semrush and Exploding Topics. Semrush offers a generous free plan, but you can also grab an extended 14-day free trial using our [exclusive coupon code](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/semrush-coupon). Add on a free seven-day [trial of Exploding Topics Pro](https://www.semrush.com/lp/exploding-topics-pricing/) at the same time to unlock an amazing level of data—and see exactly how much more you can do with the right SEO tools. Exploding Topics is owned by Semrush. Our mission is to provide accurate data and expert insights on emerging trends. Unless otherwise noted, this page’s content was written by either an employee or a paid contractor of Semrush Inc.
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