If you ask me which is the best alternative to Semrush, I would say Ahrefs. Also, if you are looking for a free alternative, Google Keyword Planner is the preferred choice, followed by UberSuggest and WriterZen (I have used all of them).
In this guide, let’s specifically compare the free Google Keyword Planner vs Ahrefs (limited free version).
Table of Contents
What Is Google Ads Keyword Planner?
Google Ads Keyword Planner helps you discover keyword ideas primarily for PPC campaigns.
Is Google Keyword Planner free?
Yes, it’s free to use with a Google Ads account. You don’t necessarily have to run ads to use the tool, but a Google account is required.
How does the Google Keyword Planner work?
You enter a seed keyword or a domain, and the tool instantly generates related search terms, with important metrics like search volume, competition, and bid ranges.
Which is the best alternative to Keyword Planner?
If you want free alternatives to Google Ads Keyword planner, Rank Math, WriterZen, and UberSuggest are the best keyword research tools. For paid SEO tools, Similarweb competitors like Semrush, Ahrefs, and KeywordTool are the best ones.
What Is Ahrefs?
Honestly, I still don’t have an Ahrefs Premium plan subscription and am using its free version with limited functionalities.
Unlike Google Keyword Planner (designed specifically for AdWords), Ahrefs fetches data from multiple sources.
Ahrefs includes:
- Keyword Explorer (track organic & paid keywords).
- Monitor referring domains, location-based traffic, branded & non-branded searches, etc.
- Backlink analysis (new & broken)
- Competitor analysis (compare your site with other sites’ performance).
- Internal & external link tracking.
- Latest brand mention tracking on LLMs.
As you can see, this site is cited 6 times on ChatGPT and 1 time on Copilot. Google’s December Core Update 2025 has changed the game with AI citations taking over traditional SEO.
Google Keyword Planner vs Ahrefs: Top 3 Differences
1. Target Audience
Google Keyword Planner is designed for PPC advertisers, affiliates, and agencies planning to run paid ad campaigns.
Ahrefs is built for bloggers, affiliates, SEO professionals, and agencies focused on detailed site analytics and performance reports.
2. Data Sources
Google Keyword Planner collects data from Google Ads, meaning its keyword volumes and competition data are subject to paid search metrics.
Ahrefs collects data using its web crawlers from Google and other search engines.
3. Keyword Volume Accuracy
Ahrefs generally provides more granular estimates and separates organic metrics from paid metrics, whereas Google Keyword Planner gives broader search volume and competition buckets that are more relevant to advertisers.
My Verdict:
As you can see from the attached image, when I searched for affiliate marketing, the keyword ideas shown included:
- Top related keywords
- Avg monthly searches
- 3-month change
- YoY (year over year) change
- Competition (low, medium, high)
- Ad impression share (blank in this case)
- Top of page bid (low range)
- Top of page bid (high range)
From the above metrics, it can be clearly understood that these metrics are focused on Google Ads. However, Ahrefs keyword explorer results are not just advertiser-focused and therefore are a clear winner.
Does Google Keyword Planner show AI citations?
No, the keyword planner only provides ad-based keyword results and lacks the feature that its competitor, Ahrefs, provides.
Ahrefs vs Google Keyword Planner Comparison Table
| Feature | Google Keyword Planner | Ahrefs |
|---|---|---|
| Search Volume Data | PPC focused | SEO-focused |
| Keyword Explorer | Displays avg monthly searches and competition | Broad and in-depth keyword ideas with advanced metrics |
| Site Audits | ❌ | ✅ |
| Backlink Monitoring | ❌ | ✅ |
| URL Tracking | ❌ | ✅ |
| AI Citations | ❌ | ✅ |
| Competitor Analysis | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly | Advanced SEO features |
| Pricing | Free for a lifetime | The free version has limitations. Plans start from $129/month. |
Which Tool Should You Use?
Google Keyword Planner can be used for:
- When you want basic keyword ideas fast.
- Planning to run a Google Ads campaign.
- No budget for a premium SEO tools subscription.
- Free keyword spying on a competitor’s site.
It’s especially helpful if you are comparing Semrush vs Google Keyword Planner or just exploring entry-level tools.
Ahrefs can be used for:
- In-depth organic keyword research.
- Compare your site with competitors’ site rankings.
- Monitor the new and lost backlinks.
- Understand how LLMs are mentioning your site using AI citations.
Ahrefs is a must-have SEO tool for professionals and agencies focused on organic growth and insights.
Google Keyword Planner vs Ahrefs: Pros & Cons
Google Keyword Planner
| 👍 PROS | 👎 CONS |
|---|---|
| Free with a Google Ads account | Useful mainly for PPC. |
| No credit card required. | No site audit, backlink, or AI citations. |
| Easy to understand keyword data. | |
| Competitor keyword tracking |
Ahrefs
| 👍 PROS | 👎 CONS |
|---|---|
| In-depth SEO insights | Paid subscription is not affordable. |
| Accurate keyword metrics (organic & paid) | Ahrefs’ alternative, UberSuggest, offers 3 daily free searches. |
| Competitor site analytics. | |
| Rank tracking based on location, etc. |
Conclusion: Is Google Keyword Planner better than Ahrefs?
Go with Google Keyword Planner if you want free, basic keyword research and are focused on running an ad campaign.
Ahrefs is best if you need detailed SEO insights, backlink monitoring, competitor keyword tracking, site audits, and AI citations.
FAQs | Google Keyword Planner vs Ahrefs
Is Google Keyword Planner accurate?
It’s accurate for PPC data but less precise for organic keyword volume and competition.
Does Google Keyword Planner cost money?
No, it’s free to use, and does not require a credit card when signing up.
Ahrefs vs Google Keyword Planner for SEO – which is best?
Ahrefs, because it provides detailed SEO metrics like keyword difficulty, SERP analysis, and competitor insights.
