Ahrefs free keyword tools vs Exploding Topics
Two idea-validation tools side by side: pricing, what they are good at, and where they fall short.
Ahrefs free keyword tools
Free keyword volume and difficulty samples from Ahrefs
Pros
- Free tools show volume and difficulty for the top results
- Reliable data behind them
- Full suite is the industry standard
Cons
- Free tools are limited samples
- Full plans are expensive for a pre-launch idea
Exploding Topics
Trend discovery before terms peak
Pros
- Curated rising topics with growth figures
- Useful for timing and new angles
Cons
- Pro plan needed for most data
- Trends are not demand in your city
Our pick: Ahrefs free keyword tools for rough monthly search volumes for a niche