A Keyword Difficulty Tool analyzes how hard it would be to rank for a specific keyword on Google. It calculates a difficulty score based on:
- Domain authority of top-ranking pages
- Backlinks
- Content relevance
- Search intent match
In 2025, AI keyword tools make this smarter by understanding semantic relevance, voice search trends, and Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) behavior.
How Does AI Improve Keyword Difficulty Analysis?
AI-powered tools don’t just rely on link metrics anymore. They also:
- Use Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyze topical depth
- Understand search intent using behavioral data
- Predict ranking probability with machine learning
Example: AI tools know that “best AI tool for Instagram growth” is easier to rank than “AI tools”, even if both get high traffic.
Know About: How Do AI Tools Generate Long-Tail Keywords?.
What Are the Best Free AI Keyword Difficulty Tools in 2025?
Here’s a curated list of free AI-powered tools to check keyword difficulty:
1. WriterZen (Free Trial)
- AI Feature: Golden Keyword Analysis
- Strength: Combines search volume + competition + authority
- Free Plan: 7-day trial with limited credits
- Use Case: Discover low-competition, high-value keywords in clusters
2. LowFruits.io (Freemium)
- AI Feature: SERP competition analysis
- Strength: Finds keywords where low-DA sites are ranking
- Free Plan: 10 credits/month
- Use Case: Identify easy-to-rank long-tail keywords
3. Frase (Free Plan)
- AI Feature: Topic score + SERP comparator
- Strength: Content optimization + difficulty estimation
- Free Plan: 1 query/day
- Use Case: Analyze ranking difficulty from a content match perspective
4. Google Keyword Planner (Free)
- AI Insight: CPC + competition score
- Strength: Google’s own data
- Use Case: Quick view of keyword competitiveness (not as advanced as AI tools)
5. Ubersuggest (Free Tier)
- AI Feature: Keyword difficulty + SEO analysis
- Strength: Basic AI suggestions and SERP data
- Free Plan: 3 searches/day
- Use Case: Starter tool for beginners doing basic keyword checks
How to Use Free AI Keyword Difficulty Tools Step-by-Step
Step 1: Choose Your Tool
For AI-backed difficulty:
- WriterZen for content cluster analysis
- LowFruits for long-tail and weak-SERP detection
- Frase for content-driven scoring
Step 2: Enter Your Keyword
Example: best free AI writing tool for blogs
Tools like LowFruits will:
- Analyze current SERP results
- Flag low-authority domains (DA < 20)
- Assign a difficulty score (0–100 or color-coded)
Step 3: Evaluate AI-Based Metrics
Look for:
- Keyword Difficulty (KD): Lower is easier
- Golden Keywords (WriterZen): High volume + low competition
- SERP Weak Spots: Low-content pages ranking
- Intent Match: Are users looking for info, tools, or services?
Step 4: Prioritize Based on Difficulty Score
| Difficulty Score | Competitiveness | Recommended For |
| 0–20 | Very Easy | New blogs, local SEO |
| 21–40 | Easy | Growing websites |
| 41–60 | Moderate | Mid-DA domains |
| 61–80 | Hard | Strong content sites |
| 81–100 | Very Hard | Only for high-authority domains |
Pro Tip: Combine Tools for Smarter Planning
Use:
- LowFruits + WriterZen → to find weak SERPs + golden opportunities
- Frase → to build optimized content
- Google Trends + Keyword Planner → to validate intent and traffic potential
Real-World Example: Low Competition Keyword Found
Goal: Rank for an AI-related keyword in the content creation niche
- Tool Used: WriterZen Golden Filter
- Keyword Found: “free AI YouTube script generator”
- Metrics:
- Difficulty: 22
- Volume: 1,300/mo
- SERP shows 3 low-authority blogs in top 10
- Difficulty: 22
- Strategy: Create a “Best Free AI Tools to Generate YouTube Scripts in 2025” post with FAQ schema
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are these AI keyword difficulty tools really free?
Yes, but most offer limited credits or daily usage. For deeper research, you’ll need to upgrade or combine multiple tools.
Can I trust keyword difficulty scores?
Yes — when combined with manual SERP review. AI tools help, but you should always:
- Check who’s ranking
- Analyze content length and quality
- Consider your domain’s authority
What’s the best tool for beginners?
LowFruits is ideal. It’s simple, shows “weak spots” in the SERP, and even flags forum pages, which are easy to outrank.
What is a good keyword difficulty score to target?
- For new sites: Under 30
- For growing blogs: 30–50
- For authority sites: Up to 70 is doable with strong content
Conclusion:
Are Free AI Keyword Difficulty Tools Worth It in 2025
Absolutely. These tools give you an unfair advantage when:
- You’re just starting out
- You want to find low-competition SEO opportunities
- You want to write content that actually ranks