Best Keyword Ranking Tools to Track Your SEO Performance

I’ve spent more hours than I care to admit reviewing keyword ranking tools, setting them up, and sometimes cursing my screen when a new update went sideways.

Over the years, I’ve learned that no single rank tracker fits everyone’s needs. Some people want a free, no-frills option.

Others demand extra bells and whistles like local rank monitoring, competitor analysis, and multi-device tracking. In this post, I’ll walk you through 19 of the best keyword ranking tools out there.

I’ll share some of my experiences, point out each product’s unique strengths, and help you decide which one might work best for your own situation.

We’ll cover everything from simple, cost-free options to sophisticated platforms that handle massive lists of keywords across multiple markets.

And yes, I’ve personally tested, trialed, and toiled with virtually every tool that has “rank tracking” stamped on it.

So sit back, grab a cup of coffee (or tea if that’s your thing), and let’s check out these tools together.

Why Do You Need a Keyword Ranking Tool?

Let’s be crystal clear: You need a keyword ranking tool if you care about how you appear in search results. Manual checks can get the job done if you track a couple of keywords, but for serious SEO, you need something more reliable.

• A ranking tool helps you measure success. Are your tweaks improving your positions or not?
• It saves time and avoids the dreaded “incognito window + random Google searches” approach.
• It gives you quick insight into trends, competitor movement, and potential pitfalls.

If you’re an agency, freelancer, or experienced marketer, you already know that consistent rank tracking is the backbone of SEO reporting. Let’s jump into the 19 tools.

1. SEO.AI

I currently work at SEO.AI, and while it might make me a bit biased to feature it first, I truly believe it’s one of the best platforms for AI-powered SEO.

Recognized as the #1 platform for AI SEO, it combines advanced content optimization with data-driven insights to help both small website owners and large enterprises rank higher:

• AI Writing & Optimization: Write and optimize everything—from articles to large product feeds—so they’re appealing to users and align with search engine algorithms.
• Data-Driven SEO Scores: The system tells you exactly what to modify in your content, saving you from guesswork and endless research.
• Built-in AI Chat: No more switching tabs or copy/pasting; handle every edit with the AI Chat feature inside the platform for a streamlined workflow.

When working on large e-commerce sites, I’ve seen it generate thousands of optimized descriptions at scale. Whether you’re new to SEO or a seasoned pro, SEO.AI’s combination of automation, analytics, and simplicity can be a game-changer.

Also read: Our guide to the best SEO tools

2. Ahrefs

I’ve used Ahrefs for years, partly because it does much more than track rankings:

• Rank Tracking: Monitors keywords across Google, YouTube, Amazon, and more.
• Site Explorer: Reveals your keywords, competitor keywords, and backlink data.
• Keyword Research: Keyword Research helps you find high-traffic, low-competition keywords.

3. SEMrush

SEMrush often tops “best tool” lists and for good reason. It is a powerhouse that offers:

• Position Tracking: Monitors daily changes in positions for selected keywords.
• Local SEO: Tracks rankings at the city level (great for businesses with a local presence).
• Competitor Insights: Compare your domain to your rivals within one dashboard.

4. SERPWatcher by Mangools

Mangools, the team behind KWFinder, also offers SERPWatcher for rank tracking. It is simpler than the heavy hitters, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing:

• Clean Interface: You don’t get lost in an overload of data.
• KWFinder Integration: Smoothly transfers you from finding long-tail keywords to tracking them.
• Keyword Performance Index: Consolidates your keyword performance into one easy-to-read metric.

5. Google Search Console

Yes, Google Search Console is free. Surprised it’s on this list? Don’t be. While it won’t plot your ranks on a day-to-day graph, it does show you:

• Track Positions: See your average search position for each keyword.
• Click-Through Rates: It is the simplest method to check which pages are getting impressions but few clicks.
• Official Data: Direct information from Google.

6. AccuRanker

If you want speed, AccuRanker claims to be the fastest rank tracker. I’ve used it for:

• Daily & On-Demand Updates: Refresh your data whenever necessary.
• Detailed Analytics: Monitors SERP features like featured snippets, local packs, and more.
• Multiple Search Engines: Covers Google, Bing, Yandex, and others.

7. SE Ranking

SE Ranking is a cloud-based platform that meets most SEO needs:

• Accurate Local Tracking: Useful when you focus on specific geographic areas.
• Backlink Monitoring: Keeps an eye on your inbound links.
• Website Audit: Identifies technical issues that might be affecting your rankings.

8. Rank Ranger

Rank Ranger is a robust option with a lot of customization features. If you are data-focused, you will find plenty to like:

• Scheduled Reporting: Automate daily, weekly, or monthly updates.
• Integration With Google Analytics & Search Console: Combines data into one dashboard.
• Multiple Search Engines & Devices: Monitors mobile and desktop ranks separately.

9. ProRankTracker

ProRankTracker is another tool focused on advanced rank tracking. Its main strengths include:

• White Label Reporting: Agencies can brand the reports as their own.
• Mobile App: Access real-time ranking updates on your phone.
• Global & Local Tracking: Pinpoints results by location and language.

10. Moz Pro

Moz has been a trusted name in SEO for many years, and Moz Pro includes a rank tracking feature (formerly known as Moz Rank Tracker):

• Keyword Tracking & SERP Analysis: Monitor both your performance and that of your competitors.
• Moz Domain Authority & Page Authority: Quickly gauge the authority of your site and its pages.
• On-Page Optimization: Review your pages to ensure they follow best practices.

11. Wincher

I first came across Wincher when I needed a simple, cost-effective solution:

• Daily Rank Updates: Provides clear daily snapshots of your keyword positions.
• Competitor Tracking: Monitor up to ten competitor websites per project.
• Intuitive Dashboard: Focuses solely on rank data.

12. Advanced Web Ranking

Advanced Web Ranking (AWR) has been popular among experienced SEOs for over a decade:

• Location & Language Parameters: Excellent if you work on international projects.
• White Label & Customizable Reports: Useful for agencies.
• Handling Massive Keyword Sets: Manages thousands of keywords without slowing down.

13. AgencyAnalytics

As the name implies, AgencyAnalytics is built with marketing agencies in mind:

• Client Reporting: Provides automated, visually appealing reports for clients.
• Integrations: Connects with Google Analytics, Search Console, social media channels, and more.
• Rank Tracking: Monitors local, mobile, and global rankings.

14. Serpstat

Serpstat is an all-in-one SEO tool that includes a rank tracker:

• Keyword & Competitor Research: Quickly identify new competitors in your market.
• Site Audit: Scans for technical issues that could affect your SEO efforts.
• Batch Analysis: Allows you to evaluate multiple domains or URLs at once.

15. Nightwatch

Nightwatch provides advanced rank tracking with some interesting features:

• Dynamic Segmentation: Group keywords using tags or custom parameters.
• Local Rankings: Monitor your position in specific ZIP codes or neighborhoods.
• Data Visualization: Clear charts that help you spot trends quickly.

16. Authority Labs

Authority Labs is a straightforward rank monitoring tool. Its benefits include:

• Daily Updates: Keep track of search engine movements every day.
• Global & Local Coverage: Monitors results in various countries or cities.
• Competitor Tracking: Easily add competitor sites to benchmar

17. Keyword.com

Keyword.com (formerly SerpBook) is designed with a focus on rank tracking:

• Accurate, Real-Time Results: Monitor your positions without delay.
• Easy Client Sharing: Create unique links for clients to view their rankings.
• SERP Features: Identify if your keyword has a featured snippet, a “People also ask” box, and more.

18. SERPwoo

SERPwoo is different because it focuses on the entire search results page, not just your position:

• SERP Monitoring: Watches all pages ranking for your keywords and how they shift over time.
• Brand Monitoring: Keeps track of brand mention frequency and sentiment.
• Competitive Intelligence: Alerts you when new players enter your space.

19. SerpBook (Legacy Version)

References to SerpBook might appear as if it is a separate product from Keyword.com.

That is because Keyword.com rebranded from SerpBook. If you come across the older platform or older brand mentions, they refer to the same tool updated with a new name.

I used SerpBook back in the day; it provided reliable rank tracking. If you see older references or tutorials, remember they pertain to the current Keyword.com.

Comparison Table

Sometimes, it is easier to see everything at once. Here’s a summary table of core features. Think of it as a quick reference:

Choosing the Right Tool

When deciding which keyword ranking tool to select, consider the following factors:

• Budget: If you're working with a limited budget, consider using free tools like Google Search Console or affordable options such as Wincher.
• Scope: For managing a large number of keywords, tools like AccuRanker, Advanced Web Ranking, or AgencyAnalytics are ideal for extensive monitoring.
• Feature Requirements: If you need features like competitor analysis or local rank tracking, SEMrush, SE Ranking, or Nightwatch might be the best fit.
• Client Reporting: To create impressive client reports with your branding, consider using AgencyAnalytics or ProRankTracker, which offer easy customization options.

FAQ

What are the best keyword rankings tools available?

The best keyword rankings tools include Ahrefs, SEMrush, Moz, and Google Keyword Planner. Each tool offers unique features to help you track and improve your keyword rankings.

How do keyword ranking tools help in SEO?

Keyword ranking tools help in SEO by providing insights into which keywords are driving traffic to your site, tracking your rankings over time, and identifying opportunities for optimization.

Can I use free keyword ranking tools?

Yes, there are free keyword ranking tools available, such as Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest, which offer basic features for keyword research and tracking.

How often should I check my keyword rankings?

It's recommended to check your keyword rankings regularly, such as weekly or monthly, to monitor changes and adjust your SEO strategy accordingly.

What features should I look for in a keyword ranking tool?

Look for features such as accurate rank tracking, competitor analysis, keyword suggestions, and integration with other SEO tools when choosing a keyword ranking tool.