What are the best free SEO tools in 2026?

The best free SEO tools in 2026 include Scanly (AI website audits), Google Search Console (search performance), Google Analytics (traffic analysis), Google PageSpeed Insights (Core Web Vitals), and Ahrefs Webmaster Tools (backlink data). These tools provide professional-grade SEO capabilities at zero cost.

What is the best all-in-one SEO tool?

The best all-in-one SEO platform depends on your needs and budget. Ahrefs excels in backlink analysis, SEMrush offers the most comprehensive marketing toolkit, Moz Pro is beginner-friendly with Domain Authority, and SE Ranking provides affordable mid-market features for smaller teams.

How do I choose the right SEO tool?

Start by identifying your primary need: technical audits, keyword research, backlink analysis, or content optimization. Free tools like Scanly and Google Search Console cover 80% of SEO needs. As you grow, consider paid tools that fill specific gaps in your workflow. Use this directory to compare features, pricing, and outcomes side-by-side.

Are AI SEO tools worth it for small businesses?

Absolutely. AI SEO tools level the playing field for small businesses by automating technical audits, content optimization, and competitor analysis that used to require expensive agencies. Tools like Scanly, Frase.io, and ChatGPT-powered workflows can deliver professional-grade SEO at a fraction of the cost.

SEO Tools Directory

Researched profiles for every SEO tool — what each is actually good at.

50 tools16 free3 top picks

50 of 50 tools

Browse curated lists:

#	Tool	Category	Pricing	Best For	Outcome
1	ScanlyTop AI-powered website analyzer delivering 4 audits in 60 seconds: SEO, Core Web Vitals, WCAG accessibility, and security headers. Ideal for small teams and non-technical users.	SEO Audit	Free	Technical SEOCore Web VitalsAccessibility	SEOPerformanceAccessibilitySecurity
2	Google Search ConsoleTop Free tool from Google to monitor search performance, indexing status, and fix issues. Essential for understanding how Google crawls and indexes your site.	SEO Audit	Free	Search PerformanceIndex CoverageCore Web Vitals	SEOTraffic
3	Google AnalyticsTop Industry-standard web analytics platform. Track traffic sources, user behavior, conversions, and audience insights to inform your SEO strategy.	SEO Audit	Free	Traffic AnalysisUser BehaviorConversion Tracking	TrafficSEO
4	Ahrefs Comprehensive SEO toolset known for its massive backlink database, keyword research, content explorer, and site audit capabilities. Industry standard for link building.	All-in-One	From $99/mo	Backlink AnalysisCompetitor ResearchKeyword Research	SEOLinksTraffic
5	SEMrush All-in-one marketing toolkit for SEO, PPC, content, social media, and competitive research. Strong in keyword gap analysis and domain comparisons.	All-in-One	From $119/mo	Keyword ResearchCompetitor AnalysisSEO Audit	SEOTrafficLinks
6	Moz Pro Popular SEO software with keyword research, link building, site audits, and rank tracking. Known for Domain Authority metric and beginner-friendly interface.	All-in-One	From $99/mo	Domain AuthorityKeyword ResearchSite Audits	SEOLinks
7	Screaming Frog Industry-leading website crawler for technical SEO audits. Crawls URLs to analyze meta data, headings, links, images, and more. Essential for large site migrations.	Technical SEO	Free / £149/yr	Site CrawlingTechnical SEOSite Migrations	SEOTechnical
8	Google PageSpeed Insights Google tool that analyzes page speed and Core Web Vitals. Provides lab and field data with specific optimization recommendations for mobile and desktop.	Performance	Free	Core Web VitalsPage SpeedMobile Performance	PerformanceSEO
9	GTmetrix Performance analysis tool with detailed waterfall charts, video recordings, and actionable recommendations. Tests from multiple global locations.	Performance	Free / From $14/mo	Performance AuditsWaterfall AnalysisCore Web Vitals	PerformanceSEO
10	Lighthouse Open-source automated tool from Google for auditing performance, accessibility, SEO, and best practices. Built into Chrome DevTools.	SEO Audit	Free	Audit AutomationPerformanceAccessibility	SEOPerformanceAccessibility
11	WAVE Web accessibility evaluation tool from WebAIM. Provides visual feedback about accessibility issues directly on the page with icons and indicators.	Accessibility	Free	WCAG ComplianceAccessibility AuditsContrast Checking	AccessibilitySEO
12	axe DevTools Leading accessibility testing engine browser extension. Integrates into development workflow with automated WCAG compliance checks.	Accessibility	Free	WCAG TestingDeveloper WorkflowAutomated Audits	Accessibility
13	SecurityHeaders.com Free tool to analyze HTTP security headers. Checks CSP, HSTS, X-Frame-Options, and more. Provides a letter grade (A+) for your security posture.	Security	Free	Security HeadersCSP AnalysisHSTS Check	SecuritySEO
14	Qualys SSL Labs Deep analysis of SSL/TLS configuration. Tests certificate validity, cipher strength, protocol support, and vulnerabilities.	Security	Free	SSL/TLS TestingCertificate ValidationCipher Strength	SecuritySEO
15	AnswerThePublic Keyword research tool that visualizes search questions and prepositions. Excellent for content ideation and finding long-tail question-based queries.	Keyword Research	Free / From $9/mo	Content IdeationQuestion KeywordsLong-tail Research	SEOTraffic
16	Ubersuggest Affordable SEO tool by Neil Patel for keyword research, content ideas, backlink data, and site audits. Good budget-friendly alternative to Ahrefs.	Keyword Research	From $12/mo	Keyword ResearchContent IdeasBudget SEO	SEOTrafficLinks
17	Google Keyword Planner Free keyword research tool from Google Ads. Provides search volume data, competition levels, and bid estimates directly from Google.	Keyword Research	Free	Search VolumeKeyword IdeasAd Research	SEOTraffic
18	Majestic Specialized backlink analysis tool with the largest link index database. Known for Trust Flow and Citation Flow metrics.	Backlinks	From $49/mo	Backlink AnalysisTrust FlowLink Context	LinksSEO
19	Linkody Backlink monitoring tool that tracks link building campaigns, analyzes competitor backlinks, and sends alerts when links are lost or gained.	Backlinks	From $14/mo	Link MonitoringBacklink AlertsCompetitor Links	LinksSEO
20	Nightwatch Enterprise-grade rank tracking tool with accurate daily position tracking, local SEO tracking, and comprehensive reporting for agencies.	Rank Tracking	From $47/mo	Rank TrackingLocal RankingsAgency Reporting	SEOTraffic

Try Scanly — Your Free AI SEO Audit Tool

Scan any website in 60 seconds. Get AI-powered recommendations for SEO, Core Web Vitals, accessibility, and security — completely free.

Get My Free SEO Report

No credit card required · 7-day free trial · Cancel anytime