KWFinder vs Semrush:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Semrush had more branded searches than KWFinder among keyword research tools worldwide. Semrush had about 838,000 branded searches, while KWFinder had 5,400. Semrush made up 43.3% of all keyword research tool searches we track, and KWFinder accounted for 0.28%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about keyword research tools, Semrush appeared in all five answers and KWFinder in three. Semrush was mentioned before KWFinder in every answer.
Who do people search for more?
Semrush, about 155 searches for every 1 for KWFinder
Who does AI mention more?
Semrush, mentioned in every answer we collected
Who does AI recommend more?
Semrush, named ahead of KWFinder in every answer
Follow KWFinder vs Semrush and get free monthly updates on what changed
By continuing you'll get index updates and occasional product news from Brandwave. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy
Top keyword research tools in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, Semrush appeared in all five answers. KWFinder was mentioned in three out of five: in all three ChatGPT answers, but not in either of the two Google AI Overviews. Semrush was listed before KWFinder in every answer.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Semrush1st
Google Keyword Planner2nd
Ahrefs3rd
KWFinder4th
Ubersuggest5th
AnswerThePublic6th
Moz–
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
Semrush5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
Google Keyword Planner5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
Ahrefs4 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
Ubersuggest3 of 5Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
KWFinder3 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
AnswerThePublic2 of 5Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
Moz0 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
See every answer about keyword research tools
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which keyword research tool should I use?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best keyword research tools?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best keyword research tool for search optimisation?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“keyword research tools”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“seo keyword tool”
Not named in any answer:
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in the United States on October 21, 2026.
Is KWFinder or Semrush more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for KWFinder and Semrush by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all seven keyword research tools we track, month by month, from English-language searches worldwide.
Share of searches by month for Semrush, KWFinder. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Semrush | Google Keyword Planner | Ahrefs | Ubersuggest | AnswerThePublic | Moz | KWFinder |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 35.9% | 18.7% | 21.6% | 10.6% | 7.1% | 5.8% | 0.42% |
| Nov 2025 | 37.9% | 17.1% | 18.5% | 11% | 9% | 6% | 0.44% |
| Dec 2025 | 38.5% | 17.3% | 15.8% | 11.2% | 9.2% | 7.5% | 0.45% |
| Jan 2026 | 33.5% | 17.3% | 20.5% | 12% | 9.8% | 6.6% | 0.39% |
| Feb 2026 | 34.7% | 17.9% | 21.2% | 10.1% | 10.1% | 5.5% | 0.41% |
| Mar 2026 | 52.9% | 12.6% | 15.8% | 8.7% | 5.8% | 3.9% | 0.23% |
| Apr 2026 | 38.6% | 15.3% | 20.8% | 10.6% | 8.6% | 5.8% | 0.28% |
| May 2026 | 34.9% | 17.2% | 23.3% | 9.7% | 8% | 6.5% | 0.26% |
| Jun 2026 | 37.3% | 16.8% | 20.7% | 10% | 8.2% | 6.7% | 0.27% |
| Jul 2026 | 34.7% | 19.7% | 24.4% | 7.9% | 6.5% | 6.5% | 0.26% |
| Aug 2026 | 38.5% | 17.7% | 20.7% | 8.7% | 7.1% | 7.1% | 0.28% |
| Sep 2026 | 43.3% | 18.4% | 18.2% | 8.5% | 5.7% | 5.7% | 0.28% |
How has the KWFinder and Semrush comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- Semrush was ahead of KWFinder in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, KWFinder’s share of searches among keyword research tools worldwide moved from 0.42% to 0.28%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 9.9K to 5.4K.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Semrush’s share of searches among keyword research tools worldwide moved from 35.9% to 43.3%, and its estimated monthly branded searches held steady at 838K.
How did search popularity change for keyword research tools worldwide in September 2026?
2 changes

In September 2026, Semrush gained share of searches among keyword research tools worldwide, from 38.5% to 43.3%.

Estimated monthly branded searches for KWFinder worldwide fell 45.5% over 12 measured months, from 9.9K to 5.4K in September 2026.
How are branded searches counted?
3 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using KWFinder’s and Semrush’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Other head-to-heads among keyword research tools

Put your own brand in this comparison
Brandwave tracks your branded demand next to the rival you actually watch, with your campaigns, spend and outcomes on the same timeline.