6 Best Keyword Clustering Tools for 2025

What is a Keyword clustering?

Keyword clustering is a search engine optimization (SEO) technique that involves grouping related keywords based on their semantic relevance and shared search intent. This strategy helps optimize content for multiple, interconnected search queries.

Search engines prioritise fresh, updated content, making data accuracy crucial for keyword clustering success. Quality tools maintain current SERP data specific to each country and language, ensuring clusters reflect real-world search patterns. 

The foundation of effective keyword clustering lies in sophisticated SERP analysis. Advanced tools use real-time data to understand how search engines interpret different queries. Rather than relying solely on semantic relationships, these tools analyze live SERP data to identify keywords that consistently rank together.

What do keyword clustering tools do?

Keyword clustering tools are specialized software designed to automate the process of grouping related keywords based on their semantic similarity, search intent, or shared SERP (Search Engine Results Page) data.

They also help keep content relevant and competitive by providing regular updates and clear data analysis. They show keyword relationships visually, making content planning and optimisation easier.

Key Functions of Keyword Clustering Tools:

1. Automated Keyword Grouping: Tools use Natural Language Processing (NLP) or SERP analysis to identify relationships between keywords and group them into clusters based on shared characteristics or search results.
2. SERP-Based Clustering: They analyze top-ranking pages in search results for multiple keywords. If similar URLs appear for different queries, the keywords are grouped together, reflecting shared search intent.
3. Semantic Analysis: Some tools use machine learning or AI models to assess linguistic connections between keywords, grouping them by morphology (shared roots or stems) or semantic meaning.
4. Customization Options: Users can adjust parameters like connection strength, clustering levels, geolocation, and language to tailor clusters for specific SEO goals.
5. Visualization and Export: Tools often provide visual representations of clusters (e.g., mind maps) and allow exporting data for further use in SEO campaigns.

Best keyword clustering tools

Here’s a detailed comparison of six top keyword clustering tools, including their features, advantages, disadvantages, and pricing.

1. Keywordly

Keywordly

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Key Features:

1. Keyword list management: Users can create multiple keyword lists and use them to create keyword clusters automatically.
2. SERP-Based Clustering: Utilizes live, country-specific search engine results pages (SERPs) to group keywords based on actual ranking data, ensuring accurate clustering.
3. AI-Driven Content Generation: Offers AI-powered features to generate content outlines and articles based on clustered keywords, streamlining the content creation process.
4. Rich Visualizations: Provides intuitive visual representations of keyword clusters, allowing users to identify relationships and subtopics without extensive spreadsheet analysis.
5. CSV Export: Enables downloading of cluster structures in CSV format for easy sharing and further analysis.

Pros:

• Accurate Clustering: By leveraging live SERP data, Keywordly ensures precise grouping of keywords, enhancing the effectiveness of SEO strategies.
• Comprehensive Content Tools: The integration of AI-driven content briefs and article generation facilitates efficient content planning and production.
• User-Friendly Visuals: The platform's visualizations make it easier to comprehend complex keyword relationships, aiding in strategic decision-making.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: Users new to SEO tools might require time to fully utilize all features effectively.

Pricing: $14–$129/month (custom plans available).

2. Semrush Keyword Manager

Key Features:

• Keyword Clustering: Groups keywords based on similar SERP results, indicating shared search intent, which aids in organizing content around central themes.
• Comprehensive Keyword Analysis: Provides detailed metrics for each keyword, including search intent, volume, keyword difficulty, CPC, SERP features, top competitors, and search trends.
• List Management and Sharing: Allows users to create multiple keyword lists (up to 2,000 keywords per list) and share them with team members, facilitating collaboration.

Pros:

• Intuitive Visualization: Offers mind maps and tables to visualize keyword clusters, simplifying the understanding of keyword relationships. ​
• Robust Research Tools: Integrates seamlessly with SEMrush's extensive keyword research and discovery features, enhancing the depth of analysis.
• Content Workflow Integration: Streamlines content creation by integrating with tools like the SEO Writing Assistant, ensuring content aligns with SEO best practices.

Cons:

• Pricing: Access to the Keyword Strategy Builder requires a paid SEMrush subscription, which may be costly for small businesses or individual users.
• Customization Limitations: Offers limited options for customizing keyword clustering parameters, which might not meet all specific user needs.
• Keyword Upload Limit: Restricts uploads to 2,000 keywords per list, potentially limiting extensive keyword analyses.

Pricing: $129.95–$499.95/month (17% discount on annual billing).

3. Keyword Insights

Key Features:

• Keyword Clustering: Utilizes live SERP data to group keywords based on shared ranking URLs, allowing for targeted content creation.
• Search Intent Detection: Employs machine learning to determine user intent behind keywords, aiding in aligning content with audience needs.
• Content Optimization: Provides AI-generated content briefs and optimization suggestions to improve existing content.
• Competitor Analysis: Offers insights into competitors' keyword strategies, helping identify opportunities for improvement.
• Flexible Clustering Algorithms: Supports both Centroid and Agglomerative clustering algorithms, allowing customization based on specific needs.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Feature Set: Offers a wide range of tools catering to various aspects of SEO and content optimization.
• User-Friendly Interface: Designed for ease of use, making navigation and utilization straightforward.
• Extensive Knowledge Base: Provides ample resources for users to maximize the tool's potential.
• Flexible Pricing: Offers both subscription and pay-as-you-go options, accommodating different budgets and needs.
• Scalability: Capable of clustering up to 200,000 keywords at a time, suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises.

Cons:

• Limited Integrations: Lacks seamless integration with platforms like WordPress or Google Docs, which may affect workflow for some users.
• Customer Support: While documentation is comprehensive, direct customer support is limited, potentially posing challenges for users requiring immediate assistance.
• Paid Trial: The trial period requires a nominal fee, which might deter potential users who prefer entirely free trials.
• Lack of Built-in Content Analytics: Does not include built-in content analytics and writing tools, necessitating the use of additional tools for comprehensive content analysis.

Pricing: $46–$299/month (20% discount on annual billing).

4. SE Ranking’s Keyword Grouping Tool

Here's a breakdown of the SE Ranking Keyword Grouper tool, based on the provided information:

Key Features:

• Keyword Clustering: Segments keywords for website distribution, SEO architecture planning, and PPC campaign grouping.
• Speed: Processes keyword grouping rapidly, saving time compared to manual methods.
• Accuracy: Reduces errors in grouping by considering synonyms and related terms.
• Semantic Expansion: Helps discover new keyword variations, synonyms, and related terms.
• Search Volume Check (Optional): Checks search volume for keyword clusters.
• Highlighted Keywords: Identifies keywords highlighted by Google in SERPs.

Pros:

• Time-saving: Automates the keyword grouping process, which can be time-consuming manually.
• Improved Accuracy: Reduces the risk of errors in keyword grouping.
• SEO Enhancement: Helps improve SEO by expanding semantics and identifying relevant keywords.
• Cost savings: Helps to save money on advertising campaigns through PPC grouping
• Data Enrichment: Provides additional data like search volume and highlighted keywords.

Cons:

• Cost per query: The tool is not free; costs are incurred for each query and search volume check.

Pricing:

$52–$207/month.

5. Surfer SEO

Key Features:

• Automated Topic Clustering: By inputting a broad primary keyword, Surfer SEO's AI-driven system generates multiple topic clusters, each containing relevant keywords. This facilitates the creation of content that aligns with user search intent and enhances topical authority.
• Search Intent Filtering: Users can filter keyword clusters based on search intent categories such as informational, customer investigation, local, and shopping. This ensures that content aligns with the specific needs and intentions of the target audience. ​
• Keyword Metrics: Each cluster provides data on monthly search volumes, aiding in the prioritization of topics based on potential traffic. ​
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform boasts an intuitive and engaging interface, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned SEO professionals. ​

Pros:

• Data-Driven Optimization: Surfer SEO utilizes real-time data to offer actionable insights, eliminating guesswork in content creation. ​
• Time Efficiency: The automated clustering process accelerates content planning, allowing users to swiftly develop a structured content strategy. ​
• Comprehensive SEO Analysis: Beyond clustering, Surfer SEO provides in-depth analysis of over 500 ranking factors from top-performing pages, offering a holistic view of SEO performance. ​

Cons:

• Limited Customization: The platform lacks significant customization options for clustering, which may not cater to specific user needs. ​
• No External Keyword Import: Users cannot upload their own keyword lists for clustering, limiting flexibility.
• Cost Considerations: Some users find Surfer SEO to be relatively expensive compared to other SEO tools on the market.

Pricing: $79–$219/month.

6. KeyClusters

Key Features:

• Real-time Google SERP Data: Uses current Google search results to identify keyword clusters.
• Topical Clustering: Groups keywords into topical clusters, identifying keywords that can be targeted with a single page.
• Keyword Cannibalization Prevention: Helps avoid keyword cannibalization by identifying which keywords should have their own dedicated pages.
• Localised Insights: Analysis can be run for any geography and device type.

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Praised for its simplicity and user-friendly interface. The process of uploading keywords and receiving grouped results is quick and easy.
• Time-Saving: Automates keyword research, saving time compared to manual methods.
• Accuracy: Uses real-time SERP data for accurate topical clustering.
• No Monthly Subscription: PAYG pricing is attractive for users who don't need a continuous subscription.
• Prevents Keyword Cannibalization: Helps users understand which keywords need separate pages.

Cons:

• Limited Features: One user review mentions that it "can use more features."
• Requires Credits: Each keyword analyzed costs one credit, which can add up depending on the volume of keywords.

Pricing: $9–$129/month (additional costs for queries).

This comparison highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each tool, helping you select the one that best fits your SEO strategy and budget requirements!

Further readings:

1. https://seranking.com/blog/keyword-clustering/
2. https://keywordly.ai/features/keyword-clustering
3. https://www.keywordinsights.ai/blog/12-best-keyword-clustering-tools-you-need-now/
4. https://www.semrush.com/blog/keyword-clustering/
5. https://surferseo.com/blog/keyword-clustering/
6. https://thruuu.com/topic-cluster-content-strategy/best-keyword-clustering-tools/
7. https://keyclusters.com/#works