8 Best YouTube Competitor Analysis Tools (2026)
Spy on your competition legally
Understanding your competitors is key to YouTube success. These tools help you analyze rival channels, discover their winning strategies, and find opportunities they're missing.
Key Takeaways
- NoteLM offers free competitor channel analysis
- VidIQ/TubeBuddy have the best keyword insights
- Historical data helps spot trends
- Combine free and paid tools for best results
How We Evaluated
Top 8 Tools Compared
Ranked by features, pricing, ease of use, and user reviews
Quick Navigation
Pros
- Deep insights
- Keyword tracking
- Score comparisons
⚠️ Cons
- •Limited free tier
Best for: Serious competitors
Pros
- Free
- Any channel
- Video insights
⚠️ Cons
- •Less historical data
Best for: Free competitor research
Pros
- Tag analysis
- A/B testing
- Bulk tools
⚠️ Cons
- •Slow interface
Best for: Detailed analysis
Pros
- Free
- Historical data
- Growth tracking
⚠️ Cons
- •Ad-heavy
- •Basic insights
Best for: Quick stats
Pros
- Detailed estimates
- Rankings
⚠️ Cons
- •Ads
Best for: Influencer research
Pros
- Deep insights
- Cross-platform
⚠️ Cons
- •Enterprise pricing
Best for: Large brands
Pros
- Free
- Channel search
⚠️ Cons
- •Basic features
Best for: Finding competitors
Pros
- Multi-platform
- Detailed reports
⚠️ Cons
- •Very expensive
Best for: Agencies
Quick Comparison Table
Side-by-side feature comparison at a glance
| Feature | NoteLM | VidIQ | Social Blade | TubeBuddy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | Yes (full) | Limited | Yes (ads) | Limited |
| Keyword Tracking | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about these tools answered
NoteLM offers free analysis of any channel. Social Blade provides free historical data with ads.
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Written By
The NoteLM team specializes in AI-powered video summarization and learning tools. We are passionate about making video content more accessible and efficient for learners worldwide.