TubeBuddy
vidIQQuick answer
Start from the job you need done — the winner is the fit, not the brand.
Choose TubeBuddy if…
Creators who publish regularly and want keyword tools, search-rank tracking, A/B tests and bulk editors in one toolkit at a low entry price.
Starting point: Pro is $4.50/month billed monthly or $3.60/month billed yearly.
Choose vidIQ if…
Creators who want to find topics worth making and get AI-guided feedback before publishing, and who want a free plan to try the core tools first.
Starting point: Free plan at $0 with 150 AI credits a month.
Comparison table
The same fields are shown for both products so the comparison does not quietly favor one side.
| Decision | TubeBuddy | vidIQ |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Creators who publish regularly and want keyword tools, search-rank tracking, A/B tests and bulk editors in one toolkit at a low entry price. | Creators who want to find topics worth making and get AI-guided feedback before publishing, and who want a free plan to try the core tools first. |
| Core uses | YouTube SEO and keyword research, Tag and search-rank tracking, Thumbnail and title A/B testing, Bulk editing of cards, end screens and descriptions, Channel analytics and competitor tracking | YouTube niche and trend research, Video idea generation, Title, tag and description optimization, Thumbnail creation, AI channel coaching |
| Pricing note | Pro is $4.50/month billed monthly or $3.60/month billed yearly. Legend is $28.99/month billed monthly or $23.19/month billed yearly (annual billing saves 20%). Enterprise is custom. Channels under 1,000 subscribers can use the RisingStarBuddy coupon for 50% off Pro. Creator plans are for individual creators only. | Free plan at $0 with 150 AI credits a month. Boost is $19/month billed monthly or $16.58/month billed yearly (2,000 AI credits a month). Max is $49/month billed monthly or $39/month billed yearly (6,000 AI credits a month). Enterprise is custom, and a 1-on-1 coaching plan is sold separately. |
| Free plan | Yes — The pricing page lists Pro, Legend and Enterprise; it does not describe a free plan, so treat... | Yes — Free plan: 150 AI credits a month, niche trends, content ideas and personalized growth tips from... |
| Main checks | Pro includes only limited access to video-engagement tools; A/B tests, the title generator and the competitor scorecard are listed on Legend. Creator plans are not available to businesses, multi-channel accounts, channels with 50,000 or more subscribers, or 3 or more channel managers; those need Enterprise. Displayed prices are in US dollars; local-currency amounts on the page are estimates only. Plan contents change; recheck the official pricing page before buying. | The free plan is limited to 150 AI credits a month; thumbnails, unlimited trends research and optimization tools are listed on the paid Boost plan. Plans are built on monthly AI-credit allowances, so heavy thumbnail or clipping use can need a higher tier. Channel and team access beyond a few channels is handled through custom Enterprise plans. Plan contents and credit allowances change; recheck the official plans page before buying. |
| Pricing source | Official sources | Official sources |
Pricing and free access
TubeBuddy Pro is $4.50 a month billed monthly or $3.60 a month billed yearly. Legend is $28.99 a month billed monthly or $23.19 a month billed yearly. Channels under 1,000 subscribers can apply the RisingStarBuddy coupon for 50% off Pro. The pricing page lists Pro, Legend and Enterprise and does not describe a free plan.
vidIQ has a free plan with 150 AI credits a month. Boost is $19 a month or $16.58 a month billed yearly, and Max is $49 a month or $39 a month billed yearly. Annual billing saves $29 on Boost and $120 on Max.
Research, SEO and ideas
TubeBuddy's SEO Studio lists Keyword Explorer, Search Explorer, tag rankings and search-rank tracking; Legend adds unlimited search rank optimization and tracking.
vidIQ centers research on niche trends, fresh content ideas and an AI Coach. The free plan includes niche trends, ideas and personalized growth tips; Boost adds unlimited trends research and optimization tools.
Testing, thumbnails and bulk editing
TubeBuddy Legend lists video A/B tests, title generators and a competitor scorecard, and the toolkit includes bulk editors for end screens, cards, find-replace-append and thumbnail overlays.
vidIQ Boost lists click-worthy thumbnails generated in minutes, and Max adds up to 11 hours of short clipping and generations. Its pricing page does not list A/B testing or bulk editors.
Who each plan is for
TubeBuddy's creator licenses are for individual creators. Businesses, multiple channels on one account, channels with 50,000 or more subscribers and teams with 3 or more channel managers need Enterprise.
vidIQ points agencies and anyone managing more than 3 channels, or wanting multiple team members, to custom Enterprise plans.
Before choosing a paid plan
Match the workflow first. Check current credits, export limits, cancellation terms and commercial-use rights before purchasing.
TubeBuddy
Best for: Creators who publish regularly and want keyword tools, search-rank tracking, A/B tests and bulk editors in one toolkit at a low entry price.
Pricing: Pro is $4.50/month billed monthly or $3.60/month billed yearly. Legend is $28.99/month billed monthly or $23.19/month billed yearly (annual billing saves 20%). Enterprise is custom. Channels under 1,000 subscribers can use the RisingStarBuddy coupon for 50% off Pro. Creator plans are for individual creators only.
Check before paying: Pro includes only limited access to video-engagement tools; A/B tests, the title generator and the competitor scorecard are listed on Legend. Creator plans are not available to businesses, multi-channel accounts, channels with 50,000 or more subscribers, or 3 or more channel managers; those need Enterprise.
vidIQ
Best for: Creators who want to find topics worth making and get AI-guided feedback before publishing, and who want a free plan to try the core tools first.
Pricing: Free plan at $0 with 150 AI credits a month. Boost is $19/month billed monthly or $16.58/month billed yearly (2,000 AI credits a month). Max is $49/month billed monthly or $39/month billed yearly (6,000 AI credits a month). Enterprise is custom, and a 1-on-1 coaching plan is sold separately.
Check before paying: The free plan is limited to 150 AI credits a month; thumbnails, unlimited trends research and optimization tools are listed on the paid Boost plan. Plans are built on monthly AI-credit allowances, so heavy thumbnail or clipping use can need a higher tier.
Questions creators ask
- Is vidIQ or TubeBuddy cheaper?
- TubeBuddy Pro is $4.50 a month ($3.60 billed yearly) and vidIQ Boost is $19 a month ($16.58 billed yearly). vidIQ also has a $0 plan with 150 AI credits a month. Verify current prices on the official pages before buying.
- Does TubeBuddy have a free plan?
- TubeBuddy's pricing page lists Pro, Legend and Enterprise and does not describe a free plan. Channels under 1,000 subscribers can use the RisingStarBuddy coupon for 50% off Pro.
- Which one has A/B testing?
- TubeBuddy lists video A/B tests on its Legend plan. vidIQ's pricing page does not list A/B testing.
- Can I use both tools?
- They are separate subscriptions, so you can, but the plans overlap on keyword and SEO research. Start with the free vidIQ plan or TubeBuddy Pro and upgrade only if you use the extra tools.
Continue the decision
Use the source-cited profiles and workflow guide before selecting a paid plan.
Sources
Verify changing features, pricing, and usage rights before purchasing.