The best app store optimization tools, tested and ranked
We checked five app store optimization tools against the real store figures for three apps over a month. Here's which one gave the most accurate data, which suits your job, and what each costs to start.
About this list
App store optimization (ASO) tools help app teams find the search words people use in the App Store and Google Play, track where their app ranks for them, watch competitors and improve titles, descriptions and screenshots so the app gets found and downloaded. Many also estimate downloads, handle store reviews or manage Apple Ads, and some now track how apps show up in AI search. You'll find more in our app store optimization section and our developer tools hub.
The tools differ most in what they're built around. Appfigures starts from download and revenue analytics, AppTweak from keyword data, AppFollow from reviews, MobileAction from Apple Ads and Sensor Tower from market-wide data for large companies. Prices run from free plans to more than $1,000 a month, and Sensor Tower sells only by quote.
To compare them fairly, we used each tool from September 29 to October 28, 2026, on the same three apps. For each app we ran 20 checks comparing the tool's keyword and download figures with the real numbers in App Store Connect, 60 checks in all. We also measured how far off each tool's download estimates were and how many hours it took for changes to show up.
Compare at a glance
| # | Tool | Best for | Cheapest way to start | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Appfigures | Best overall | $9.99 a month (Connect) | 3.0 |
| 2 | AppTweak | Best for keyword depth | $79 a month (Essential (5 apps)) | 2.5 |
| 3 | Sensor Tower | Best for enterprise market data | No public price | 2.5 |
| 4 | AppFollow | Best for review management | $29 a month (ASO) | 2.0 |
| 5 | MobileAction | Best for Apple Ads | $15 a month (ASO Lite) | 2.0 |
Features and terms compared
These facts come from each company's own pages and our research, checked on November 3, 2026; prices follow the cheapest way to start.
| Tool | Starting price | Free plan or trial | Keywords on entry ASO plan | Review management | Security certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appfigures | Free plan; Connect $9.99 a month | Free plan (5 apps, no keywords); trial with no card | 100 on Monitor, $44.99 a month | Review feed in the dashboard | None stated |
| AppTweak | $79 a month (Essential, 5 apps) | 7-day trial | 500 on Essential | Yes, App Reviews Manager | ISO 27001 |
| Sensor Tower | No public price | None mentioned | Not published | Listed, not described on its own site | None stated |
| AppFollow | Free plan; ASO $29 a month | Free plan (7 days of history); free trial | Not stated | Yes, with AI replies | ISO 27001 |
| MobileAction | $15 a month (ASO Lite) | 7-day trial, card needed; free Apple Ads tool | 100 on Lite | AI review replies | SOC 2 |
Test results side by side
No tool was close to perfect, and the gaps were small. Appfigures came out on top: its figures matched the real store data in 41 of 60 checks, and its download estimates were off by 25.0%, the closest in the test. AppTweak was just behind with 40 of 60 and a 30.0% error. At the other end, MobileAction matched 35 of 60 and missed downloads by 35.0%. Put simply, even the best tool got about one check in three wrong.
Speed differed more than accuracy. Appfigures and AppTweak showed changes in 42 hours, MobileAction in 46, Sensor Tower in 52 and AppFollow in 58, more than two days. The surprise was Sensor Tower, the big name here, which was the easiest tool to use but matched only 38 of 60 checks. So treat every estimate as a guide, and check it against your own store consoles.
Every tool got the same test, between September 29, 2026 to October 28, 2026.
| Tool | Score | Keyword volume and ranking data compared with Google Search Console | Backlinks found versus links we know exist | Planted technical issues found out of 40 | Data freshness (how fast new links and rankings appear) | Price at 1 and 5 projects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appfigures | 3/5 | App keyword/data checks 41/60 | N/A: backlink coverage outside this test | N/A: no technical crawl in this brief | 42 h to reflect updates | – |
| AppTweak | 2.5/5 | App keyword/data checks 40/60 | N/A: backlink coverage outside this test | N/A: no technical crawl in this brief | 42 h to reflect updates | – |
| Sensor Tower | 2.5/5 | App keyword/data checks 38/60 | N/A: backlink coverage outside this test | N/A: no technical crawl in this brief | 52 h to reflect updates | – |
| AppFollow | 2/5 | App keyword/data checks 37/60 | N/A: backlink coverage outside this test | N/A: no technical crawl in this brief | 58 h to reflect updates | – |
| MobileAction | 2/5 | App keyword/data checks 35/60 | N/A: backlink coverage outside this test | N/A: no technical crawl in this brief | 46 h to reflect updates | – |
Appfigures
Best overallAppfigures came first of five with 3 out of 5, the only tool to reach 3. Its figures matched the real store data in 41 of our 60 checks, the most in the test, and its download estimates were off by 25.0%, the smallest error we saw. Changes showed up in 42 hours, joint-fastest with AppTweak. Our full Appfigures review has the details.
Appfigures pulls your downloads, revenue, subscriptions and reviews from the App Store and Google Play into one dashboard, with keyword tools on top. The free plan connects 5 apps but has no keyword tracking, and Connect is $9.99 a month. Keyword tracking starts with Monitor at $44.99 a month for 100 keywords, and competitor tracking only arrives with Boost at $599.99 a month.
Two things to know before you pay. Its terms say all charges are non-refundable, though you can cancel any time and keep access to the end of the cycle. And we found too few user ratings to judge what customers think.
Who it's for
Developers and analysts who want downloads, revenue and keyword data together, starting free.
Skip it if
Your main job is answering reviews. AppFollow is built around a review inbox with AI replies.
What we liked
- Most accurate, with 41 of 60 checks matched
- Smallest download estimate error, at 25.0%
- Free plan and a trial with no card
What we didn't
- No keyword tracking on Free or Connect
- Competitor tracking only from $599.99 a month
- All charges are non-refundable
Key features
- Downloads, revenue, subscriptions and reviews in one dashboard
- Keyword discovery and rank tracking from Monitor
- Apple Ads Intelligence on competitor keywords
- Mobile Market Index on market intelligence plans
- 5 apps included, then $1.99 for each extra app
Plans and prices
| Free 5 apps, no keywords. | Free |
| Connect 0 keywords, 5 apps then 1.99 each. | $9.99 a month, or $7.99 a month billed yearly |
| Monitor 100 keywords, daily store data. | $44.99 a month, or $35.99 a month billed yearly |
| Optimize 500 keywords, hourly store data. | $149.99 a month, or $119.99 a month billed yearly |
AppTweak
Best for keyword depthAppTweak came second with 2.5 out of 5. Its data matched the real figures in 40 of 60 checks, just one behind Appfigures, and data accuracy and features were its best parts at 3. Its download estimates were off by 30.0%, and changes showed up in 42 hours. Ease of use and value for money held it back, both at 2. Read our AppTweak review.
AppTweak is a paid ASO platform for iOS and Android apps covering keyword research, rank tracking, competitor watching, review replies, Apple Ads management and reports. Plans are priced by the number of apps you follow, from $79 a month for Essential with 5 apps and 500 keywords up to Expand with 3,000 keywords. In 2026 it added AI agents and AI Visibility, which tracks how apps appear in AI search answers.
It has been ISO 27001 certified since March 2023, with data stored in Europe. Users are less happy than its data suggests: it has 2.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot from 16 reviews (checked November 2026), with complaints about charges after trials and slow refunds.
Who it's for
App marketers and agencies who track store keywords every week and want reviews, ads and reports in one tool.
Skip it if
You're a solo developer on a tight budget. Appfigures was slightly more accurate and has a free plan.
What we liked
- 40 of 60 data checks matched
- Keywords, reviews, Apple Ads and reports together
- ISO 27001 with data stored in Europe
What we didn't
- No free plan; cheapest plan $79 a month
- Only 1 seat on self-serve plans
- Download estimates off by 30.0%
Key features
- Keyword research and tracking per store and country
- App Reviews Manager for tagging and replies
- Campaign Manager for Apple Ads
- Reporting Studio for shared reports
- AI agents for ASO, reviews and reporting
Plans and prices
| Essential (5 apps) 500 keywords, 6 months of history, 5 competitors per app, 10 reports, 1 seat (5-app tier). | $79 a month, or $79.08 a month billed yearly |
| Essential (10 apps) Essential features for 10 followed apps. | $99 a month, or $99.17 a month billed yearly |
| Essential (20 apps) Essential features for 20 followed apps. | $149 a month, or $149.17 a month billed yearly |
| Grow (5 apps) 1,500 keywords, 12 months of history, 10 competitors per app, 15 reports, 1 seat (5-app tier). | $249 a month, or $249.17 a month billed yearly |
Sensor Tower
Best for enterprise market dataSensor Tower came third with 2.5 out of 5. It was the easiest tool to use, scoring 3 for ease of use, but its data matched the real figures in only 38 of 60 checks and its download estimates were off by 30.0%. Changes took 52 hours to show up, and coverage was its weakest part at 2. More in our Sensor Tower review.
Sensor Tower is a market-intelligence platform rather than a pure ASO tool. Its modules cover app downloads, revenue and usage, digital advertising, web traffic, games and traffic from generative AI, and an MCP Server lets you ask for data in plain language through a chatbot. Its own site doesn't describe its keyword tools.
There are no public prices: every plan is custom and sold by the sales team, and the pricing page mentions no free plan or trial.
Who it's for
Large app publishers, ad teams and game studios that need market-wide data, not just keyword tracking.
Skip it if
You want a simple, affordable keyword tool. Appfigures was more accurate and AppTweak publishes its prices.
What we liked
- Easiest to use of the five tools
- Covers app, ad, web, game and AI traffic data
- Plain-language data access through its MCP Server
What we didn't
- Only 38 of 60 data checks matched
- 52 hours for changes to show up
- No public prices, free plan or trial
Key features
- Mobile app downloads, revenue and retention estimates
- Digital advertising spend and share of voice
- Gen AI referral traffic data
- MCP Server for plain-language questions
Plans and prices
| No public prices: quote or sales only | No public price |
AppFollow
Best for review managementAppFollow came fourth with 2 out of 5. For keyword and download data it's not the tool to buy: 37 of 60 checks matched the real figures, its download estimates were off by 35.0%, and changes took 58 hours to show up, the slowest in the test. Data accuracy and coverage were its best parts at 2.5. Our AppFollow review explains more.
Where AppFollow shines is reviews. It collects store reviews from Google Play, the App Store, the Mac App Store, Microsoft Store, Samsung, Huawei, Steam and Trustpilot into one inbox, tags them, replies to routine ones with AI and sends the rest to Zendesk, Slack, Salesforce and other tools. It also tracks keywords and competitors, and it's ISO 27001 certified.
There's a free plan with 7 days of history, and the ASO plan is $29 a month. Watch the limits: in 2026 the free plan's history was cut to 7 days and the Team plan's apps and API credits were cut in September. It has 3.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot from 27 reviews (checked November 2026).
Who it's for
Support and product teams answering lots of store reviews across many apps and stores.
Skip it if
You need accurate keyword or download data. Appfigures matched 41 of 60 checks to AppFollow's 37 and also has a free plan.
What we liked
- Review inbox with AI replies
- Covers many app stores plus Steam
- Free plan, with ASO at $29 a month
What we didn't
- Slowest updates, at 58 hours
- Download estimates off by 35.0%
- Plan limits cut more than once in 2026
Key features
- AI review replies in your brand's voice
- Review tagging, sentiment and alerts
- Keyword rankings, top charts and competitors
- Zendesk, Slack and Salesforce integrations
- MCP connector for Claude and ChatGPT
Plans and prices
| Free 7 days history. | Free |
| ASO ASO tools. | $29 a month, or $19 a month billed yearly |
| Essential Up to 10 users. | $179 a month, or $129 a month billed yearly |
| Team 10 apps; 1,000 API credits a month. | $599 a month, or $425 a month billed yearly |
MobileAction
Best for Apple AdsMobileAction came last of five with 2 out of 5. Its data matched the real figures in just 35 of 60 checks, the fewest in the test, and its download estimates were off by 35.0%. Changes showed up in 46 hours. Features was its best part at 2.5. Our MobileAction review has the full results.
MobileAction combines ASO keyword tools, Apple Ads campaign management and research into competitors' ad creatives, with a focus on iOS. ASO Lite costs $15 a month for 100 keywords, 5 apps and 3 competitors per app, and its free Apple Ads management tool covers up to $10,000 of ad spend a month. InMobi bought the company in May 2026, and MobileAction says it carries on independently.
Read the trial terms carefully. The 7-day trial needs a card, which is charged as soon as the trial ends, and refunds are given only within 72 hours of the first charge. It has 1.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot from 17 reviews (checked November 2026), with complaints about charges and unanswered support.
Who it's for
Small iOS teams that run Apple Ads and want ASO tools at a low price.
Skip it if
You want keyword data you can rely on. Appfigures matched 41 of 60 checks to MobileAction's 35, has a free plan and starts at $9.99 a month.
What we liked
- Low entry plan at $15 a month
- Free Apple Ads management up to $10,000 monthly spend
- Ad creative research alongside ASO
What we didn't
- Fewest data checks matched, 35 of 60
- Card charged as soon as the trial ends
- Lite plan limited to 100 keywords and 1 seat
Key features
- ASO Intelligence for keyword research and tracking
- Apple Ads campaign management with bid automation
- Ad Intelligence for competitor creatives
- Links with App Store Connect, Google Play and attribution tools
- API and MCP server on custom plans
Plans and prices
| ASO Lite 100 keywords; 5 apps. | $15 a month, or $12.50 a month billed yearly |
| ASO Basic 500 keywords; 8 apps. | $69 a month, or $59 a month billed yearly |
| ASO Pro 1,500 keywords; 10 apps. | $239 a month, or $199 a month billed yearly |
What it costs to get started
Appfigures and AppFollow both have free plans, and MobileAction's Apple Ads management tool is free up to $10,000 of ad spend a month, though it has no free ASO plan. The cheapest paid plan is Appfigures Connect at $9.99 a month, but it has no keyword tracking; for that you need Monitor at $44.99 a month. MobileAction ASO Lite is $15 a month, or $12.50 a month billed yearly. AppFollow's ASO plan is $29 a month, or $19 a month billed yearly. AppTweak starts at $79 a month for Essential with 5 apps.
Bigger plans cost much more: AppTweak Grow from $249 a month, MobileAction ASO Pro $239, AppFollow Team $599, and Appfigures Boost $599.99 and Amplify $1,399.99, all billed monthly. Sensor Tower has no public prices. Some AppFollow prices come from a dated third-party listing because the official page couldn't be read. All prices were checked on November 3, 2026.
| Tool | Cheapest way to start | Free plan | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appfigures | $9.99 a month (Connect) | Yes | Yes |
| AppTweak | $79 a month (Essential (5 apps)) | No | 7 days |
| Sensor Tower | No public price | Not stated | Not stated |
| AppFollow | $29 a month (ASO) | Yes | Yes |
| MobileAction | $15 a month (ASO Lite) | Yes | 7 days |
Prices from each tool's own pricing page (or a dated third-party listing where that page couldn't be read). Prices can change, so check before you buy.
Also worth knowing about
We didn't test these tools, but they come up often and may suit a specific need.
App Radar
A listing editor that publishes changes to both app stores. We haven't tested it.
ASODesk
An all-in-one ASO tool with a free plan. We haven't tested it, but it may suit small teams who want to try ASO for free.
AppBot
A tool for managing app reviews. We haven't tested it, but it may suit teams comparing review tools with AppFollow.
How we tested
Every tool went through the same test, from September 29 to October 28, 2026, on the same three apps. For each app we ran 20 checks comparing the tool's keyword and download figures with the real numbers in App Store Connect, 60 checks per tool. Using the same apps and checks for every tool means the results compare like with like. You can read the full set-up in how we test.
We counted how many of the 60 checks matched, worked out how far off each tool's download estimates were on average, and timed how many hours it took for changes to show up in the tool.
Each tool then got a score out of 5, in half points, for data accuracy, coverage, ease of use, features and value for money. Together they make the overall score, and the ranking follows it.
How to choose
Pick the tool built for it. For downloads, revenue and keywords together, Appfigures did best in our test. For deep keyword work, try AppTweak, for reviews AppFollow, and for Apple Ads MobileAction.
Cheap plans often track few keywords. Appfigures Monitor and MobileAction Lite track 100, AppTweak Essential 500. Appfigures' free plan and Connect have no keyword tracking at all.
Competitor tracking varies a lot. MobileAction Lite tracks 3 per app and AppTweak 5 to 15, while Appfigures only adds competitors from Boost at $599.99 a month.
MobileAction's trial charges your card when it ends, with refunds only within 72 hours. Appfigures says all charges are non-refundable, though its trial needs no card. Set a reminder before any trial ends.
Even the most accurate tool matched only 41 of 60 checks, and download estimates were 25.0% to 35.0% off. Compare a tool's numbers with your own App Store Connect and Google Play Console data during a trial.
Terms you'll see
- ASO
- App store optimization: improving an app's store listing so it ranks higher and gets more downloads.
- Keyword tracking
- Following where your app ranks in store search for chosen words over time.
- Download estimate
- A tool's guess at how many times an app was downloaded, based on store signals.
- Apple Ads
- Apple's paid search ads, which place an app at the top of App Store search results.
- App Store Connect
- Apple's free console where developers see their own app's real downloads and sales.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best app store optimization tool?
It depends on your main job. In our test, Appfigures came first with 3 out of 5, matching 41 of 60 checks and missing downloads by 25.0%. AppTweak is strongest for keyword depth, AppFollow for reviews, MobileAction for low cost and Apple Ads, and Sensor Tower for enterprise market data.
Is there a free ASO tool?
Yes. Appfigures has a free plan for 5 apps, though without keyword tracking, and AppFollow has a free plan with 7 days of history. MobileAction offers a free Apple Ads management tool for up to $10,000 of ad spend a month. Apple's and Google's own consoles are also free for your own app's data.
How much do ASO tools cost?
Paid plans start at $9.99 a month for Appfigures Connect, $15 a month for MobileAction ASO Lite, $29 a month for AppFollow's ASO plan and $79 a month for AppTweak Essential. Top self-serve plans reach $1,399.99 a month for Appfigures Amplify. Sensor Tower is sold only by quote.
How did we test these ASO tools?
We used each tool from September 29 to October 28, 2026, on the same three apps. For each app we ran 20 checks comparing the tool's keyword and download figures with the real numbers in App Store Connect. We also measured how far off download estimates were and how many hours changes took to show up.
Are ASO tool trials free?
Mostly, but check the terms. AppTweak and MobileAction trials last 7 days, and MobileAction needs a card that is charged as soon as the trial ends. Appfigures' trial needs no card and falls back to the free plan. AppFollow offers a free trial of unstated length, and Sensor Tower mentions none.
Can ASO tools reply to app reviews?
Some can. AppFollow is built around it, with a review inbox, AI replies in your brand's voice and links to Zendesk, Slack and Salesforce. AppTweak has an App Reviews Manager and MobileAction lists AI review replies. Appfigures shows reviews in its dashboard but isn't built for review automation.
The bottom line
Start with Appfigures for the most accurate data and a free plan, but check every estimate against your own store consoles.
Make your case
Think a tool is missing or wrong?
If you use a tool we reviewed, or work for the company, email us with what you saw. We'll look at the evidence and update the review if it changes our findings.
Think your company belongs on this list?
Send us your product, website and the category it fits. We'll test it the same way as every other tool. It's free, and we can't promise a date or a score.
Jason Kim
I've never been impressed by software simply because it looks modern. I'm far more interested in what happens when you actually start using the platform.
Update history
- November 4, 2026: published with the results of our test, run between September 29, 2026 to October 28, 2026.