kitio.aividIQ vs TubeBuddy
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. TubeBuddy has the lower starting price: about $3 a month, against $19 for vidIQ.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Daily video ideas
- Keyword research
- AI YouTube coach
- Thumbnail maker
- Competitor tracking
- Short clipping
- AI title generator
- Thumbnail generator and analyzer
- Keyword explorer
- A/B testing
- Next video ideas
- Bulk editing tools
| Feature | vidIQ | TubeBuddy |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AI tools for YouTube ideas, keyword research and channel growth | YouTube channel toolkit with AI titles, thumbnails and keyword research |
| Category | Marketing | Marketing |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $19/mo | $3/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | vidIQ | TubeBuddy |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
TubeBuddy has the lower starting price: about $3 a month, against $19 for vidIQ.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Free
Free
- 150 AI credits per month
- Trend and idea research
- vidIQ MCP access
Boost
$19/mo
- 2,000 AI credits per month
- Thumbnail creation
- Unlimited trend research
- Creator masterclasses
MAX
$49/mo
- 6,000 AI credits per month
- More AI Coach conversations
- Max Mode AI strategy
- Up to 11 hours of clipping
Enterprise
Contact sales
- Access for every channel
- Team roles and permissions
4 plans
Free
Free
- Limited core tools
- One channel
Pro
$3/mo
- Basic video and thumbnail tools
- Title and tag optimization
- Shorts linking
Legend
$15/mo
- Content strategy tools
- Full search and SEO access
- Advanced analytics
- Bulk processing
Legend - Long Term
$199 one-time
- Three years of Legend access
- No subscription
Prices in USD, checked Oct 29, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
vidIQ
- Free plan includes 150 AI credits
- Works as a Chrome extension
- MCP access on every plan
- Covers YouTube and Instagram
- AI credits limit heavy use
- Clipping hours are capped even on MAX
- List prices are per channel
TubeBuddy
- Low starting price
- Works inside YouTube Studio
- Real A/B tests on live videos
- One licence covers only one channel
- Bulk tools need the top tier
- Advanced SEO data locked to Legend
Which one should you choose?
Choose vidIQ if you want:
- Free plan includes 150 AI credits
- Works as a Chrome extension
- MCP access on every plan
Watch out: ai credits limit heavy use.
Choose TubeBuddy if you want:
- Low starting price
- Works inside YouTube Studio
- Real A/B tests on live videos
Watch out: one licence covers only one channel.
vidIQ vs TubeBuddy FAQ
What is the difference between vidIQ and TubeBuddy?
vidIQ: AI tools for YouTube ideas, keyword research and channel growth. TubeBuddy: YouTube channel toolkit with AI titles, thumbnails and keyword research. Both are marketing tools.
Is vidIQ or TubeBuddy cheaper?
TubeBuddy has the lower starting price: about $3 a month, against $19 for vidIQ.
Do vidIQ and TubeBuddy have free plans?
vidIQ: Yes. TubeBuddy: Yes.
Who makes vidIQ?
vidIQ is made by vidIQ, based in United States.
Who makes TubeBuddy?
TubeBuddy is made by TubeBuddy.
Which should I choose, vidIQ or TubeBuddy?
Choose vidIQ if you value free plan includes 150 ai credits and works as a chrome extension. Choose TubeBuddy if you value low starting price and works inside youtube studio.