KeyholevsMetricool
Keyhole and Metricool both help you grow on X (formerly Twitter), but they are built for different jobs. Keyhole tracks X hashtags, keywords, mentions and competitors in real time with automated campaign and listening reports. Metricool schedules X posts and reports on tweet performance, follower growth and best posting times, though X requires a +$5/account add-on. This guide breaks down their pricing, features, pros and cons so you can pick the right one in 2026.
Keyhole is best for agencies and brands doing serious X social listening. Metricool is best for teams wanting one tool to schedule and measure across networks. Pricing is broadly comparable: Keyhole is From $179/mo (14-day trial, no free plan), Metricool is Free + from $18/mo (X is a +$5/account add-on).
Keyhole vs Metricool: at a glance
| Keyhole | Metricool | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Analytics & insights | Analytics & insights |
| Pricing | From $179/mo (14-day trial, no free plan) | Free + from $18/mo (X is a +$5/account add-on) |
| Starting price | free to start | free to start ✓ |
| Free tier | No | Yes ✓ |
| Best for | Agencies and brands doing serious X social listening | Teams wanting one tool to schedule and measure across networks |
| What it does for X | Tracks X hashtags, keywords, mentions and competitors in real time with automated campaign and listening reports. | Schedules X posts and reports on tweet performance, follower growth and best posting times, though X requires a +$5/account add-on. |
Keyhole vs Metricool pricing: which is cheaper?
Pricing is broadly comparable: Keyhole is From $179/mo (14-day trial, no free plan), Metricool is Free + from $18/mo (X is a +$5/account add-on). Keyhole is priced free to start (From $179/mo (14-day trial, no free plan)), and Metricool is free to start (Free + from $18/mo (X is a +$5/account add-on)). If you want to test before paying, Metricool has a free tier.
Keyhole and Metricool pros and cons
Keyhole
- +Strong real-time hashtag, keyword and mention tracking on X
- +Competitor and influencer monitoring built in
- +Automated reporting that saves agency hours
- +Covers X alongside Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and YouTube
- –Expensive — entry plan starts around $179/mo
- –Overkill for individual creators
- –No free tier, only a 14-day trial
Metricool
- +Real permanent free plan for one brand
- +Combines scheduling, analytics and ads reporting in one place
- +Manages X alongside every other major social network
- +Good value once you manage several brands
- –X/Twitter is a paid add-on (+$5 per connected account) on every tier
- –Free plan excludes X analytics entirely
- –Analytics depth is broad rather than X-specialist deep
When should you choose Keyhole?
Choose Keyhole if agencies and brands doing serious X social listening. It is a analytics & insights tool, so it shines when your priority is tracks X hashtags, keywords, mentions and competitors in real time with automated campaign and listening reports. Its biggest edge: strong real-time hashtag, keyword and mention tracking on X.
When should you choose Metricool?
Choose Metricool if teams wanting one tool to schedule and measure across networks. It is a analytics & insights tool focused on schedules X posts and reports on tweet performance, follower growth and best posting times, though X requires a +$5/account add-on. Its biggest edge: real permanent free plan for one brand.
Keyhole vs Metricool: which is better for growing on X?
Both are solid for what they do. Keyhole wins for agencies and brands doing serious X social listening. Metricool wins for teams wanting one tool to schedule and measure across networks. Neither does the daily engagement (replies, follows, DMs) that compounds fastest on X, that is the gap an autonomous agent like X-Autopilot fills.
Keyhole and Metricool help you publish or analyze. If your real gap is the daily engagement, X-Autopilot runs replies, follows and DMs in your voice from your own Mac. Compare all 40+ X tools →
Keyhole and Metricool alternatives
Not sold on either? See our guides to X tool alternatives, or browse every option in the X tools directory. For autonomous engagement specifically, X-Autopilot is the closest thing to a hands-off option.
Keyhole vs Metricool: FAQ
Is Keyhole better than Metricool?+
Neither is strictly better, they fit different jobs. Keyhole is best for agencies and brands doing serious X social listening. Metricool is best for teams wanting one tool to schedule and measure across networks. Pick the one whose strength matches your bottleneck.
What is the difference between Keyhole and Metricool?+
Both are analytics & insights tools. Keyhole: tracks X hashtags, keywords, mentions and competitors in real time with automated campaign and listening reports. Metricool: schedules X posts and reports on tweet performance, follower growth and best posting times, though X requires a +$5/account add-on.
Which is cheaper, Keyhole or Metricool?+
Pricing is broadly comparable: Keyhole is From $179/mo (14-day trial, no free plan), Metricool is Free + from $18/mo (X is a +$5/account add-on).
Does Keyhole or Metricool have a free plan?+
Keyhole is paid (From $179/mo (14-day trial, no free plan)). Metricool has a free tier.
Which is better for growing on X (Twitter), Keyhole or Metricool?+
Both are solid for what they do. Keyhole wins for agencies and brands doing serious X social listening. Metricool wins for teams wanting one tool to schedule and measure across networks. Neither does the daily engagement (replies, follows, DMs) that compounds fastest on X, that is the gap an autonomous agent like X-Autopilot fills.
What is a good alternative to Keyhole and Metricool?+
For engagement rather than scheduling or analytics, X-Autopilot runs replies, follows and DMs in your voice, a different category from both. Browse the full set in the X tools directory.
Browse the full X tools directory or all comparisons.