Starts atPaid from $19/mo
- Free plan
Head-to-head
vidIQ vs ViewStats: which YouTube tool helps a small channel grow?
At a glance
Starts atFreemium, Pro $49.99/mo
- Free plan
vidIQ is the cheaper start: the free plan gives 150 AI credits a month, and Boost costs $19/month. ViewStats, co-founded by MrBeast, focuses on outlier videos and competitor tracking. Pro is $49.99/month and Business starts at $249/month.
Quick verdict
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | vidIQ | ViewStats |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes: 150 AI credits a month, trends, content ideas, AI Coach tips | Yes, free account |
| Entry paid plan | Boost: $19/month, or $199/year | Pro: $49.99/month (price hidden on the pricing page when we checked) |
| Top plan | Max: $49/month, or $468/year | Business: from $249/month, unlimited credits |
| AI credits | Boost: 2,000 a month. Max: 6,000 a month | Business: unlimited. Pro: not on ViewStats' pricing page (Oct 2026) |
| Free trial | No trial on the plans page | No trial on the pricing page |
| Best known for | Keywords, ideas, browser extension | Outliers, competitor tracking, thumbnails |
What you get for $0
vidIQ Free lists 150 AI credits, niche trends, content ideas and an MCP (Model Context Protocol) link for Claude or ChatGPT. ViewStats lets you create a free account, but its pricing page does not list what that includes.
Which one for a Shorts creator?
- Brand new channel: vidIQ Free.
- Want SEO and ideas on a budget: vidIQ Boost.
- Studying what goes viral in a crowded niche: ViewStats Pro.
Common questions
Does vidIQ have a free plan?
Yes. vidIQ pricing: Freemium, from $19/mo. Prices change, so check the official site.
Does ViewStats have a free plan?
Yes. ViewStats pricing: Freemium, Pro $49.99/mo. Prices change, so check the official site.
Which is better, vidIQ or ViewStats?
Pick vidIQ if you want keyword research, daily video ideas and an AI coach for less money. Pick ViewStats if you mainly want to study viral videos and rival channels in your niche.
Related: vidIQ vs TubeBuddy, vidIQ vs 1of10, vidIQ alternatives, YouTube SEO tools.
Sources: vidiq.com/plans, www.viewstats.com/pricing. Checked on 16 October 2026. Based on published plans, not a hands-on test.