PPC advertising is a game of strategy. No matter how good your ad copy or targeting is, there’s always something to learn from your competitors. This is where PPC spying tools come in. They help uncover what’s working for others so you can refine your campaigns, outbid competitors, and spend wisely.
But with so many options available, how do you know which ones are worth your time? We’ve done the work for you and compiled 17 powerful PPC spying tools to help you track competitors, optimise ad spend, and improve conversions.
1. SEMrush
SEMrush is one of the most well-rounded PPC spying tools available. It offers detailed insights into competitors’ paid search strategies, including their most profitable keywords, ad copies, and landing pages. You can also track PPC performance over time, helping you understand seasonal trends and long-term ad success.
Key Features:
- View competitors’ PPC keywords and ad copies
- Track historical PPC ad performance
- Analyse landing page effectiveness
2. SpyFu
SpyFu is a competitor research tool that reveals what keywords competitors are bidding on, how much they spend, and their ad history. It’s particularly useful for identifying high-performing keywords to drive traffic to your campaigns.
Key Features:
- See competitors’ PPC keywords and ad history
- Estimate competitors’ ad budget
- Discover high-converting keywords
3. Google Ads Transparency Centre
A free tool from Google, the Ads Transparency Centre allows you to see active and past ads from any advertiser. This makes it an excellent option for monitoring industry trends and understanding how competitors structure their campaigns.
Key Features:
- Free to use
- View active and historical Google Ads
- Gain insights into ad formats and messaging
4. Ahrefs
While Ahrefs is primarily an SEO tool, it provides valuable insights into paid search campaigns. You can track PPC keywords, analyse ad performance, and even discover which landing pages are receiving the most paid traffic.
Key Features:
- Discover competitors’ top PPC keywords
- Analyse ad copy performance
- Track paid search trends over time
5. iSpionage
iSpionage is designed to help businesses track competitors’ PPC campaigns and identify their best-performing keywords. It also provides estimated ad budgets, helping you gauge how aggressively competitors are spending on paid search.
Key Features:
- Monitor competitor PPC campaigns
- Estimate ad budgets and keyword effectiveness
- Analyse competitor landing pages
6. AdBeat
AdBeat specialises in display advertising analysis, making it a great choice for businesses that invest in banner ads. It helps you understand which display ads generate the most engagement and where they’re placed.
Key Features:
- Analyse display ad campaigns
- Track ad placements across multiple networks
- Identify high-performing creatives
7. SimilarWeb
SimilarWeb provides an overview of a competitor’s traffic sources, including paid search and display ads. It’s a great tool for getting a big picture of how your competitors drive traffic.
Key Features:
- Track paid traffic sources
- Analyse competitor ad spend distribution
- Identify emerging PPC trends
8. Facebook Ad Library
If you run paid ads on Facebook, this free tool allows you to see active ads from competitors. It’s one of the best resources for monitoring social media PPC campaigns.
Key Features:
- Free to use
- View active Facebook and Instagram ads
- Identify ad creatives and messaging strategies
9. AdPlexity
AdPlexity is ideal for businesses running PPC campaigns across multiple platforms, including mobile, native, and display advertising networks. It provides in-depth competitor insights for various ad formats.
Key Features:
- Analyse mobile, native, and desktop ads
- Discover profitable ad creatives
- Track competitors’ ad placements
10. PowerAdSpy
PowerAdSpy is a powerful tool for tracking social media ads across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. It allows you to see what kind of content resonates with your industry’s audiences.
Key Features:
- Track competitor ads across social media platforms
- View engagement metrics for different ad types
- Filter ads by niche, location, and engagement level
11. BigSpy
BigSpy is an affordable alternative for tracking PPC ads across multiple platforms. It provides a simple interface for monitoring ad trends and discovering successful ad creatives.
Key Features:
- Multi-platform ad tracking
- Affordable pricing compared to other tools
- Easy filtering for ad type, industry, and region
12. WhatRunsWhere
WhatRunsWhere is a display ad tracking tool that allows you to see where your competitors are running ads. This can help you optimise your ad placements for better reach and performance.
Key Features:
- Monitor display ad placements
- Discover high-converting ad creatives
- Gain insights into ad networks and traffic sources
13. Moat
Moat is a transparency tool that helps you analyse display ads from top brands. It provides a detailed breakdown of ad creatives and messaging strategies.
Key Features:
- View high-performing display ads
- Track competitor ad variations
- Analyse ad engagement metrics
14. PPC Protect
PPC Protect is primarily an anti-fraud tool, but it also provides insights into unusual PPC activity. It helps businesses safeguard ad budgets from fraudulent clicks while offering competitor analysis.
Key Features:
- Detect and prevent click fraud
- Identify unusual PPC activity
- Monitor ad performance anomalies
15. Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest, a tool by Neil Patel, offers insights into PPC keywords, helping businesses refine their ad campaigns. It provides keyword suggestions, estimated costs, and competitor ad copy analysis.
Key Features:
- PPC keyword suggestions
- Ad copy insights
- Cost-per-click estimates
16. Anstrex
Anstrex focuses on native advertising and provides insights into how competitors structure their native ad campaigns for maximum engagement.
Key Features:
- Monitor native ad campaigns
- Analyse ad copy and design trends
- Track competitor landing pages
17. SERanking
SERanking provides keyword tracking and competitor analysis, making it useful for businesses that want to monitor both paid and organic search performance.
Key Features:
- PPC keyword tracking
- Competitor ad analysis
- SEO and paid search insights
Choosing The Right PPC Spying Tool
Not every tool suits every business. Some are great for tracking Google Ads, while others focus on display or social media ads.
If you’re new to PPC spying, starting with free options like Google Ads Transparency Centre and Facebook Ad Library can be a smart move. As you scale, premium tools like SEMrush, SpyFu, and AdBeat can offer deeper insights.
Conclusion About Best Tools For PPC Spying
Success in PPC isn’t just about running ads—it’s about running the right ads. By using these PPC spying tools, you can uncover what’s working for your competitors, fine-tune your strategy, and maximise your ad budget.
Whether you’re looking to improve keyword targeting, craft better ad copy, or outbid competitors, having the right data makes all the difference.
Want to take your PPC game to the next level? Get expert guidance and build a strategy that drives real results. Book a free 30-minute strategy session today and start making every ad count!
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Tools For PPC Spying
Are PPC Spying Tools Legal To Use?
Yes, PPC spying tools gather publicly available data, such as competitor ads, keywords, and spending trends. They don’t engage in unethical or illegal activities.
Which PPC Spying Tool Is Best For Beginners?
For beginners, Google Ads Transparency Centre and Facebook Ad Library are great free options. If you’re looking for more advanced insights, SpyFu and SEMrush offer easy-to-use interfaces.
How Often Should I Check Competitor Ads?
Regular monitoring is key. Checking once a week helps you stay updated on trends, while monthly deep dives provide a broader view of market changes.
Does PPC Spying Tools Help Reduce Ad Costs?
Yes, by analysing which keywords and ad copies perform well for competitors, you can refine your own campaigns, reduce wasted spend, and improve ROI.
