Optmyzr Alternatives for PPC Pros [Free & Paid]

First off, I'm a big fan of Optmyzr and their founder, Frederick Vallaeys. His PPC book "unlevel the playing field" helped me kickstart my own career in PPC, and I think he's built a phenomenal company.

Here are five tools that offer different features, pricing, and levels of control for managing PPC campaigns:

• PPC.io: AI-powered assistant for campaign management across platforms like Google, Meta, and Microsoft Ads. Pricing starts at $22/month.
• Google Ads Editor: The OG! Honestly Google ads is going to keep getting better, so if you're look for a reliable Optmyzr alternative you might just want to revert straight back this. They have a free desktop tool for bulk editing and offline campaign management/
• Adzooma: Multi-platform tool with automation and opportunity detection. Free plan available; paid plans start at $19/month.
• WordStream PPC Advisor: Simplifies PPC for small to mid-sized businesses with AI-driven recommendations. Pricing starts at $49/month.
• Shopstory: Tailored for e-commerce, automates ad optimization for Google and Meta Ads. Pricing begins at ~$42/month.

1) PPC.io

Full disclaimer, this is my own tool.

I wanted to build the perfect tool that I was looking for, using the new AI technologies available out there.

When I came into PPC, I saw a ton of bloated tools with a huge list of features, and found them really hard to navigate and use.

Why can't PPC tools feel more like ChatGPT?

That's the question I asked myself. I don't think we need clunky dashboards and lots of tabs. So I set out to make something very simple that helps you run autonomous AI agents for Google ads, and see incredible optimization ideas for your projects.

Instead of trying to replace human expertise, PPC.io adopts the role of a "sharp intern" - a helpful assistant that complements, rather than overrides, your decision-making. This approach resonates with marketers who value AI's efficiency but still want to maintain control over their campaigns.

Automation Features

PPC.io simplifies campaign management with instant audits for Google and Meta ads, delivering actionable insights without the need to navigate multiple dashboards. It automates routine tasks like landing page evaluations, offering specific recommendations instead of generic advice. The platform also detects opportunities by identifying trends and areas for improvement that might go unnoticed, especially during busy times.

Continuous monitoring ensures nothing slips through the cracks, while cross-platform context analysis breaks down the barriers between tools used for different advertising channels. This feature is particularly helpful for agencies juggling multiple client accounts, providing a unified view across PPC platforms.

Reporting Capabilities

Instead of overwhelming users with overly complex dashboards, PPC.io delivers clear, easy-to-understand reports. These concise summaries explain performance changes in plain language, helping account managers identify actionable insights and communicate results effectively without drowning in unnecessary data.

Pricing

PPC.io offers a range of pricing options to suit different needs. The Free plan provides limited access with 50 credits per month, while the Pro plan costs $99/month and includes 2,000 credits along with personalized support. Business plans start at $22/month [3].

2) Google Ads Editor

Why the heck is Google ads editor on this list?

Hear me out. 

The actual downloadable Google ads editor app is underrated, I hate to say it. And it's free! We've been promised that Google is going to release a more 'agentic' experience within their ads editor this year as well, which I'm slightly dubious about but still sounds promising.

If you want to get back to basics and find a reliable app that lets you set up your scripts with ease, I honestly think you should consider testing out the Google ads editor especially if you haven't in the last few years - It has come a long way!

Platform Integration

Google Ads Editor relies heavily on file-based data exchange for integration. Users can export and import files, typically in CSV format, to share proposals or implement account changes. This feature is particularly helpful for managing large-scale campaigns collaboratively [7][8]. Approved campaigns can also be directly exported into the Editor, reducing the need for repetitive manual work [9]. Regular synchronization with your Google Ads account ensures that your data stays up to date [8].

Its integration capabilities naturally tie into its reporting tools.

Reporting Capabilities

The reporting features in Google Ads Editor are fairly basic. While it allows users to create custom tables, charts, and dashboards, deeper insights often require manually exporting and analyzing data outside the platform [19, 25].

Pricing

One of the biggest draws of Google Ads Editor is that it’s completely free. This makes it an appealing choice for small businesses, freelancers, or agencies working within tight budgets. However, for larger operations, the time required to achieve results comparable to paid tools might outweigh the cost savings.

Despite its limitations, Google Ads Editor remains popular among users, earning ratings of 4.3/5 on G2 and 4.5/5 on Capterra. Its bulk editing features and straightforward interface are frequently highlighted as standout benefits [6].

3) Adzooma

Adzooma is a comprehensive platform that brings Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and Facebook Ads together in a single dashboard. Designed for agencies and businesses juggling multiple ad accounts, it focuses on automation and spotting opportunities to streamline campaign management.

It's a relatively low cost option that's a pretty good solution for agencies.

👉 Automation Features

Adzooma's standout feature is its automation system, which uses a rule-based approach to monitor over 50 metrics. Automation rules run every 30 minutes, enabling near real-time campaign adjustments [10][12]. Its Opportunity Engine scans accounts for areas of improvement and allows users to make changes with just one click [11]. Alerts can be set for key metrics like spend, clicks, conversions, and impressions. In one case study, automated rules helped cut down PPC management time by a whopping 90% [11]. These tools work seamlessly with the platform's integrations, making campaign management smoother and more efficient.

Platform Integration

Adzooma integrates directly with Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and Facebook Ads, allowing users to tweak campaigns without leaving the platform [15]. The Microsoft Ads integration is particularly notable, as Microsoft commands 22% of the UK's desktop search market, generating 378 million monthly searches and reaching audiences that Google might not [13].

Reporting Capabilities

Adzooma gives users access to customizable PPC performance reports, with the frequency depending on their subscription tier: monthly for free users, weekly for Silver subscribers, and daily for Gold subscribers. This flexibility allows agencies to tailor reporting to their campaign needs. Combined with its pricing structure, these reports highlight the platform’s adaptability.

Pricing

Adzooma offers pricing which starts from $69 per month for small agencies, and then up to $179 per month for the upper tier package - So nothing too crazy! 

Feedback on Adzooma's pricing is mixed. Some users find it a great value compared to competitors like WordStream and Optmyzr. As one PPC executive shared:

4) Wordstream

Wordstream has been around for years, and it's a huge company in the Google ads space.

When it comes to PPC management tools, Wordstream takes a unique, time-efficient approach. Tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, it simplifies campaign management while offering robust features. Originally known for its keyword research tools, WordStream has evolved into a comprehensive PPC software suite [21].

👉 Automation Features

WordStream's standout feature is its "20-Minute Work Week", designed for teams that need to manage campaigns efficiently without dedicating hours to manual tasks [19]. Using AI-driven recommendations, the platform suggests campaign optimizations, automates bidding, and identifies opportunities for negative keywords, keyword grouping, and new keyword additions. Importantly, these changes are implemented only with user approval, giving marketers control while saving time [20].

Platform Integration

One of WordStream's strengths is its seamless integration with Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Bing Ads. This allows users to manage campaigns across multiple platforms from a single dashboard [22]. Its Google Ads integration is particularly strong, enabling users to set up and manage campaigns without switching between tools [20]. Additionally, the cross-platform functionality helps businesses compare performance metrics across networks and apply insights from one platform to another, optimizing both ad spend and strategy [22].

Reporting Capabilities

WordStream focuses on delivering actionable insights in a user-friendly format, avoiding data overload. With performance tracking across all integrated channels, users can monitor key metrics like cost per conversion, click-through rates, and overall campaign effectiveness in one place. For example, Kaitlin Berg from Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc. shared her experience:

WordStream PPC Advisor is an excellent choice for businesses prioritizing ease of use and quick implementation over more advanced automation tools.

WordStream PPC Advisor is an excellent choice for businesses prioritizing ease of use and quick implementation over more advanced automation tools.

5) Shopstory (for ecom)

Shopstory is definitely me favorite Optmyzr alternative for Ecommerce brands running Google ads. 

Their tool takes a workflow-focused approach to PPC automation, offering a robust solution for e-commerce businesses managing Google Ads and Meta Ads campaigns. By automating campaign execution through workflows, it allows for real-time adjustments to ad accounts, simplifying the process for advertisers.

Automation Features

Shopstory shines with its smart keyword management and budget optimization tools. For instance, it can automatically switch a keyword from broad match to exact match if spending exceeds $50 without generating any conversions. It also pauses underperforming ads and reactivates late converters to make the most of your ad budget.

One standout feature is its product categorization system, which is tailored for e-commerce advertisers. Shopstory evaluates recent campaign performance using metrics like ROAS, impressions, and costs, and then assigns labels such as "Noseller", "Lowseller", and "Bestseller." These labels help prioritize budget allocation, ensuring that high-performing products get more ad spend on Google Ads.

For marketers who prefer a hands-on approach, Shopstory includes a review layer that lets users approve major campaign changes before they go live. This combines the efficiency of automation with the reassurance of human oversight, making it a flexible tool for campaign management.

Platform Integration

Shopstory integrates seamlessly with Google Ads and Meta Ads (including Facebook and Instagram), allowing users to manage campaigns across platforms using unified workflows. The platform also connects with tools like ChatGPT, Google Analytics, and various e-commerce systems. For example, it can link Meta Ads with Google Merchant Center to optimize product feeds and apply cross-platform insights. Additionally, it integrates with ClickUp to streamline task management. Its cross-platform budget monitoring feature offers a clear view of total ad spend across all channels, simplifying budget tracking [26].

Reporting Capabilities

The platform's reporting system keeps a close eye on campaign performance and sends alerts when necessary. For example, it monitors Google Ads MCC accounts and notifies users if conversions drop below a set threshold. A summary email with key KPIs is also sent, linking to a detailed Google Sheet for further analysis [25]. By tying reporting directly into its automation workflows, Shopstory ensures performance data leads to actionable changes.

Pricing

Shopstory offers flexible pricing options to suit different needs. Its freemium model includes one free activated workflow with unlimited actions and executions [28]. For businesses looking to expand, pay-as-you-use plans start at €39 per month (around $42) [27], while full-featured plans begin at €199 per month (approximately $215) [28]. This pricing structure is ideal for businesses with varying campaign activity or those wanting to explore automation without committing to large upfront costs.

Which Alternative Tool Should You Choose?

Selecting the best PPC management tool comes down to your unique needs, goals, and budget. Here's a breakdown of recommendations tailored to different business types and budgets:

Agencies and consultants often benefit from tools like PPC.io. Designed with professionals in mind, it focuses on high-level strategy by automating routine tasks and providing cross-platform analysis for managing multiple accounts. Jay Baron, CEO at Elevate Demand, highlights a common challenge in paid search:

"Reporting revenue and scaling is the hardest part of paid search" [31].

PPC.io tackles this issue by identifying actionable opportunities that can drive real results.

Budget-conscious small businesses should explore free tools to get started. For example, Google Ads Editor offers powerful bulk editing features at no cost. Another option is Adzooma's free plan, which delivers AI-driven insights, making it a great choice for new advertisers working to demonstrate ROI.

E-commerce businesses might find tools like Shopstory helpful for automating campaign optimization. Alternatively, WordStream PPC Advisor simplifies multi-platform management, making it easier to oversee campaigns across various channels.

Large agencies and enterprise advertisers typically need tools that scale with their operations. Advanced automation and reporting features are often essential for handling larger accounts, making premium tools worth the investment.

When choosing a tool, test it with real campaign data before making a commitment [32]. Many platforms offer free trials or freemium versions, allowing you to evaluate their performance in real-world scenarios rather than relying solely on feature descriptions.

Your budget is another critical factor. Free tools like Google Ads Editor handle many tasks effectively, while premium options provide advanced automation that can save time and boost efficiency. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you need a strategic partner to guide growth or a tactical tool to handle specific tasks. Each approach aligns with different business models and growth stages.