LLMO/GEO Tools Compared: 12 Best Picks for 2026 (Domestic & Overseas) — by Supported AI, Features, and Pricing

"What's the best CRM?"—the place where users type that question is starting to shift from Google search to ChatGPT and Gemini. In this "AI search," where people receive an AI-summarized answer, a handful of services are recommended by name instead of ten links being lined up. Whether your own company's name makes it into that answer will shape awareness, comparison, and purchasing decisions from here on out.

The work of getting correctly cited and recommended in AI answers is called "LLMO (Large Language Model Optimization)," "GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)," or "AIO," and dedicated measurement and improvement tools have surged in number since the start of 2026. That said, even within the single label "LLMO tool," the scope varies widely: some only measure mention rates, some also handle the improvement work, and some are integrated with SEO and web analytics. Get this distinction wrong and you can easily end up, even after signing a contract, in a state of "I can see the numbers, but I don't know what to do next."

In this article, we do a cross-comparison of the 12 major LLMO/GEO optimization tools actually in use in Japan and abroad (9 Japanese, 4 overseas), by supported AI, feature type, and pricing, and lay out how to choose without regret along with options suited to your scale and goals. The comparison table also includes two GEO-ready tools that support you from the "production side"—building content and sites that AI is likely to cite (Writesonic and Readdy)—so that all 15 tools can be compared at a glance in a single table. Pricing, supported AI, and free tiers are based on what each official site stated as of August 2026.

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The verdict | In three lines first

If in doubt, the sequence that avoids regret is to first measure "how your company appears right now" on a free tier or trial, and then decide. The detailed reasoning and what each tool contains are explained below.

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LLMO/GEO optimization tool comparison list [15 tools]

First, the big picture. We've lined up 15 tools—the 9 Japanese and 4 overseas major tools, plus 2 GEO-ready production tools—by provider, supported AI, feature type, pricing, free tier, and Japanese-language support. Everything is per the official statements as of August 2026; pricing separates the monthly price on a month-to-month contract from the per-month equivalent when billed annually (annual contract). Where the official site lists no amount, we've marked it "Not disclosed." Japanese tools are marked as excl. tax or tax incl.; overseas tools are in US dollars.

"Feature type" indicates whether the tool centers on measuring mentions and citations (Measurement), also handles generating improvement ideas and managing initiatives (through to improvement), or is integrated with SEO, web analytics, or article production (SEO integration). "No" under Japanese support for overseas tools means the UI and official site are English-only; measuring with Japanese-language prompts is possible on most of them.

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What are LLMO/GEO optimization tools?

LLMO/GEO optimization tools are tools that measure how much, and in what way, your brand is mentioned and cited in AI search such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews, and connect that to improvement. What they have in common is the flow of (1) continuously collecting AI answers to anticipated questions (prompts), (2) visualizing your own and competitors' mention rates and citation sources, and (3) showing what to fix to become more likely to be cited.

Whereas SEO tracks "ranking in search results," LLMO/GEO tracks "whether your name appears in AI answers together with its supporting evidence." The backdrop is that, as zero-click behavior reduces site traffic itself, the question becomes whether you can move to the side that gets recommended by AI. The metrics measured here—"mention rate," "share of citations," and the like—are collectively called AI Visibility.

Tools differ in "how far they go." They can be broadly grouped into those centered on measurement (01–03), those that also generate improvement ideas and manage initiatives (04), and those that build 03–04 into existing SEO or web analytics.

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How to choose without regret | 6 decision axes

Just scanning the comparison table from top to bottom won't produce a deciding factor. If you decide your own side's conditions first and then return to the table, your candidates will naturally narrow to two or three.

Axis 1 | "Measurement only" or "through to improvement"

This is the first thing to decide. Do you just want to grasp your AI visibility in numbers, or do you also want proposals on what to fix, and even content generation? Some tools center on measurement (Peec AI, SUPER ACT, AKARUMI, and others), while others go as far as generating improvement ideas and managing initiatives (DolphinX AIO, Genview, Profound, AthenaHQ, and others). The fewer people you have running operations, the better the latter "gives you even the next move" type suits you.

Axis 2 | Range of supported AI

ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google AI Overviews are essentially must-haves, but whether you also want to cover Claude, Perplexity, Grok, AI Mode, and Copilot depends on your business. Overseas players are broad, at 8–9 engines, while Japanese tools tend to focus on the main 4–6. One thing to watch: on many tools, the number of "supported AI" differs from the number of "AI you can measure on your plan" (Profound's Starter covers ChatGPT only, Peec AI has you pick 3, OtterlyAI treats Claude and Gemini as add-ons, and on Genview everything from Claude onward is an add-on too). Prioritize the AI your own customers actually use, and check that those AI are included in the plan you're signing up for.

Axis 3 | Mentions or citations—which do you look at?

"Your brand name coming up in the answer (mention)" and "your own site being referenced as supporting evidence (citation)" are two different things. The former is closer to awareness, the latter closer to content SEO, and whether you can track both separately affects how easy improvement becomes. Tools that even rank citation sources make it easier to act, because you can see where you should aim to get placed.

Axis 4 | Integration with existing operations

If you already run SEO, GA4, and web analytics, tools that connect seamlessly with them have the advantage. Mieruca GEO integrates with Mieruca SEO, User Insight with web analytics, and DolphinX AIO, Genview, and AthenaHQ with GA4, letting you add AI search optimization while keeping your existing setup. If you want article production integrated as well, BringRitera and Writesonic are candidates. This axis is most effective for organizations that don't want to add more tools.

Axis 5 | Language and support

Japanese tools offer a strong Japanese-language UI, domestic support, and hands-on guidance, while overseas players have an English UI but richer engine coverage and enterprise features (SSO, multi-region, audit logs). Measuring with Japanese-language prompts is possible on overseas tools too, but if you want analysis of citation sources aimed at the Japanese market (domestic media and comparison sites), or want to consult on initiatives in Japanese, a Japanese tool is the sure choice.

Axis 6 | Pricing structure and contract terms

Look beyond the monthly figure to the billing unit (number of prompts, credits, pageview-based), minimum contract term, setup fee, and annual-billing discount to avoid surprises after adoption. For example, Mieruca GEO has a separate setup fee, DolphinX AIO requires a contract of 6 months or more, Genview is a base fee plus usage-based charges, and AthenaHQ is credit-based (1 credit = 1 AI answer). The prompt cap translates directly into "how many questions you can track daily," so count the questions you want to track first. The safe path is to first check "how you currently appear" on a free tier or trial before proceeding to a full contract.

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[Japan] 9 tools chosen for Japanese UI and domestic support

The strength of Japanese tools is that you can operate in Japanese, with abundant onboarding support and domestic case studies. We introduce them roughly in order of track record and name recognition.

Mieruca GEO | From SEO leader Mieruca, visualizes mentions/citations by AI model

See Mieruca GEO details

User Insight (AIO/LLMO optimization) | Integrated with web analytics, AIO features at no extra cost

See User Insight details

AKARUMI | Wide analysis axes that turn AI search into a "management metric"

See AKARUMI details

DolphinX AIO | Analyzes the content of answers, through to generating action plans

See DolphinX AIO details

SUPER ACT | Overall score and "context analysis" that break down the reasons you're chosen

See SUPER ACT details

BringRitera | AI writing and LLMO measurement in one, with a free plan

See BringRitera details

Genview | Ideal-image-based improvement that starts from "how you want to be seen"

See Genview details

LLMOinsight | Measurement, improvement, content generation, and ChatGPT ads on one screen

See LLMOinsight details

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AIsearchmap | Share of voice and citation sources, with every feature free

See AIsearchmap details

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[Overseas] 4 tools for multi-engine, enterprise use

Overseas players have an English UI but lead in engine breadth and enterprise features. They become candidates if you have English-speaking markets or large-scale operations in view.

Profound | The category leader in AI search visibility, executing via agents

See Profound details

OtterlyAI | Affordability from $29/mo, plus the precision to track citation links

See OtterlyAI details

Peec AI | Simple, with unlimited users on every plan

See Peec AI details

AthenaHQ | A command center with hallucination detection and a copilot

See AthenaHQ details

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[Related] 2 tools that approach GEO from the "production side"

The 12 tools so far were on the side that measures "how you appear to AI." On the other hand, tools that build the very content and sites that AI is likely to cite are also an option as an entry point to optimization. Here's a supplement on the two included in the comparison table.

Writesonic | An "AI search growth engine" that combines measurement with AI article generation and site audits

See Writesonic details

Readdy | A site builder that generates sites that are easy for AI to read

See Readdy details

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Recommendations by goal

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Price ranges | How much per month does it take to get started?

Arranging the official pricing of the 14 tools by price band gives the following (as of August 2026; overseas tools in US dollars, Japanese tools marked excl. tax or tax incl.).

When comparing prices, look beyond the monthly figure and line up "how many prompts and how many engines that plan lets you track." Even within the same ¥10,000–50,000 band, there's a wide range: SUPER ACT covers 10 prompts, LLMOinsight Business 20 questions (up to 5 sampling runs), DolphinX AIO Light 20 daily, OtterlyAI Standard 100, and Peec AI Pro 150. The more questions you want to track, the more a higher tier or usage-based pricing (Genview, BringRitera) can end up cheaper. Because yen conversions shift with exchange rates, it's safest to compare overseas tools in dollars as-is.

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Free tools and trials at a glance

If all you want is to confirm "how your company appears right now," the following free tiers are more than enough to get started.

• Free plans (no time limit) — BringRitera (Free plan, no card required), AthenaHQ (Essential, $25 in credits, 5 models), Readdy (Free, 250 credits/mo), LLMOinsight (Free, no card required — though analysis is a one-time run of 6 questions)
• Time-limited free trials — DolphinX AIO (14 days, no card required), Genview (14 days), OtterlyAI (7 days, no card required), Writesonic (no card required), Peec AI (duration undisclosed), Profound (Growth plan)
• Free trials by application — Mieruca GEO (apply via form, duration undisclosed), AKARUMI (all features can be tried)
• No free tier stated on the official page — User Insight (quote required), SUPER ACT

In addition, OtterlyAI publishes free GEO tools such as AI keyword research and AI Crawler Simulation. Ways to measure for free without a tool are summarized in the FAQ below.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q. What's the difference between LLMO and GEO?

They refer to almost the same effort; the difference is in naming. LLMO (Large Language Model Optimization) means "optimization to be correctly understood and mentioned by large language models," while GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) means "optimization to be cited and recommended by AI search that generates answers (generative engines)"; GEO is a term proposed in a 2023 paper by researchers at Princeton University and others. In Japan LLMO is the common label, while overseas GEO and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) are more common, and every tool in this article covers this domain.

Q. What is AIO?

It's used with two meanings depending on context. One is "optimization to be cited in AI Overviews (AIO) (the AI-generated overview shown at the very top of Google search)"; the other is short for "AI Optimization," a general term for optimization aimed at AI overall, just like LLMO/GEO. In Japanese tools, "AIO optimization" is mostly used in the latter sense (which includes the former), and User Insight and DolphinX AIO carry AIO in their names.

Q. How can I measure for free?

Even without a tool, the following three steps give you a minimum grasp of the current state. (1) Write out 20–30 questions your customers are likely to ask AI, put the same questions to ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews, and record in a spreadsheet whether your company came up, in what position, and which citation-source URLs appeared (answers change every time, so repeat the same question several times and look at the ratio). (2) In GA4, filter sessions whose referrer includes chatgpt.com, perplexity.ai, gemini.google.com, and the like, and track AI-driven traffic and conversions. (3) Replace the same questions with automated measurement using the free plans listed above (BringRitera, AthenaHQ Essential) or a free trial. Manual measurement realistically tops out at about once a month, so if you plan to track continuously, moving to a tool early is the efficient route.

Q. What metrics measure effectiveness? What are "share of citations" and "mention rate"?

The effect of LLMO/GEO is measured with metrics collectively called AI Visibility (share of citations / mention rate). Mention rate is the proportion of your registered anticipated questions for which your brand name appeared in the AI's answer. Share of citations (Share of AI Voice / Share of Citations) is the proportion your company accounts for among the answer's citation-source links or all mentions, indicating your relative standing versus competitors. On top of these, the basic approach is to combine mention position (where in the list you appear), sentiment (how you're described), and AI-driven traffic and conversions (GA4), and compare the trends before and after your initiatives. Because AI answers vary probabilistically, judge by the trend of daily measurements rather than a single result.

Q. Should I choose a Japanese or an overseas tool?

If you value a Japanese UI, domestic support, and how you appear in the Japanese market (citation-source analysis of domestic media and comparison sites), Japanese tools are strong; if you value multi-engine coverage and enterprise features (SSO, multi-region), overseas tools are the front-runners. If you want unified operation with SEO and web analytics, tools that connect seamlessly with existing assets—like Mieruca GEO and User Insight—are efficient. Measuring with Japanese-language prompts is possible on overseas tools too.

Q. Where should I start?

(1) Write out 20–30 anticipated questions, (2) measure your current mention rate and citation sources on a free tier or trial, (3) look at the competitor pages and external media being cited, then fix your own pages' structure (conclusions first, FAQs, structured data) and external placements, (4) re-measure with the same questions—in that order. The glossary entry for "GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)" summarizes the key points of writing that gets cited.

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Summary

Exposure in AI search will shape awareness, comparison, and purchasing from here on. If you're unsure which tool to choose, thinking through it in the following order makes it easier to narrow down.

• You want improvement, not just measurement → DolphinX AIO, Genview, Profound, AthenaHQ, LLMOinsight
• You want unified operation with SEO, web analytics, and article production → Mieruca GEO, User Insight, BringRitera, Writesonic
• You want to try at low cost first → BringRitera, OtterlyAI, SUPER ACT, AthenaHQ Essential, LLMOinsight Free
• Multi-engine, enterprise → Profound, AthenaHQ, Peec AI
• You're about to build a site that AI will readily cite → Readdy

In every case, many tools offer free tiers or trials. First measure "how your company currently appears in the major AI," grasp your current state, and then choose the tool that fits your setup.

Related reading

• LLMO / GEO (Generative AI Search Optimization) category — the latest listing, including the 14 tools in this article
• Glossary: LLMO (Large Language Model Optimization) / GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) / AI Overviews (AIO) / AI Visibility (share of citations / mention rate)
• 13 AI Tools That Solve Marketers' Challenges — tools for content production, advertising, and analytics beyond measurement
• 7 AI Tools That Solve Writers' Challenges — efficiently produce articles that AI is likely to cite
• 10 Platforms Where You Can List and Promote AI Tools for Free — getting placed in external media that AI readily uses as citation sources

The information in this article is based on content published on each official site as of August 2026 (the 12 tools other than LLMOinsight were checked on August 18, 2026, and LLMOinsight on August 27). Pricing and features are subject to change, so please check each official site for the latest details.