Recommended Tools
A curated list of AI tools we recommend for everyday use — the same picks featured on our homepage. These are third-party tools, not built by us, chosen for being genuinely useful and accessible to beginners.
Pricing shown below is approximate and can change — always confirm current rates on each tool’s official site before subscribing.
ChatGPT
Best For: General writing, brainstorming, and quick research for any side hustle.
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start around $20/month for expanded access.
Pros
- Extremely versatile — writing, coding, planning, and Q&A in one tool
- Free plan is genuinely usable, not just a trial
- Fast, natural interface with no learning curve
Cons
- Free plan has usage limits and can be slower at peak times
- Can occasionally state incorrect information confidently — always double-check
- Higher-tier plans get expensive fast for casual users
Canva AI
Best For: Social media graphics, thumbnails, and marketing visuals without design skills.
Pricing: Free plan available; Pro starts around $13–15/month (billed annually).
Pros
- Huge template library for fast, professional-looking output
- AI tools (background removal, text-to-image, resizing) built into the editor
- Free plan covers most beginner needs
Cons
- Best AI features gated behind Pro or billed separately
- Can feel template-heavy rather than fully custom
- Free AI credits run out quickly with regular use
Grammarly
Best For: Polishing blog posts, emails, and any English-language writing before publishing.
Pricing: Free plan available; Plus starts around $12/month (billed annually).
Pros
- Catches grammar/tone issues basic spell-checkers miss
- Works across browser, docs, and email — not just one app
- Free plan already covers basic grammar and tone checks
Cons
- Full sentence rewrites and plagiarism checks require the paid plan
- Suggestions occasionally miss context or nuance in casual writing
- Browser extension can feel intrusive on some sites
Midjourney
Best For: High-quality AI-generated images for content, thumbnails, and mockups.
Pricing: No free plan; paid plans start around $10/month.
Pros
- Consistently polished, artistic image quality
- Active community for prompt ideas and inspiration
- Multiple tiers so casual users aren’t stuck at studio-level pricing
Cons
- No free tier to try before paying
- Runs through Discord or its own web app — less beginner-friendly to set up
- Entry-level plan’s generation time is limited, easy to run out mid-project
Notion AI
Best For: Organizing notes, plans, and business ideas in one connected workspace.
Pricing: Free plan available; Plus starts around $10/month. AI features are included as a limited trial on all plans, with paid AI credits available beyond that.
Pros
- Combines notes, docs, and databases in one flexible workspace
- AI can draft, summarize, and autofill content directly inside your notes
- Free plan is genuinely usable for individual side-hustle planning
Cons
- Full AI usage beyond the trial requires extra credits or a paid add-on
- Flexibility means some setup time before it feels organized
- Steeper learning curve than a simple notes app
ElevenLabs
Best For: Turning scripts into natural-sounding voiceovers for videos and podcasts.
Pricing: Free plan available (limited monthly credits); paid plans start around $6/month.
Pros
- Among the most natural-sounding AI voice quality available
- Free plan lets you test quality before paying
- Useful beyond voiceovers — dubbing, sound effects, and more
Cons
- Monthly credits run out fast once you’re producing regularly
- Commercial usage rights require a paid plan
- Higher-quality and team plans get expensive quickly