10 free AI tools that save you hours every week

You do not need ten paid subscriptions to get real value from AI. These tools all offer a free way to start. Plans and limits change often, so check each tool's pricing page before you rely on it.

1. ChatGPT: the all-rounder

Great for drafting, brainstorming and learning new topics. If you only try one tool, start here or with Claude.

2. Claude: long documents and careful writing

Paste a long report or contract and ask questions about it, or use it to improve your writing and code.

3. Gemini: if you live in Google apps

Useful if you work in Gmail, Docs and Drive all day.

4. Perplexity: research with sources

It answers with links you can open and check, which makes it a strong choice when facts matter.

5. NotebookLM: study your own files

Upload your notes, PDFs or slides and ask questions only about them. Excellent for exam revision.

6. Gamma: slides from an outline

Paste your notes and get a first version of a presentation, then edit it.

7. Canva: design with AI help

Templates plus AI features for social posts, posters and thumbnails.

8. CapCut: quick short videos

Auto captions and simple edits for reels and Shorts.

9. n8n or Make: automate boring work

Connect your apps so repeated tasks happen automatically, like saving email attachments to a folder or posting form replies to a spreadsheet.

10. Cursor or GitHub Copilot: for coding

AI help inside your code editor, from explaining code to writing tests.

How to choose

See the full list with filters in our AI Tools Directory, and grab ready-made prompts from the Prompt Library.