A small business must justify every dollar it spends. That means every purchase has to be a worthwhile investment – even free small business software.
Let’s be real: Costs can get out of control quickly if not managed carefully. That’s why small and medium businesses can’t break the bank on expensive SaaS solutions.
They need cost-effective ways to help streamline operations and increase productivity. Fortunately, plenty of free small business software tools are tailored to meet the diverse needs of these businesses.
This article explores some of the best free software options businesses can take for a test drive before committing.
- Free Communication and Collaboration Tools
- Free Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
- Free Accounting and Invoicing Software
- Project Management and Workflow Tools
- Website Builders and E-commerce Solutions
- Free Web Hosting Solutions
- Email Marketing Software for Campaign Management
- Free SEO Tools
- Time Tracking and Productivity Tools
- Social Media Management Tools
- Graphic Design Tools
- Password Management Solutions
Free Communication and Collaboration Tools
Free collaboration and communication software helps remote or hybrid teams create a collaborative culture and stay productive in the absence of face-to-face interaction. These solutions allow teams to organize tasks while managing projects, ensuring every deadline is met.
1. NextivaONE
NextivaONE is an all-in-one communications platform that offers cloud-hosted VoIP, video conferencing, messaging, and various other collaborative functionalities. It’s known for its reliability, scalability, and support for third-party applications.
Take a look into NextivaONE’s features and benefits below to understand everything you get when you sign up for the platform.
NextivaONE features
Some notable features of NextivaOne:
- Call analytics. Measures individual and aggregate data related to incoming and outgoing calls.
- Interactive Voice Response (IVR). Interacts with callers through voice or touch-tone input.
- Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS). Blends internet-based phone and messaging into a full-featured communications platform. Useful for internal teams.
NextivaONE benefits
Check out the benefits of NextivaONE for small businesses:
- Unified communication. NextivaONE makes interactions seamless by consolidating various communication modes — like VoIP calling, team messaging, SMS texting — and video conferencing into one platform.
- Cost savings. It’s the go-to choice for those who don’t want to invest in multiple subscriptions. The communication tools bundle includes everything you need for smooth business operations.
- Scalability. The platform grows with your business needs. You’ll never have to worry about upgrading or downgrading your VoIP tech stack as your requirements change.
- Positive customer reviews. Multiple NextivaONE customer reviews on G2 highlight how the platform is easy to use and offers reliable services. Small businesses especially love NextivaONE’s integration capabilities with various tools, including Salesforce and HubSpot.
NextivaONE pricing
Here are a few notable details on Nextiva’s pricing:
- Digital (starting at $20 per user per month) is suitable for startups seeking basic omnichannel customer service.
- Core (costing $30 per edition per user per month) is ideal for small teams starting with digital, voice, and video communication.
- Engage (starting at $40 per agent per month) suits expanding teams that aim to enhance customer experience across channels.
- Power Suite (starts at $60 per agent per month) offers a full solution for sales and service teams of all sizes with an integrated set of advanced features and capabilities.
2. Slack
Slack facilitates collaboration among teams of all sizes, including many Fortune 100 companies. Accessible on both desktop and mobile devices, Slack replaces email threads with structured channels for real-time teamwork. Its friendly interface and extensive integrations help improve productivity and team workflows.
Slack features
Some important features of Slack:
- Smooth integrations. Slack has the power to easily integrate over 2,400 apps and 750 bots in its directory.
- Ease of use. It also features a super-user-friendly interface that is easily navigable for newbies and experienced staff.
- Private channels. Slack uses a channel-based system and allows you to create private channels with a select few members to share data you do not want others to know about.
Slack benefits
Some notable benefits of Slack:
- Robust integration. With over 2,400 app integrations, Slack allows seamless sharing across customer relationship management (CRM) software, project management tools, and social media, making it a highly adaptable business tool.
- Automation and productivity. Custom bot commands and scheduled tasks help share content and team updates efficiently — such as GIF or Asana project status updates.
- Improved culture. Slack allows small businesses to build a stronger company culture with non-work channels.
- Customizations. Besides Slack’s user-friendly interface, users appreciate high-level customizations, gifs, and emojis that make interactions fun.
Slack pricing
A few notable details on Slack’s pricing:
- Free. This plan includes essential features for small teams, making it ideal for trying out Slack. It includes unlimited searchable message archives (for up to 10,000 messages); native apps for iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows; two-person voice and video calls; and 5 GB of total file storage for the team.
- Pro. Growing teams use this plan for unlimited message archives, integrations, and custom retention policies. It costs $18.75 per user per month when billed monthly.
- Business. For larger organizations, this plan offers advanced features like SAML SSO, compliance exports, and guaranteed uptime. It costs $25 per user per month when billed monthly.
- Enterprise grid. This is ideal for large enterprises that require tailored solutions with multiple workspaces, advanced security, and compliance features.
3. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams offers several collaborative features like instant messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing. You can integrate it with Microsoft 365 tools to streamline and improve real-time collaboration and productivity.
It’s a central hub for communication that saves users time they would otherwise spend on emails.
Microsoft Teams features
These are some important features of Microsoft Teams:
- Microsoft 365 integration. If you’re a fan of other Microsoft products, you’ll be happy to learn that Teams can easily integrate most other Microsoft 365 products seamlessly.
- Fast searching. Teams has the function to easily find information from conversations or files with the use of its inbuilt search and filtering system.
- Slash commands. These allow users to cause specific actions within Teams. They make things quick and easy to complete.
Microsoft Teams benefits
Some notable benefits of Microsoft Teams:
- Enhanced communication. Microsoft Teams integrates many communication methods, such as chat, video calls, and file sharing, into one platform, making it easier to stay connected and collaborate in real time.
- Accessibility: The platform is available on multiple devices, including desktops and mobile devices, allowing users to stay connected and collaborate from anywhere.
- Collaborative functionality. Microsoft Teams users love sharing files and collaborating on documents within the application. They appreciate screen-sharing capabilities and the simplicity of the chat function.
Microsoft Teams pricing
Teams Essentials is billed at $4.80 per user per month.
4. Zoom (free plan)
Zoom streamlines workflows by integrating meetings, team chat, and workspaces. The Zoom AI Companion assists with drafting emails, summarizing meetings, and various other tasks, helping teams work efficiently.
Zoom features
Some important features of Zoom:
- Video conferencing. Zoom is best known for its ability to provide HD video and audio meetings for up to 100 participants, with useful tools like a live chat system and whiteboard to use during meetings.
- Video recording. This allows you to record and store these meetings for future reference.
- Security. Zoom meetings are very secure as they allow you to lock meetings with passwords, remove or mute participants, and make the chat private.
Zoom benefits
Some notable benefits of Zoom:
- AI-powered features. Zoom AI Companion lets users create meeting summaries and send quick replies in team chats.
- Integrated collaboration tools. The platform consolidates different communication methods in a single platform, making it easier for teams to collaborate without switching between multiple applications.
- Video and audio quality. Users love Zoom’s high-quality video and audio, which works well even among large groups of participants.
Zoom pricing
Here are a few details on Zoom’s pricing:
- Basic (free). This free plan with limited meeting length and attendees works best for small teams or casual meetings.
- Pro (at $12.49). It’s great for teams that need longer meetings and more attendees.
- Business (at $18.32). Suits companies with multiple teams that frequently conduct large meetings.
- Business Plus (unknown pricing). This is best for large enterprises that require advanced features and host many meeting attendees.
5. Google Workspace
Google Workspace includes Gmail for email, Google Drive for storage, Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for real-time document creation and collaboration, and Google Meet for video conferencing. These tools provide a user-friendly interface while offering robust security for business sizes.
Google Workspace features
Some key features of Google Workspace:
- File management. Google Drive is the most used file storage system and is part of Google Workspace, which allows you to access files easily across multiple devices and users.
- Collaboration. This enables real-time interaction between your team through apps like Docs, Sheets, and Slides while also allowing simultaneous communication through Google Meet.
- Administration. Google Workspace allows for User and Role Management through the Google Admin Console and has the power to monitor activities with detailed reports.
Google Workspace benefits
Some notable benefits of Google Workspace:
- Collaboration. Google Workspace lets users collaborate on the same document, spreadsheet, and presentation simultaneously. The real-time editing feature improves team collaboration while allowing users to retrieve previous versions using the version control feature.
- Centralized file management. Google Drive lets users store, share, and manage files from a single place, encouraging efficient document collaboration.
Google Workspace pricing
Google Workspace has a Business Starter plan at $6 per month that offers custom and secure business email, 100-participant video meetings, 30 GB of storage per user, and standard security and management controls.
6. RingCentral Video Pro
RingCentral Video Pro offers HD video and audio, screen sharing, closed captioning, and team messaging capabilities. Users can access the platform from anywhere using the web, desktop, or mobile app.
RingCentral Video features
Some top features of RingCentral Video:
- Device switching. Aside from the standard HD Video and Audio conferencing, RingCentral also allows you to switch between desktop, mobile, and phone during a meeting.
- Integrations. You can integrate RingCentral with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Salesforce.
- Notifications. RingCentral gives you the option to mute alerts on all of your devices whether you’re on a phone, tablet, or computer.
RingCentral Video benefits
Some notable benefits of RingCentral Video:
- High-quality video and audio. RingCentral Video offers secure, high-definition video and audio for meetings. This quality improves the overall experience of the meeting, making it suitable for internal and external communications.
- Free unlimited meetings. Users can join free video calls with unlimited time. This is a handy tool, especially for teams looking to conduct longer brainstorming sessions or meetings.
RingCentral Video pricing
Check out RingCentral Video pricing:
- Free. The free plan includes unlimited people, posts, storage, and 500 minutes of video chat.
- Pro. This plan best suits teams with high video chat usage and advanced collaboration needs. It provides 3,000 minutes of video chat per person per month, costing $10 per user.
7. Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex offers features like video meetings, team messaging, file sharing, and virtual events. Founded in 1995 as WebEx, it was acquired by Cisco Systems in 2007.
Webex offers tools for remote work and productivity enhancement, catering to businesses of various sizes. The platform integrates with other applications and emphasizes security measures.
Cisco Webex features
Some important features of Cisco Webex:
- Webcam optimization. Aside from the standard video conferencing features, Webex also allows you to fine-tune your zoom, change your autofocus, and adjust low-light conditions.
- Immersive share. Merges your image and content in one single screen for better viewing.
Cisco Webex benefits
Some notable benefits of Cisco Webex:
- Ease of use. Webex has a user-friendly and intuitive design. Users especially value the screen-sharing feature for its ease of use and effectiveness in collaboration.
- Comprehensive collaboration suite. The platform features video meetings, team messaging, file sharing, and whiteboarding capabilities, allowing users to switch between features seamlessly to meet their needs.
Cisco Webex pricing
Some basic details on Webex pricing:
- The Basic plan is free to try but has limited access to certain features. It’s ideal for users who want to explore the platform without committing to a paid plan.
- The Suite plan offers premium features like HD meetings with up to 200 people, screen sharing, recordings, breakout rooms, and more. It’s suitable for teams that require advanced collaboration and meeting tools. This plan costs $22.50 per user per month.
- The Meet + Call plan requires direct contact with the service providers for a price quote.
Free CRM Software
CRM software gives small business owners the information they need to manage customer interactions effectively. It automates routine tasks and customizes workflows, making the sales and support processes more efficient.
Essentially, a CRM platform helps salespeople aggregate customer information in real time, allowing them to focus on relationship building.
8. HubSpot CRM
HubSpot helps organizations manage marketing, sales, customer service, and operations. Its user-friendly interface and integration capabilities allow teams to collaborate efficiently. It becomes easier to make data-driven decisions about where to allocate resources.
HubSpot CRM features
These are the key features of HubSpot CRM:
- CRM database. HubSpot CRM features a database that can store 1 million contacts without fear of time limit or expiry, and it also stores all the information on each contact.
- Task management. It allows you to manage your tasks by sorting and monitoring them while keeping things updated.
- Bulk emails. You can send bulk emails to your targeted audiences.
HubSpot CRM benefits
A few notable benefits of HubSpot CRM:
- All-in-one platform. HubSpot combines marketing, sales, customer service, and content management tools, providing businesses with a single system to manage all aspects of customer relationships from a platform.
- User-friendly. The platform’s intuitive design makes it easy for users of any level to navigate and use its features without extensive training.
- Integrations. HubSpot’s seamless integration with other platforms improves the ability to manage leads and streamline workflows.
HubSpot CRM pricing
Some details on HubSpot CRM’s pricing:
- Free HubSpot CRM. Organizes customer interactions and offers a simple and basic solution to startups.
- Sales Hub Starter ($20/user/month)provides essential tools for small sales teams to shorten sales cycles and improve close rates.
- Sales Hub Professional ($100/user/month) offers a comprehensive sales CRM for growing teams, helping automate and scale the sales process.
- Sales Hub Enterprise ($150/user/month) caters to teams needing advanced control and flexibility.
9. Zoho CRM
Zoho supports different aspects of a business, from sales and marketing to customer support. It offers multi-channel engagement, automated marketing tasks, and useful analytics capabilities. Due to its varied features and benefits, it’s also suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Zoho CRM features
Some popular features of Zoho CRM:
- Omnichannel customer experience. Zoho CRM lets you interact with your customers and all your teams and channels on a single platform.
- Artificial intelligence. It has an inbuilt AI that tracks lead activity, suggests the best time to contact a prospect, answers support calls on your behalf, and reduces manual work.
- Mobile service. With Zoho CRM, you can also keep up with important business updates on the go.
Zoho CRM benefits
Some of the benefits of using Zoho:
- Customization capabilities. Zoho offers businesses flexible options for customizing workflows, fields, and modules, allowing them to tailor the system to their needs.
- Economical pricing plans. The platform offers pricing plans that suit small and medium-sized businesses, delivering plenty of features within budget.
- Multi-channel communications. Zoho allows companies to handle email, social media, and calls on a single platform, ensuring seamless customer interactions.
Zoho CRM pricing
Zoho’s pricing structure looks like this:
- Standard. Suits businesses looking to streamline sales operations and workflows with basic modules. It costs $14 per user per month.
- Professional. Besides offering everything in the standard plan, this plan helps you improve customer acquisition with specific features like mass emails designed for this purpose. It costs $23 per user per month.
- Enterprise. This plan is ideal for larger companies using AI-based customization for relationship management. It costs $40 per user per month.
- Ultimate. This is Zoho’s most advanced plan, costing $52 per user per month.
10. Freshsales CRM
Freshsales CRM is an all-in-one solution for effectively managing leads and contact information during ongoing interactions with your customers. Its friendly interface and easy integration are two of Freshsales’ most appreciated features.
Freshsales CRM features
Here are a few features of Freshsales:
- Artificial intelligence features. The brand’s AI-driven lead scoring and insights help businesses prioritize sales leads effectively within the Freshsales system, resulting in higher conversion rates.
- Inbuilt communication tools. Users can access built-in email and call features, allowing them to reach leads in a standardized manner without needing third-party tools.
- Personalized dashboards. Freshsales also provides personalized dashboards, which give users real-time visibility into their sales pipeline and performance metrics.
Freshsales benefits
Check out the benefits you get with the Freshsales product:
- Communication. Freshsales allows you to build strong customer relationships with multichannel communication including WhatsApp, Apple Business Chat, and SMS.
- Marketing automation. Includes workflow automation, behavioral segmentation, and end-to-end personalization for engaging your audience.
Freshsales CRM pricing
Here’s a glimpse into Freshsales’ pricing structure:
- The Growth plan, starting at $9 per user per month, includes a free trial and is tailored for startups and SMBs.
- The Pro plan offers a free trial and starts at $39 per user per month, which is ideal for growing and mid-sized businesses.
- The Enterprise plan, starting at $59 per user per month, is ideal for mid- to large-sized businesses.
11. Agile CRM
Agile CRM simplifies customer interactions with contact management, email tracking, marketing automation, and project management capabilities. It’s affordable and easy to use. The platform is also easy to integrate with third-party applications.
Agile CRM features
Here are a few notable features of Agile CRM:
- Real-time tracking. Track your customer behavior and receive alerts in real time.
- Extensive integration. Easily access your customer data from various other business apps.
- Automation. With the powerful drag-and-drop editor, you can automate marketing, sales, and customer retention processes.
Agile CRM benefits
Some of the benefits of Agile CRM:
- Marketing automation. The platform offers marketing automation tools to manage campaigns, track lead generation, and manage customer relationships.
- Project management capabilities. Agile includes project management features that allow teams to work on customer projects directly from the dashboard.
Agile CRM pricing
This is what Agile CRM’s pricing structure looks like:
- The Free plan accommodates up to 10 users.
- The Starter plan, priced at $8.99 monthly, allows up to 10,000 contacts and companies.
- The Regular plan costs $29.99 monthly and supports up to 50,000 contacts and companies.
- The Enterprise plan is priced at $47.99 monthly and is ideal for large businesses.
12. Streak CRM (Gmail only)
Streak CRM’s USP is its integration with Gmail, helping users handle their sales processes directly from their inboxes. Users appreciate Streak’s ability to monitor communications and manage relationships effectively, all from its email interface.
Streak CRM features
Here are some notable features of Streak CRM:
- Contextual tracking. View details from a customized pipeline alongside emails. Streak CRM also allows you to track and share every interaction across your team so you always know what to do next.
- Ease of use. Streak CRM is like a spreadsheet built into Gmail. As long as you know how to use Gmail and Google Sheets, you can customize your workflow anyway you want.
Streak CRM benefits
These are some of the benefits of Streak:
- Integration with Gmail. Streak perfectly connects with Gmail, allowing users to manage customer relationships directly from their inbox without switching between applications.
- Pipeline management: The platform offers customizable pipelines that visually organize different stages of customer interactions and sales processes.
- Email tracking. Streak includes email tracking, which notifies users when recipients open emails or click links, and creates opportunities for better follow-ups.
Streak CRM pricing
Streak’s pricing structure:
- The Pro plan is available for $49 per month and caters to businesses looking to collaborate with a complete CRM.
- The Pro+ plan, priced at $69 per month, is ideal for sophisticated teams that require automation and advanced reporting.
- The Enterprise plan is for businesses that need custom roles and data validation. It costs $129 per month.
Free Accounting and Invoicing Software
Small and medium-sized business owners rely on accounting software to simplify their bookkeeping operations, keep track of their taxes, monitor their cash flow, and understand the company’s overall financial health.
These software tools help firms avoid problems associated with financial management.
13. Wave
Wave offers free accounting, invoicing, payments, and payroll tools, specially designed for small businesses. With a freemium model and a user-friendly interface, Wave has become a popular choice for startups and freelancers looking for affordable ways to simplify their accounting.
Wave features
Some notable features of Wave:
- Invoicing. Create professional invoices with customizable details and send them to clients via email.
- Personal finance. Wave features personal finance features, including tracking spending and budgeting.
- Free app. It comes with a free iOS and Android app so you can send invoices on the go.
Wave benefits
Here’s how Wave can be of use to you:
- Easy user interface. The intuitive design simplifies complex tasks, making it easy to manage invoices, expenses, and financial reports.
- Customer support. It offers fast online chat and email service for quick problem resolution.
Wave pricing
This is what Wave’s pricing structure looks like:
- Standard plan. Wave offers this free plan, which is mainly useful for freelancers and entrepreneurs who want to keep their books organized.
- Wave Plus. This is available for $16 monthly and offers bookkeeping services with a dedicated bookkeeper to manage your financial tasks.
14. Zoho Books
Zoho Books helps small to medium-sized businesses manage finances, including invoicing, expense tracking, inventory management, and reporting. It works seamlessly with popular Zoho products like Zoho CRM and Zoho Projects. It’s also affordable and easy to use.
Zoho Books features
Some notable features of Zoho Books:
- Streamline cash flow. Control funds more consistently by optimizing cash flow management.
- Inventory and stock management. Keep track of every item in your inventory to ensure efficient stock management and timely order fulfillment.
Zoho Books benefits
Check out the benefits that come with Zoho Books:
- Comprehensive financial management. The platform offers functionalities like invoicing, expense tracking, inventory management, and tax compliance.
- Integration. Zoho Books integrates with other Zoho applications and third-party tools, allowing businesses to build a custom ecosystem.
- Automation. Users can also automate recurring invoices and payment reminders, saving time and minimizing manual errors.
Zoho Books pricing
This is what Zoho Books offers in terms of pricing:
- The Free plan is for freelancers and micro businesses.
- The Standard plan is $15 per organization monthly, billed annually.
- The Professional plan costs $40 per organization per month.
- The Premium plan is available for $60 per organization per month.
15. ZipBooks
ZipBooks is a free, intuitive finance management tool for small businesses. It creates and sends professional invoices, reducing manual labor and increasing efficiency.
ZipBooks features
Some key features of ZipBooks:
- Time tracking. ZipBooks time-tracking capabilities make it ideal for professionals like consultants and contractors.
- Accounting functionality. It has solid accounting functionality, including the ability to link your bank accounts.
ZipBooks benefits
Here are some of ZipBook’s benefits:
- Easy-to-use dashboard. The simple interface makes it easy to view and use your dashboard to its full advantage. This way, you can start your day right by consciously making financially sound decisions at a glance.
- Built-in time tracking. Thanks to the time-tracking features, ZipBooks users can bill clients accurately based on hours worked.
ZipBooks pricing
Some details on ZipBooks pricing:
- Starter is a free plan with unlimited invoicing, allowing users to send as many invoices as needed.
- The Smarter plan costs $15 monthly and helps businesses that schedule recurring invoices and set up auto-billing for regular clients.
- The Sophisticated plan, which costs $35 per month, helps organize financial records with smart tagging for better categorization and reporting.
- Accountant is a custom plan that works best for accountants managing multiple clients.
16. Xero
Founded in New Zealand in 2006, Xero supports over 3 million subscribers worldwide. Its product portfolio includes comprehensive invoicing, expense management, payroll, inventory tracking, and reporting features. Check out the complete list of Xero’s features in the table below.
Xero features
Here are some key Xero features:
- Multiple payment options. Xero accepts credit, debit, and PayPal payments and has connections with over 21,000 banks globally.
- Payroll. It can keep basic pay records and complete pay runs for a small number of employees.
- Online file storage. Xero features its own online storage that can be used to store and share bills, receipts, and other documents.
Xero benefits
Some of the notable benefits of Xero:
- Reporting. Allows businesses to monitor performance, helping its users make decisions based on real-time data.
- App marketplace. Xero has an extensive third-party app ecosystem to improve accounting functionality based on specific business needs.
Xero pricing
This is the pricing structure of Xero (each plan comes with a free trial period):
- Starter. It costs $29 monthly and is suitable for sole traders, new businesses, and the self-employed.
- Standard. This plan costs $46 monthly and is ideal for growing small businesses.
- Premium. It’s available for $62 per month and suits established businesses.
17. Odoo
While not solely accounting software, Odoo’s accounting module offers a comprehensive range of features, including invoicing, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting. Businesses get to select the applications they need, customizing the solution to fit their requirements. Odoo is flexible and allows for open sourcing, making its services customizable.
Odoo features
Some of the top Odoo features:
- Limitless customization. You can customize just about anything in Odoo due to its backend being an extremely powerful platform that can be used for developing and running customized solutions.
- Price-performance ratio. On Odoo, you only have to pay for the features you wish to use.
Odoo benefits
These are some of Odoo’s benefits:
- Modular design. Because Odoo is an open-source platform, it manages various applications beyond accounting, including CRM and project management.
- Customizable accounting module. This platform is highly configurable. Users can quickly meet the financial management needs relevant to their businesses.
- Integrated business management. Odoo serves as a one-stop solution that organizes processes across departments.
Odoo pricing
Odoo’s pricing module is as follows:
- The One App Free plan is available at no cost and allows one user per month. It is limited to only one app and supports unlimited Odoo Online users.
- The Standard plan costs $8.62 per month for one user and offers access to all apps.
- The Custom plan costs $13.68 per month for one user and provides access to all apps.
18. QuickBooks (30-day free trial only)
QuickBooks, developed and marketed by Intuit, is accounting software designed for small to medium-sized businesses. QuickBooks is available on both desktop and cloud-based versions, and it’s one of the most commonly used accounting solutions in the United States and Canada.
QuickBooks features
Some notable QuickBooks features:
- Automated banking and accounting. QuickBooks has automated payment reminders and can automatically track data regarding expenses.
- Built-in tax features. Simplify tax-related processes with built-in features.
QuickBooks benefits
QuickBooks offers the following benefits:
- Comprehensive features. Small and medium-sized businesses can use QuickBooks for different functions, including invoicing, payroll processing, expense tracking, and tax preparation.
- User-friendly interface. New users don’t require long hours of training to learn the basics of navigating QuickBooks.
- Prompt customer support. QuickBooks offers different support options, including live chat, phone, and online assistance.
QuickBooks pricing
This is what the QuickBooks pricing model looks like:
- The Simple Start plan is priced at $19 per month and lets you customize and send invoices, track income and expenses, create and manage estimates, and sync bank accounts and apps.
- The Essentials plan costs $28 per month and offers all the features of the Simple Start plan, along with the ability to manage and pay bills.
- The Plus plan is available for $40 per month and includes all features from the Essentials plan, providing improved capabilities for managing finances and operations.
- The Advanced plan is $76 per month and supports up to 25 users.
Project Management and Workflow Tools
Project management software helps teams stay focused on project goals, allowing users to visualize project timelines and team dependencies.
By setting well-synchronized deadlines, these tools enable team members to communicate clearly with clients, colleagues, and partners. A combination of organization and teamwork creates an accountable and transparent work environment, leading to successful project outcomes.
19. Asana
Asana helps teams stay organized, focused, and connected. It simplifies planning, tracking, and managing tasks, milestones, and timelines, giving users visibility into what’s happening across the organization at any time. Teams collaborate directly within the platform, ensuring alignment on shared goals.
Asana features
These are the notable features of Asana:
- Scalability. Asana can accommodate business units of every size. It can be used across departments while maintaining ease of use.
- Security. The platform features enterprise-level security, including encryption, defined permissions, and comprehensive admin controls.
- Ease of adoption. It’s intuitive and easy to use, allowing teams to start working immediately without any hassles.
Asana benefits
Asana provides its users with the following benefits:
- Easy-to-navigate interface. It only requires a little training for creating projects, assigning tasks, and setting deadlines.
- Adjustable workflows. Managing tasks is easy with Asana due to its adjustable project templates and workflows.
- Collaborative tools. Asana’s built-in communication tools allow team members to collaborate, share files, and provide updates without external tools.
Asana pricing
This is what Asana’s pricing plan looks like:
- The Personal plan is free for up to 10 users, ideal for individuals and small teams.
- Priced at $10.99 per month, the Starter plan suits growing teams with more significant project tracking needs.
- The Advanced plan costs $24 monthly and works well for companies managing portfolios and goals.
- The Enterprise plan suits large organizations managing complex workflows and using custom pricing.
20. Monday.com
Monday.com allows teams to manage projects, workflows, and daily tasks in a highly customizable environment. Headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, this platform offers a visual approach, enabling users to create boards, assign tasks, and track progress in real time.
Monday.com features
These are some notable features of Monday.com:
- Templates. Monday.com has a template for every possible use case and allows you to use as many templates as you’d like.
- Real-time collaboration. It lets you invite and assign your team members to tasks while maintaining simultaneous communication with them.
Monday.com benefits
Some key benefits of Monday.com:
- Graphic project management. Monday.com visualizes projects by allowing users to construct boards linked with different projects. It makes it easy to track the status of various tasks through color-coded indicators.
- Customization. The platform allows teams to customize boards, workflows, and automation to precisely fit their project-related needs.
- Collaboration tools. Monday.com includes various tools, such as comments, file sharing, and notifications, to align every team member on project lifecycle updates.
Monday.com pricing
The pricing plan of Monday.com is as follows:
- The Free plan is an excellent option for small teams or individuals.
- The Basic plan is $9 per month for up to four seats. It allows teams to manage all their work in one place.
- The Standard plan costs $12 per month for up to three seats and is designed for teams looking to collaborate and optimize their processes.
- The Pro plan, available at $19 per month for up to three seats, helps streamline complex workflows.
- The Enterprise plan suits businesses needing enterprise-grade security, control, and support. Pricing is available upon request.
21. Wrike
Wrike simplifies project planning, execution, and reporting. It features Gantt charts, time tracking, and workload management, providing an interactive view of project timelines and resource allocation. The platform significantly improves cross-team communication.
Wrike features
These are some top features of Wrike:
- Quick resource planning. The easy-to-use resource management software allows you to quickly estimate project requirements and allocate resources accordingly.
- Time management. Track projects across all team members and tasks in real time.
- Data visualization. The dashboard provides analytics and detailed insights through charts and infographics.
Wrike benefits
These are the benefits of using Wrike:
- Advanced reporting. It gives you access to professional reporting features that help you understand project performance, resource allocation, and team productivity. This enables easier and effective decision-making.
- Gantt charts and time tracking. Wrike visualizes project timelines, while its time-tracking feature monitors the time spent on specific tasks.
- Task dependencies. Wrike allows users to create task dependencies, helping teams understand how delays in one task may impact others, improving planning and execution.
Wrike pricing
This is what Wrike’s pricing plan looks like:
- The Free plan offers a simple, shared task list for small teams. Free plan users can choose between board and table views, although active task limitations apply.
- The Team plan is $9.80 monthly and accommodates 5–200 users.
- The Business plan costs $24.80 monthly for 5–200 users, with volume discounts available.
- The Enterprise plan requires you to contact the provider for pricing.
22. Miro
Miro enables teams to brainstorm, plan, and visualize ideas in real time. It provides an interactive space for creating diagrams, flowcharts, and mind maps with team members across different locations.
Creative teams and remote workers rely on this platform — and its powerful visual tools — to help with brainstorming and project planning sessions.
Miro features
Some notable features of Miro:
- Large toolbox. Miro has a lot of useful and easy-to-use tools that can help you with diagramming, wireframing, product planning, and more.
- Meetings and workshops. It has the ability to run interactive meetings and workshops, which help keep participants energized and engaged.
- Cloud visualization tools. Miro provides an overview of your cloud environment alongside documentation for project plans and team members.
Miro benefits
These are the benefits of using Miro:
- Collaborative whiteboard. Miro is a digital whiteboard where teams can collaborate on ideas, create diagrams, and articulate concepts in real time.
- Template library. Miro features a library of templates for brainstorming sessions, agile workflows, and strategy planning.
- Integration capabilities. Miro integrates with tools like Slack, Jira, and Google Drive, allowing teams to include it seamlessly in their workflows.
Miro pricing
Miro’s pricing plan is structured like this:
- Free plan. The Free plan allows users to discover Miro’s capabilities. It includes a single workspace with three editable boards and access to over 1,000 Miro and community-made templates.
- Starter plan. For $8 per month, the Starter plan unlocks unlimited private boards with essential features.
- Business plan. Starting at $16 per month, the Business plan is designed to scale collaboration beyond individual teams.
- Enterprise plan. The Enterprise plan is geared toward organizations needing extensive support, security, and control.
23. Trello
Trello enables users to create custom boards for different projects, providing a quick overview of progress. It’s ideal for small teams or individuals with basic task management needs who want to avoid complex, feature-heavy project management software.
Trello features
Some key features of Trello:
- Project management. Trello uses boards and cards for easy project management and also features an inbuilt AI to help you reduce the number of time-consuming tasks.
- Due dates and task prioritization. Tasks can be assigned deadlines, which can be updated as changes occur, ensuring the respective parties are notified.
Trello benefits
These are some of the benefits of using Trello:
- Kanban-style board system. This allows users to organize tasks visually on cards and lists, making it easy to track progress at a glance.
- Customization power-ups. This lets users add extra features like calendar views or app integrations.
- Collaboration. Trello includes simple collaboration tools, such as comments and file attachments on cards, helping team members communicate effectively.
Trello pricing
Trello’s pricing plan looks like this:
- The Free plan is ideal for individuals or teams organizing various tasks. It offers unlimited cards, members, and up to 10 boards per workspace.
- The Starter plan, at $8 per month, is ideal for teams that need to manage more work and improve collaboration.
- The Business plan costs $16 per month and is suitable for teams of up to 100 members who need to track multiple projects and visualize their work in various ways.
- The Enterprise plan comes with a customized price plan.
Website Builders and E-commerce Solutions
Website builders and e-commerce solutions that feature drag-and-drop functionality and customizable templates allow users to design sites even without technical expertise.
24. Wix
Wix allows users to create HTML5 websites and mobile sites easily. It largely caters to small businesses and freelancers looking to quickly build an online presence without needing extensive technical skills.
Wix features
Some notable features of Wix:
- Designing. Wix has everything from site editors to animations, filters, custom fonts, slideshows, and themes to help you create the best-looking site possible.
- Code development. Wix allows you to add code to your site for greater control over its functionality.
- Web hosting. You can search, buy, and register a domain name from Wix and get hosting for your website for free.
Wix benefits
These are some of the benefits of using Wix:
- Easier drag-and-drop interface. Wix makes creating and designing websites easy for users without coding skills.
- Libraries of templates. You get to access over 900 well-designed templates suitable for different industries.
- Integrations. Wix’s robust integration ecosystem makes setting up online stores, managing inventory, and processing payments effortless.
Wix pricing
Wix’s pricing plan looks like this:
- Priced at $17 per month, the Light plan provides essential features to get started.
- The Core plan is $29 monthly and focuses on engaging your audience with additional tools and features.
- The Business plan costs $36 monthly and helps you grow your brand with more advanced capabilities.
- For $159 per month, the Business Elite plan offers comprehensive features to scale your business effectively.
25. WordPress
WordPress is a free, open-source content management system (CMS) that powers over 40% of websites worldwide. While commonly used for blogs, it also supports eCommerce and forums. WordPress has two main versions: WordPress.com, a hosted solution, and WordPress.org, which requires self-hosting. Both offer a vast library of themes and plugins, allowing for extensive customization.
WordPress features
Some notable features of WordPress:
- User-friendly. Anybody can easily write, post, and manage blogs on WordPress without any technical knowledge.
- Social media integration. WordPress has seamlessly integrated social media apps into its system, so you don’t have to log in to each app separately.
- SEO-friendly platform. It includes SEO-friendly components that can help you rank well in search engines.
WordPress benefits
WordPress users are offered these benefits:
- Extremely customizable. WordPress offers thousands of themes and plugins to help users tailor websites to their needs.
- Strong community support. You can use WordPress forums, tutorials, and resources to resolve queries you may have while using the platform.
- SEO-friendly features. Users can also optimize their websites for SEO through plugins like Yoast and several others.
WordPress pricing
Here’s a sneak peek into WordPress’s pricing:
- The Free plan includes basic features with limited storage.
- The Personal plan is $4 per month for a custom domain and ad removal.
- The Premium plan Is $8 per month for advanced customization.
- The Business plan is $25 per month for access to plugins and themes.
- The eCommerce plan Is$45 per month for online sales features.
26. Webflow
Webflow builds responsive websites without coding. The platform features a visual editor, CMS, and hosting platform, allowing developers to create complex websites and web applications. Designers, agencies, and developers use it for development processes, as it offers them full control over the code.
Webflow features
Some of the top features of Webflow:
- Drag-and-drop UI. You can easily design websites without any coding skills thanks to Webflow’s visual drag-and-drop website builder.
- Responsive design. It has responsive web design features, ensuring there are no compatibility issues across devices.
- SSL certificate. The sites you make on Webflow come with an SSL certificate that provides superior security against threats.
Webflow benefits
The benefits of using Webflow:
- Visual design capabilities. Webflow combines visual design tools with CMS capabilities, allowing you to create responsive websites without coding.
- Reliable hosting. Integrated hosting options ensure fast loading times and reliable uptime.
- E-commerce functionality. Webflow lets users create online stores with customizable product pages and shopping cart options.
Webflow pricing
This is Webflow’s pricing structure:
- The Free plan allows users to create up to two projects with limited features, including two pages per project and no custom domain.
- The Basic plan costs $14 per month when billed annually (or $18 per month when billed monthly) and is ideal for personal sites and simple projects.
- The CMS plan is available at $23 per month (billed annually) or $29 per month (billed monthly), catering to content-driven sites.
- The Business plan, priced at $39 per month (billed annually) or $49 per month (billed monthly), is for larger sites with higher traffic.
- A custom-priced Enterprise plan is available for businesses with unique requirements.
27. WooCommerce (WordPress plugin)
WooCommerce is an open-source e-commerce extension for WordPress. It allows users to set up an online shop directly from their WordPress site. It’s free to download, making it an attractive option for small and medium-sized businesses looking to add eCommerce functionality to their existing WordPress websites.
WooCommerce features
Here are some notable features of WooCommerce:
- Storefront setup. Features everything from homepage design to menus and even payment/shipping options to get your business started as fast as possible.
- Ability to sell anything. You can sell anything on Woo, whether it’s a physical product or an online subscription — you can even list these products on Google Shopping.
WooCommerce benefits
WooCommerce offers the following benefits:
- Integration with WordPress. Built specifically for WordPress, WooCommerce makes converting sites into online stores easy.
- Extremely customizable. The platform offers many extensions and themes to tailor the e-commerce experience to individual business needs.
WooCommerce pricing
WooCommerce’s pricing structure is as follows:
- The Free plan includes the WooCommerce plugin, which offers features such as product listings, a shopping cart, and checkout capabilities.
- The Starter plan includes basic hosting services for $6.95 per month. A domain name is available for $15 per year.
- The Standard plan offers more robust hosting options, priced between $10 and $20 per month. Depending on the desired functionality, paid extensions and plugins range from $25 to $100 per year. Basic security is included, while advanced security may cost $10 to $150 per year.
- The Advanced plan features premium hosting with enhanced performance, costing between $20 and $70 monthly. Custom development for complex setups ranges from $1,000 to over $6,000, with advanced plugins and features costing between $100 and $500 per year, depending on needs.
- The Enterprise plan provides solutions like custom development, with support and maintenance costs potentially exceeding $1,500 per year, depending on the level of service.
28. Square Online
Square Online is a free eCommerce solution that allows sellers to create an online store, accept payments, and manage their business all in one platform. It’s ideal for small businesses or entrepreneurs already using Square’s point-of-sale system and looking to expand their reach with a consumer-friendly, easy-to-use eCommerce solution.
Square Online features
Below are some top features of Square Online:
- Managing inventory. Keeps track of online and physical inventory to prevent overselling.
- SEO. Square Online provides built-in SEO features that let you control what your customers see on search engines.
Square Online benefits
Some notable benefits of Square Online:
- Easy setup for small businesses. Square Online makes it effortless to create online stores using templates.
- Payment processing. Simplifies interactions with customers using the Square ecosystem products.
- Unified inventory management. The platform streamlines inventory management across online and physical stores for consistent stock levels.
Square Online pricing
Here are a few key details about Square Online pricing:
- Free plan. This no-cost plan provides everything needed for a quality site, including unlimited pages, free hosting, a drag-and-drop builder, 500MB of storage, and chat and email support.
- Plus plan. This costs $29 per month. However, this varies depending on the setting such as retail or e-commerce.
- Premium plan. This costs around $79 per month.
All Square pricing plans also have to pay transaction fees as well, approximately 3% and $0.30 per transaction.
29. Ecwid
Ecwid is a cloud-based eCommerce platform that allows users to add a web store to their existing website or social networks. It’s particularly convenient for small business owners or individuals who want to add eCommerce functionality to their online presence without overhauling their existing website.
Ecwid features
Some notable features of Ecwid:
- Existing and instant sites: Not only can you integrate Ecwid store into your existing website, but you can also choose any of the templates it provides to create a website instantly.
- Automated marketing tools: Ecwid has everything you need for marketing from targeted ads on social media to automated email marketing while receiving insights on these ads for further optimization.
Ecwid benefits
These are some of the benefits of using Ecwid:
- Platform compatibility. Ecwid is highly flexible, allowing users to attach an online store to existing websites or social media pages.
- Mobile optimization. Ensures that all online stores are mobile-friendly, providing a seamless shopping experience on any device.
- Easy management dashboard. Simplifies order management, inventory tracking, and customer management.
Ecwid pricing
Ecwid’s pricing plans offer the following:
- Free plan. The Free Forever plan allows users to list up to five products.
- Venture plan. Priced at $25 per month, the Venture plan includes all Free plan features, plus support for up to 100 products, discount coupons, social platform synchronization, enhanced SEO capabilities, and an iPhone management app.
- Business plan. At $45 per month, the Business plan includes everything in the Venture plan, along with support for up to 2,500 products, white-glove setup and onboarding, advertising on major marketplaces, wholesale pricing groups, and order editing capabilities.
- Unlimited plan. For $105 per month, the Unlimited plan offers all Business plan features plus support for unlimited products, priority support, and six custom development hours tailored to your needs.
Free Web Hosting Solutions
A free web hosting solution provides essential features such as disk space and bandwidth for storing website files and managing visitor traffic. It delivers domain management tools for registering and managing domain names. Many solutions offer email hosting for custom email addresses and database support to help businesses organize and retrieve information.
You’ll often see server-side scripting support like PHP or Python included in solutions, helping users create dynamic websites. Access to a control panel simplifies management, while FTP access allows for easy file transfers between the user’s computer and the server. Security features, such as SSL certificates, ensure safe connections, and some services provide cloud backup to protect against data loss.
30. InfinityFree
InfinityFree offers unlimited bandwidth, disk space, and hosted domains, along with features like cPanel, Softaculous, and a 99.9% uptime guarantee. It facilitates online availability without the burden of additional cost. However, the premium plans offer significantly more resources and features than free accounts.
InfinityFree features
Some notable features of InfinityFree:
- Speed: InfinityFree boasts two-second loading times. This is very impressive for a free hosting service and ensures your customers have a better user experience.
- Worldwide servers: Its worldwide servers ensure users from any geographical location have a swift and satisfactory experience on your website.
InfinityFree benefits
These are some of the benefits of using InfinityFree:
- Unlimited resources. InfinityFree offers unlimited disk space and bandwidth, which is ideal for hosting multiple projects or high-traffic sites without costs.
- User-friendly tools. You can access cPanel for easy website management and Softaculous one-click installer for quick application setup (e.g., WordPress and Joomla).
- Free SSL certificates. With free SSL certificates from InfinityFree, you can easily create secure websites, which is essential for building visitor trust.
InfinityFree pricing
InfinityFree’s pricing plan offers the following:
- Free plan. This offers a no-cost hosting solution with 5 GB of disk space and unlimited bandwidth. Users can host unlimited domains with a daily limit of 50,000 hits. However, this plan doesn’t include email accounts, making it ideal for hobby websites or personal projects.
- Super premium plan. Priced at $4.99 per month, this plan provides unlimited disk space, 250 GB of bandwidth, up to 100 email accounts, and hosting for up to 20 domains. Additional benefits include free SSL certificates and enhanced support.
- Ultimate premium plan. Available for $7.90 per month, this plan offers unlimited disk space, bandwidth, email accounts, and hosted domains.
31. Hostinger
Hostinger offers affordable shared hosting plans with generous resources and faster speeds than free hosting options. Key features that make Hostinger popular among small businesses and individual users include a user-friendly control panel, a free domain, an SSL certificate, and 24/7 customer support.
Hostinger features
Some key features of Hostinger:
- Simple control panel. It has an intuitive custom control panel that makes it simple for beginners to manage their websites, domains, and emails.
- Security measures. It also includes free SSL certificates, backups, and other security tools to defend websites from attacks.
Hostinger benefits
Hostinger offers the following benefits:
- Affordable pricing. Competitive pricing makes Hostinger a budget-friendly option to consider.
- Fast performance. Known for high-speed performance and reliable uptime, Hostinger ensures quick load times and consistent accessibility.
- Comprehensive support. The platform provides 24/7 customer support through live chat.
Hostinger pricing
This is what Hostinger’s pricing plan looks like:
- Premium. Everything you need to create a website at $11.99.
- Business. Starting at $13.99 per month, this plan offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop website builder, perfect for business solutions, without requiring design or coding skills.
- Cloud startup. Starting at $24.99 per month, this plan provides all the essentials for creating a website and allows users to host up to 300 websites.
32. Freehostia
FreeHostia is one of many free hosting services. It offers users a free subdomain, 250 MB of disk space, and 6 GB of bandwidth per month. It serves people looking to create a simple website or test a web development idea without spending money. However, its free plan has significantly fewer resources than the paid plans, which offer more features and greater capacity.
Freehostia features
Some notable features of Freehostia:
- Clustered hosting technology. Compared to traditional shared hosting, Freehostia has better stability and performance due to its load-balanced, clustered servers.
- Pre-installed applications. The hosting comes with a one-click app installer that includes popular platforms like WordPress.
Freehostia benefits
These are the benefits of using Freehostia:
- Free hosting. Freehostia’s free plan offers 250 MB of disk space and 6 GB of monthly bandwidth.
- User-friendly interface. The platform features an easy-to-use control panel for minimal technical expertise management.
- Multiple hosting options. The paid plans make it easier for businesses to use additional resources and features.
Freehostia pricing
Freehostia’s pricing structure includes a free 30-day trial for all paid plans. This is what they offer:
- Free plan. It’s called Chocolate and is available at no cost.
- Watercircle plan. Priced at $3.25 per month, this plan offers 2 GB of storage and 50 GB of bandwidth per month.
- Lovebeat plan. At $5.25 per month, the Lovebeat plan provides 10 GB of storage and 100 GB of bandwidth per month.
- Wildhoney plan. Available for $7.25 per month, this plan offers 20 GB of storage and 200 GB of bandwidth per month.
- Supernatural plan. The Supernatural plan costs $10.50 per month and provides unlimited storage and bandwidth.
Email Marketing Software for Campaign Management
Email marketing software for campaign management helps businesses connect with their audience and increase engagement and sales. Many platforms offer free options to help users build their email lists and launch campaigns.
Combining strong design capabilities and effective campaign management enables businesses to craft persuasive messages that reach their target market, leading to higher open rates and conversions.
33. Mailchimp
Mailchimp helps businesses of all sizes create and track email campaigns. This cloud-based platform allows users to access its features from anywhere, making it beneficial for small businesses and marketing agencies seeking to engage customers effectively.
Mailchimp features
Some notable features of Mailchimp:
- Multi-channel marketing platform. Along with email marketing, Mailchimp also has tools for social media ads, landing pages, and CRM for full-fledged digital marketing campaigns.
- Analytics. It generates detailed reports on email performance, including open rates, click-through rates, and audience engagement metrics.
- Retargeting ads. Mailchimp can also retarget visitors based on their previous interactions.
Mailchimp benefits
Mailchimp’s benefits are as follows:
- User-friendly interface. Mailchimp features an intuitive drag-and-drop editor and customizable templates, making creating attractive email campaigns easy for users of all experience levels.
- Strong analytics. The platform provides detailed reports on campaign performance, audience activity, click rates, demographics, and geolocation data, helping users refine their strategies based on valuable insights.
- Multichannel marketing. Mailchimp has expanded beyond email marketing to include CRM, website building, and social media integration, allowing users to execute seamless campaigns across multiple channels.
Mailchimp pricing
Here is what Mailchimp’s pricing plan looks like:
- Mailchimp’s Free plan allows users to create email campaigns and gain insights about their customers.
- The Essentials plan helps users send targeted content with features for testing and scheduling.
- Priced at $20 per month, the Standard plan is designed to increase sales.
- The Premium plan, priced at $350 monthly, is tailored for teams needing advanced tools and priority support.
34. HubSpot Email Marketing
HubSpot Email Marketing is part of HubSpot CRM. It offers a full suite of marketing solutions for businesses. It creates personalized email campaigns, automates workflows, and tracks performance metrics to improve customer engagement. The free tier allows users to send up to 2,000 emails per month.
HubSpot Email Marketing features
Some top features of HubSpot Email Marketing:
- Drag-and-drop email editor. The handy email editor allows you to easily create professional-looking emails.
- Email automation. It gives you the power to create marketing campaigns and automatically send emails based on user actions and behaviors.
HubSpot Email Marketing benefits
Some notable benefits of HubSpot email marketing:
- Integrated CRM. It allows businesses to nurture leads using customer data and track them as they move through the sales funnel.
- Automation tools. HubSpot Email Marketing offers workflow creation and lead scoring, enabling businesses to nurture leads and deliver targeted content at scale.
- Analytics and reports. It provides detailed reports on open rates, click-through rates, and conversions, helping users measure campaign success and make data-driven decisions.
HubSpot Email Marketing pricing
Here’s what HubSpot charges for email marketing features:
- The Free tier provides a zero-cost option with essential email marketing tools.
- The Starter plan costs $15 per month and allows you to execute email marketing plans, provide live chats, and gather customer information.
- Available at $800 per month, the Professional plan supports up to 2,000 marketing contacts, with the option to add more for $250 per 5,000 contacts.
- The Enterprise plan, priced at $3,600 per month, accommodates up to 10,000 marketing contacts, with additional contacts available for $100 per 10,000 contacts.
35. Substack
Substack enables writers and creators to post directly to their audiences and earn through subscriptions. It helps these people build direct relationships with their readers without enduring the complexities of traditional publishing or advertising.
Substack features
Some of the notable features of Substack:
- Monetization. Substack allows you to earn income from your content through paid subscriptions.
- Direct publishing. Thanks to its independent publishing, you can send newsletters directly to your audience without relying on external platforms or algorithms.
- Audience growth tools. It also includes tools like social sharing, recommendations, and referral programs to help you grow your subscriber base organically.
Substack benefits
Substack’s benefits are as follows:
- Direct audience interaction. Substack allows writers and creators to connect directly with their audience through email newsletters, enabling them to monetize their work without relying on third parties.
- Ease of use. The platform offers a simple interface and publishing tools, allowing users to focus on creating and distributing their newsletters without technical distractions.
- Monetization options. The built-in monetization options, including paid subscriptions and tips, help creators generate revenue and establish a sustainable business model.
Substack pricing
Here’s what Substack’s pricing structure looks like:
- Free plan. Substack offers a free plan that allows writers to set up accounts and publish content at no cost.
- Paid subscriptions. Writers can monetize their content by placing it behind a paywall, with average subscriptions costing around $5 per month — though some go as high as $50. Substack takes a 10% platform fee, while Stripe charges 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction.
- Founding Member tier. Readers can support their favorite creators by becoming Founding Members, contributing more than the standard subscription price. Writers can offer exclusive perks to show appreciation for this extra support.
36. MailerLite
MailerLite includes basic automation and allows users to send up to 1,000 emails monthly to 1,000 subscribers. With a drag-and-drop editor and customizable templates, MailerLite is suitable for users with lesser technical skills who want to create visually appealing newsletters.
MailerLite features
A few notable features of MailerLite:
- Email notifications. MailerLite has a reliable system for sending email and SMS notifications to your customers.
- Website building. Allows you to create beautiful landing pages and websites via three different editors, including a rich text editor and an HTML editor.
MailerLite benefits
MailerLite offers the following benefits:
- Affordability. MailerLite offers a generous free plan with basic automation, allowing users to send up to 1,000 emails monthly to 1,000 subscribers.
- User-friendly interface. The platform features a drag-and-drop editor and customizable templates, similar to Mailchimp, making it easy to create professional-looking emails without the need for advanced design skills.
- Collaboration tools. MailerLite supports live editing and approval workflows, allowing multiple users to collaborate on campaigns.
MailerLite pricing
MailerLite’s pricing plans are as follows:
- The Free plan includes email support and allows users to send up to 12,000 emails per month.
- The Growing Business plan, priced at $9 per month, supports up to three users and offers unlimited emails.
- The Advanced plan is priced at $18 per month.
- Tailored for larger organizations, the Enterprise plan is available at custom pricing.
37. Mailjet
Mailjet focuses on collaborative tools for creating, sending, and optimizing email campaigns. The user interface is very intuitive and features real-time collaboration, A/B testing, and advanced analytics. It’s good for business operations requiring teamwork in email marketing and offers a free tier that allows sending up to 6,000 emails per month.
Mailjet features
Some notable features of Mailjet:
- Email transaction support. Mailjet includes transactional email services, which ensure the delivery of account-related or system-triggered emails.
- Dynamic personalization. Supports advanced email personalization, allowing you to tailor content based on the customer’s data for more engaging campaigns.
Mailjet benefits
These are some of the benefits of using Mailjet:
- Collaboration features. Mailjet enables real-time collaboration, allowing design teams to collaborate on email campaigns through shared inboxes and approval workflows.
- A/B testing. The platform offers A/B testing, allowing users to experiment with different subject lines, content layouts, and calls to action to optimize campaigns for better engagement and conversion rates.
- Deliverability. Mailjet maintains high deliverability rates, helping users avoid spam folders through email validation and testing.
Mailjet pricing
Mailjet offers the following pricing structure:
- The Free plan has no expiration and requires no credit card to sign up. Users can send up to 6,000 emails per month to a maximum of 1,500 contacts.
- The Basic plan, starting at $17 per month, allows users to send between 30,000 and 500,000 emails per month.
- The Premium plan, starting at $27 per month, offers advanced features for team collaboration, and supports marketing automation, A/B testing, and priority customer support.
38. Beehiiv
Beehiiv is an email newsletter service for creators and entrepreneurs to build and monetize their audience through email subscriptions. It offers tools for managing subscriber lists, designing newsletters, and tracking performance metrics.
Beehiiv can benefit individuals seeking an intuitive platform to manage their content and engage their audience.
Beehiiv features
Some notable features of Beehiiv:
- Integrated newsletter platform. BeeHiiv provides everything you need to manage, grow, and monetize newsletters, from custom domains to subscription management and analytics.
- Audience profiling. It segments your audience based on different criteria, helping you to target specific groups with personalized content.
Beehiiv benefits
Beehiiv offers its users the following benefits:
- Audience building. It includes features for managing subscriber lists and analyzing performance metrics.
- Monetization options. The platform provides built-in monetization options, including both free and paid subscription models, enabling creators to generate revenue and build a sustainable business.
- Editorial freedom and free speech. Beehiiv emphasizes editorial freedom and free speech, positioning itself as an alternative to platforms that may censor or restrict certain content.
Beehiiv pricing
Here’s what Beehiiv’s pricing structure looks like:
- Launch plan. The free Launch plan allows up to 2,500 subscribers and includes a custom website, custom newsletters, campaign analytics, and unlimited email sends.
- Scale plan. Priced at $39 per month, the Scale plan includes everything in the Launch plan and supports up to 100,000 subscribers.
- Max plan. Starting at $99 per month, the Max plan supports up to 100,000 subscribers and allows users to remove Beehiiv branding.
- Enterprise plan. For customized needs, the Enterprise plan offers tailored pricing.
Free SEO Tools
SEO tools help individuals and organizations increase their online presence and drive website traffic. Keyword research, performance tracking, and content optimization are just a few of the essential features these tools offer to simplify the complex processes of SEO.
Entrepreneurs, bloggers, and digital marketers need tools to compete in the digital marketplace. These tools ensure their websites rank well on search engines, assist in resolving technical issues, and improve overall SEO strategies, resulting in increased organic traffic.
39. Screaming Frog
Screaming Frog is an SEO spider tool that identifies website optimization opportunities. As a desktop application, it crawls websites to analyze key on-page SEO elements such as title tags, meta descriptions, header tags, and broken links.
Screaming Frog features
Some notable features of Screaming Frog:
- Website crawling: It can efficiently crawl websites, identify SEO issues like broken links, duplicate content, and missing metadata.
- In-depth SEO analysis. The tool provides reports on SEO elements such as page titles and meta descriptions which help to improve on-page optimization.
Screaming Frog benefits
These are the benefits of using Screaming Frog:
- Full-site audits. Screaming Frog provides detailed insights into on-page SEO factors, identifying issues like broken links and duplicate content.
- User-friendly interface. The platform is simple and accessible, making it suitable for beginners and professionals.
Screaming Frog pricing
Here’s what Screaming Frog’s pricing plan looks like:
- Free version. The zero-cost version lets you crawl up to 500 URLs. Basic features include broken link discovery, page title and metadata analysis, and XML sitemap generation. Advanced features and the ability to save crawls are limited.
- Paid version. Priced at £199 per year (approximately $259), this version lets you crawl unlimited URLs. Users can schedule, save, and open crawls with advanced configuration options. This version is suitable for users who need comprehensive site audits and SEO analysis.
40. Google Search Console
Google Search Console helps website owners monitor and improve their site’s presence in Google search results. It offers valuable insights into how Google views a website, including indexing status, search traffic data, and potential issues affecting visibility.
Google Search Console features
Some notable features of Google Search Console:
- Monitor website performance. It shows you how websites are performing in Google search, including data on clicks, impressions, and average rankings.
- Security alerts. Google Search Console alerts you to potential security problems, such as malware or hacked content so that you can address vulnerabilities quickly.
- Keyword performance tracking: This shows detailed data on the search queries or keywords that drive traffic to your site.
Google Search Console benefits
These are the benefits of using Google Search Console:
- Performance monitoring. Google Search Console tracks impressions, clicks, and average keyword positions.
- Indexing insights. The platform helps identify indexing issues, ensuring that Google crawls and indexes pages properly.
- User-friendly reporting. GSC provides clear reports on potential issues affecting search performance.
Google Search Console pricing
Google Search Console does not have a paid plan. It’s free for anyone with a Google account.
41. Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is a free keyword research tool from Google Ads that helps advertisers find relevant keywords for paid search campaigns. It provides insights into search volume, competition levels, and estimated costs, making it useful for SEO strategies.
Google Keyword Planner features
Some notable features of Google Keyword Planner:
- Keyword research. It identifies popular search terms and allows you to discover new keywords.
- Historical metrics. You can also use Google Keyword Planner to find keywords with high potential based on monthly searches and competition levels.
- Cost estimates. It helps you plan your advertising budget wisely.
Google Keyword Planner benefits
These are the benefits of using Google Keyword planner:
- Keyword research. It aids in finding relevant keywords with search volume data and competition levels.
- Budget planning. It provides cost estimates for paid search campaigns to help with budget management.
- Combination with Google Ads. It seamlessly integrates into ad campaigns for easier transitions.
Google Keyword Planner pricing
Google Keyword Planner is available to anyone with a Google Ads account, and you don’t need to run an active campaign to use it.
Time Tracking and Productivity Tools
Freelancers and small business owners often juggle multiple projects, making time tracking and productivity tools essential. These tools help users monitor time spent on tasks, identify areas for improvement, and optimize workflow efficiency. Effective time tracking ensures freelancers bill clients accurately and avoid underestimating future project timelines.
Here are the top time tracking and productivity tools:
42. RescueTime
RescueTime is an automated time management program that tracks individuals’ time on applications and websites. It helps both individuals and teams maximize their productivity. The detailed analytics and productivity ratings provided by RescueTime allow users to make informed decisions about their work habits.
RescueTime features
Some notable features of RescueTime:
- Background time tracking. It runs in the background to track time spent on applications and websites, giving you the data you need without manual input.
- Productivity reports. It generates detailed reports on how you spend your time, categorizing activities as productive or distracting to help you improve your focus.
- Goal setting. It allows you to set goals and receive notifications when they are reached or missed.
RescueTime benefits
A few notable benefits of RescueTime:
- Automated time tracking. It tracks time spent on various applications and websites, providing accurate reports on daily activities to identify productivity and distraction patterns.
- Detailed analytics and reports. It generates comprehensive reports that categorize activities into productive and distracting segments, enabling data-driven decisions to improve productivity.
RescueTime pricing
Here are some details on RescueTime’s pricing plans:
- Free plan. This no-cost plan lets you create a personalized daily focus work goal. Plus, you can enjoy real-time goal tracking and analyze previous days’ results. Other features include a weekly report and timely alerts for improving habits.
- Paid plan. The paid plan costs $12 per month. It offers a personalized daily focus work goal, real-time tracking of your daily goal and access to yesterday’s results, and timely alerts to help you improve your habits.
43. Clockify
Clockify’s web and mobile applications let users clock time from anywhere. With features like manual time entry, project management, and detailed reporting, Clockify helps users maximize productivity and maintain accurate billable hours.
Clockify features
Some key features of Clockify:
- Reports and analytics. Clockify generates comprehensive reports on productivity, time allocation, and profitability, which can be used for further analysis.
- Calendar integration. It syncs with Google and Outlook calendars, permitting you to view and manage your schedules directly within Clockify to keep things organized.
Clockify benefits
A few notable benefits of Clockify:
- User-friendly interface. Clockify features an intuitive system for time entry, reporting, and project management, ensuring ease of use.
- Comprehensive reporting. You can also access detailed reports on time usage, making it easy to analyze productivity trends and invoice clients accurately.
Clockify pricing
Here’s what Clockify’s pricing structure looks like:
- Standard plan. This costs $5.49 per user per month (billed annually) or $6.99 (billed monthly).
- Pro plan. This ispriced at $7.99 per user per month (billed annually) or $9.99 (billed monthly).
- Enterprise plan. This is$11.99 per user per month (billed annually) or $14.99 (billed monthly).
Social Media Management Tools
Social media management tools are essential for businesses and individuals to maintain their online presence. These tools allow users to schedule posts, track engagement, and analyze performance, making it easier to maintain a consistent and strategic presence on social media.
These tools offer a range of features, from advanced post scheduling to brand mention monitoring and audience interactions. Features like analytics dashboards, content calendars, and team collaboration options allow users to optimize social media efforts and measure campaign effectiveness.
44. Buffer
Buffer simplifies content scheduling and publishing across multiple platforms. It allows users to create, schedule, and analyze social media posts on social networking websites.
Its simplicity and affordability make it appealing to creators and small organizations seeking an easy-to-use solution for managing their social media presence.
Buffer features
Here are a few notable benefits of Buffer:
- Social media scheduling. It schedules posts across multiple social media platforms.
- Social analytics. It displays performance metrics for each post, making it possible for you to measure reach, clicks, and engagement to refine your social media strategy.
Buffer benefits
Some key benefits of Buffer:
- Easy to use. Buffer offers a user-friendly interface and a simple approach to scheduling social media posts.
- Free up to three channels. It provides free access to up to three channels, making it a budget-friendly option for small businesses and creators.
- Cross-functionality. The platform supports scheduling across multiple platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, allowing users to manage posts seamlessly.
Buffer pricing
Here’s what Buffer’s pricing plans look like:
- The Free plan allows you to schedule up to 10 posts on three social accounts of your choice, including platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Google Business Profiles, Mastodon, and Pinterest.
- The Essentials plan costs $6 per month and suits professionals looking for social media publishing, analytics, and engagement tools. It allows you to create 2,000 posts per channel.
- The Team plan, priced at $12 per month, suits organizations that need unlimited user seating, collaboration, and reporting.
- The Agency plan costs $100 per month and is ideal for social media agencies managing many channels.
45. Hootsuite
Hootsuite offers a web-based dashboard and mobile apps that allow users to monitor, engage, and analyze their social media activities across different social networking platforms. It encourages team collaboration and offers social listening capabilities.
Hootsuite features
A few key features of Hootsuite:
- Social listening. Hootsuite has the power to monitor brand mentions, keywords, and industry trends across social media platforms, giving you a time bracket to quickly respond to conversations.
- Post scheduling automation. It supports automated post scheduling, so you can plan and publish content across various platforms at your convenience.
- Content approval workflows. It has structured review and approval processes for social media posts before publication, which helps you ensure the content is consistent and of a high standard.
Hootsuite benefits
Some notable benefits of Hootsuite:
- Integration. You can integrate Hootsuite with hundreds of third-party apps and services to enhance workflows.
- Customization. Hootsuite lets users personalize their dashboards and set specific views for tasks or teams.
Hootsuite pricing
Here are a few details on Hootsuite’s pricing:
- Professional plan. Priced at $22.98 per month, the Professional plan includes a free trial and allows users to manage up to 10 social profiles.
- Team plan. Designed for small marketing teams, the Team plan costs $90.48 per month and includes a free trial. It supports up to 20 social profiles and has three users.
- Enterprise plan. Hootsuite offers custom pricing upon request — based on the needs of companies managing multiple teams — focusing on security and efficient workflows.
46. SocialBee
SocialBee streamlines content creation and publishing. As a web-based application, users can create and schedule posts for social platforms.
It includes content categorization, evergreen posting, and content curation, making it an effective tool for maintaining a consistent social media presence and engaging target audiences.
SocialBee features
A few notable features of SocialBee:
- Content categorization. It comes with the capability to organize and schedule social media posts by content category, maintaining a balanced mix of posts.
- Content recycling. It can identify and recycle evergreen content so that engagement-boosting posts can be reshared.
SocialBee benefits
Some key benefits of SocialBee:
- Content organization. SocialBee lets users categorize their content, helping them ensure a balanced mix of content types.
- Evergreen posting. The software allows users to recycle high-performing content from archives, which ensures valuable posts reach new audiences over time.
- Content curation. With SocialBee, it is easier to find relevant content and save time.
SocialBee pricing
Here are SocialBee’s pricing options:
- Bootstrap plan. Priced at $29 per month, this plan is ideal for authors, coaches, and solopreneurs. It includes one workspace with one user and supports up to five social profiles.
- Accelerate plan. It costs $49 per month for one workspace with one user and supports up to 10 social profiles.
- Pro plan. Priced at $99 per month, the Pro plan is ideal for freelancers and agencies. It provides five workspaces, with three users per workspace, and supports up to 25 social profiles.
Graphic Design Tools
Graphic design tools help professionals create, edit, and enhance visual content for various media, including print, web, and social media. They cater to many users, from professional graphic designers and marketers to small business owners and hobbyists, helping produce eye-catching visuals.
These tools provide users with accessible ways to visually communicate with target audiences, making products and services more appealing while simplifying complex processes. Even users with minimal design experience can create high-quality graphics.
47. Canva
Canva allows individuals and businesses to create stunning designs with minimal design experience. It’s popular among small business owners and marketers looking to produce high-quality visuals quickly and efficiently.
Canva features
Here are a few key features of Canva.
- Templates. Canva has a huge list of templates to choose from and its library provides thousands of customizable templates for social media posts, presentations, infographics, and more, saving you a lot of time.
- Stock photos and graphics. It has a plethora of free and premium images, icons, and illustrations to help elevate your designs.
- Brand kit: It comes with a brand kit that lets you upload logos and set brand colors and fonts to deliver consistent branding across all designs.
Canva benefits
Some notable benefits of Canva:
- User-friendly interface: Its drag-and-drop functionality makes it accessible to all users looking to create professional-quality designs.
- Huge template library. You’ll find various templates and design elements for multiple purposes, from social media posts to marketing materials.
- Collaboration features. Canva supports real-time collaboration, enabling teams to collaborate and maintain consistent branding across visual communications.
Canva pricing
Check out the key differences between Canva’s pricing plan tiers:
- Free. This plan provides everything you need to start designing, including an easy drag-and-drop editor.
- Canva Pro. This plan costs $15 per month per user and unlocks premium content, powerful design tools, and AI features. It has everything that’s in the Free version, plus unlimited access to premium templates.
- Canva Teams. Priced at $10 per person (with a minimum of three users), this plan is ideal for growing teams looking to simplify workflows. It includes everything in the Pro version, plus features to scale your brand and centralize assets.
- Canva Enterprise. This plan empowers your organization with an all-in-one workplace solution.
48. Figma
Figma is primarily used for UI and UX design. It enables product designers and development teams to build interactive prototypes and collaborate in real time using web and mobile applications.
Figma features
Some notable features of Figma:
- Prototyping. You can create interactive prototypes directly within the platform, which can be used for testing and presenting designs without exporting files.
- Reusable design components. Figma allows you to create reusable design elements like buttons and icons, making it simpler to maintain consistency across projects.
- Plugin integration. It has a wide variety of plugins, which can extend functionality for tasks like animations, accessibility checks, and more.
Figma benefits
Here are some key benefits of Figma:
- Real-time collaboration. Figma enables teams to work on designs simultaneously, making it ideal for those needing constant communication.
- Interactive prototyping. Designers can seek feedback and validate ideas with interactive design prototypes.
- Cloud-based accessibility. Figma is accessible from any internet-enabled device, making it suitable for remote work and easy sharing.
Figma pricing
Here’s what Figma costs:
- Free. The free plan lets you create three collaborative design files, produce unlimited personal drafts, and inspect essential files.
- Professional team plan. Priced at $15 per user per month, this plan lets you create advanced prototypes, design team libraries, and handle unlimited Figma files.
- Organization plan. In addition to everything in the Professional team plan, this plan features org-wide libraries, design system analytics, branching, and merging. It’s priced at $45.
- Enterprise plan. Suitable for larger teams, this plan lets you theme an advanced design system, code sync variables via REST API, and create default libraries by workspace. It costs $75 per user per month.
Password Management Solutions
Password management solutions manage multiple passwords used for online access. Keeping credentials in one secure place reduces password-related breaches while simplifying logins.
As cyber threats evolve, these tools have become crucial for small businesses looking to maintain robust web security without sacrificing convenience.
49. LastPass
LastPass enables individuals and businesses to securely save and manage passwords for multiple online accounts. It’s available as a browser extension, mobile app, and autofill tool, making it easy to generate strong passwords and streamline logins.
LastPass features
Here are some key features of LastPass:
- Password vault. You can use LastPass to store all passwords in a secure, encrypted vault, so that you can access them with a single master password.
- Password sharing. You can securely share passwords with trusted parties without exposing the actual password.
- Dark web monitoring. LastPass alerts you if any of your credentials are found on the dark web, thus helping you to protect your accounts at the earliest.
LastPass benefits
Some of the notable benefits of LastPass:
- Safe password storage. LastPass provides encrypted storage to prevent unauthorized access while simplifying account management.
- Password generation. Its ability to generate strong, unique passwords for each account allows users to quickly improve their security practices.
- Cross-device synchronization. LastPass offers easy access to passwords across multiple devices, ensuring multi-platform convenience.
LastPass pricing
Along with the free service, here are a few details on the other pricing plans LastPass offers:
- Teams. Priced at $4 per user per month, this plan offers everything users love about LastPass, including unlimited shared folders and simple user management.
- Business. At $7 per user per month, this plan includes all LastPass Teams features and admin controls, single sign-on (SSO), and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Advanced MFA and SSO add-ons. These advanced options are available at $3 per user per month and $2 per user per month, respectively.
50. Bitwarden
Bitwarden allows users to securely store and manage their passwords across devices, generate strong passwords, and share credentials.
Bitwarden features
Here are some notable features of Bitwarden:
- Encrypted storage. Bitwarden secures sensitive information with end-to-end encryption, ensuring only you have access to your data.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA). It also supports 2FA to add an extra layer of security, preventing unauthorized access to your password vault.
Bitwarden benefits
Some key benefits of Bitwarden:
- Secure code review. Bitwarden allows users to review the code for potential security weaknesses, ensuring transparency in data handling.
- Cross-platform compatibility. The tool works seamlessly across devices, making password sharing hassle-free.
Bitwarden pricing
Besides the free plan, here’s what Bitwarden offers:
- Teams. This plan is priced at $4 per user per month, serving growing teams. It offers strong protection with unlimited sharing through collections, API access, event and audit logs, and a directory connector.
- Enterprise. This plan is ideal for larger organizations at $6 per user per month.
It’s more than a tech stack
With the right tech stack, small businesses improve everything from communication to customer relationships, making the overall business operations more efficient.
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