Free or paid? How to choose

Start free

Most AI tools have a free version or a trial. First check whether a tool really helps before you pay.

What is the difference?

• Limits: number of messages, credits or minutes per month
• Quality: paid plans often give access to the newest models
• A watermark on images or video
• Whether you may use the result commercially
• Privacy settings and terms for business use
• Working together as a team

A simple sum

Does a tool save you more time per month than it costs? Example: two hours a month times what your hour is worth. If that is more than the monthly price, it pays off.

Watch out with subscriptions

• Monthly or annual price (converted per month)
• Price per user for teams
• VAT: prices are often excluding VAT
• Automatic renewal and notice period

Tip

Take one paid plan for the tool you use most and do not stack plans that do the same thing. Our Stack Doctor shows where you pay twice.