AI
Best free AI tools for students, workers and small businesses
By Kelvin Wanyoike · · 2 min read
There are thousands of AI tools, and new ones every week. You don’t need them all. Here are the categories that matter and a few good tools in each. Most have free plans; features and prices change, so check each site.
Chat assistants (start here)
- ChatGPT: general questions, writing, images and voice.
- Claude: long documents, careful writing, analysis and coding.
- Gemini: works with Gmail, Docs and Android.
- Microsoft Copilot: Windows and Microsoft 365.
- Meta AI: quick help inside WhatsApp, where available.
Research and studying
- Perplexity: answers with sources.
- NotebookLM: upload your notes and PDFs and ask questions only about them.
Design, video and audio
- Canva: posters, social posts, background removal and AI images.
- CapCut: auto-captions and templates for TikTok and Reels.
- Ideogram: images with readable text.
Office work, coding and automation
- Copilot in Microsoft 365 and Gemini in Google Workspace: documents, Excel formulas, slides and email summaries.
- GitHub Copilot and Claude Code: coding help.
- Zapier, Make and n8n: automations between apps.
Starter kits
- Student: a chat assistant, NotebookLM and Google Scholar.
- Small business: a chat assistant, Canva and WhatsApp Business.
- Creator: a chat assistant, CapCut and Canva.
- Office worker: Copilot or Gemini in your office suite.
Use AI honestly and safely: check facts, don’t paste private data, and don’t hand in AI-written assignments. Learn more in the map of AI tools and the rest of the free AI from zero to pro course.
Frequently asked questions
Which AI tool is best for students?
A chat assistant for explanations and quizzes, plus NotebookLM to study from your own notes. Use them to learn, not to copy assignments.
Are these AI tools free?
Most have free plans with limits. Paid plans add more usage and features.
Is it safe to upload documents to AI tools?
Avoid uploading personal or confidential information unless the tool is approved by your school or employer, and check the privacy settings.