I Tested 7 Free AI Tools — Here's What Each One Can Actually Do

Looking for useful AI tools that won't cost you money? Discover seven tools for writing, research, graphic design, video editing, voiceovers, studying, and AI image generation.

By LokkeeVerse Editorial · 3 min read

I Tested 7 Free AI Tools — Here's What Each One Can Actually Do

I Tested 7 Free AI Tools — Here's What Each One Can Actually Do

You don't need to pay for every AI tool. These seven have free options worth trying, from writing and research to image creation and video editing.

1. ChatGPT — For Almost Anything

Website: https://chatgpt.com/

ChatGPT can write captions, explain difficult topics, brainstorm ideas, and help with coding.

Try it for: Blog ideas, emails, scripts, and learning new skills.

2. Perplexity — For Online Research

Website: https://www.perplexity.ai/

Perplexity searches for information online and provides answers with sources you can check.

Try it for: Researching topics, finding sources, and getting quick summaries.

3. Canva — For Quick Designs

Website: https://www.canva.com/

Canva combines design templates with AI features that can help you create graphics and presentations. Some AI features have usage limits or require a paid plan.

Try it for: YouTube thumbnails, posters, social media posts, and presentations.

4. CapCut — For Video Editing

Website: https://www.capcut.com/

CapCut offers video-editing tools, captions, effects, and AI-assisted features. Availability can vary by region, device, and plan.

Try it for: Reels, TikTok videos, YouTube Shorts, and promotional clips.

5. ElevenLabs — For AI Voiceovers

Website: https://elevenlabs.io/

ElevenLabs converts text into natural-sounding AI speech, making it useful when you don't want to record your own voice.

Try it for: Narration, explainer videos, and faceless YouTube content.

Its free allowance is limited, so check the current terms before starting a project.

6. NotebookLM — For Understanding Documents

Website: https://notebooklm.google.com/

NotebookLM helps you work with documents and other sources you provide. It can summarize information, answer questions about your materials, and generate study aids.

Try it for: Exam revision, research notes, reports, and long PDFs.

7. Leonardo AI — For AI Images

Website: https://leonardo.ai/

Leonardo AI generates images from text prompts and offers creative tools for exploring different visual styles. Free usage is subject to the platform's current limits.

Try it for: Character concepts, digital artwork, thumbnails, and creative inspiration.

Which One Should You Try First?

  • Writing: ChatGPT
  • Research: Perplexity
  • Graphic design: Canva
  • Video editing: CapCut
  • Voiceovers: ElevenLabs
  • Studying documents: NotebookLM
  • AI images: Leonardo AI

Final Verdict

Start with the tool that solves your biggest problem. You don't need seven subscriptions—or even seven accounts—to get started.

Free plans have limits, and some features require payment. But with the right combination, you can write, research, design, and create content without spending money upfront.