Free Alternatives To Paid Tools You’re Wasting Money On

Most of us have been there — paying monthly or yearly subscriptions for tools because they seem “industry standard” or because everyone around us uses them. Paid tools are often polished, reliable, and loaded with features, so they definitely deserve their reputation. But here’s the thing: in many cases, you don’t actually need to spend that money.

There are some brilliant free alternatives out there — not shady cracked versions (those are unsafe, illegal, and we don’t recommend them at all) — but genuine, well-built software that can stand toe-to-toe with the big names. In fact, some of these free tools offer features that paid software locks behind premium tiers.

If you’re tired of spending unnecessarily, here are some powerful free tools you should try before pulling out your credit card.

1. Photoshop Alternative → Photopea

Website: photopea.com
Platforms: Web-based (works on Windows, Mac, Linux through browser)

Adobe Photoshop is the gold standard for photo editing, no doubt about it. But if you’re only doing casual edits, social media graphics, or occasional design work, paying for Photoshop might feel like overkill.

That’s where Photopea comes in. It runs entirely in your browser, opens PSD files directly, and has a layout so similar to Photoshop that most people instantly feel at home. It supports layers, smart objects, text effects, and even advanced tools like healing brushes and clone stamping.

It won’t fully replace Photoshop for professional photographers or designers who need every single niche feature, but for 90% of people, it’s more than enough — and completely free.

2. Microsoft Office Alternative → LibreOffice

Website: libreoffice.org
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux

Microsoft Office is powerful, but it also comes with a price tag that adds up over time. If your needs are mainly writing documents, creating spreadsheets, or making slideshows, LibreOffice is an incredible free substitute.

It includes Writer (Word alternative), Calc (Excel alternative), and Impress (PowerPoint alternative) along with tools for databases and drawings. The compatibility with Microsoft formats has improved massively, meaning you can open and save .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files without major formatting issues.

Unless you’re locked into using Office because of work or enterprise-level features, LibreOffice is more than capable. And the best part? It’s updated frequently and has a strong global community behind it.

3. Grammarly Alternative → LanguageTool

Website: languagetool.org
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Browser Extensions, Google Docs, MS Word

Grammarly is great, but its premium version can get expensive. If you just want to polish your writing, LanguageTool is a fantastic free alternative.

It checks grammar, punctuation, spelling, and even style suggestions in real-time. It also supports multiple languages (not just English), which is something Grammarly doesn’t offer at the same level. The tool works as a browser extension, in Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or as a standalone desktop app.

For bloggers, students, and professionals who need a reliable writing assistant without a monthly bill, LanguageTool is hard to beat.

4. Adobe Illustrator Alternative → Inkscape

Website: inkscape.org
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux

Vector design is where Adobe Illustrator rules, but subscriptions can be heavy on the pocket. Enter Inkscape, a completely free and open-source vector graphics editor.

It supports SVG (the universal vector format), layers, text tools, gradients, and node editing. Graphic designers, logo creators, and illustrators can create professional-grade work with it. While Illustrator might be a bit faster and has tighter integration with Adobe’s ecosystem, Inkscape does the job beautifully for most independent designers.

It’s especially good for people who are just starting out in design and don’t want to commit to an expensive subscription yet.

5. Evernote Alternative → Joplin

Website: joplinapp.org
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android

Evernote used to dominate the note-taking world, but its free version has become restrictive, and the premium plan isn’t cheap either.

Joplin is one of the best free note-taking apps available today. It supports Markdown, can sync across devices (via Dropbox, OneDrive, or your own server), and even has end-to-end encryption for privacy. You can organize notes into notebooks, tag them, and clip content directly from the web.

For people who like having full control of their notes without being tied to a subscription, Joplin is a game-changer.

6. Canva Pro Alternative → Photopea + Figma (Free Plan)

Websites: photopea.com and figma.com
Platforms: Browser-based (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Canva Pro is super popular for quick designs, but its best features are locked behind the paid plan. For a free alternative, you can combine Photopea (for Photoshop-style editing) with Figma (for collaborative design and templates).

Figma’s free version allows unlimited files and collaborators, making it excellent for team projects, social media graphics, and even UI design. Paired with Photopea for image manipulation, you’ve got a full design toolkit without paying a rupee/dollar.

7. Paid Mind-Mapping Tools Alternative → FreeMind

Website: freemind.sourceforge.net
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux

Mind mapping tools like MindMeister or XMind are great for brainstorming, but they often come with subscriptions. FreeMind is a free, open-source tool that does the same thing.

It lets you create mind maps with drag-and-drop nodes, color coding, icons, and notes. While the interface looks a bit old-school, the functionality is solid. For personal projects, study notes, or small team use, FreeMind works perfectly.

Wrapping Up

Paid tools are fantastic and absolutely worth it if you need advanced features, enterprise integration, or simply value the premium experience. But for many individuals, freelancers, students, and small businesses, free alternatives can deliver equal — sometimes even better — results without draining your wallet.

Instead of resorting to cracked versions (which are risky, unstable, and illegal), explore these safe and genuine free tools. You might be surprised at how much money you can save while still getting professional-quality results.