The Cheapest Way to Get Any AI Tool

27 tools · Verified July 2026 by Michael Okeje

The cheapest way into almost any AI tool is one of six levers: a free tier, annual billing, a lower entry plan, a student discount, a free trial, or - occasionally - a real promotion. It is almost never a coupon code. Below is the lowest-cost way into each tool we track, and the six levers explained.

The six ways to pay less for AI tools

1

Use the free tier

Many AI tools have a permanent free plan that covers light use. It is the cheapest option of all - $0 - and often enough if you only hit the tool a few times a week.

2

Pay yearly, not monthly

Annual billing is the most reliable discount, usually 15 to 25 percent off and sometimes far more, with no code needed. Only prepay once you know a tool is a keeper.

3

Drop to a lower tier

The plan you are shown first is rarely the cheapest paid one. Look for an entry tier (for example ChatGPT's $8 Go plan) that still covers what you need.

4

Claim a student or education discount

If you are a verified student or teacher, some tools are free or half price. Eligibility is checked with a school email, so it is not open to everyone.

5

Start with a free trial

A trial lets you test before paying. Watch the terms: some require a card and auto-renew, so set a reminder to cancel if you only need it once.

6

Skip the fake coupon codes

Most major AI tools have no working public promo code. Sites that list them waste your time. The real savings are the levers above, which is what this site verifies.

Cheapest way into each AI tool

AI toolCheapest way inStarts at
ChatGPT PlusFree tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
Claude ProFree tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
ElevenLabsFree tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
DescriptFree tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
GitHub CopilotFree tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
Perplexity ProFree tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
Canva ProFree tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
Grammarly PremiumFree tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
SynthesiaFree tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
CursorFree tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
HeyGenFree tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
Kling AIFree tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
RunwayFree tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
Notion AIFree tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
Google AI ProFree tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
Base44Free tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
LovableFree tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
GensparkFree tierFree
Resume.ioFree tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
SoftrFree tier, then paid plans if you outgrow itFree
MidjourneyCheapest paid tier on annual billing$8/mo
JasperCheapest paid tier on annual billing$59/mo
Copy.aiCheapest paid tier on annual billing$24/mo
WritesonicFree trial, then paid plansFree trial
Moz ProCheapest paid tier$49/mo
AdCreative.aiCheapest paid tier$39/mo
ListingBottOne-time purchase (no subscription)$499 once

Related: best annual-billing discounts, student deals, and which promo codes are real.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest way to get AI tools?

In order: a free tier if the tool has one, then annual billing (15 to 25 percent off for most), then the lowest paid tier, then a student or education discount if you qualify. Fake promo codes are almost never the answer for major tools.

Which AI tools are actually free?

As of July 2026, 20 of the 27 tools we track have a genuine free tier you can use indefinitely, though each caps usage. The table above marks which ones, and each tool page shows exactly what the free plan includes.

Is annual billing really cheaper?

Yes, for tools that offer it - usually 15 to 25 percent, sometimes over 50 percent. The catch is you pay for the year up front and most tools do not refund the unused part, so only commit to a tool you will keep. See our annual-billing ranking for the exact discounts.

Do AI promo codes work?

Rarely for the big tools. A few smaller companies and official partners issue real codes, but most 'AI promo codes' online are fabricated by coupon-aggregator sites. Treat any code as unverified unless its source and terms can be confirmed.

Prices are checked against each tool's official pricing page on the date shown and can change at any time. Some outbound links are affiliate links; see the disclosure in the footer.