Why I Stopped Using Free AI Tools (and What I Do Instead)

There’s no shortage of free AI tools out there, and I’ve used more than I can remember. However, I’ve stopped using free AI tools and only use paid versions instead—and I won’t be switching back any time soon.

I stopped using free AI tools because of their limitations. For example, as a writer, I frequently use Grammarly. While the free plugin allows me to check my spelling and grammar, it doesn’t allow me to check for clarity and other elements.

ChatGPT and Perplexity are two more examples of AI tools I used, and in my opinion, the division between the free and paid plans was even more evident. For example, when using Perplexity Pro, I get more daily searches and can use the tool without worrying about exceeding my limits as much.

Another reason I stopped using free AI tools was because I wasn’t prioritized. For example, with ChatGPT, I wasn’t given earlier access to new features. Moreover, I was not guaranteed access during peak times with a free plan. This was particularly annoying because I felt like I needed to plan when I’d use the app more closely.

Instead of free AI software, these are the tools I use instead.

1. ChatGPT Plus

ChatGPT Plus costs $20 per month, and it’s fantastic value for money. With a premium plan, I can use DALL-E for image generation. Besides trying out numerous image types for different articles, I also like using DALL-E to see what kinds of creations I can create.

Another advantage of ChatGPT Plus is that I get full access to Custom GPTsm, which is ChatGPT’s most underrated feature. You can build a full team of AI assistants with Custom GPTs, and I use these for multiple purposes. For example, during the summer of 2024, I used a Custom GPT to help me create a customized Olympic weightlifting plan.

What’s also nice about ChatGPT Plus is that I get full access to the latest version of ChatGPT. As a result, my answers are more accurate. ChatGPT Plus also doesn’t crash anywhere near as much as I endured when using the free version.

2. Grammarly Pro

Grammarly Pro has helped me directly and indirectly become a much better writer in numerous ways. Interestingly enough, I make fewer mistakes now that I know I have something that can catch my spelling and grammatical errors. More importantly, this also means that I can deliver error-free copy to my clients.

I stopped using Grammarly Pro for around two months and quickly realized how big of a mistake that was. One of my favorite tools is its Clarity section, which helps me catch when I’ve added too much fluff. Another nicety is how Grammarly Pro helps me reshape my text when needed.

While Microsoft Editor can compete with Grammarly, there’s no better option than the paid version of Grammarly. Besides what I’ve already discussed, I like how Grammarly Pro can help me choose better words for different scenarios. $144 per year is a bargain, considering how many features it has.

3. Perplexity Pro

I actually quite like the free version of Perplexity, but I upgraded to the $20/mo premium edition mainly because I wanted a bigger allowance. I now get 300 daily searches; while I admittedly wish this was unlimited, it’s still good enough for me in most cases.

Another Perplexity Pro feature worth paying for is the analysis of different file types, such as images and CSV files. Having access to better support is also another advantage. Thankfully, I haven’t needed to use this yet, but it’s nice to know it’s there if I ever do.

While free AI software has its advantages in some areas, I stopped using it because it couldn’t meet my increasing needs. Having bigger allowances was essential for getting the most out of these tools, and I’m happy that I chose to invest my money wisely. I suggest doing the same if you’ve reached your limitations with free software.