Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Budget
AI tools under £20/month worth it
Affordable tools that still deliver real productivity gains.
Jun 20, 2024 · 1 min read
Key takeaways
- Price matters less than daily usage.
- Look for tools with export options.
- Start with monthly plans before annual discounts.
Not every AI tool needs a big budget. These options stay under £20/month and still feel powerful.
Step-by-step: pick the right tool
- List your top 3 time drains.
- Match each drain to a tool category.
- Test the free plan for one week.
- Upgrade for a month and track usage.
- Cancel anything you do not use weekly.
What I keep subscribed to
- Perplexity for research.
- Descript for quick edits.
- Notion AI for planning and notes.
FAQ
Do cheap tools have limits?
Yes, but most limits are fine for solo users.
Should I buy annual plans?
Only after 2-3 months of consistent use.
Tools mentioned
- Perplexity (affiliate)Why we like it: Fast research summaries.
- Descript (affiliate)Why we like it: Great for quick audio edits.
- Notion AI (affiliate)Why we like it: Flexible with a generous free tier.
About the author
AI Shortcuts Team · Workflow researcher
We test AI tools with real calendars, inboxes, and family schedules so you can steal the shortcut without the chaos.
Related posts
ToolsNov 18, 2024 · 1 min read
Best AI note-taking tools for busy professionals (tested)
Three note apps that actually organize your ideas without extra work.
notesreviewsproductivity
WritingMay 15, 2024 · 1 min read
How to choose an AI writing assistant
A quick rubric for picking the right assistant without getting lost in features.
writingtoolsguides
WorkflowsDec 5, 2024 · 1 min read
10 AI workflows that save me 5 hours/week
A quick list of the automations and prompts that give me back real time every Friday.
productivityautomationtime