Netflix, Spotify, ChatGPT, Photoshop & More (Save Money Now)

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

In 2026, subscriptions are everywhere—from music streaming to productivity tools and AI generators. But you don’t always have to pay premium prices to get great functionality. Here’s a curated list of **solid free alternatives** to some of the most popular paid products. These are legitimate, legal options (many ad-supported or open-source) that can save you money without compromising too much on quality.

We’ve shuffled the order for variety, and included additional recommendations where the main pick might have limitations. Note: Free tiers often come with ads, limited features, or daily credits—perfect for casual use!

Paid vs. Free Alternatives

1. Gmail → Proton Mail
   Privacy-focused email with a generous free tier (encrypted and no ads scanning your inbox).
   Other options: Outlook.com, Tuta, Zoho Mail.
2. Grammarly → Ginger
   Solid grammar and spelling checker with a free version.
   Other options: LanguageTool (open-source), Quillbot (free tier), Hemingway App.
3. YouTube → Rumble
   Alternative video platform with less censorship and creator-focused features.
   Other options: Vimeo, Odysee, PeerTube.
4. Xbox Game Pass → Epic Games Store
   Regular free games giveaway every week, plus a huge free-to-play section.
   Other options: Steam (free games), itch.io, Prime Gaming (if you have Amazon Prime).
5. ChatGPT → Compass
   Local/privacy-focused AI chat tool.
   Strong 2026 free alternatives: Google Gemini, Grok (free tier), Claude (free access), Microsoft Copilot.
6. Gemini → Misty
   Another private/local AI option.
   Other options: Grok, Claude, Perplexity AI.
7. Canva → Vectr
   Free vector graphics tool for simple designs.
   Other options: Adobe Express (free tier), Pixlr, Inkscape.
8. Kindle Unlimited → Wattpad
   Free user-generated stories and serials.
   Other options: Libby (borrow from library), Project Gutenberg (classics), Hoopla.
9. Notion → Obsidian
   Powerful local Markdown-based note-taking and knowledge base (fully free).
   Other options: Anytype, Logseq, Joplin.
10. Spotify → Jango
    Ad-supported radio-style music streaming.
    Top 2026 picks: YouTube Music (free with ads), Deezer free, Pandora, SoundCloud.
11. Apple Music → Demus
    Free music discovery and playback app.
    Other options: YouTube Music free tier, Spotify free (ads), Deezer.
12. Microsoft Office → LibreOffice
    Full-featured open-source suite (Writer, Calc, Impress)—completely free and offline.
    Other options: Google Docs (online), FreeOffice, WPS Office free.
13. Photoshop → Photopea
    Web-based Photoshop clone—amazingly capable and free.
    Top free picks: GIMP (open-source powerhouse), Krita, Pixlr.
14. Figma → Gravit Designer
    Vector design tool (still downloadable and usable in 2026).
    Other options: Penpot (open-source collaborative), Inkscape, Canva free tier.
15. Midjourney → Higgsfield
    AI image/video generator with free options.
    Best 2026 free alternatives: Google Imagen (via Gemini), Stable Diffusion (local/web like Playground AI), Leonardo AI (daily credits).
16. Netflix → Netmirror (use with caution—may involve unofficial sources)
    Recommended legal free streaming: Tubi, Pluto TV, Freevee, The Roku Channel, Crackle—all ad-supported with huge libraries.
17. Disney+ → Tubi
    Massive ad-supported library of movies and shows.
    Other options: Pluto TV (live channels), Freevee, Plex.
18. Hulu → Pluto TV
    Free live TV channels and on-demand content.
    Other options: Tubi, Sling Freestream, The Roku Channel.

Why Go Free?

These alternatives can help you cut costs significantly. For example, ditching multiple streaming subs for ad-supported free services like Tubi or Pluto TV still gives you thousands of hours of entertainment. Open-source tools like LibreOffice or GIMP offer professional features without any ongoing fees.

Pro tip: Many “free” services are ad-supported—that’s how they stay sustainable. If ads bother you, consider combining with library apps (like Libby) or open-source options.

Glossary of Terms

• Ad-supported (FAST): Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television—services like Tubi or Pluto TV that offer content for free with commercials.
• Open-source: Software with publicly available code, often completely free and community-developed (e.g., LibreOffice, GIMP).
• Freemium: Basic features free, premium upgrades paid (common in AI tools).
• Local/offline: Runs on your device without internet (great for privacy, like Obsidian).

FAQs

Are these alternatives completely free?
Most have robust free tiers or are 100% free. Some include ads or limits to encourage upgrades.

Is it legal?
Yes—all suggestions here are legitimate services. Avoid unofficial/piracy apps for safety and ethics.

Will I miss features from the paid version?
Sometimes, but for everyday use, these often suffice. Test them out!

Which should I start with?
Try Tubi/Pluto TV for streaming, LibreOffice for productivity, and Gemini/Grok for AI chats—they’re among the best in 2026.

What do you think of this list? Tried any of these alternatives? Share in the comments below!

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