7 Free Productivity Apps That Completely Replaced My Paid Subscriptions

Let me start by saying: I was done with paying monthly fees for a bunch of productivity apps I barely used to their full potential. You know the drill — subscriptions stacking up, promises of “all-in-one” features, but my wallet feeling lighter every month. So, I decided to do a little experiment: ditch the pricey apps and replace them with free alternatives that actually work.

Spoiler alert: it worked, and honestly, I couldn’t be happier. If you’re like me — wanting to stay productive without draining your bank account — here are 7 free tools I swapped in place of expensive apps that made my life easier and saved me a ton.

7. ClickUp — The All-in-One Project Manager (Replacing Asana, Monday.com)

I used to pay a premium for Asana and Monday.com, hoping their project management features would keep my tasks organized. But ClickUp’s free plan blew me away. It’s got task lists, reminders, docs, timelines, and even goals — all in one place.

Why I love it:

• Customizable workflows that fit any project
• Clean interface that’s easy to learn
• Collaboration features without paying a dime

Whether you’re managing personal projects or team tasks, ClickUp handles it without those nagging subscription fees.

6. Bitwarden — Secure Password Management (Replacing 1Password, LastPass)

I was paying for LastPass and worried about security after some recent hacks. Bitwarden, a free and open-source password manager, gives me the same peace of mind — with no cost.

Key benefits:

• Stores unlimited passwords securely
• Syncs across devices for free
• Easy to use and trustworthy

If you want to lock down your online accounts without paying for a premium vault, Bitwarden’s the way to go.

5. Notion — The Ultimate Note-Taking & Organization Tool (Replacing Evernote, OneNote)

Note-taking apps can get expensive if you’re after advanced features. Notion’s free version offers more than enough for most users — a perfect blend of notes, databases, and task tracking all under one roof.

Why switch?

• Highly customizable workspace
• Combines notes, to-do lists, and project boards
• Templates to speed up your workflow

I switched and was surprised at how much I could organize in one app — no more bouncing between multiple tools.

4. Microsoft To Do — Simple & Smart Task Lists (Replacing Todoist Premium, Wunderlist)

I loved Todoist but hated paying for premium just to unlock reminders and recurring tasks. Microsoft To Do offers these features for free, synced to my Microsoft account.

What makes it great:

• Clean, intuitive interface
• Reminders and recurring tasks included in free version
• Integrates well with Outlook and other Microsoft services

For anyone who wants a straightforward task manager without subscriptions, Microsoft To Do is a hidden gem.

3. Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides) — Cloud Office Suite (Replacing Microsoft Office 365 Subscription)

Microsoft Office 365 subscriptions can get pricey, especially if you don’t need every single feature. Google Drive with Docs, Sheets, and Slides is my go-to for cloud-based office productivity.

Benefits I enjoy:

• Real-time collaboration with colleagues and friends
• Autosaves everything in the cloud (no more lost work)
• Fully compatible with MS Office files

It covers all my writing, spreadsheets, and presentations needs without a monthly fee.

2. Zoom Free Plan — Video Conferencing Without the Cost (Replacing Paid Tools like Webex, GoToMeeting)

Paid video conferencing tools add up fast, especially if you only need basic meetings. Zoom’s free plan lets me host meetings up to 40 minutes with up to 100 participants — perfect for casual work calls or family chats.

Why I stick with Zoom free:

• Reliable and easy to use
• Screen sharing and virtual backgrounds included
• No surprise charges

If you’re not running huge webinars, Zoom’s free plan has you covered.

1. LibreOffice — The Powerful Free Alternative to Microsoft Office

If you want a full desktop office suite but don’t want to spend hundreds on Microsoft Office, LibreOffice is your best friend. It’s open-source, completely free, and works offline.

What I like about it:

• Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more
• Supports Microsoft Office formats
• No internet needed to work

It saved me hundreds, and I still get all the power features I need.

Why Switching to Free Tools Worked for Me

I get it — switching apps can feel like a hassle. But here’s the thing: all these free tools are mature, powerful, and widely trusted. They didn’t make me sacrifice productivity; in many cases, they simplified my workflow.

Plus, I no longer worry about those surprise subscription renewals or juggling multiple payment methods. Free apps freed up both my time and budget.

Tips to Make Your Switch Smooth

• Take it one app at a time. Don’t overwhelm yourself by switching everything at once.
• Give yourself a week or two to adjust before ditching the paid app completely.
• Explore community forums or YouTube tutorials for tips on getting the most out of free tools.
• Back up your data before switching to avoid any accidental loss.

Your Turn: Ready to Save Money and Stay Productive?

If you’re tired of paying for productivity apps that don’t add enough value, try these free alternatives. They worked for me, and I’m confident they’ll help you too.

Have you already switched some apps? Or thinking about it? Let me know in the comments which free tools you love or want to try. And if you found this helpful, share it with your friends who might be overpaying for apps too!

👉 Start your subscription-free productivity journey today — pick one app from the list and try it this week. You might just find your new favorite tool!

➤ Disclosure: Our content is reader-supported. If you click on certain links, we may make a commission. [Learn More]