5 AI Tools I Actually Pay For (and Why You Should Too)
Let’s be real — most “top AI tools” lists are bloated with 20+ apps you’ll never use, written by people who don’t use them either.
This isn’t that.
These are the 5 tools I actually pay for — tools I use daily to run content, websites, emails, and video for my projects. Whether you’re a creator, indie hacker, freelancer, or solopreneur trying to stay lean, this stack saves time, scales fast, and pays off.
🧠 1. Jasper – AI Writing That Converts
Jasper AI is my go-to when I need to write fast and stay on-brand.
It’s not just another AI copy tool — it’s actually good at:
- Writing long-form blog posts
- Generating ad copy and email sequences
- Creating content in your brand voice
- Rewriting existing text with better tone
- Giving you structure, not just ideas
If you’re still manually writing everything from scratch, Jasper will make your process 5x faster and cleaner.
🎧 2. Descript – Video Editing Without the Headache
Descript is a content creator’s dream — especially if you hate timeline-based editing.
It lets you:
- Edit video/audio by editing the transcript
- Remove filler words (“uh,” “um,” etc.) instantly
- Record screen and webcam
- Add captions and audiograms in one click
- Clone your voice with Overdub
It’s not for pro filmmakers. But if you’re a solo creator, podcaster, or course builder, Descript is the fastest way to clean up your content and publish fast.
📚 3. Notion AI – Think, Write, Organize Smarter
I live inside Notion. And with Notion AI, I actually stay organized and productive.
Here’s what it helps me do:
- Summarize notes and articles
- Auto-draft content outlines and brainstorms
- Instantly clean up messy writing
- Add structure to research and meeting notes
If you’re already using Notion, the AI add-on is a no-brainer. It feels like having a smart assistant built into your workspace — and it saves hours every week.
🌐 4. Framer – Build Sites Without Code
Framer is how I build landing pages, portfolios, and mini-sites — without touching code or hiring devs.
Why I love it:
- Build stunning, interactive websites visually
- AI-powered section and copy generation
- Built-in animations and responsiveness
- Launch in hours, not weeks
It’s perfect for creators launching products, showing off work, or testing new ideas. If you’ve outgrown Linktree and hate templates — Framer is your new playground.
📬 5. Kit – Email Marketing That Doesn’t Suck
Formerly ConvertKit, Kit is my email platform of choice. It’s built for creators, not corporate marketers.
Why it works:
- Clean, simple automations
- Tag-based segmentation
- Great landing pages and forms
- Free up to 1,000 subscribers
- Grows with you, not against you
If you want to build and own your audience (without paying for bloated funnels), Kit is lean, powerful, and built to convert.
⚔ Final Thoughts: Pay for Tools That Pay You Back
I’ve used dozens of tools. I’ve canceled most of them.
But these five? They’ve stuck — because they save time, simplify my workflow, and help me build and sell faster.
Here’s the stack again:
- ✅ Jasper for writing
- ✅ Descript for video
- ✅ Notion AI for productivity
- ✅ Framer for websites
- ✅ Kit for email marketing
Try them. Test them. Break them. Keep the ones that move the needle for you.