Short answer
Start with one free chatbot (ChatGPT, or Gemini if you use Google apps) for writing and planning. Add Zapier Agents to connect your apps. Use ElevenLabs or HeyGen when you need voice or video.
| Job | Tool | Free plan (as of Oct 2026) | Our status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writing, emails and planning | ChatGPT (free) | Unlimited everyday chats with GPT-6; limited images, voice and uploads | Research-based |
| Long documents and careful writing | Claude (free) | Sonnet and Haiku models, web search, memory, up to 5 projects | Research-based |
| Gmail, Docs and Android users | Gemini (free) | Flash-Lite model, images, Deep Research, 15 GB storage | Research-based |
| Connecting your apps on autopilot | Zapier Agents | Free tier: 400 activities a month | Research-based |
| Handing off a research report or deck | Manus | Free plan: 300 daily credits, 1 task at a time | Research-based |
| Voiceovers for ads and videos | ElevenLabs | Free plan; the in-app card listed a commercial licence for speech and music | Tested (free plan, Oct 2026) |
| Short promo videos with an AI presenter | HeyGen | 3 watermarked videos a month, up to 1 minute each, 720p | Tested (free plan, Oct 2026) |
| Training or explainer videos | Synthesia | Free plan with watermark | Tested (free plan, Oct 2026) |
| Editing podcasts and video | Descript | 1 media hour a month, 720p export with watermark | Partly tested (export not completed) |
Free plans change often. Video and voice free plans add watermarks or limits, so check the terms before using output commercially. Facts from each company's pages and our reviews, last checked Oct 15, 2026.
Safety basics for business use
- Don't paste customer personal data, passwords or bank details into a chatbot.
- Keep approvals on before any AI sends emails or makes payments. See our free safety checklist (PDF).
Next: AI agents for small business owners, with copy-paste prompts
Already on Microsoft 365? Copilot chat is free, and Copilot in Word, Excel and Outlook comes with Microsoft 365 plans: see Microsoft Copilot explained (research-based, not tested).
Sources
- ChatGPT plans and pricing: last checked Oct 15, 2026
- Claude pricing: last checked Oct 15, 2026
- Google One: Google AI plans: last checked Oct 15, 2026
- Zapier Help: How is Zapier Agents usage measured?: last checked Oct 15, 2026
- Manus Help Center: membership pricing: last checked Oct 15, 2026
Prices and plans change often. Always confirm on the official site before you buy.