15 Best Freelancing Tools to Scale a 2023 Business (Free & Paid)

Getting started with your freelance journey? Freelancing tools are a great way to find success.

The freelance business model has gained significant popularity in recent years due to advancements in technology and the rise of remote work.

In the freelance business, individuals have the freedom to choose the projects they want to work on, set their own schedules, and determine their own rates. This allows them to pursue their passions, follow their interests, and achieve a better work-life balance.
According to research, in the United States, there are 73.3 million individuals who work as freelancers. In 2023, an estimated 73% of employees in the U.S.A. intend to work as freelancers.

In this article, we discuss the best freelancing tools that you must have in your freelance tech stack.

These include:

• Planning and Project Management Tools - ClickUp and Asana
• Time Tracking Tools - Toggl and Hourstack
• Communication Tools - Slack and Zoom
• Invoice Tools - Billdu and Wave
• Storage Tools - Dropbox and Google Drive
• Email Tools - Mailbutler and Mailchimp
• Writing Tools - ChatGPT and Hemingway
• Networking Tools - Beaconstac

Planning Tools for Freelancers

1. ClickUp

With 1000+ templates to get you kicked off on the right foot, ClickUp offers resources for freelancers including the Freelance Contract Template, Freelance Invoicing Template or Graphic Design Template. 

For those contracting on a consulting basis, check out the Personal Productivity Template, Meeting Report Template and Services Timesheet Template. 

Additionally, ClickUp also offers integration with a variety of other tools, such as Google Drive, Slack, and Trello, making it easy to connect with other platforms and streamline workflows. Whether you are a freelancer, small business owner, or part of a large team, ClickUp provides a flexible solution to help you get organized and achieve your goals.

Best Features

• Customizable Workflows: ClickUp allows users to customize their workflows, making it easy to organize and prioritize tasks.
• Time Tracking: The software has built-in time tracking capabilities, allowing users to track time spent on tasks and projects, and generate reports on billable hours.
• Agile Boards: ClickUp's agile boards feature allows users to manage tasks using agile methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban, making it a versatile tool for software development teams.

Limitations

• May not be suitable for businesses with complex and large-scale projects that require advanced project planning and resource management capabilities.
• Because of its complexity, ClickUp has a steep learning curve, which may require more time and effort to fully understand and utilize all of its features.

Pricing

• Free: Free forever
• Unlimited: $5 per user per month
• Business: $12 per user per month
• Business Plus: $19 per user per month
• Enterprise: Individual pricing

User Ratings

G2: 4.7/5 (5800+ reviews)

Sign up for ClickUp today, no credit card required.

2. Asana

Asana is a web-based project management tool designed to help teams collaborate and organize their work. It provides a centralized platform for teams to manage tasks, projects, and communication, and helps to eliminate the need for email, spreadsheets, and paper-based systems. With Asana, users can create tasks, set deadlines, assign team members, and track progress of your goals.

Best Features

• Task Management: Asana offers a simple and intuitive task management system that allows users to create, assign, and track tasks with ease.
• Collaboration: The software allows team members to collaborate on tasks, share files and communicate with each other in real-time.
• Project Tracking: Asana offers a range of tools for tracking projects, including timelines, calendars, and progress tracking, giving users a clear overview of project status and progress.

Limitations

• May not be the best fit for businesses that require advanced project management features such as resource management and budget tracking.
• Limited functionality for project planning and scheduling compared to other project management software.
• Learning curve for new users to get used to the software's interface and features.
• Limited options for customizing project management templates.

Pricing

• Free: Free forever
• Premium: $13.49 per month
• Business: $30.49 per month
• Enterprise: Individual pricing

User Ratings

G2: 4.3/5 (9200+ reviews)

In need of Asana alternatives? We’ve compiled the best ones in this article. 

Time Tracking Tools for Freelancers

3. Toggl

Toggl is a time tracking and project management platform designed to help individuals and teams be more productive and efficient. It provides an easy-to-use interface for tracking time, organizing tasks, and managing projects, making it ideal for freelancers and larger organizations alike. 

Best Features

• Time Tracking: Toggl offers a simple and intuitive time tracking system that allows users to track their time spent on tasks.
• Project Management: Toggl allows users to create and manage projects, assign tasks to team members, and track project progress.
• Reporting: The software offers detailed reporting features that allow users to generate reports on their time usage, project progress, and team productivity.
• Idle Detection: Toggl has a built-in idle detection feature that stops the timer when the user is inactive, ensuring accurate time tracking.

Limitations

• Limited functionality for advanced project management features such as budget tracking compared to other project management software.
• Limited control over the user interface and branding for white-labeling purposes.
• No built-in budget tracking or expense management features.

Pricing

• Free: Free trial
• Starter: $9 per user per month
• Premium: $18 per user per month
• Enterprise: Individual pricing

User Ratings

G2: 4.6/5 (1500+ reviews)

4. Hourstac

Another useful tool is Hourstac, which is an alternative to Toggl that provides a simple and intuitive way for individuals and teams to monitor and manage their time. With its clean design and affordability, Hourstac has become a popular choice for those looking to improve their time management and boost productivity.

Best Features

• Project Management: Hourstack allows users to create and manage projects, assign tasks to team members, and track project progress.
• Resource Planning: Hourstack allows users to plan and manage their resources effectively, such as assigning employees to specific projects or tasks.
• Calendar: The software integrates with Google Calendar and Outlook, allowing users to sync their schedules and manage their time more effectively.
• Mobile App: Hourstack has also a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices, allowing users to track their time on-the-go.

Limitations

• Limited reporting and analytics capabilities compared to other project management software.
• Some users may find the pricing plans to be expensive, particularly for small businesses or individuals.
• Limited integrations compared to other project management software.

Pricing

• Personal: $9 per user per month
• Team: $12 per user per month

User Ratings

G2: 4.4/5 (5 reviews)

Communication Tools for Freelancers

Team communication tools can provide valuable insights and data for decision-making. By tracking communication patterns and usage, organizations can gain a better understanding of how their teams are communicating and make improvements to their processes. 

5. Slack

Slack is a cloud-based collaboration platform designed to help teams communicate and work together more effectively. It offers a centralized hub for team members to share messages, files, and information, and provides a range of tools and features to support real-time communication and collaboration. Its ecosystem is complemented with Slack apps, which allows users to customize their experience.Best Features

• Channels: Slack allows users to create channels for specific teams, projects, or topics. This feature keeps conversations organized and allows team members to quickly find relevant information.
• File sharing: Slack allows users to share files of various types, including documents, images, and videos. This feature makes it easy for team members to collaborate on projects and share information.
• Customization: With Slack users can customize their notifications, themes, and emojis. This feature adds a personal touch to the user experience and can help teams stay engaged and motivated.

Limitations

• Can become cluttered with too many channels and conversations.
• File storage limit for free plans.

Pricing

• Free: Free trial
• Pro: $8.75 per user per month
• Business+: $15 per user per month
• Enterprise Grid: Individual pricing

User Ratings

G2: 4.5/5 (31000+ reviews)

6. Zoom

Zoom is a video conferencing and webinar platform that enables users to hold virtual meetings, webinars, and online classes. It offers a range of features to make virtual communication more seamless, including high-quality video and audio, screen sharing, and the ability to host meetings with hundreds of participants.

Best Features

• HD Video and Audio: Zoom provides high-quality video and audio for meetings, ensuring that participants can see and hear each other clearly. 
• Screen Sharing: Communication platform allows users to share their screen with other participants, making it easy to collaborate on projects, review documents, or give presentations.
• Recording: Zoom provides the option to record meetings, which can be useful for review, sharing, or archiving purposes.
• Breakout Rooms:With Zoom you can create breakout rooms for smaller group discussions or activities, making it easier to manage larger meetings.

Limitations

• Requires a stable internet connection to function properly.
• Limited functionality for free plans, including a 40-minute time limit for meetings with three or more participants.

Pricing

• Free: Free forever
• Pro: $13.99 per month
• Business: $18.99 per month
• Enterprise: Individual pricing

User Ratings

G2: 4.5/5 (53000+ reviews)

Invoicing Tools for Freelancers

7. Billdu

Billdu is an invoicing software designed specifically for small businesses and freelancers. It provides a simple and intuitive solution for creating, sending, and tracking invoices, helping users to manage their financial transactions with ease and accuracy. Billdu offers a range of features, including customizable invoice templates, automatic calculation of taxes, and integration with accounting software. One of the key features of Billdu is its user-friendly interface that allows users to create and customize invoices quickly and easily.

Best Features

• Invoicing: Billdu offers a simple and customizable invoicing system that allows businesses to create and send professional invoices quickly and easily.
• Customizable templates: Billdu offers customizable templates for invoices, estimates, and receipts, allowing businesses to create professional-looking documents that match their brand.
• Expense tracking: With Billdu, businesses can track their expenses and manage receipts in one place, helping to simplify bookkeeping and tax preparation.
• Payment processing: Billdu integrates with various payment gateways to enable secure and convenient online payments, including credit card payments, bank transfers, and PayPal.

Limitations

• While Billdu does integrate with various accounting software options, the range of integrations is somewhat limited compared to other options.
• Billdu does not offer as many reporting options as some other accounting software, which may be a limitation for businesses that require detailed financial reporting.

Pricing

• Free: Free trial
• Lite : $3.99 per user per month
• Standard: $8.99 per user per month
• Premium: $16.99 per user per month

User Ratings

TrustPilot: 4.6/5 (400+ reviews)

8. Wave

Best Features

• Accounting: Wave offers a comprehensive accounting system that includes features such as expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting.
• Receipt scanning: Wave provides a receipt scanning feature that allows businesses to scan and upload receipts, helping to simplify bookkeeping and tax preparation.
• Payroll: Wave offers a payroll system that allows businesses to manage their employee's pay and taxes, helping to streamline HR processes.

Limitations

• Wave does not have inventory tracking features, which can be a significant limitation for businesses that sell physical products.
• While Wave offers a range of accounting and invoicing features, it may not be as comprehensive as some other accounting software options, which may be a limitation for businesses with more complex accounting needs.

Pricing

• Free: Free trial
• Basic: $40 per user per month
• Premium: $149 per user per month

User Ratings

TrustPilot: 4.2/5 (800+ reviews)

Storage Tools for Freelancers

9. Dropbox

Dropbox offers a range of features to make file storage and collaboration easier, including the ability to access your files offline, version history to keep track of changes, and file sharing with a link or by inviting others to collaborate. 

Best Features

• File storage: Dropbox allows users to store and share files, photos, and videos, providing easy access to important documents from anywhere with an internet connection.
• File synchronization: Dropbox automatically synchronizes files across devices, allowing users to access and edit files from any device without having to manually transfer them.
• Collaboration: Dropbox allows users to share files and folders with others, making it easy to collaborate on projects and share information with team members.

Limitations

• While Dropbox offers a free version, it can be expensive for businesses that need more storage space and additional features.
• Dropbox has robust security measures in place, some users may still have concerns about storing sensitive data in the cloud.

Pricing

• Free: Free forever
• Plus: $11.99 per user per month
• Family: $19.99 per 6 users per month
• Professional: $19.99 per user per month
• Standard: $14,50 per 3 users per month
• Advanced: $21,50 per 3 users per month
• Enterprise: Individual pricing

User Ratings

G2: 4.4/5 (20000+ reviews)

10. Google drive

Google Drive is a cloud-based storage and file management platform from Google. It allows users to store, access, and share their files, including documents, photos, and videos, from anywhere and on any device. With Google Drive, you can easily create, edit, and collaborate on documents in real-time, and securely store and access your files from the cloud.

Best Features

• Cloud storage: Google Drive provides free cloud storage for users to store and share files, photos, and videos, with 15 GB of storage included with every account.
• Collaboration: Google Drive allows users to collaborate in real-time on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, making it easy to work on projects with others.
• Security: Google Drive uses advanced security features to protect users data, including two-factor authentication and data encryption.

Limitations

• Google's terms of service allow it to access and analyze data stored on Google Drive, which may be a concern for some users.
• While Google Drive is generally user-friendly, it may take some time for new users to learn how to use all of its features effectively.

Pricing

• Free: Free forever
• Basic: $2 per user per month
• Standard: $2.99 per user per month
• Premium: $9.99 per user per month

User Ratings

TrustPilot: 3.2/5 (6000+ reviews)

Email Tools for Freelancers

11. Mailbutler

Mailbutler is a highly regarded email productivity tool designed for freelancers using Outlook, Apple Mail, or Gmail. With its numerous email-enhancing features, such as email and link tracking, sending emails later, snoozing, customizable professional signatures, and templates, Mailbutler helps you take control of your inbox and increase your overall efficiency.

Best Features

• Email Tracking: Get notified when your emails are opened and track clicks on links and attachments.
• Send Later: Schedule emails to be sent at a later time or date, so you can work when it suits you and still send emails at the right time.
• Follow-up Reminders: Set reminders to follow up on important emails that you haven't received a response to.
• Tasks: Turn your emails into tasks that you can track and manage alongside your other tasks.

Limitations

• Mailbutler is only compatible with certain email clients, including Apple Mail, Gmail, and Outlook, which may limit its usefulness for users who prefer other email clients.
• Mailbutler has limited integrations with other third-party tools, which could be a limitation for some users who rely on these tools to manage their work.

Pricing

• Tracking: $4.95 per user per month
• Professional: $8.95 per user per month
• Professional plus: $14.95 per user per month
• Business: $32.95 per user per month

User Ratings

TrustPilot: 4.8/5 (200+ reviews)

12. Mailchimp

Best Features

• User Friendly Interface: Mailchimp's user-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to create and send professional-looking emails without needing any technical skills.
• Email Templates: Mailchimp offers a wide variety of customizable email templates that users can use to create professional-looking emails quickly and easily.
• Personalized Emails: Mailchimp's marketing automation features allow users to send targeted and personalized emails to subscribers based on their behavior, such as when they open an email or click a link.
• Mobile App: Mailchimp has a mobile app that allows users to manage their email campaigns and subscriber lists on-the-go.

Limitations

• Mailchimp's automation features are limited on its free plan, and even on its paid plans, it doesn't offer as much flexibility and customization as some other email marketing platforms.
• Mailchimp's A/B testing options are limited, and users can only test subject lines and send times, which may not be enough for some marketing campaigns.

Pricing

• Free: Free forever
• Essentials: $13 per user per month
• Standard: $20 per user per month
• Premium: $350 per user per month

User Ratings

G2: 4.3/5 (12000+ reviews)

Writing Tools for Freelancers

13. ChatGPT

ChatGPT hit the tech world by storm in 2022, utilizing the power of the AI language model developed by OpenAI. It is capable of generating human-like text based on the input it receives. It can be used for various applications, such as question-answering, conversation, machine translation, and content generation, among others.

Freelancers can use ChatGPT for a variety of tasks, including content generation, writing and editing, customer support, and research. For example, a freelance writer could use the software to generate ideas for articles, common questions and also gather information on a particular topic. Additionally, ChatGPT can be integrated into various tools and platforms, making it a flexible and convenient resource for freelancers to use in their work.

Best Features

• Wide Range of Knowledge: ChatGPT has been trained on a diverse range of topics and can provide information and insights on a wide range of subjects.
• Language Capabilities: ChatGPT can generate responses in multiple languages, which can be useful for businesses or individuals with a global audience.
• No Bias: As an AI system, ChatGPT does not have biases or prejudices, which can make it a fair and objective tool for providing information and insights.

Limitations

• ChatGPT does not have emotions or human-like intuition, which can limit its ability to understand and respond to complex situations or emotions.
• While software has been trained on a wide range of topics, it may not have expertise in every domain or industry, which can limit its ability to provide accurate or relevant responses.
• ChatGPT can only generate responses based on the information it has been trained on and cannot access external sources of information in real-time.

Pricing

• Free: Free forever
• Professional: $20 per user per month

User Ratings

G2: 4.8/5 (10+ reviews)

14. Hemingway

The tool works by analyzing your text and highlighting areas for improvement, such as long and complex sentences, overuse of adverbs, and passive voice. 

Best Features

• Simplified Writing: Hemingway analyzes writing and provides suggestions to simplify sentences, remove passive voice, and avoid adverbs to create more clear and concise writing.
• Highlighting of Complex Sentences: Hemingway highlights complex sentences, making it easy for users to identify areas that need simplification.
• Suggestions for Improvements: Hemingway provides suggestions for how to improve writing, including word substitutions and rewording complex sentences.

Limitations

• Hemingway only supports the English language, which may limit its usefulness for non-English speakers or multilingual writers.
• Hemingway can sometimes overemphasize the importance of simplicity, leading to overly basic or repetitive writing.

Pricing

• Top: $19.99 per user per month

User Ratings

G2: 4.4/5 (50+ reviews)

Networking Tools for Freelancers

Networking tools help expand and manage your professional network efficiently. It provides a centralized platform that will help you to maintain old relations, build new ones, and nurture the existing ones. Networking tools are essential for freelancers who like to expand their network and increase their earning potential. 

15. Beaconstac

Networking is key to success in the world of freelancing, and a digital business card is an excellent way to stand out in a sea of competition. With Beaconstac's digital business card solution, you can create a unique and customizable electronic business card with a QR code that will leave a lasting impression on potential clients and partners.

Best Features

• Easy creation: Forget about the hassle of paper cards and embrace the convenience of a digital solution that can be ready in just minutes.
• Customization and integrations: With pre-made templates and integrations with 5000+ tools such as Google Analytics, CRMs, and HR tools, you'll have everything you need to drive ROI through networking.
• Security: Beaconstac's solution is GDPR and SOC Type II compliant, so you can rest easy knowing your data is secure.
• Easy shareability: Best of all, sharing these QR code business cards is a piece of cake, as you can share them through Google or Apple Wallets. No more clutter of traditional business cards with the modern, tech-savvy approach to networking success.

Limitations

• Pricing is a bit on the higher side. The starting plan is priced at $6 per month for only three digital business cards.
• The dashboard could be more intuitive, and beginners might find it hard to get started with the solution.

Pricing

• Lite: $15 per user per month
• Pro: $49 per user per month
• Plus: $99 per 3 users per month
• Enterprise: Individual pricing

User Ratings

G2: 4.9/5 (300+ reviews)

What defines a freelance business?

A freelance business is a type of self-employment where individuals offer their professional services on a project or contract basis to various clients and businesses, instead of being employed by a single organization on a long-term basis. 

In a freelance business, the freelancer typically works with multiple clients, each for a specific project or a set period of time. The relationship between the freelancer and the client is typically governed by a contract, which outlines the scope of the project, the payment terms, and any other important details.

Freelancing also provides opportunities for businesses and organizations to access a wider pool of talent, save on overhead costs, and complete projects more efficiently.

• Writing and Content Creation: Freelance writers, journalists, bloggers, and content creators can offer their services to clients who need high-quality written content for websites, blogs, magazines, and other types of publications.
• Graphic Design: Freelance graphic designers can offer their services to clients who need logos, flyers, brochures, websites, and other visual designs.
• Web Development: Freelance web developers can offer their services to clients who need custom websites, mobile applications, and other types of software solutions.
• Digital Marketing: Freelance digital marketers can offer their services to clients who need help with SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, and other types of online marketing campaigns.
• Photography and Videography: Freelance photographers and videographers can offer their services to clients who need high-quality images and videos for websites, social media, and other types of publications.
• Translation: Freelance translators can offer their services to clients who need to translate documents, websites, and other types of content into different languages.
• Accounting and Bookkeeping: Freelance accountants and bookkeepers can offer their services to clients who need help with financial management, bookkeeping, and tax preparation.

These are just a few examples of the many areas in which freelancers can offer their services.

Power Your Freelance Business with ClickUp

Empower your freelancing journey with ClickUp. With a suite of productivity, communication, and marketing tools at your disposal, you can streamline your workflow, improve collaboration, and achieve greater success. Don't miss out on the opportunity to take your freelancing career to the next level. 

Get started with 1000+ templates and sign up today, no credit card required.

Start using freelancing tools today!