25 Free Tools Every US Freelancer Should Know About

Ready to supercharge your freelance career without spending a dime? In today’s fast-paced world, the right free tools can help you work smarter, land more clients, and save hours every week. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your freelance business, these must-have free tools will help you organize, collaborate, and grow—all while keeping your budget intact.

I’m Riten, founder of Fueler—a platform that helps freelancers and professionals get hired through their work samples. In this article, I’ll introduce you to the most valuable free tools every US freelancer should know about in 2025. But remember, using the right tools is only half the battle. How you present your work and skills is just as important. Your portfolio isn’t just a collection of projects—it’s your proof of skill, your credibility, and your shortcut to trust. The tools you use and how you showcase your work together set you apart in the freelance world.

Essential Free Tools for Every US Freelancer

1. Trello

Trello is a visual project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to help you organize tasks and collaborate with clients. It’s perfect for tracking projects, deadlines, and ideas in a simple, drag-and-drop interface.

• Kanban board system for easy task management
• Unlimited personal boards and cards on the free plan
• Real-time collaboration with clients or team members
• Integration with Google Drive, Slack, and more

Why Trello Matters for Freelancers: Trello makes it easy for freelancers to manage projects, communicate with clients, and stay organized—all in one place, for free.

2. Notion

Notion is an all-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, databases, and project management. It’s highly customizable, allowing you to create everything from simple to-do lists to advanced knowledge bases.

• Task management and collaboration features
• Templates for project planning, content calendars, and more
• Real-time editing and sharing
• Integrates with Google Drive, Slack, and other tools

Why Notion Matters for Freelancers: Notion helps freelancers centralize information, streamline workflows, and manage both personal and client projects efficiently.

3. ClickUp

ClickUp combines task management, docs, goals, and chat in one platform. Its free plan is generous, making it ideal for freelancers juggling multiple projects.

• Unlimited tasks and members on the free plan
• Customizable dashboards and views
• Built-in time tracking
• Integrates with 1,000+ apps

Why ClickUp Matters for Freelancers: ClickUp’s flexibility and powerful features help freelancers stay on top of deadlines, track progress, and collaborate seamlessly

4. Google Workspace (Free Tier)

Google Workspace offers essential tools like Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Calendar. The free tier is perfect for freelancers who need reliable email, document collaboration, and cloud storage.

• 15GB free storage with Google Drive
• Real-time collaboration on Docs, Sheets, and Slides
• Easy sharing and permissions
• Calendar integration for scheduling

Why Google Workspace Matters for Freelancers: Google Workspace covers all the basics—email, file sharing, and collaboration—making it a must-have for freelancers managing multiple clients.

5. Slack (Free Plan)

Slack is a messaging app for teams and freelancers. It helps you communicate with clients, share files, and integrate with other tools, all in real time.

• Unlimited users and channels on the free plan
• File sharing and searchable message history
• Integration with Google Drive, Trello, and more
• Mobile and desktop apps

Why Slack Matters for Freelancers: Slack streamlines client communication and keeps project discussions organized, helping freelancers respond quickly and stay connected.

6. Zoom (Free Plan)

Zoom is a leading video conferencing tool, perfect for client calls, virtual meetings, and webinars. The free plan offers unlimited one-on-one meetings and group calls up to 40 minutes.

• HD video and audio calls
• Screen sharing and recording
• Virtual backgrounds and chat
• Integrates with Google Calendar and Slack

Why Zoom Matters for Freelancers: Zoom makes it easy for freelancers to connect with clients, present work, and collaborate remotely—all at no cost.

7. Asana (Free Plan)

Asana is a project management tool that helps you create tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. The free plan is great for solo freelancers or small teams.

• Task and project tracking
• Calendar and timeline views
• Unlimited projects and messages
• Integration with Slack, Google Drive, and more

Why Asana Matters for Freelancers: Asana simplifies project tracking and ensures nothing falls through the cracks, making it ideal for freelancers managing multiple projects.

8. Hive (Free Plan)

Hive is a project management platform designed for freelancers and small teams. Its free plan includes task tracking, Gantt charts, and built-in chat.

• Project action cards for detailed task management
• Built-in chat and email integration
• Analytics dashboards for project overviews
• Gantt charts for progress tracking

Why Hive Matters for Freelancers: Hive’s intuitive interface and collaboration features help freelancers manage tasks and communicate with clients efficiently.

9. Freedcamp

Freedcamp offers a user-friendly project management experience with tools for task lists, calendars, time tracking, and more. The free plan is robust and scalable.

• Resource utilization charts for team availability
• Integrated time tracking
• Issue tracking tools for bug reports
• Customizable project templates

Why Freedcamp Matters for Freelancers: Freedcamp’s scalability and comprehensive features make it suitable for freelancers handling multiple projects or growing their business.

10. Zoho Projects (Free Plan)

Zoho Projects is known for its task automation and resource management features. The free plan supports up to three users and two projects—ideal for micro teams or solo freelancers.

• Task lists and automation
• Time tracking and issue management
• Resource utilization charts
• Budget forecasting tools

Why Zoho Projects Matters for Freelancers: Zoho Projects helps freelancers automate repetitive tasks and stay on schedule, boosting productivity and reducing manual effort.

11. Canva (Free Plan)

Canva is a graphic design tool that allows freelancers to create stunning visuals, social media graphics, and presentations with ease.

• Thousands of free templates and images
• Drag-and-drop editor
• Download in multiple formats
• Collaboration features

Why Canva Matters for Freelancers: Canva empowers freelancers to create professional designs without any graphic design experience, helping them stand out to clients.

12. Grammarly (Free Plan)

Grammarly is a writing assistant that checks grammar, spelling, and punctuation in real time. The free plan covers basic writing corrections.

• Real-time grammar and spelling checks
• Browser extension and desktop app
• Suggestions for clarity and conciseness
• Works in email, docs, and social media

Why Grammarly Matters for Freelancers: Grammarly helps freelancers deliver error-free content, boosting professionalism and client satisfaction.

13. Clockify

Clockify is a free time tracking tool that helps freelancers monitor billable hours and productivity. It’s ideal for tracking work on multiple projects.

• Unlimited time tracking and projects
• Detailed reports and timesheets
• Browser, desktop, and mobile apps
• Integration with project management tools

Why Clockify Matters for Freelancers: Clockify ensures accurate billing and helps freelancers understand how they spend their time, leading to better project management.

14. Wave

Wave is a free accounting and invoicing tool designed for freelancers and small businesses. It simplifies bookkeeping, invoicing, and receipt scanning.

• Unlimited invoicing and expense tracking
• Automated reminders and payment tracking
• Receipt scanning with mobile app
• Integration with bank accounts

Why Wave Matters for Freelancers: Wave makes it easy for freelancers to manage finances, send invoices, and get paid on time—all without monthly fees.

15. PayPal (Free for Basic Use)

PayPal is a widely used payment platform that allows freelancers to send invoices and receive payments from clients worldwide.

• Send and receive payments securely
• Create and send professional invoices
• Integration with accounting tools
• Buyer and seller protection

Why PayPal Matters for Freelancers: PayPal’s global reach and security features make it a top choice for freelancers who work with clients both in the US and internationally.

16. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)

Wise is a money transfer service that offers low fees and real exchange rates for international payments.

• Multi-currency accounts
• Real-time exchange rates
• Fast and secure transfers
• Integration with accounting software

Why Wise Matters for Freelancers: Wise helps freelancers avoid high conversion fees and get paid quickly when working with international clients.

17. Dropbox (Free Tier)

Dropbox is a cloud storage solution that makes it easy to share files with clients and collaborate on documents.

• 2GB free storage
• File sharing and collaboration
• Sync across devices
• Integration with Slack, Zoom, and more

Why Dropbox Matters for Freelancers: Dropbox simplifies file management and sharing, making collaboration with clients and teams seamless.

18. Loom (Free Plan)

Loom is a video messaging tool that lets freelancers record quick video updates, tutorials, or walkthroughs for clients.

• Record screen and webcam simultaneously
• Share videos instantly with a link
• Viewer analytics
• Chrome extension and desktop app

Why Loom Matters for Freelancers: Loom helps freelancers communicate clearly and personally, reducing back-and-forth emails and improving client relationships.

19. Calendly (Free Plan)

Calendly is a scheduling tool that makes it easy for clients to book meetings without the back-and-forth.

• Automated scheduling and reminders
• Integration with Google Calendar, Zoom, and more
• Customizable availability
• Unlimited one-on-one meetings

Why Calendly Matters for Freelancers: Calendly saves time and helps freelancers manage appointments efficiently, improving client experience.

20. HubSpot CRM (Free Plan)

HubSpot CRM is a customer relationship management tool that helps freelancers track leads, manage contacts, and automate follow-ups.

• Unlimited users and contacts
• Email tracking and templates
• Deal pipeline management
• Integration with Gmail and Outlook

Why HubSpot CRM Matters for Freelancers: HubSpot CRM helps freelancers stay organized and nurture client relationships, leading to more repeat business.

21. Evernote (Free Plan)

Evernote is a note-taking app that helps freelancers capture ideas, organize notes, and manage tasks.

• Web clipper and document scanning
• Tagging and search features
• Sync across devices
• Templates for meeting notes and project plans

Why Evernote Matters for Freelancers: Evernote keeps freelancers organized and ensures important information is always at their fingertips.

22. Bitwarden (Free Plan)

Bitwarden is a secure password manager that helps freelancers store and manage passwords safely.

• Unlimited password storage
• Secure password sharing
• Browser extensions and mobile apps
• End-to-end encryption

Why Bitwarden Matters for Freelancers: Bitwarden protects freelancers from security threats and saves time by managing login credentials securely.

23. Mailchimp (Free Tier)

Mailchimp is an email marketing tool that allows freelancers to create and send newsletters, automate campaigns, and track results.

• Up to 500 contacts on the free plan
• Drag-and-drop email builder
• Audience segmentation
• Basic reporting and analytics

Why Mailchimp Matters for Freelancers: Mailchimp helps freelancers stay connected with clients and grow their business through professional email marketing.

24. Unsplash

Unsplash offers a vast library of high-quality, royalty-free images that freelancers can use in their projects.

• Free to use for commercial and personal projects
• Thousands of new images added daily
• Searchable by keyword or category
• No attribution required (but appreciated)

Why Unsplash Matters for Freelancers: Unsplash provides freelancers with beautiful visuals to enhance their work, without worrying about copyright issues.

25. Fueler

Fueler is a portfolio platform that helps freelancers showcase their best work and get hired through assignments, not just resumes. It’s designed to help you stand out and prove your skills to potential clients.

• Create a digital portfolio with real work samples
• Assignment-based hiring for more opportunities
• Easy sharing with clients and on social media
• Free plan available

Why Fueler Matters for Freelancers: Fueler empowers freelancers to present their skills and achievements in a way that builds trust and attracts better clients—making it a must-have in today’s competitive market.

Final Thought

The right free tools can transform your freelance journey, helping you save time, work smarter, and impress clients without breaking the bank. From project management to communication, design, and payments, these 25 free tools are the backbone of a successful freelance business in 2025. Remember, pairing the right tools with a strong, assignment-driven portfolio on Fueler will help you stand out, win more clients, and keep your freelance business growing.

FAQs

1. What are the best free tools for US freelancers in 2025?

The best free tools include Trello, Notion, ClickUp, Google Workspace, Canva, Grammarly, and Fueler, covering project management, communication, design, and portfolio needs.

2. How can I manage multiple freelance projects for free?

Use free project management tools like Trello, ClickUp, Asana, and Hive to organize tasks, set deadlines, and collaborate with clients efficiently.

3. What is the best free portfolio platform for freelancers?

Fueler is a top choice for freelancers who want to showcase real work samples and get hired through assignments, not just resumes.

4. How do I get paid as a freelancer without fees?

Platforms like PayPal (for basic use), Wise, and Wave allow freelancers to send invoices and receive payments with minimal or no fees.

5. Which free tool helps freelancers with time tracking and invoicing?

Clockify is excellent for time tracking, while Wave offers free invoicing and accounting features, making them essential for freelancers managing billable hours and payments.

What is Fueler Portfolio?

Fueler is a career portfolio platform that helps companies find the best talents for their organization based on their proof of work.

You can create your portfolio on Fueler, thousands of freelancers around the world use Fueler to create their professional-looking portfolios and become financially independent. Discover inspiration for your portfolio

Sign up for free on Fueler or get in touch to learn more.