Best AI Tools to Make Money Online in 2026 (Tested & Ranked)
We tested 30+ AI tools to find the best ones for making money. Here are our top picks for writing, design, video, automation, and more.
Not all AI tools are created equal — especially when your goal is making money. After testing 30+ tools across writing, design, video, and automation, here are the ones that actually deliver ROI.
Best AI Writing Tools for Income
Jasper AI — Best Overall
Jasper remains the gold standard for AI-powered content creation. Its long-form assistant, brand voice features, and marketing templates make it ideal for content agencies and freelancers.
**Best for:** Content agencies, freelance writers, marketing teams **Price:** From $49/month **Our verdict:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writesonic — Best Value
If you're on a budget, Writesonic delivers 90% of what Jasper offers at a third of the price. Its SEO-focused features are actually better than Jasper's in some areas.
**Best for:** Budget-conscious freelancers, SEO content **Price:** From $16/month **Our verdict:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
ChatGPT Plus — Most Versatile
You probably already have this. With GPT-4, custom GPTs, and the ability to handle virtually any task, ChatGPT Plus is the Swiss Army knife of AI tools.
**Best for:** Everyone. Literally everyone. **Price:** $20/month **Our verdict:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best AI Design Tools
Midjourney — Best Image Quality
For commercial-quality AI art, nothing beats Midjourney. Whether you're creating print-on-demand designs, social media graphics, or stock images, the output quality is consistently impressive.
**Best for:** Art sellers, designers, print-on-demand **Price:** From $10/month **Our verdict:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Canva Pro — Best All-in-One Design
Canva's AI features (Magic Write, Magic Design, background remover) combined with its template library make it the easiest way to create professional designs.
**Best for:** Social media managers, template creators, beginners **Price:** $13/month **Our verdict:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best AI Video & Audio Tools
ElevenLabs — Best Voice AI
The most natural-sounding AI voiceover tool available. Essential for faceless YouTube channels, podcast intros, and audio content.
**Best for:** Content creators, podcasters, YouTube automation **Price:** From $5/month **Our verdict:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Runway ML — Best AI Video Editor
Runway's generative AI features for video are years ahead of the competition. Text-to-video, background removal, and AI-powered editing make professional video accessible to anyone.
**Best for:** Video creators, YouTube channels, social media **Price:** From $12/month **Our verdict:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Our Recommended Tool Stack
For most AI side hustlers, here's the optimal stack:
| Tool | Purpose | Monthly Cost | |------|---------|-------------| | ChatGPT Plus | AI brain / assistant | $20 | | Jasper or Writesonic | Content at scale | $16-49 | | Canva Pro | Design & graphics | $13 | | Surfer SEO | Content optimization | $69 | | ElevenLabs | Voice & audio | $5 |
**Total: $123-$156/month** — easily covered by your first client.
Key Takeaways
- Start with ChatGPT Plus — it's the foundation
- Add specialized tools based on your chosen side hustle
- Don't subscribe to everything at once
- Most tools offer free trials — test before committing
- Your tool stack should pay for itself within the first month
Get the Free AI Side Hustle Starter Kit
Join 10,000+ AI side hustlers. Get our best guides, tool recommendations, and income strategies delivered weekly.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.