Solopreneur stack: free and pay-once tools
For one-person businesses, per-seat monthly fees add up. These options are free or sold as a one-time purchase.
| Tool | Why it's here | Instead of | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wave | Free accounting and invoicing for small businesses. | QuickBooks Online | Free · paid from $16/mo |
| DaVinci Resolve | Full video editor free; Studio is a one-time purchase. | Adobe Premiere Pro | Free · Studio $295 one-time |
| Final Cut Pro | One-time purchase on Mac, no subscription. | Adobe Premiere Pro | $299.99 one-time |
| Pixelmator Pro | One-time purchase photo editor for Mac. | Adobe Photoshop | $49.99 one-time |
| Obsidian | Free for personal use; files stay yours. | Evernote | Free · paid from $4/mo |
| GIMP | Free image editing with no account. | Adobe Photoshop | Free (open source) |
| OBS Studio | Free recording for demos and tutorials. | Loom | Free plan available |
Licensing and hosting options change; check each provider's site before deciding.