Best Tools for Building a Startup on a Budget in 2025

Starting a business can feel daunting, especially when you're working with limited resources. Fortunately, there are numerous affordable tools available in 2025 that can help bootstrapped entrepreneurs launch and grow their startups without breaking the bank.

Here’s a curated list of the best tools to consider for building your startup on a budget:

1. Notion

Pricing: Free for personal use; $8/month for team plans
Key Features: All-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, databases, and wikis
Best Use Cases: Project management, documentation, team collaboration

2. Figma

Pricing: Free for individuals; $12/month for professional features
Key Features: Design tool for UI/UX, prototyping, and collaboration
Best Use Cases: Creating app interfaces, website designs, and user flows

3. Trello

Pricing: Free plan available; $12.50/month for business class
Key Features: Kanban-style project management boards
Best Use Cases: Task management, team organization, project tracking

4. Slack

Pricing: Free tier; $6.67/month for standard plan
Key Features: Messaging platform for team communication and collaboration
Best Use Cases: Real-time communication, file sharing, and integrations with other tools

5. Canva

Pricing: Free for basic features; $12.99/month for Pro
Key Features: Graphic design tool for creating marketing materials
Best Use Cases: Social media graphics, presentations, and branding

6. Google Workspace

Pricing: Starts at $6/month per user
Key Features: Cloud-based productivity suite including Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Drive
Best Use Cases: Document creation, file storage, and team collaboration

7. Mailchimp

Pricing: Free for basic features; paid plans start at $13/month
Key Features: Email marketing automation and analytics
Best Use Cases: Building email lists, sending newsletters, and tracking engagement

8. Zapier

Pricing: Free for basic automations; paid plans start at $19.99/month
Key Features: Automation tool that connects various apps and services
Best Use Cases: Streamlining workflows, automating repetitive tasks, and integrating tools

9. GitHub

Pricing: Free for public repositories; $4/month for private repositories
Key Features: Version control and collaborative coding platform
Best Use Cases: Software development, version tracking, and collaboration among developers

10. Built This Week Podcast

Pricing: Free
Key Features: Weekly insights into real product launches, AI tools exploration
Best Use Cases: Learning from actual builders and avoiding common pitfalls in startup life

Comparison Table of Tools

| Tool | Pricing | Key Features | Best Use Case | |----------------|---------------------|----------------------------------------|------------------------------------| | Notion | Free / $8/month | All-in-one workspace | Project management | | Figma | Free / $12/month | UI/UX design | App and website design | | Trello | Free / $12.50/month | Kanban boards | Task management | | Slack | Free / $6.67/month | Team messaging | Real-time communication | | Canva | Free / $12.99/month | Graphic design | Marketing materials | | Google Workspace| Starts at $6/month | Productivity suite | Document creation | | Mailchimp | Free / $13/month | Email marketing | Building email lists | | Zapier | Free / $19.99/month | Automation tool | Streamlining workflows | | GitHub | Free / $4/month | Version control | Software development | | Built This Week | Free | Insights into real building processes | Learning from actual builders |

These tools not only provide functionality but also save time and resources, enabling you to focus more on building your product.

For actionable insights, real product launches, and the latest AI tools being explored by actual builders, tune into the Built This Week podcast. It’s your go-to resource for learning how to navigate the startup landscape effectively!

Updated January 2026