Well, that’s what I thought… until I tried out some e-signature solutions for this article. And what I found was a whole wide world of e-signature programs beyond the beloved DocuSign. A world where you can build and customize documents that can improve your sales process and customer experience.

Join me for a quick tour of the land of DocuSign alternatives where you’ll find some solutions that might just change the way you think about electronic signatures.

Overview of DocuSign

In the world of electronic signature solutions, DocuSign is the industry leader. Since it came on the scene in 2003, it’s been a pioneer of e-signature technology, changing the way companies prepare, sign, and manage signed agreements. DocuSign has over 500,000 paying customers and hundreds of millions of users across 180 countries.

With features like sign from anywhere, reusable templates, and instant status visibility as well as 350+ integrations, DocuSign is full of benefits. The Personal Plan is $10/month for a single user who only sends five documents each month. The Standard ($25/month) and Business Pro ($40/month) plans offer more users and features..

It’s easy to see why companies like Facebook, Apple, Uber, and Visa use DocuSign. The product goes beyond electronic signature management to include a suite of applications like contract lifecycle management, document generation and negotiation, contract analytics, and more.

…which is great IF you have a big enterprise organization that needs all of that. But if you’re a solopreneur, small business owner, agency owner, or working with a team that doesn’t need all the bells and whistles then DocuSign may not be the best solution for you.

Let’s dive into some DocuSign alternatives that might be more up your alley if you’re looking for something a little more simple yet still feature-packed.

13 top Docisign alternatives

1. Adobe Sign

Well known for its creativity software, Adobe offers Adobe Sign through Adobe Acrobat Pro DC with e-sign. This solution may be one of the easiest DocuSign alternatives to use as you can send, track, and collect electronic signatures with a click, tap, and swipe. As a part of Adobe Acrobat DC, the e-sign feature is included as part of the entire solution, which allows you to create and edit PDFs while collaborating with others.

Main Features:

• Send, track, and collect legally binding e-signatures, including bulk signatures
• Automatic reminders and notifications
• Customize branding and logos
• Collect payments and signatures on same form
• Workflow designer tool to create error-proof signature processes
• User authentication with automated ID-based signer identity verification
• Integrates with Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Dropbox, Salesforce, Workday, and more
• Security compliance with ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type 2, and PCI DSS

Price: Plans start at $9.99/month per license

Who should use Adobe Sign: Any individual or organization already using Adobe Acrobat DC for PDF creation or organizations that want to include payment processing on the same form as e-signatures.

2. DottedSign

Another DocuSign alternative you might consider is DottedSign. It’s a tool that exists to help you quickly and securely sign your contracts and agreements–right from your mobile device or computer.

One of the most important aspects of any digital signing tool is security. DottedSign uses TLS/SSL, AES-256, and RSA-2048 encryption protocols, as well as digital certificates issued by an AATL-supported CA.

DottedSign also goes beyond mere security, with features to help you stay productive. You can track each signer’s progress in real-time.

Main features:

• Use across your favorite devices
• Receive notifications and reminders to keep yourself (and other signers) on task
• Track real-time document signing progress
• Cloud-based storage and access
• View, sort (by signed, not yet signed, etc.), and engage with all your docs in one place

Price: DottedSign is available in four pricing tiers: Free, Pro ($8/month), Business ($15/month), or Enterprise (Custom Quote). You can also purchase a year-long deal on AppSumo for $40.

Who should use DottedSign: DottedSign is ideal for remote teams, sales managers, and small businesses.

3. Grabsign

Grabsign is an easy-to-use digital signing tool. The tool combines a simple interface for requesting and signing documents, as well as a cloud-based dashboard for storing and organizing important files. Grabsign allows you to quickly upload and convert documents for signing.

Grabsign also includes tools made specifically for business owners–especially those with service businesses. For example, Grabsign allows you to save contracts as templates for future use. You can also add contacts and communicate with them from within the app, making it easy to collaborate on documents with your team.

Main features:

• Manage the documents of multiple brands
• Easy cloud-based dashboard for storing and organizing documents
• Track real-time document signing progress
• Send contracts via email or link for signatures
• View any document’s history to see who viewed it, how and when it was changed, and when it was generated

Price: Grabsign is available in four pricing tiers: Free, Starter ($14/month), Standard ($35/month), or Business ($79). You can also grab a year-long deal on AppSumo for $69.

Who should use Grabsign: Grabsign is ideal for accountants, consultants, and real estate professionals.

3. AltoSign

AltoSign is one of the only DocuSign alternatives on our list that’s totally free. This web-based solution lets you sign any PDF document online for free. With drag-and-drop functionality, it really could not be any easier to sign your PDF documents. While this option may not be ideal for enterprises, it’s perfect for individuals who need to sign the occasional PDF.

Main Features:

• Use on web, Chrome, Windows, Mac preview, and with Adobe Acrobat reader
• Drag-and-drop document upload
• Type or draw your signature using the mouse
• QR code scan for signing on mobile device
• Unlimited cloud storage
• 24/7/365 support

Price: Free

Who should use AltoSign: Individuals who need a quick and free way to add legally binding signatures to PDF documents.

4. DocHub

DocHub is more than an e-signature solution. It also allows you to edit PDFs and create PDF forms and reusable templates. DocHub is ideal for those who just need something simple and affordable but also want to edit PDFs. If you don’t all the bells and whistles (or hundreds of integrations), then DocHub may be the best alternative.

Main Features:

• Legally binding e-signatures
• Import document straight from inbox
• Drag-and-drop your signature
• Request signatures or completed forms from recipients
• Workflows for multiple signers
• Authentication details recorded
• Batch/bulk document signing (coming soon)

Price: Free plan available. Pro plan $4.99 per month/user, billed annually.

Who should use DocHub: Individuals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners looking for a simple and affordable e-signature solution with PDF editing capabilities

5. eversign

Brought to you from Vienna, eversign is an electronic signature solution that guides you through setting up workflows and signing documents. While this DocuSign competitor doesn’t have any surprising features, it is intuitive and easy to use. It’s also very affordable with a free plan for up to five documents per month, making it ideal for those with low volumes or small teams.

Main Features:

• Legally binding e-signatures
• Draw, type, or upload signature
• Secure storage for eversign documents.
• Document editor for existing PDF documents
• Detailed audit trail containing names, email, IP addresses, and time stamps
• Contract or form templates
• Create teams of up to 25 members
• Contact management with contact profiles
• Fully featured JSON-based REST API
• Integrates with Google Docs, Zoho, Dropbox, Salesforce, and more

Price: Free plan available Paid plans start at $9.99/month per user.

Who should use eversign: If you have a low volume of documents or a small team and need an affordable, reliable, easy-to-use solution.

6. Formstack Sign

Formstack Sign helps organizations simplify their workflows. Templates and a drag-and-drop builder help save time and customized branding provides a more seamless experience. With 100+ integrations, Formstack Sign can be integrated into your current workflows, allowing for powerful automations.

Main Features:

• Unlimited legally binding e-signatures on every plan
• SMS signing
• Templates and drag-and-drop document setup
• Add logo and other customized branding like redirecting to landing page after signing
• Supports any file type, including PDFs, JPEGs, PNGs, and Microsoft documents
• Automatic backup and storage
• Legally compliant audit trails
• Integrates with Gmail, Outlook, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Salesforce, Stripe, PayPal, and more
• Custom data retention and custom geographical data centers
• API available

Price: Plans start at $16/month per user

Who should use Formstack Sign: Those using other Formstack programs, need SMS texting, or need a platform with API access.

7. HelloSign

Now a Dropbox company, HelloSign is one of the most popular DocuSign alternatives. And it’s easy to see why. Trusted by Instacart and Vote.org, HelloSign offers flexible signer flows and team management while integrating with all the systems you’re already using like Gmail, Google Drive, Salesforce, HubSpot, Evernote, Slack, and Dropbox. With affordable plans and tons of features, HelloSign packs a powerful punch

Main Features:

• Legally binding electronic signatures
• Integrates with Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Salesforce, and more
• Templates to save time on frequent documents
• Customized branding with colors and logo
• Advanced team management with user permissions
• Signer attachments can be required
• Embed e-signatures on website, applications, and platforms
• White-labeling with the HelloSign API

Price: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $15/month per user

Who should use HelloSign: Organizations that will put all the features to use or those that want a powerful API for e-signatures

8. OneSpan Sign

Trusted by big brands like U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, BMW, and RBC, OneSpan Sign offers a flexible and scalable solution for e-signatures. With multiple deployment options — on public cloud, private cloud, on premises, or a combination — it offers a lot of options for businesses where they are now but also in the future.

Main Features:

• Legally binding electronic signatures on web or from mobile devices
• Forms and reusable templates to save time
• User attachments and role-based signing rules and permissions
• Vendor-independent audit trails
• White-label solution with customized branding
• User account verification through email, SMS, and Q&A
• Signer authentication through personal digital certificates, derived credentials, facial and fingerprint biometrics and more
• Integrates with Salesforce, SharePoint, Dropbox, and more
• SOC 2 Type II security audit, FedRAMP Cloud compliant, HIPAA compliant

Price: Request pricing

Who should use OneSpan Sign: Enterprises that need a white-label solution for electronic signatures and companies that need a range of user verification options.

9. PandaDoc

PandaDoc is trusted by over 20,000 companies including Hilton and Drift, and positions itself as a powerful sales tool to streamline your sales workflows and speed up the sales process while delivering an excellent buying experience. With drag-and-drop functionality, you can quickly build branded sales proposals in minutes — making it ideal for sales teams that want to kick it up a notch.

Main Features:

• Unlimited legally binding e-signatures with free plan
• Drag-and-drop document builder for customized proposals in minutes
• Automate signing workflows for review, approval, and more
• Public or custom templates for proposals, contracts, and more
• Accept payment via PayPal, credit card, or ACH
• Collaborate with internal and external reviewers
• Track engagement and get email and mobile notifications when recipient takes an action
• Audit trails show every stage of the document
• Integrates with Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, Google Drive, QuickBooks, Canva, and more

Price: Free plan available with paid plans starting at $19/month per user.

Who should use PandaDoc: Sales teams that need a drag-and-drop proposal builder with digital signature integration or those that want a powerful free option

10. RightSignature

Acquired by Citrix Systems in 2014, RightSignature offers easy ways to deliver documents and get legally binding signatures. This solution is quick to set up and integrate into your existing workflows, making it a great option for those not technically inclined. RightSignature has customized plan options to accommodate your needs, making it one of the most flexible options on this list.

Main Features:

• Legally binding electronic signatures, including handwritten signatures
• Upload existing documents and create fillable forms with automatic field detection
• Professional, customized branding on documents
• Works on any device — PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, and more
• Multi-party signing
• Batch document sending
• Team collaboration options
• Secured with full audit log, biometric data capture, and 256-bit SSL encryption
• Personalized plans and pricing available for all budgets

Price: Plans start at $12/month for one user.

Who should use Right Signature: Organizations that want a customized plan with specific features or those who need security features like biometric data capture.

11. SignEasy

As the name implies, SignEasy makes it easy for businesses to send and sign documents. While most software on this list is pretty intuitive, SignEasy offers one of the most simple and quick user experiences. But don’t mistake this for a lack of features or functionality. SignEasy has all of the features that the average entrepreneur would need from an e-signature solution.

Main Features:

• Legally binding signature, compliant with ESIGN Act and eIDAS
• Smooth signature interface for hand-written signatures
• Sequential and parallel signing
• Document progress tracking with status notification
• Send reminders to signers
• Add text, images, initials, annotations, and checkboxes to document
• Works for docs in multiple file formats, including PDF, Word, JPG, PNG, and more
• Integrates with Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, Gmail, Zoho, and more
• Digital audit trail for evidence of email, device, IP, document fingerprint, and timestamp
• Advanced security features like passcode and fingerprint authentication
• Available in 24 languages including Spanish, French, German, Arabic, and more

Price: Plans start at $12/month for one user.

Who should use SignEasy: Entrepreneurs looking for a simple, affordable option that’s still packed with features and offers great support.

12. signNow

With millions of users and award-winning customer support, signNow offers an enterprise-grade e-signature solution that works for businesses of all sizes. This DocuSign alternative scores higher than many similar solutions in user reviews on G2 and Capterra. With affordable plan options, signNow offers small business owners and solopreneurs a feature-rich solution that won’t break the bank.

Main Features:

• Legally binding digital signature on any device
• Create web forms and e-signature documents on the web
• Contract management tools to access and track forms and contracts
• Dynamic workflow building and automation in a single workspace
• Negotiate and collaborate on contracts right in the solution
• Embedded payment system where recipients can sign and pay at the same time
• API for integrating the e-signature solution into your site or CRM
• PCI DSS certification, SOC 2 Type II certification, and compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and 21 CFR Part 11.

Price: Plans start at $8/month per user.

Who should use signNow: Organizations that need to comply with HIPAA or PCI DSS or those that want to build complex signing workflows.

13. SignRequest

SignRequest aims to facilitate growth by giving businesses the tools they need to save time and resources while increasing conversions with digital signatures. This DocuSign alternative is one of the most affordable on this list, and their free forever plan is also one of the best on this list, making it ideal for entrepreneurs on a limited budget. Need another reason to choose SignRequest? For every license you purchase, they plant a tree.

Main Features:

• Legally binding e-signatures from any device
• Signing order for multiple signatures
• Team accounts where you can collaborate on documents
• Sharable public signing link for many signers on one document
• Customizable branding
• Automations like templates, reminders, and notifications
• Integrates with your own website, CMS, or CRM
• Supports document attachments
• Integrates with Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, Zapier, Salesforce, and more
• 256 bit AES encryption and ISO 27001 certification.

Price: Free plans available with paid plans starting at $9/month per user.

Who should use SignRequest: Individuals and businesses looking for a simple solution that can collect signatures from multiple signers on one document (like petitions).

How to choose the best DocuSign alternative

The best DocuSign alternative for you will depend on the features you need most and, of course, your budget. There are many budget-friendly, feature-rich options on this list that will make a fine alternative to industry-giant, DocuSign. Test out a few for yourself to see which one you like best from a user standpoint.

If most of the docs you send to be signed are proposals, then you may be interested in our post on the Top 10 Proposal Software Tools for Agencies and Freelancers, where we compare proposal software. (DocuSign alternative PandaDoc makes an appearance!)

And if you’re on the hunt for deals on other SaaS products for entrepreneurs, keep an eye on our AppSumo deals. We may just feature the next DocuSign one day!

We’ve put together a list of our top OBS alternatives for recording and live streaming with an option for everyone.

An overview of OBS

Open Broadcast Software was the first fully-featured, free, and open source software for gameplay recording and live streaming. OBS Studio has many features and settings for power users who want to create professional-grade productions.

OBS Studio offers high performance real-time video and audio capture and mixing. You can create scenes from multiple sources like window captures, text, browser windows, webcam, and more. The audio mixer has per-source filters like noise suppression and gain that give you a lot of control over the sound.

While OBS Studio is popular and widely used by gamers and livestreamers, it’s not for everyone. With all of its features and capabilities, it can have a bit of a learning curve, and you’ve got to be willing to put the time in to learn how to get the most out of it. So, if you don’t need anything beyond simple live streaming or game recording, you’re probably better off with an OBS alternative.

Top OBS alternatives for video recording and live streaming

Here are our favorite OBS alternatives for video recording and live streaming:

1. Streann Studio

Creating regular video content can require a lot of software and apps. Fortunately, Streann Studio pulls many of your favorite live streaming functions into a single browser-based tool.

Streann Studio allows you to stream live to your favorite platforms (including social media channels like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook). And of course, you can stream to all the major video channels like YouTube and Twitch. Stream Studio also provides you a dashboard of live video tools that enable you to edit and design during a live stream.

But not everything has to be live. You can also upload or record videos and schedule them to publish later.

Plus, Streann Studio offers a full suite of branding features. Add your logo. Change your background. Upload pre-made graphics that showcase your brand.

Who it’s best for: Streann Studio is ideal for content creators and influencers.

Price: Streann Studio has a few pricing options: Basic (free), Silver ($19 / month), Gold ($29 / month), and Enterprise (request quote). And for a limited time, you can also get a lifetime deal for Streann Studio on AppSumo starting at $59.

2. Camtasia

Source

Camtasia markets itself as an all-in-one screen recorder and video editor. Available for Windows and Mac, this tool makes it easy to record and edit professional-looking videos on par with OBS.

Unlike OBS, Camtasia has very little learning curve for those new to video editing. You can get started with a template or just start recording. From software and video calls to websites and presentations, you can record anything on your computer screen. Only record the specific area of the screen that you want like the entire screen, a window, an application, or even specific dimensions.

Camtasia has a built-in video editor that makes editing easy for beginners. You can drag and drop to add, remove, trim, or move sections of video. You can also drag and drop to add text, transitions, effects, and more to your video. Then, instantly upload it to Vimeo, YouTube, Screencast, or your online video platform.

Add music and side effects to your videos from Camtasia’s library of royalty-free assets. The platform also offers pre-recorded video assets that you can add to your own recordings.

Who it’s best for: Camtasia is a great option for beginners who are new to this type of software or anyone who wants a built-in video editor.

Price: Camtasia for individuals costs a one-time fee of $299.99. There is a free trial option.

3. Bandicam Screen Recorder

Source

Bandicam Screen Recorder is the definition of a simple and easy-to-use free screen recording software. You can capture anything from your PC screen as a screenshot or screencast video file.

Recording your screen is as easy as pushing the button. Use Bandicam’s screen recording functions to make your recording even better. You can record audio, overlay your webcam, and draw in real-time—all great tools for recording webinars, lectures, how-to videos, and more.

Bandicam offers scheduled recording, which takes one thing off your plate when you plan to record a scheduled webinar or meeting. It also offers 24-hour long-term recording for the unique circumstances where you need to record your screen for an extended period.

Add video from your webcam and narration from your microphone to enhance the recording. You can also share your recordings on YouTube or Vimeo.

Bandicam is a simple tool, but it offers everything you need for easy screen recording. However, it’s only available on Windows. (Sorry Mac users)

Who it’s best for: Windows users who want a simple way to record their screen without all the frills.

Price: A license for one PC is $39.95 and two PCs is $59.96.

4. Screencast-O-Matic

Source

Screencast-O-Matic offers simple and intuitive tools for screen recording. Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Chromebook, this tool also has free editing features you can take advantage of.

You can get started recording your screen in just a few clicks. Capture the whole screen or just one specific area. You can also add video from your webcam and narration or other audio from your microphone.

Screencast-O-Matic allows you to edit your videos for free using their intuitive video editor. You can add effects like overlays and include images, text, and more. You can also add music and sound effects. And the best part? No watermark on your videos even though the tool is free!

When you upgrade to cloud hosting, you can host and share content easily. You get unlimited ad-free uploads, plus a variety of collaboration tools that make it easy for you to work with your team. You can also add custom thumbnails, and customize your video player.

With the Premier plan, you can explore the built-in stock library to find videos, images, and music to enhance your videos. The stock library is divided into categories like technology, travel, healthcare, and business to make it easy to find the type of stock footage you’re looking for. Without confusing licensing agreements, the stock assets on this platform can be used on any project.

Who it’s best for: Those looking for a powerful free OBS alternative that offers editing capabilities.

Price: Get started recording and editing for free with options to upgrade to more feature-rich plans starting at $1.65/month billed yearly.

5. Flutin

Whether you’re just getting started with live streaming or well down the path, Flutin is all you need for live streaming! It is a web-based live video streaming platform through which you can create professional looking live within minutes.

Flutin dynamic streaming studio offers advanced tools to help you create branded live streams. Customize logo, overlay, change background color, and add tickers & banners. The Unified Chat features show messages from all streaming platforms on the studio along with the streaming destinations. You can highlight chats, control stream FPS control, and do a lot more with Flutin.

You can broadcast your pre-recorded or real-time video on 30+ streaming destinations like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, etc, and reach a wider audience. It is the only live streaming platform that supports Instagram streaming directly through the studio. You can also stream your live video on your website through Flutin via web embedding feature.

It is an excellent tool for marketers, businesses, and education institutes to host webinars, talk shows, or conferences. This platform allows you to add multiple people to your live by inviting guests directly to your studio. Create private live events and is the best platform to monetize your live by selling tickets, collecting tips, and paid requests.

Gamers can also make the most by streaming video games through Flutin. Multistream your gameplay video directly through the studio or by connecting any encoding software through the RTMP feature. Stream in full HD quality, share your screen with the users, and also schedule multiple pre-recorded videos into a single live stream.

Who it’s best for: Entrepreneurs, influencers, gamers, religious leaders, or anyone who wants to grow their audience base through live streaming.

Price: Free plan available along with paid plans starting at $15/month.

6. ShareX

Source

ShareX is a free, open source, and ad-free tool that has been in active development for over 13 years. Available for Windows users, it offers a variety of features and capabilities for a free tool.

ShareX provides a variety of screen capture methods including full-screen, windows, custom regions, and active window. You can also set a timer to delay the screen capture and decide whether to include the cursor or not.

One unique feature is the scrolling capture, which allows you to record as you’re scrolling down the page. This is great for content that goes beyond the screen display. ShareX can also take a single screenshot from scrollable content, allowing you to keep it all in one file.

Another unique and valuable feature is the text capture. You can take a screenshot of text, and ShareX will extract the text from the screenshot using optical character recognition (OCR). Then, you can copy the text and use it as necessary, definitely coming in handy when you don’t have time (or desire) to retype a bunch of text.

One of the best features of ShareX is that it supports over 80 different destinations, including image uploaders, text uploaders, file uploaders, URL shorteners, and URL sharing services like Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Reddit.

Who it’s best for: Windows users who want a simple, easy-to-use free OBS alternative.

Price: It’s free!

7. Movavi Screen Recorder

Source

Movavi Screen Recorder is an intuitive screen recorder available for Windows and Mac. You choose what area of your screen to capture and adjust the recording settings to meet your needs. Then, hit record, and the software will start recording your desktop—or you can schedule a recording, choosing the date, time, and time limit for capturing.

Want to turn your screen recording into a full-fledged video? With Movavi, you get simple video editing tools that you can use to create your video and save the file in your desired format.

If you’re recording a tutorial or how-to video, you might want to include keystrokes and the mouse in your recordings. With Movavi, you can show viewers your keyboard or set up the mouse display in your recording to walk them through the steps. You can also draw on the video during your tutorial.

Movavi isn’t just for screen recording. You can also record audio only from your computer or microphone, completely separate from the screen recording. Capture webcam footage or take a photo using the webcam alone as well.

Use Movavi to create screencasts using your microphone, webcam, and computer audio. You can record the computer screen and audio separately or at the same time.

Who it’s best for: Screen recording newbies and those who want advanced features without the complexities of professional grade software.

Price: Get started for free with options to upgrade to more feature-rich plans starting at $34.95/year.

8. XSplit Broadcaster

Source

XSplit Broadcaster can be used as an exact replacement for OBS Studio because it offers both live streaming and recording capabilities. With many different customization options, XSplit Broadcaster is trusted by some of the biggest events in gaming and esports.

XSplit Broadcaster features a powerful user interface that allows you to customize all aspects of your recording. Add Skype calls with a click of a button or use the screen capture feature to capture your Zoom, Discord, or Teams calls. Drag, drop, and resize images, videos, GIFs and web pages.

Stream to any of the most popular broadcast platforms using the native plugins or a custom RTMP. You can stream and record multiple outputs simultaneously, including multiple audio tracks that you can adjust separately for each scene. Use the built-in chat plugins to keep the conversation going during the broadcast.

This software has some additional helpful features for events. Add different animations and broadcast effects to your scenes as well as custom transitions. You can also reduce unwanted background noise in the app and project any scene to another monitor or display.

Create a media slideshow by looping multiple images or videos to create your away screen. This is also a great feature to use when you want to show your appreciation for or thank your event sponsors and supporters.

Who it’s best for: People who want more customization options and those who plan on running virtual live events.

Price: Get started for free with the option to get Broadcaster Premium for $15/month

9. Streamlabs OBS

Source

Streamlabs OBS is a free, open source live streaming and recording software available for Mac. With this software, you can broadcast your live stream directly to Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook, making it popular for gamers and live event organizers.

With Streamlabs OBS, you decide what your dashboard looks like. Personalize your experience with the layout editor. Drag and drop elements to create a unique user interface where everything you need is front and center.

You have control over your recording. Choose which sources you want to appear in your recording. For instance, you might have the alert box, event list, and chat box appear in your livestream for in-the-moment engagement, but leave it off your recording to avoid distraction.

Gamers have the replay buffer to quickly and easily save replays of their live streams or replay clips for viewers. Streamlabs OBS also offers dynamic in-game overlay for single monitors, allowing you to view recent events and the chat box all on one screen.

Want to create a highlight reel for your live stream or event? Use Streamlabs’ free video editing tool to easily edit and create highlight videos—no video editing experience necessary.

Who it’s best for: Mac users and gamers who want a one-to-one replacement for OBS Studio without the steep learning curve.

Price: It’s free!

10. Lightstream Studio

Source

Lightstream Studio markets itself as a tool that makes advanced live streaming simple. And it’s easy to see why. Lightstream offers cloud-powered broadcasting that allows you to go live in minutes with just a computer and an Internet connection. Just select your destination, click “Go Live,” and start streaming!

Lightstream Studio is built for console gamers and creators who want a quick and easy way to live stream without sacrificing customization features. All you have to do is access the tool from your browser, no downloads necessary. When you’re ready, you can go live on Facebook, YouTube, or Twitch in just a few clicks.

With Lightstream Studio, you can build your ideal stream as you have unrestricted control on where things are laid out. Create unlimited projects, scenes, and layouts for your streams so they look exactly the way you want them to.

Engage your audience during the livestream using third-party integrations. Make use of on-stream alerts, motion graphics, and social media messaging to keep your audience engaged and interacting during the stream.

Get a remote control for your stream. You can use your mobile device to start and stop your streams or switch scenes. This is a great option for those who are streaming from a location that’s not right at your computer.

Lightstream Studio also features high fidelity audio capture so you can sound as good as you look. This is ideal for musicians or talk show and podcast hosts for whom audio quality is equally important.

Inviting guests is as easy as sharing a link. Guests will wait in your “Green Room,” until you add them to the stream. You control access all from the studio.

Who it’s best for: Those looking for a browser-based OBS alternative that offers customization for live streaming.

Price: Get a 7-day free trial with plans starting at $7/month billed annually.

11. StreamYard

Source

StreamYard is a browser-based live streaming studio that makes streaming easy, stable, and professional. This platform allows you to customize your streams so that they are on-brand, making it ideal for brands and organizations as well as individuals.

For people holding webinars, conferences, talk shows, or podcasts, StreamYard is a great option for hosting guests. Invite guests to the studio in one click, allowing them to join from any device—no downloads necessary. You can broadcast with up to 10 people on screen with the option to have more backstage.

Stream live on up to 8 social media channels at once right from your browser. The platform allows you to seamlessly go live on Facebook, YouTube, Linkedin, Twitter, Twitch, and RTMP outputs simultaneously. You can share comments and give shoutouts to viewers across platforms.

StreamYard also offers all the tools you need to interact with your audience (and allow them to interact with you!) Highlight comments that come in from various platforms, answer questions, and spotlight viewers to make your audience feel like they’re part of the conversation. You can even invite audience members on screen during your live stream to be guests. All you have to do is share your link.

Use the giveaway tool to host a live contest during your show that viewers can enter simply by commenting on your live stream. This is a great way to encourage participation and build loyalty. The giveaway tool chooses a winner at random from all of the participants who comment on your stream.

Who it’s best for: Live talk show and podcast hosts who want to easily host guests on their show and increase audience engagement.

Price: There’s a free plan available with paid plans starting at $20/month billed annually.

12. Vimeo Livestream

Source

Vimeo Livestream is a live streaming solution that’s now a part of popular video hosting and sharing platform, Vimeo. Their live streaming solutions are feature-rich, offering options for corporate, conferences and events, meetings, subscription channels, and more.

If you want to reach your audience in real time, Vimeo Livestream allows you to live stream your conference, webinar, or meeting to people anywhere in the world. You can stream from any device to your website or social media platforms, simultaneously streaming across channels.

With adaptive streaming, Livestream allows you to provide viewers with the best video quality possible across devices, even with a limited bandwidth.

One unique thing about Livestream is that it allows you to monetize your streams, which is ideal for anyone hosting a conference, webinar, or other event. You can do a pay-per-view model through an OTT subscription service.

Create custom registration forms for your events to gather audience information. You can also include engaging visual content by adding lower-thirds, transitions, logos, and chapter markers.

Add interactive elements to your livestream like a moderated chat, Q&A, or live poll. Use calls-to-action to direct viewers to additional relevant content in your library, and capture email addresses at opportune moments during your stream.

You can centralize all of your live and on-demand video in one, secure place where viewers can access at any time. You can even monetize your video library.

Who it’s best for: Vimeo users who want to livestream and organizations that plan to hold live virtual events or monetize their video.

Price: To use the Livestream, you need to have a Vimeo Premium account which costs $75/month billed annually.

How to pick the best OBS alternative for you

Choosing the best OBS alternative for you will depend on what features and functionality you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for something that matches up with OBS one-to-one, you might try XSplit Broadcaster or Streamlabs OBS. If you just want a screen recorder, Camtasia, Bandicam Screen Recorder, and Screencast-O-Matic might be the best fit for you. If you’re just looking for live streaming, StreamYard and Vimeo Livestream are excellent options.

Looking for different OBS alternatives? Be sure to browse AppSumo deals to see what new video software we’ve got deals on this month!

But just because Jira is wildly popular with Agile teams doesn’t mean it’s right for yours.

Lucky for you, there are many Jira alternatives with similar features, less of a learning curve, and lower pricing. Below are ten of the best. But before we dive into the details of each, let’s see what the Jira hype is about.

An overview of Jira

Source

Created by Atlassian, Jira is one of the most popular software project management tools out there. Agile teams use it to plan sprints, track project progress, release quality software, and imrpove future sprints based on data from Jira’s retrospective Scrum reports. Built with every member of the software team in mind, Jira offers a variety of features and integrations teams can use to manage their product roadmaps all in one location.

Top features:

• Basic and advanced project roadmaps with Scrum and Kanban boards to keep track of deadlines and deliverables
• Design workflows for every initiative and project to plan, track, and release software
• Out-of-the-box Agile reports with real-time, actionable insights

Platforms supported: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android

Pros: 

• Free for up to ten users
• Automate tasks and processes thanks to built-in rule templates
• Integrations with your favorite tools, including Confluence, Trello, Bitbucket, Slack, Google, and Zoom
• Impressive flexibility and customization options

Cons: 

• More expensive than most popular alternatives
• Has more bells and whistles than some teams need
• Can take time to learn the tool and set up the best configuration for your team
• Users report some plugins and integrations don’t work as well as they should

Best for: Jira is best for large or growing teams that need advanced features and extensive customization options.

Pricing: Free plan available. The Standard plan costs about $7.50 per user per month, and Premium costs about $14.50 per user per month. You can also contact sales for Enterprise pricing, which is billed annually.

1. Asana

Source

Asana is a popular Jira alternative built for all types of teams, not just software development. Its project management tools help you stay organized and connected while customizing and automating workflows. With 200+ integrations, Asana also plays nice with a lot of the tools you may already use, including Slack, Google Drive, Outlook, Zoom, Zapier, and many more.

Top features:

• Multiple views, including boards, lists, timelines, and calendars
• Custom project templates to save you a ton of time and keep your workflow and output quality consistent
• Inbox for an overview of the projects, conversations, and tasks relevant to you right now

Platforms supported: macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android

Pros: 

• Manage projects from start to finish with projects, tasks, subtasks, and milestones
• Take tedious, repetitive work off your plate by automating actions using rules
• Document and organize work requests with easy-to-fill forms

Cons: 

• Can be expensive if you have a large team (or can’t live without a feature that’s on a higher-tier plan than you’re on)
• Reporting isn’t as detailed as some users would like
• The UI and UX can be a little frustrating if you have a lot of ongoing projects at one time

Best for: Asana is best for teams who want a simpler tool than Jira that’s proven itself in the task management and team collaboration space.

Pricing: Basic plan available for free. Paid plans start at $13.49 per user per month for Premium and $30.49 per user per month for Business. There’s also an Enterprise plan with custom pricing.

2. Wrike

Source

Recognized by Forrester as a leader in project management, Wrike is an all-in-one project management tool. It helps teams maximize performance and growth while also improving collaboration and the customer experience. With 400+ app integrations, Wrike works with tools such as Salesforce, QuickBooks, HubSpot, Outlook, Google Drive, and ADP.

Top features:

• Time tracking (manual or timed)
• Customizable dashboards, workflows, request forms, tasks, and more
• Automated approval processes to make handoffs seamless
• A live activity stream so you can see your team’s progress in real time across the global, project, and task levels

Platforms supported: macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android

Pros: 

• Pre-built workflows for product delivery, onboarding, and more to get you started quickly
• AI Work Intelligence that recommends tasks and assignees, helping you move ahead on projects faster
• Visual proofing and change records so no feedback slips through the cracks
• Security and control features including single sign-on (SSO), two-factor authentication (2FA), admin permissions, and custom access roles

Cons:

• The user interface could be more intuitive
• Needs more documentation on use cases for Wrike’s features
• Some users have reported that Wrike is slower than other tools at times

Best for: Wrike is for teams that want maximum visibility into project progress at all times to maintain and improve efficiency, or for those who are sick of switching back and forth between tools and want a single project management tool that integrates with the other essential tools in their arsenals.

Pricing: Free plan available. The Professional plan for growing teams is $9.80 per user per month, and the Business plan, which is for all teams across an organization, costs $24.80 per user per month. Enterprise pricing is also available upon request.

3. Trello

Source

Owned by Atlassian, Trello is another popular Jira alternative for Agile teams (and every other kind of team!). Trello provides simplicity and visibility that just can’t be beat. This platform makes it easy to see all projects, who’s working on what, and the next steps to move projects forward.

Top features:

• Cards that keep all project or task information in one place, including file attachments, previews, reminders, checklists, and comments
• Templates for business, design, engineering, marketing, and more
• Butler, Trello’s built-in automation for taking tedious tasks off your hands

Platforms supported: macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android

Pros: 

• Simple UI, including drag-and-drop to move tasks from one stage to the next
• Affordable compared to Jira and Asana
• Kanban boards and timeline, calendar, map, and table views to visualize your work the way you want
• Integrations with tools like Slack, Dropbox, Confluence, Google Drive, and Evernote

Cons: 

• Users want an integrated Gantt feature, or at least the ability to manipulate timelines so they can see the way tasks and projects interact with one another
• Currently, there’s no way to track task dependencies, so you’ll have to develop a manual system for keeping up with them
• Needs more help documentation and tutorials

Best for: Trello is a good choice for teams that want an inexpensive, straightforward project management tool everyone can learn and adjust to quickly.

Pricing: Free plan available. The Standard plan costs $6 per user per month, Premium costs $12.50 per user per month, and Enterprise pricing starts at $17.50 per user per month (with a minimum of 25 users).

4. ClickUp

Source

ClickUp is one of the more complete and intuitive Jira alternatives on the list. Marketed as “one app to replace them all,” ClickUp brings together everything you need to get stuff done. This includes to-do lists, reminders, email and chat, spreadsheets, docs and wikis, goal tracking, time tracking, and resource management.

Top features:

• Drop-down custom fields to set unique point values for each task, making it easy to measure Scrum points in each sprint
• Customizable templates for spaces, projects, lists, tasks, and more
• Multiple assignees, task dependencies, milestones, seven levels of nested subtasks, recurrences, and more to mirror your workflow perfectly

Platforms supported: macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android

Pros: 

• Paid plans are affordable (and you get unlimited free plan members on the Free Forever plan, so you can get familiar with the tool before upgrading)
• 15+ Task and page views including lists, Gantt charts, timelines, whiteboards, docs, forms, and even embeds
• 1,000+ Integrations with tools like Zapier, Google Drive, Salesforce, Slack, Zoom, and more to make your workflows simpler
• Fast, friendly, and helpful customer support and detailed help documentation

Cons: 

• Can be a little buggy at times
• So many features means it may be overwhelming at first and take some time to create the right setup
• The mobile app doesn’t yet have all the goodies that the web and desktop versions do

Best for: ClickUp is outstanding for teams that want tons of customization options but don’t want to spend tons of money.

Pricing: A Free Forever plan is available, and paid plans start at $9 per member per month. You can also contact the team for an even better deal on the Unlimited plan.

5. ProofHub

Source

ProofHub is one of the most popular Jira alternatives because it offers many of the same features Jira does, but for a flat rate (no per-user fee). With all the tools you need for your team to deliver your projects on time, ProofHub brings together your teams, projects, and clients in one convenient space.

Top features:

• Email-in for joining discussions, adding tasks, and uploading files without having to log in to your ProofHub account
• File versioning, proofing, and approval for easy hand-offs and a record of the evolution of your docs and designs
• Announcements for general (not project-specific) updates to keep everyone in the loop
• Direct messaging and group chat with @mentions to keep the lines of communication wide open

Platforms supported: iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows

Pros: 

• Flat pricing, which means lower costs for teams with 10+ members than with Jira and the other tools on this list
• Project templates, Gantt charts, and Kanban boards to get you started quickly and help you visualize your project workflows
• Integrations with FreshBooks, Google Calendar, Dropbox, Google Drive, and more
• White labeling to make your account look and feel like your account, with a custom domain, logo, and your own brand colors

Cons: 

• No free plan (but it’s a fair trade-off considering ProofHub has flat rates)
• Not as customizable as some competing tools like ClickUp
• Reports aren’t available on the Essential plan, so you’ll either be guessing at work progress or be forced to upgrade to Ultimate Control
• The mobile app is limited, making work on the go a no-go

Best for: ProofHub is a great tool for remote teams that are expanding and need a simple, white-labeled solution for communication and collaboration.

Pricing: Free trial available. The Essential plan is $50 per month, and the Ultimate Control plan is $150 per month.

6. Pivotal Tracker

Source

Built specifically for software teams, Pivotal Tracker is a tool that provides a single view of all priorities on the same page. Having a bird’s eye view of your projects makes it easy to see which tasks need to be completed and when.

Top features:

• Live dashboard to see project progress and pending work
• Story blockers to spot roadblocks and collaborate to resolve issues
• Full project history and a tracker to calculate your team’s velocity and make accurate projections based on past work
• Searchable labels for keeping organized and monitoring important stories

Platforms supported: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android

Pros: 

• Excellent visibility into who’s worked on what—plus control over team member roles and permissions
• Great for inquiry and ticket organization
• Integrates with Slack, GitHub, Zendesk, Integromat, Google Sheets, and many more tools your team may use

Cons: 

• The UI could be more attractive, modern, and user-friendly
• Has limited flexibility and customization options

Best for: Pivotal Tracker is good for small software development teams (e.g., ten people or fewer) looking for a budget-friendly option.

Pricing: A free plan is available for up to five collaborators. The Startup plan will run you a flat rate of $10 per month, and the Standard plan costs $6.50 per collaborator per month (offered in bundles of five collaborators). There’s custom enterprise pricing as well.

7. Basecamp

Source

Started in the early 2000s, Basecamp is a long-standing project management tool that gives Jira a run for its money. The greatest advantage of Basecamp is that it brings everything you need together in one platform, so you no longer have to switch between apps to get work done. This saves you both time and money, potentially allowing you to get rid of tools such as Slack and Dropbox.

Top features:

• Message boards for organizing announcements, updates, ideas, and feedback
• Labeled folders for organizing docs, files, images, and spreadsheets
• Recurring questions for automatic weekly team check-ins
• Shared schedules for keeping up with important dates on Google Calendar, iCal, or Outlook

Platforms supported: macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android

Pros: 

• Keep all project work in one place—contacts, discussions, documents, files, tasks, dates, and more
• Unlimited projects, users, and clients in the Business plan at flat-rate pricing, which can save larger teams a ton of money
• 500 GB of storage space (with the Business plan), so most teams will have more than enough space to store all their project info in Basecamp for easy access

Cons: 

• More flexible features are needed for some projects
• Users wish there was a way to create dependencies and relationships between tasks and due dates
• Doesn’t give high-level overviews of all projects like some other Jira alternatives do

Best for: Basecamp is fantastic if your team of 20+ has many assets to manage across projects and wants to keep them—and project communication—in one place.

Pricing: Basecamp Personal is free but limited, and Basecamp Business is a flat rate of $99 per month.

8. Bugzilla

Source

Developed by the team that brought you Mozilla, Bugzilla is a robust web-based bug tracking tool that’s trusted by world leaders in technology. Bugzilla is under active development and is often used in high-volume, high-complexity environments like Mozilla. It may be free, but it still has powerful features.

Top features:

• Advanced search capabilities, including time-based searches and other custom queries
• Advanced bug database reports with table, line graph, bar graph, and pie chart views
• A request system to ask other team members to help with bug fixes
• Time tracking for an accurate understanding of how much time you’ve spent on bug fixes and deadlines for rolling them out

Platforms supported: Windows, macOS, and Linux

Pros: 

• Sanity Check scans your database for inconsistencies and reports errors
• The default list of bug statuses and resolutions can be edited to build custom workflows
• Permissions for complete control over which group of users can view or work on specific bugs

Cons: 

• Limited plugins and not as many customization options as some alternatives
• Outdated user interface (it’s like a flashback to the 2000s)
• Speed could be improved

Best for: Bugzilla is great for small, budget-conscious teams looking for a simple, open-source bug tracking tool.

Pricing: Free

9. Digital.ai Agility

Source

Digital.ai Agility is a scalable, enterprise-grade Agile lifecycle management platform built to help Agile teams develop better software faster. This comprehensive and versatile tool supports Agile methodologies, including Kanban, Scrum, XP, and Lean.

Top features:

• Operational and development value stream with associated portfolio items
• Kanban boards and other visualization tools to keep track of progress and development status
• Access to Agile metrics plus analytics to track progress and performance at team and portfolio levels

Platforms supported: Windows, macOS, and Linux

Pros: 

• Brings the team together in a single environment with conversations, dedicated planning rooms, and communities
• Supports various enterprise agile frameworks including  Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®), LeSS, Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD), Spotify, and more
• Integrates with Agile team tools like Atlassian Jira, ServiceNow, and Microsoft Azure DevOps

Cons: 

• The user interface could be less cluttered
• Some users report it takes a good deal of time, trial, and error to compile for different systems and software versions
• Setting up integration points could be a more intuitive process
• The machine learning features are still relatively new and could use some improvement

Best for: Digital.ai Agility is for teams that need built-in support for the Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®), which Jira doesn’t offer.

Pricing: Free trial available on request. For pricing, contact the Digital.ai team.

10. Redmine

Source

Written using the Ruby on Rails framework, Redmine is a cross-platform, cross-database project management web application. Redmine offers developers a flexible tool to track projects while tracking and addressing bugs and other issues.

Top features:

• Wikis and forums for each project
• Gantt charts and calendar view
• Time tracking at both the issue and project levels
• News, document, and file management within the application
• Customizable dashboard and flexible issue tracking system

Platforms supported: Linux, macOS, and Windows (plus Unix if you’re still using that system)

Pros: 

• Supports multiple projects with flexible role-based access control
• Multi-language support beyond English
• Integrations with SVN, CVS, Git, Mercurial, and Bazaar

Cons: 

• The user interface looks dated and unappealing
• Some users have mentioned that the UI is clunky and not intuitive, and makes it tricky to find the information you’re looking for quickly
• Doesn’t integrate with help desk systems

Best for: Since it’s free and open source, Redmine is great for freelance developers who are trying to keep costs low.

Pricing: Free

Choosing the best Jira alternative for your team

As with any business tool, the best one for you will depend on your team’s needs and budget. Many of the Jira alternatives above have a free version or offer a free trial, so test a few out before you decide. (You’re going to be in your project management tool every day, so you should love it!)

While you’re testing new platforms, check out the AppSumo store for incredible deals on project management software. New tools are being added and reviewed by Sumo-lings all the time, so you can quickly and easily narrow down which ones you’d like to try!

It’s time to celebrate Christmas in July! And what better way to do that than with these 10 explosive AppSumo deals that will send you into Q3 with a bang. (All the puns intended.)

Some deals have just launched, and some are on their way out. But either way, you won’t want to miss these top AppSumo deals in July. Get the TL;DR so you can skip the browsing and get right to the good stuff.

1. Gleap

When it comes to fixing bugs on your mobile app, not all feedback is good feedback—especially if it’s vague. Gleap makes it easier to connect with users and fix bugs faster using pinpointed feedback, surveys, and feature requests.

Key Features:

• Let users pinpoint issues on the mobile app with screenshots and replay videos
• Generate an automatic visual bug report packed with technical data that will allow you to fix issues with ease
• Create better products with user feedback and communicate directly with customers via surveys and feature requests
• Customize feedback widget design to create a fully branded experience that feels like a natural extension of your site
• Allow your dev team to receive automatic bug reports when crashes or rage clicks are detected

Alternative to: Instabug, Marker.io, and Usersnap

Why We Love It: Imagine never again having to sort through vague user feedback to find and fix the actual bugs. With Gleap, you can communicate more clearly with your users and fix bugs faster by pinpointing them immediately.

What Sumo-lings are Saying:

Improve user experience by fixing bugs faster!

2. Growmatik

Sales slowing down because you’re serving the same stale content to every visitor? With Growmatik, you can deliver highly-targeted and personalized content to visitors based on their characteristics and behaviors.

Key Features: 

• Serve every audience segment targeted web content, emails, and pop-ups that are fully automated
• Set up one-off or recurring automations with multiple conditions and actions or get started quickly with a pre-made automation recipe
• Collect customer data from different channels based on 100+ filters, including site activity, shopping behavior, email behavior, and referral sources
• Build custom audiences or use pre-made segments that focus on active customers, bounced visitors, cart abandoners, returning users, and RFM groups
• Drag and drop your way to beautiful, customized emails, pop-ups, and web pages with the option to include dynamic content modules for personalization

Alternative to: Drip

Why We Love It: Who doesn’t want to sell more stuff and make more money? Growmatik makes conversion quicker and easier by allowing you to serve the right content to the right people at the right time.

What Sumo-lings are Saying:

Boost conversions with personalized content!

3. Ahsuite

Think it’s impossible to manage your client portals without using a million different tools? Think again! Ahsuite is a business management platform that lets you build easy-to-access client portals and collaborate with others to save you time while boosting productivity.

Key Features: 

• Embed your reports and presentations on a single password-protected client portal that multiple users can access
• Streamline project management with a full suite of collaboration tools
• Use the file manager to document client consent on proofs and agreements, and save notes and document progress in timestamped logs
• Get access to an exclusive talent network where you can recruit other Ahsuite users to collaborate based on their skills and experience
• Agency-level users can fully white-label their page and create a custom domain for a seamless client experience

Alternative to: Portal and Basecamp

Why We Love It: Using a handful of tools to manage your client portals is not only annoying, but it can certainly get expensive. Ahsuite gives you all the tools you need to build and manage client portals that your clients will actually enjoy using.

What Sumo-lings are Saying:

Build better workflows.

4. soundpiece

What’s more disappointing than not being able to find the right track for your project? Finding it, but then realizing the usage rights are super expensive. soundpiece solves both of these problems by allowing you to create unlimited original songs that are royalty-free and tailored to the mood of your project.

Key Features: 

• Harness the power of AI to create unlimited, royalty-free songs right from your browser
• Produce new melodies, chord progressions, and beats using a simple drop-down interface
• Generate and access thousands of unique loops and samples that are perfect for remixing your favorite songs
• Choose your tempo, song length, and style treatment to give your song that cinematic, lo-fi, pop, or rock feel
• Integrate the platform with your existing DAW, including Ableton and Logic Pro

Alternative to: Pond5, Artlist, and AudioJungle

Why We Love It: There’s nothing we love more than a well-produced music track that sounds like it was made just for the project (except, well, maybe tacos). With soundpiece, you can create your own original music or remix your favorite tracks so that you have the royalty-free songs you need to spice up any video project.

What Sumo-lings are Saying:

Produce tracks that fit your vibe.

5. Flotiq

Want to make your content more shareable but not sure how to make your CMS play nice with other channels? Flotiq allows you to easily build content APIs to share and integrate your content on other channels—without the need for heavy coding.

Key Features: 

• Create content with Jamstack project templates and leverage shareable API docs, sandboxes, and SDKs
• Share important content within your organization, between teams, or across platforms, using an OpenAPI-first CMS
• Create API keys that define API access within your organization, enabling you to allow or restrict user permissions in a few clicks
• Use webhooks and OpenAPI-compliant endpoints to integrate your content with tons of tools like Zapier and Power Platform
• Allow your team to access content versioning, advanced search filters, and customizable data views

Alternative to: Contentful, Strapi, and Netlify

Why We Love It: It’s hard to find a CMS that works perfectly for both your dev team and your content team. But Flotiq has managed to give both teams exactly what they need—by providing the tools to set up compliant APIs that make it a breeze to publish and reuse content anywhere.

What Sumo-lings are Saying:

Get more out of your content!

6. Squirrly SEO

If you’re not an SEO expert, optimizing your content for the search engines can feel all but impossible. Here comes Squirrly SEO to the rescue! This AI-powered, all-in-one SEO suite takes all the guesswork out of search engine optimization by giving you all the tools you need to rank higher on the SERPs.

Key Features: 

• Get a customized to-do list of high-priority, actionable tasks from an AI SEO consultant to improve your rankings
• Find out exactly what steps you need to take to rank your pages higher with step-by-step instructions for implementation
• Use one tool for keyword research, content optimization, technical SEO, site audits, rank tracking, and more
• Get real-time SEO feedback on your content as you type into the WordPress editor using the Live Assistant feature
• Access in-depth insights like clicks, impressions, and social shares to discover how content is performing, and view top-ranking pages to see where traffic is coming from

Alternative to: Yoast

Why We Love It: There are a LOT of SEO tools out there. What we love about Squirrly SEO is that it brings all the tools you need together in one place, giving you a customized to-do list of things to implement to improve your rankings. (Not to mention, they also help you understand how to implement!)

What Sumo-lings are Saying:

Get started improving your site ranking!

7. LinkTube

You’re killing it at the social media game. But none of your efforts are worthwhile unless you’re able to drive that traffic back to your website. LinkTube hosts all of your links on one shareable URL and allows you to track clickthrough rates over time to see what’s bringing in the most traffic.

Key Features: 

• Create a smartpage to host unlimited links that users can access from their mobile device
• Customize your smartpage with your branding by adding custom fonts, colors, background images, and thumbnails
• Measure clickthrough rates for every link and analyze engagement trends to inform your strategy moving forward
• Add remarketing pixels from popular ad platforms so that you can retarget visitors who have clicked on your links
• Use the dynamic feed feature to automatically update links with recent content from YouTube, WordPress, and Shopify

Alternative to: Linkin.bio and Linktree

Why We Love It: Many tools allow you to gather all your links in one place for social media, but LinkTube takes it to the next level by making it easy for you to track metrics like click-through rates and engagement so that you can successfully run retargeting ads to the products your visitors love most.

What Sumo-lings are Saying:

Send social visitors back to your website.

8. Knowtworthy

Gone are the days of hand-written meeting minutes. But even with meeting transcriptions, you still have to sift through the minutes to create action items for your team. Knowtworthy cuts through the busy work and allows you to get more out of your meetings with real-time transcriptions, collaborative meeting minutes, and action item tracking.

Key Features: 

• Manage meeting minutes and agendas on one collaborative platform
• Create, assign, and track action items for all meetings
• Keep teams on the same page with real-time and recorded meeting transcriptions
• Automatically store meeting minutes in the cloud for your whole team to access quickly and easily
• Search for minutes from your archived meetings so you can access important information without having to sift through old documents

Alternative to: Fireflies.ai, Dockethq, and MeetingKing

Why We Love It: Meetings may not be the most fun part of your day, but collaboration is the best way to get things done. Knowtworthy helps you get more out of your meetings by not only giving you the tools you need to manage minutes and agendas but also a way to create, assign, and track actionable to-dos from the meeting.

What Sumo-lings are Saying:

Get more out of your meetings!

9. Paced Email

How many unread emails do you have sitting in your inbox right now? If you’re feeling more than a little overwhelmed by the barrage of emails in your inbox every day, you’re not alone. Paced Email allows you to create email aliases and email digests to minimize distractions, declutter your inbox, and protect your online privacy.

Key Features: 

• Declutter your inbox by bundling emails into digests that you can receive daily, weekly, or monthly
• Create unlimited email aliases or burner email addresses to protect your online privacy and identity
• Apply custom rules for your inbound emails, programming your inbox to ignore, forward, or block certain senders
• Keep your account secure with two-factor authentication using an authenticator app or FIDO U2F security devices
• Enhance your workflow by integrating with APIs, webhooks, Zapier, and Integrately

Alternative to: Burner Mail

Why We Love It: What’s the old saying… a crowded inbox is the devil’s workshop? Maybe not. But we spend WAY too much time sorting through emails every day, half of which is irrelevant or junk. Paced Email not only makes it easier to keep your inbox organized and uncluttered; it also allows you to use email aliases so your real email address doesn’t get hacked!

What Sumo-lings are Saying:

Declutter your inbox and workflows.

10. Vidjet

There’s nothing worse than creating killer video content and adding it to your website, only to find out that the platform you’re using to host the videos is sending people elsewhere via ads. Vidjet solves this problem by allowing you to upload and publish videos on your website in minutes—without ads!

Key Features: 

• Upload and publish ad-free videos on your website or online store in minutes
• Automatically ptimize uploaded videos for web rendering—no need to worry about your videos slowing down your web pages or blocking other website elements
• Collect emails throughout the customer journey with personalized, segmented videos
• Boost your video engagement with display formats, including bubble, pop-up, sticky play button, or content embed
• View and track analytics on the main dashboard to see how your content is performing with data like views, clicks, and conversions

Alternative to: YouTube and Vimeo

Why We Love It: In today’s digital marketplace, video content is king! And with Vidjet, you can quickly publish ad-free videos on your website without slowing down page speed or blocking other web elements. You can even track engagement with native analytics.

What Sumo-lings are Saying:

Harness the power of video to increase conversions!

If you’re new to freelancing, you may be wondering—how do I get started? And where do I find freelance gigs?

Check out this list of the best freelance websites for a few trusted places to find high-quality freelance jobs and projects online.

12 best freelance websites to find work in 2023

1. Upwork

Trusted by big brands like Nasdaq and Microsoft, Upwork is one of the most popular freelancing sites around—and for good reason! This site features freelance jobs in a variety of industries, including development, design, creative, finance, admin, engineering, legal, sales, marketing, writing, and more.

Upwork acts as the middle man between you and the client, making sure you get paid and any disputes are resolved peacefully. (However, that means they also collect a service fee!)

Pros

• You’ve got a profile that allows clients to find you and invite you to submit proposals for jobs, so the work isn’t entirely on you.
• Clients submit payment through Upwork, which means you get paid for your work every time—no chasing invoices or waiting on late payments.
• Being one of the largest and most popular freelancing sites means that there are thousands of freelance work opportunities on the site with new listings every few hours.
• There are jobs for every skill and price level, making it a great place for beginners to find their first jobs.
• As you submit projects, you will get ratings and reviews from clients. Good reviews make it easier for you to get more and better jobs on Upwork in the future.

Cons

• There is a LOT of competition for freelance jobs on Upwork as it’s one of the most popular freelancing websites.
• You will have to submit proposals for every job you want to apply to, which can be quite time-consuming.
• If you are brand new to the platform, you may have to take a few smaller, less desirable jobs in order to build up your reviews and ratings on the site.
• They have a rather high service fee, which means you aren’t keeping all the money you make on the site.
• Once you hit your limit for sending out proposals, you have to purchase more credits to continue to send out proposals.

Best For: People who are just getting started freelancing or multi-passionate freelancers who want to find jobs in multiple industries.

2. Toptal

Toptal is another large and popular freelance site where business, design, and technology service providers can find high-quality job opportunities with leading brands and startups. Unlike other freelance sites where you have to sift through tons of low paying or undesirable jobs to find one that suits you, Toptal only features big projects with companies who are willing to pay for top talent.

Pros

• All of the projects on Toptal are from top-tier companies, which means you won’t find low paying gigs here.
• Toptal offers free invoicing and payments through the platform.
• It’s one of the few sites that offers listings for project managers and product managers.
• They only accept the top 3% of freelancers, which means if you’re accepted, you’re not competing with as many people for the same jobs.
• The Toptal team matches you with projects that best fit your skillset, experience, and interest so you don’t have to comb through any listings.

Cons

• The screening process is long and rigorous and fewer than 3% of applications are accepted.
• Toptal only offers large, complex projects, which aren’t ideal for those who have ongoing clients or just want to pick up a small project here and there.
• There are no opportunities for those who are newer to the industry since they only accept experienced talent.

Best For: Freelancers who are the best in their fields and want to work with some of the world’s leading companies.

3. Fiverr

Fiverr works a little differently than some of the other freelance sites on this list. On Fiverr, you aren’t combing through job listings and sending out proposals. Instead, you create a free profile and list your “gigs” (or types of projects) and the prices. Buyers browse through the different categories to find the freelancer they’re looking for.

Pros

• You can sign up for free and start listing your gigs.
• You set the prices, so you can make sure you’re being well compensated for your work.
• There are diverse categories available for freelance work.
• Fiverr is a very popular site where many people will see what you’re offering.
• You don’t have to spend any time putting together customized proposals.

Cons

• There’s a fairly high 20% commission charge.
• It can take up to 14 days to get payment for work you’ve delivered.
• Many jobs on Fiverr tend to be low paying gigs, so you may find yourself competing based on price.

Best For: Beginners and those who don’t have time to create a bunch of proposals and want the clients to come to them!

4. Guru

Guru works similarly to Upwork. You can easily browse jobs in categories like programming, design, writing, administrative, sales, legal, education, and more. Then, you submit a quote for the job, and if it gets accepted, you’ve got work! Projects and payments are all managed within the platform, making it easy to communicate with clients and get paid.

Pros

• They have a broad range of categories for freelancers including programming, engineering, architecture, and legal.
• There are many different ways to get paid, including wire transfer or PayPal.
• The SafePay feature ensures that freelancers get paid adequately and on time.
• Guru gives you job recommendations based on your skillset and experience.
• With 800,000 clients worldwide, there are plenty of job opportunities.

Cons

• If you want to use all of the tools and make your profile stand out, you’ve got to pay for a membership.
• Free members aren’t able to contact potential clients to discuss a job before submitting a quote.
• Some users have reported fraudulent jobs or clients that will change the parameters of the job after getting the quote or only agree to pay by check.

Best For: People who want to add an additional platform to their list of freelance job options (but maybe not those who are looking for a primary platform).

5. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a job board showcasing flexible and remote job opportunities, including freelance, part-time, and full-time jobs. The platform is well-established, with more than 30,000 jobs in over 50 different categories.

FlexJobs is generally trusted in the freelance community because they do the work ahead of time to ensure that all jobs featured on the site are legitimate opportunities so you don’t have to waste time dealing with scams.

Pros

• They vet all of the jobs on the site, which ensures that every job you see is legitimate and scam-free.
• FlexJobs hosts events and webinars that help freelancers and other professionals build their skillset and learn how to network and find jobs successfully.
• The site isn’t as saturated as some other freelance websites since they vet the jobs beforehand.
• The membership fee is affordable, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Cons

• FlexJobs isn’t just freelancing work. They also feature part- and full-time jobs, which may not be for everyone.
• Some of the jobs may not actually be remote, and the job descriptions are not always clear.
• This site isn’t free. Full access to the site requires a membership fee of $9.95/month.

Best For: Those looking for high-quality freelancing opportunities.

6. Behance

Owned by Adobe, Behance is a platform where designers can showcase creative work and employers can discover new designers to work with.

Behance has a jobs board, but it is more than just a freelance job site. It’s a community of creatives that gives people a place to showcase their portfolio and connect with other creatives. It’s totally free, and there is no limit to the number of projects you can create or images and media you can upload.

Pros

• It’s free to join and easy to use.
• You get the opportunity to network with both other artists and potential employers.
• Since it’s run by Adobe, Behance is well-known in the creative community, giving you a large audience for your work.
• Freelancers get personalized job recommendations based on their category and skillset.
• Behance has an excellent reputation in the creative community, which means that the job opportunities are generally high-quality.

Cons

• There’s a lot of competition for jobs on Behance.
• Not all of the jobs are freelance opportunities. Some are part- or full-time.
• Many of the freelance opportunities require you to be on-site, limiting the number of jobs that you can apply for.

Best For: Experienced designers of all types who are looking for high-quality opportunities and newbies who want to find an internship.

7. Freelancer.com

Freelancer.com is another freelancing website that brings together companies and freelancers across industries to collaborate on projects. Signing up is free and easy as you fill out a registration form and provide more details on your skills, background, and experience. One unique aspect of this platform is the opportunity to participate in contests where freelancers can earn money as well as profile reviews.

Pros

• Freelancer.com features jobs in many languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German and more.
• This platform features some job categories that can’t be found on other freelance sites like manufacturing and logistics.
• In addition to projects, this platform also hosts contests that freelancers can participate in as well.
• The platform offers 24/7 support so you never have to get stuck, no matter when you’re working.
• Freelancer.com has a progress tracker that makes it easy to see how projects are coming along.

Cons

• Freelancer.com has a complex interface that may not be easy to navigate.
• The platform doesn’t vet freelancers or job postings so there are spam applicants and fake clients.
• They take 10% of your total earnings for contests and fixed projects.

Best For: Freelancers who are looking for opportunities in languages other than English.

8. ProBlogger

ProBlogger is a popular website for bloggers who want to add more income streams to their blogs. The founder, Darren Rowse has been blogging since 2002, and he’s created a wealth of resources for bloggers who want to improve their craft and learn how to make more money blogging. The job board on this site is full of high-quality writing and editing gigs that you can browse and apply to for free without any kind of account.

Pros

• The job board is totally free!
• There are a lot of different types of writing jobs on ProBlogger—not just blogging but also content writing, copywriting, article writing, and even editing.
• ProBlogger is a well-established and trusted resource in the writing community, so many of the jobs posted on the site are high-quality.
• It offers more than just a job board. There are a wealth of awesome resources on how to become a better blogger and make more money as a writer.
• You don’t need to create an account or sign in to browse and apply to these jobs.

Cons

• This freelance job site only features jobs related to blogging, writing, and editing, so if you’re in another field, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
• While they do their best to moderate job posting to eliminate scams, not all of the jobs are fully vetted so you may still run into fraudulent job posts.
• Many of the jobs on this board are contract work, and therefore, may not be as flexible or quick as some freelance projects.

Best For: Freelance writers and bloggers who are looking for high-quality freelance writing opportunities.

9. MarketerHire

MarketerHire is a freelancing site just for marketers. They match the client with the best marketer for them based on the skill set and experience level of marketers on their pre-vetted list.

Big brands work with MarketerHire to save time vetting and hiring experienced freelance marketers. Marketers like freelancing with MarketerHire because the jobs are high-quality and often pay more than freelance gigs on more general sites like Upwork and Fiverr.

Pros

• You set your own rates and keep 100% of your earnings.
• Since MarketerHire takes care of the contracts, you don’t have to worry about negotiating.
• They also handle payouts, so you know that you will get paid for your work on time.
• Freelancers get the opportunity to work with bigger brands like Netflix, AngelList, Puma, Logitech, and SkillShare.
• No more wading through thousands of freelance jobs! MarketerHire will match you with jobs that are a good fit based on your experience and skill set.

Cons

• You have to go through their rigorous vetting process that involves an application, video interview, and test projects. That means you won’t start making money immediately.
• MarketerHire picks which freelancer gets the job, so you have less control over which projects you’re chosen for.
• This site is only for experienced marketers, so if you are new to the industry or not interested in marketing work, this is not the site for you.

Best For: Marketers who are looking for freelance opportunities with top-tier companies without having to write time-consuming project bids.

10. Freelancing Females

Freelancing Females is a freelancing website designed by women freelancers for women freelancers. But it’s more than just a freelance job board. It’s a community where women freelancers from a variety of backgrounds come together to support one another. With over 60k women in their Facebook group alone, you’ll not only be able to find new job opportunities but also network with other women who “get it.”

Pros

• It was created by freelancers, so many of the features and resources available are exactly what a freelancer would ask for.
• You can create a profile in the freelancer directory, so businesses and individuals can find you when they need you.
• When you become a member, you get access to a Slack channel with exclusive job opportunities.
• FF offers grant opportunities for women freelancers throughout the year.
• As a smaller freelance job board, you’ll find that there are many job postings you don’t see on the larger sites.

Cons

• While many different types of businesses can post jobs here, most of the jobs are in the marketing or creative realm, making it not-so-ideal for those outside of these industries.
• While applying to jobs is free, you have to pay a fee to get access to membership perks like the directory and Slack channel.
• Not all of the jobs listed are remote. Some require you to be in a specific city and/or come into the office.

Best For: Women freelancers in the marketing and creative fields who want to go beyond just finding jobs and join a large, active community to get support.

11. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a social network for professionals. But did you know that it’s also a great place to find freelancing opportunities? You can search for freelance work by typing keywords into the job search bar—just make sure you include the word “freelance”!

In addition to browsing the job listings, you also have the opportunity to network with people who may need services and post content to show your expertise and highlight your services and availability.

Pros

• LinkedIn is free to use, and it’s free to apply to jobs you find on the site.
• In addition to job postings, LinkedIn is built for networking, which may open up new job opportunities and freelance projects.
• You can find freelance work in a variety of fields, both remote and in-house.
• After you build your profile, people who need your services will be able to search, find, and contact you.
• In addition to using the job postings, you can also show that you’re looking for work on your profile and post content about what services you can offer.

Cons

• As with any social media platform, LinkedIn can get a little noisy, which means not everyone is going to see your posts or messages.
• You have limited messaging under the free plan, and paid plans are a little pricey (ranging from $29.99/month to $119.99/month).
• Spam is common on this platform, so you may get messages from people trying to sell you things or telling you about jobs that are not a good fit for you.

Best For: People looking for remote and in-person freelance job opportunities across industries and countries.

12. TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit is different from the other sites on this list because it focuses on day-to-day tasks and errands for local people rather than professional services. This means that you’re dealing directly with the consumer instead of working with a business.

Freelancers on this site can choose from a variety of handyman services like home repair, yard work, painting, and appliance installation or general tasks like cleaning, furniture assembly, shopping, or moving services.

Pros

• TaskRabbit doesn’t charge service fees to freelancers (just clients).
• It offers a variety of different types of jobs, many of which don’t require special skills.
• Given the nature of the jobs on TaskRabbit, you could feasibly pick up a job on the same day if you need extra cash quickly.
• You set your rates, so you don’t have to negotiate pricing with anyone.
• People who need help can find your profile based on the tasks you perform, so you don’t have to find your own clients or submit any bids.

Cons

• It’s only available in major cities.
• Most of the jobs on TaskRabbit cannot be done remotely, which means you’ll need to travel to a location to complete the job.
• TaskRabbit is a same-day service provider, so you can’t exactly work where and when you want to.

Best For: People who enjoy handling day-to-day tasks and errands and want to make some extra money helping people in their community.

How to choose the right freelance website

To find the best freelance website for you, start by deciding what types of jobs you’re looking for. This will help you narrow the list considerably. For example, if you’re a designer, you can find work on Behance but probably not on ProBlogger or TaskRabbit. If you want a hybrid or remote role, you can find work on FlexJobs, but not every job on LinkedIn will apply to you.

More broad freelancing sites like Upwork and Fiverr not only have a lot of different types of work, but they’re beginner-friendly. This is a great option for those who are exploring their skillsets and just getting with freelancing.

On the other hand, those who are more experienced in their industry might bypass these more general freelancing sites and opt for a site like Toptal where they can get higher-paying jobs designed for top professionals. It’s also worth considering online job boards and platforms, which offer a range of remote and online job opportunities across various industries.

Freelancing FAQ

If you’re just getting started freelancing, you probably have some questions. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about freelancing.

What is freelancing?

Freelancing is when you work as an independent person or company rather than an employee. Freelancers are self-employed and sometimes referred to as independent contractors or 1099 contractors.

Freelance work is often short-term or part-time. The limited hours make it a great option for those who are looking for a side hustle. In fact, many freelancers get started while they have a part- or full-time job.

People with a number of different skillsets can become freelancers. Though we often think of creatives like designers or writers when we hear the word “freelancers,” you can do pretty much any type of work as a freelancer from bookkeeping and administrative work to web development and event planning.

How do I start freelancing?

All you need to get started freelancing is a skill set or type of expertise that others find valuable. This can include skills you learned from a previous job or skills you’ve taught yourself. For instance, a graphic designer might do some freelance design work as a side hustle. Or someone who enjoys photography as a hobby may decide to become a freelance wedding photographer.

Once you’ve decided which skills you want to use as a freelancer, identify the types of clients you want to work with. Find a way to package those skills in a way that makes sense for your target client, and decide on a pricing strategy (hourly, retainer, fixed-rate, or value-based pricing).

After you’ve got all the basics down, it’s time to go out and find your first client! The list above is a great place to start.

What are the benefits of freelancing?

Many freelancers enjoy this type of work because it offers flexibility and freedom that the typical 9-to-5 job often does not.

Because freelancers are not employees of the company, they’re able to do their work when, where, and how they want to. This makes freelancing a great option for those who want a side gig or people who may have commitments during daytime work hours, like parents or caretakers.

Another benefit of freelancing is the unlimited capacity for income. When you work in a corporate position, you have to earn a promotion or a raise to make more money. With freelancing, you set your own rates. That means that you can raise them whenever you’d like to and only work with the types of clients who will pay a premium for your services.

Yet another benefit of freelancing is that you get to pick the types of projects you work on and the types of clients you work with. If you find a project that’s boring or a client who is likely to be hard to work with, you can always turn it down without getting any flack from your boss (which is you!)

Which freelance website is best for beginners?

Most freelance websites showcase a variety of different types of projects with varying budgets and experience levels. Most of the websites we have listed above have projects that are a good fit for beginners, especially Fiverr or Upwork. You just have to look through the listings to find a project that’s a good fit for someone who is new to freelancing.

How much money can I make freelancing?

According to Upwork (which happens to have a TON of data on freelance earnings), freelancers make on average $28/hour.

Of course, the rate you charge will depend on your skill set, years of experience, education and training, location, reviews, and portfolio.

More skilled jobs like web developers and mobile developers can pay on average $50-65/hour. While transcribers make an average of $20-25/hour.

Rates are not always paid hourly. It depends on the project and type of work. You may also find yourself charging rates based on the project or a monthly retainer rather than hourly.

Start your freelancing journey today

Freelancing can be an exciting opportunity to make extra cash as a side gig or even find the freedom to work for yourself full-time. Not to mention, freelancing is a great way to dip your toe into another industry or job role that you think you might like.

Whether you’re brand new to your field or you’ve been doing it for a decade, you can use the best freelance websites we’ve laid out in this list to get your freelance journey started.

While it’s a great free tool used by both beginners and veteran audio engineers, it may not be the best option for you (or an option at all if you’re on Windows!) Let’s explore some GarageBand alternatives for Mac, Windows, and the Cloud.

Why you might want GarageBand alternatives

As far as digital audio workstations (DAWs) go, GarageBand is one of the most popular options out there. It’s got a lot of great audio editing tools and native plugins as well as an extensive library of instruments and samples. It even has semi-professional audio processing features like EQs and compressors. But perhaps one of the most important aspects of GarageBand is that it’s completely free, making it an excellent option for aspiring music producers on a budget.

GarageBand may be a great choice for many people, but it’s not the only DAW out there. If you’re a professional or someone who really wants to dive into complex features, GarageBand may not be the best choice for you. Not to mention, it’s not even an option for those who have a PC. Fortunately, there are some great GarageBand alternatives out there for Mac, Windows, and even in the cloud.

GarageBand alternatives for Mac

While GarageBand does come pre-loaded on all new Macs, it may not have all the features you need in a music production software. Check out these GarageBand alternatives for Mac for some different software options that might be a better fit.

1. Logic Pro

Logic Pro from Apple offers a whole suite of sophisticated tools for professional songwriting, beat making, audio editing, and mixing. It also includes a huge library of instruments, effects, loops, and samples that you can use to take your songs to a whole new level.

With this software, you can record up to 1,000 tracks for each composition and layer tracks over each other, applying many of the effects while the track is playing. With a wealth of complex editing features, Logic Pro is an excellent choice for Mac users who want advanced features without sacrificing ease of use.

Features:

• Seamless punch recording, automatic take management, and support for 24-bit/192kHz audio
• Integrated Dolby Atmos tools that allow you to create spacial audio mixes that go beyond stereo
• Comprehensive selection of instruments, effects, loops, and samples including royalty-free producer packs from Oak Felder, Take a Daytrip, TRAKGIRL, and more
• Multi-touch mixing that allows you to mix from wherever you are in the room with multi-touch faders
• Beat sequencing where you can program drum patters and create dynamic rhythms with a tap of the finger
• Logic Remote allows you to use your iPhone or iPad to control Logic Pro on your Mac
• Key Commands in Logic Remote allow you to create music quickly by choosing from a list of curated commands for workflows

Price: $199.99

Why you want it: Logic Pro can do a lot more than GarageBand can. So if you’re serious about music production and looking for a professional tool with any features you might need to create music that sounds amazing—Logic Pro is an excellent choice.

2. Ableton Live 11

Available for both Mac and Windows, Ableton Live 11 is a flexible music creation software that comes with a library of effects, instruments, sounds, and creative features—giving you everything you need to make creative music. There are three different options to choose from (Intro, Standard, and Suite) with varying features and price points.

One thing that makes Ableton Live 11 different from other softwares is it’s Session View, which allows you to mix and match your music ideas without a timeline, making it great for improvisation. It also has the traditional Arrangement View where you can create your music on a timeline, bringing together different pieces to complete your masterpiece.

Features:

• Take recording and comping that allows you to use the best pieces to create your perfect take or splice together random samples from your library
• Linked track editing where you can link two or more tracks and edit them simultaneously
• Hybrid Reverb lets you place your sounds in any space—whether real-life or otherwise
• Tempo Following which adjusts the music tempo based on incoming audio in real time, which is ideal for DJs and live music acts
• Macro Variations can be created from stored Macros, allowing you to create instant sound variations while performing
• Instrument packs created in collaboration with Spitfire Audio like Upright Piano, Brass Quartet, and String Quartet
• MPE compatibility adds bends, slides, and pressure for every individual note in a chord, allowing you to create subtle variations

Price: $99 for Live 11 Intro; $449 for Live 11 Standard; and $749 for Live 11 Suite

Why you want it: If you’re a DJ or use your produced music as part of a live act, Abelton Live 11 is a great choice as it has features like Tempo Following and Macro Variations that allow you to make real-time changes during your performances.

3. Cubase 12

Cubase 12 is a popular GarageBand alternative for Mac and Windows. With 3 different versions and different levels of features, Cubase 12 offers something for every type of user and budget.

This music production software has a range of professional-grade audio production features, making it an excellent option for professionals. And for those newer to audio engineering, you’ll appreciate the extensive tutorial videos the company provides to help you navigate the complex features.

Features:

• Logical editor allows you to customize and build your own workflows or use presets
• MIDI remote integration automatically detects your MIDI controllers and map the controls, allowing you to use your devices
• VariAudio with Scale Assistant makes it easy to set the scale and adjust the pitch of your recording
• FX Modulator breathes new lfe into your sounds allowing you to create your own styles with different effects
• AudioWarp tool lets you edit your audio recordings directly in the Project window or adjust multiple tracks at once in Group Editing
• Raiser is a dynamic processing tool that lets you dramatically increase the loudness of your projects without sacrificing quality
• Native Apple silicon support for those using the latest Mac computers with M1 chips

Price: $99.99 Cubase Elements 12; $329.99 for Cubase Artist 12; $579.99 for Cubase Pro 12

Why you want it: If you’re using a new Mac computer with an M1 chip, you’ll want a software like Cubase Pro 12. It offers native Apple silicon support so that you have a smooth user experience.

4. Audacity

Audacity is a free, open-source, cross-platform audio software built for ease of use. This flexible multi-track audio editor can be used on Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems.

Built and maintained by volunteers, Audacity doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles that GarageBand does. However, it still features some advanced tools like noise elimination that allow you to create quality music for your projects.

Read more: 12 Audacity Alternatives for Mac, Windows, Android, and More

Features:

• Supports 16-bit, 24-bit, and 32-bit audio for clear, quality sound
• Record live audio using a microphone or mixer and digitize your recordings from other media
• Import, edit, and combine sound files in many different file formats, allowing you to include multiple files at once
• Editing made easy with cut, copy, paste, and delete as well as undo and redo to go back any number of steps
• Noise elimination feature allows you to sample background hums and rattles and apply those filters to the track
• Supports LADSPA, LV2, Nyquist, VST, and Audio Unit effect plug-ins with the option to write your own plug-in
• Spectrogram view mode allows you to visualize and select frequencies with support for Vamp analysis plug-in

Price: Free

Why you want it: If you’re looking for another free software that’s on par with GarageBand, look no further than Audacity, an excellent option for the budget conscious or those new to music production.

5. FL Studio

With over 20 years of continuous development, FL Studio holds its own on this list of GarageBand alternatives for Mac. Its updated user interface and suite of plugins means that FL Studio 20 has a lot to offer beginners and pros alike.

With an intuitive workflow and a host of native plugins, FL Studio is one of the best options for beginners who are just learning how to use audio engineering software. However, it still has the comprehensive range of features experts want and need when creating music.

Features:

• Large selection of native instruments, effects, and loops with one of the most highly regarded synth VSTs on the market
• Step sequencer that works like a beat grid, allowing for any sound or sample to be placed on the grid and triggered in the sequence
• High quality effects available as extra plugins, allowing you to manipulate existing sounds with FX
• Drag any sound or sample directly onto the play list and place it anywhere along the timeline
• Use thousands of presets custom-made for the native plugins so you can start making music right away
• Sync your songs to video effects to create visual content ready to share on social media
• Support for Apple Silicon M1 processors and 64-bit native support for macOS

Price: $99 for FL Studio Fruity Edition; $199 for FL Studio Producer Edition; $299 for FL Studio Signature Blend; $499 for FL Studio All Plugins Edition

Why you want it: FL Studio 20 is a great option for those who are new to music production but want access to an advanced feature set in an easy-to-navigate platform at an affordable price.

GarageBand alternatives for Windows

Since GarageBand is built for Apple devices, it’s only fitting that we include a section for GarageBand alternatives for Windows. While many of the options on this entire list work for both Mac and Windows, these are our favorite alternatives to use on PC.

6. Cakewalk by BandLab

With 30 years of innovation and development, Cakewalk by BandLab is one of the most popular DAWs for Windows. The software features advanced technology and an intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to make creative, innovative music.

With this software, you can compose songs with professional songwriting tools and instruments, and record with pristine quality and unlimited tracks. You can also edit, mix, and master with built-in tools and then share your songs directly to YouTube, Facebook, SoundCloud, and other platforms.

Features:

• Unlimited audio, MIDI, instrument, loop, and auxiliary tracks for every project
• Library of ProChannel modules including powerful EQ, convolution reverb, resonant filtering, dynamic compression, tape and console emulation, and peak limiting
• Designed to emulate the layout of an analog console, build and upgrade your channel strip with an expandable
• Designed to improve workflow efficiency with flexibility in choosing the layout, color theme, and display settings
• ProChannel, the 64-bit mix engine alongside the mixing console interface creates a user-friendly and sleek audio mixing experience
• MIDI and audio features that allow users to adjust plug-in parameters using MIDI controller
• Help module flattens the learning curve by making the learning process quick and streamlined

Price: Free

Why you want it: Cakewalk by BandLab is one of the best free GarageBand alternatives for Windows, making it a must for anyone who needs a fully-featured DAW on a budget.

7. Magix Music Maker

Magix Music Maker is the DAW for aspiring music producers with no experience. Built for Windows, this software offers an easy-to-use interface and intuitive tools that help you get up and running with your music production in no time.

Magix Music Maker is well known for being user-friendly without the steep learning curve associated with a lot of the other tools on this list. While the tool may seem a bit limited for experts, it is a great option for hobbyists and those who want to get started quickly.

Features:

• Modular, easy-to-use interface that allows you to customize your workflows and get started with in-app tutorials
• Connect instruments or a mic to your computer to use your own recordings as part of your songs
• Drag-and-drop functionality for arranging sound clips to make creative songs
• Beatbox allows you to create flexible sample-based beats for every genre with 17 drum kits and 200 patterns
• Songmaker AI uses artificial intelligence to help you find the perfect ideas for custom beats with access to 8 Soundpools and 49 sond templates
• Music Maker offers every sound you could need for your songs like drums, synths, basses, guitars, string ensembles and more recorded by pro musicians
• Library of sounds, loops, and parts of songs available in the in-app store

Price: Free, with paid versions available from $59.99 to $119

Why you want it: If you’re a beginner with a PC, Magix Music Maker may just be the best option on this list with its simple yet powerful tools. (Plus there is a free version to get started!)

8. Pro Tools

Having been around since 1983, Avid Pro Tools has become an industry-leading DAW. Popular with professionals and new producers, this software allows you to go through all the stages of music production from recording and editing to mixing and mastering.

Pro Tools may have got its start as a drum machine called Digidrums, but it’s now a complete digital audio studio used by professional artists and producers like Dr. Dre and Pharell WIlliams. While GarageBand is more for the casual user, Pro Tools is a better option for long-term users who plan to produce music often.

Features:

• Non-destructive editing tools that help maintain quality no matter what you do with your tracks
• Multitrack recording with an auto-cancel setting which automatically disables record-enabled tracks when you record a new take
• Pencil tool that allows you to draw audio waveforms or modify MIDI notes manually as well as add panning effects with a click and hold
• Smart Tool combines the Trim, Select, and Grabber tools to automate the process
• Dedicated Clip FX window that allows you to apply effects in real time without needing to install any plug-ins
• 6 Pro Tools instruments including boom drum machine with sequencer, accoustic grand piano, AIR Vacuum monophonic vacuum tube synthesizer, and more
• Includes a video editing feature that allows you to import, play, edit, and export video clips on the same timeline where you’re making music

Price: Starting at $29.99 or $9.99 for students and teachers

Why you want it: This is definitely a software you can “grow into” using as both a beginner and a professional. Plus, it’s got more collaboration features than GarageBand if that’s important to you.

9. MPC Beats

MPC Beats is a free, beginner-friendly beat making software that offers MIDI controller support. Those who are new to beat-making can get started with a template, while the pros can purchase the expansion pack to get access to more sound libraries.

This DAW gives you everything you need to create, mix, and master your own beats without the steep learning curve. The ease-of-use and list of features make this a great entry-level option for aspiring beat makers and hobbyists.

Features:

• Offers 16 pads for triggering drum samples and loops and support for MIDI controllers
• Includes a 2GB library of samples, loops, and instruments with the option to purchase an expansion pack for additional sound libraries
• Two stereo tracks to record instruments or vocals to add a live component to your music
• Includes a sample editor to quickly and easily chop and edit your samples
• Three plug-in instruments available from MPC, including Bassline, Tubesynth, and Electric
• Over 80 FX plugins from AIR Effects offering a premium selection of tools for adding a professional polish to your beats
• VST/AU compatibility giving you the opportunity to expand your sound library with compatible third-party instrument and audio processing plugins

Price: Free

Why you want it: MPC Beats gives you everything you need to get started making beats, so if you’re new to music production and want to focus on creating beats, this is the DAW for you!

10. Reaper

Reaper stands for Rapid Environment for Audio Production, Engineering, and Recording. While a mouthful, this software has a clean layout and customizable nature that makes it quickly familiar to those who use it for music-making and podcast editing.

Compared to GarageBand, it’s got a lot more complex features allowing you to achieve more than you could with the free Mac software. With a free 60-day trial of Reaper, there’s no harm in trying it out for yourself to see if it offers the functionality you need.

Features:

• Multi-track recording for live audio or MIDI, suitable for recording a soloist, band, or orchestra
• Real-time network FX application and processing
• Real-time pitch shifting, correction, and time stretch, including multiple pitch and time stretch engines
• Drag-and-drop functionality for production processes like importing, arranging, and rendering
• Use one tool to move, split, glue, resize, trim, loop, time stretch, pitch shift, fade, crossfade, slip, and snap to grid
• ReaSurround which offers spatial visualization and processing for stereo, surround, or multichannel audio (up to 64 channels)
• Customizable experience including colors, icons, layouts, toolbars, and more

Price: $60 for a personal license and $225 for a commercial license

Why you want it: Reaper is ideal for the professional that needs a complex software with a lot of options at a very affordable price point.

Cloud-based GarageBand alternatives

Not only does using a DAW often require you to make quite the investment, it can also require a certain amount of computing power to run. Cloud-based GarageBand alternatives give you the functionality of a traditional DAW while allowing you to create instantly in the cloud.

11. Soundtrap

As one of the first online collaborative music studios available, Soundtrap offers all the same essential features of a traditional DAW. Its collaborative tools make it a popular option for those who want to record with others online.

Soundtrap allows you to record, edit, and collaborate on anywhere on any device with its app. And the best part? All of your projects are stored online in the cloud so you never have to worry about losing any of your work.

Features:

• Unlimited projects with access to over 800 instruments and sounds, including over 150k sound effects from freesound.org
• Powerful audio editing tool that allows you to tweak the volume, pan, and use filters
• Includes thousands of high-quality beats and presets like synths, 808s, chords, drum beats, melodies, and more
• Auto-Tune allows you to pitch and modify your voice recordings
• Soundtrap Capture App allows musicians to record and develop music on their mobile device
• Patterns Beatmaker allows you to make your own unique beats for your next track in a simple, intuitive way
• Collaboration with other users in the same place with the ability to see who’s recording and react to ideas in real-time

Price: $7.99/month for Premium; $11.99/month for Supreme; $11.99/month for Storytellers; and $16.99/month for the Soundtrp x Spotify Premium Bundle

Why you want it: Soundtrap is a great option for bands or musicians collaborating remotely and those who are creating music on-the-go.

12. BandLab

BandLab is another online DAW that allows you to create music anywhere across platforms. With unlimited cloud storage, using BandLab is like walking around with a recording studio in your pocket. You can record whenever and wherever inspiration strikes from your mobile device.

BandLab offers collaboration tools and technology that allow you to work with other collaborators, no matter where they are. You can even join their network of millions of creators around the globe to find new collaboration opportunities.

Features:

• Unlimited projects, collaborations, high-quality downloads, and secure storage
• Access over 200 professionally created instruments like pianos and drum kits, connect your own instruments, or bring in sounds from other DAWs
• Includes universal FX and presets featuring premium guitar, bass, and vocal effects that you can use across devices
• Sync all of your work to the cloud so that all your projects are safe and ready to work on when you are
• AutoPitch tool allows you to automatically correct pitch in real time using BandLab’s proprietary algorithm
• Full version history stores all your revisions so you can restore earlier versions
• Unlimited free algorithmic mastering created by professionals helps you sound your best at all times

Price: Free

Why you want it: BandLab is an easy-to-use and affordable option for those new to music production but want to collaborate with others remotely.

13. Audiotool

Audiotool is a cloud-based DAW that focuses on the modular, making it a great option for those who want to experience the workflows early electronic musicians. The modular workflow also gives producers full freedom over their tracks, allowing them to route, split, or merge different synth outputs.

One unique thing about Audiotool is that it uses its community to grow its library of 250k+ samples and 50k+ device presets. This DAW is totally free and gives producers the opportunity to get more involved in an active online community of other music makers.

Features:

• Extensive sample library features more than 250k samples and presets for different synths and effects
• Includes 28 unique FX which include mastering tools and MIDI effects and a sample editor to tweak, cut, and edit your audio files
• Use 3 drum machines including recreations of vintage drum machines like Beatbox 8 and Beatbox 9
• Invite other producers to collaborate, teach, or work simultaneously in real time within the same studio and communicate via video, audio, and text chat
• MIDI-device support allowing you to play instruments and control knobs and sliders with your physical device
• Community-driven platform that gives you the opportunity to meet other producers within the Audiotool community or share your music in its publishing platform
• All tracks are stored on Audiotools servers, allowing you to access your projects from any browser—no software installations needed

Price: Free

Why you want it: If you want to experience a modular workflow that gives you more control over your sounds or like the community aspect of making music, Audiotool is the ideal cloud-based option.

14. Roland Zenbeats

Roland Zenbeats is a music creation app that allows you to get started on any device or platform. It makes it very easy for users to make beats, take lessons, or sample the world around them right from their mobile devices, while syncing projects to the cloud.

Just because Zenbeats can be used on smartphones or iPads doesn’t make it any less useful or professional than other online DAWs. With its flexibility and affordable price, it’s a DAW that gives you the power to record and produce music no matter where you are.

Features:

• Single dashboard interface where you can download song templates as well as open, search, and rename songs
• SampleVerse allows you to play, edit, and capture sounds from the world around you, including live vocals and acoustic instruments
• MIDI Polyphonic Expression, which gives you detailed control over each note’s parameters
• Integrates with Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive, allowing you to easily share projects with others online
• Zenbeats Store features a hefty library filled with sounds, loops, and creative tools to help you create new music
• Publish your music directly to SoundCloud to share with your fans
• Compatible with iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows

Price: Free with in-app purchases required to unlock features, instruments, and effects

Why you want it: Roland Zenbeats is a fun, effective tool that allows you to capture inspiration on the go and easily share it with collaborators in the cloud.

15. Soundation

Soundation offers a great introduction to cloud-based DAWs. With easy-to-use controls and an extensive learning library, it is fit for beginners or hobbyists  and educators who want to teach their students.

Since its creation, Soundation has become more professional and powerful with new features that expand its use. However, without third-party plugin support, it isn’t really the best option for pros.

Features:

• Modern-looking interface with intuitive user controls like drag and drop
• Library of over 20,000 loops, samples, baselines, melodies, and drum beats that are ready to mix
• Audio effects to help shape the sound including tremolo, distortion, reverb, phaser, delay, fakie, equalizer and more
• Wub machine, an LFO focused synthesizer used to create grimy wubs for dubstep and bass genres
• Parametric EQ offering 8 bands so you can have better control over every parameter
• Collaborate with other music makers live as the projects sync to the cloud in real-time
• Music community with 150k+ monthly active users and 10k+ songs posted monthly where you can publish your songs to find more fans

Price: $4.99/month for Starter; $9.99/month for Creator; or $29.99/month for Pro

Why you want it: If you’re new to music making and want to get started with a simple yet powerful, cloud-based DAW that’s attached to an active community, Soundation may be the best option for you.

Your favorite Garageband alternative

Finding the best GarageBand alternative for you really comes down to what features you want and need as well as your budget. But you’ll never know which is the best audio engineering software for you until you check out the different options.

Want to find a great deal on music production software? Shop our AppSumo deals.

The way you end your email will have the greatest impact on whether or not you actually get a reply. And ending your emails with “looking forward to hearing from you” is not doing you any favors.

We’ve put together a list of 10 alternatives you can use to make sure you get the reply you’re looking for.

What’s wrong with saying “looking forward to hearing from you”?

In short, nothing.

There’s a reason why people use this phrase so often in emails. It’s friendly and positive while inviting a response from the reader. But at this point, it’s so overused that the reader may easily just overlook it, requiring another follow-up email.

Not to mention, this phrase isn’t very specific or actionable. If you want someone to reply to your email, you need to give them some direction on how and when you want them to reply. When looking at the phrase in this light, it’s no surprise that it doesn’t often get replies.

10 Better Ways to Say “Looking forward to hearing from you” 

So what do you say instead? Here are 10 alternatives to “looking forward to hearing from you” and when you should use each.

1. I can’t wait to hear what you think.

Essentially, this is saying the exact same thing as “looking forward to hearing from you.” But it has more genuine excitement behind it, so readers may be more receptive to it and more likely to actually reply. It also clarifies what it is you want to hear from the reader.

Use this phrase when you want to get feedback on an idea or project. If you need the feedback in a certain time frame, then add, “Please let me know your thoughts by [DATE].”

2. Could you get me your feedback by [DAY]?

This alternative is a bit more direct, leaving nothing to the imagination. By asking it as a question instead of demanding feedback by a certain date, you’re being polite and giving them the option.

Use this when you need feedback on something by a specific date. Add a “thank you” afterward to show that you appreciate their response.

3. I’d love to hear your feedback at your earliest convenience.

This alternative is effective because it’s friendly and polite while also being a bit more direct and specific. While “earliest convenience” may not be a specific date, it suggests that you want the feedback quickly, so it can add a bit of urgency to the request.

You can use this phrase when you want feedback soon, but it’s not an emergency. If it is an emergency, use “as soon as possible” instead of “at your earliest convenience.”

4. What are your thoughts?

It’s in our nature as humans to want to answer questions. For that reason, asking directly what the person’s thoughts are can be an effective way to get the feedback you’re looking for.

Use this phrase when you want the person to provide their feedback in the next response. If you’re communicating with someone who appreciates directness, this question may just be the way to ensure they respond.

5. Let me know if all of this sounds good to you.

This phrasing is more direct than “looking forward to hearing from you.” By using the words “let me know,” you’re making it clear that you expect a reply.

You can use this when you want the greenlight from someone but don’t necessarily need to get feedback. If you require some kind of approval, you might want to add a date that you’d like to get that approval by.

6. If you’re not the best person to handle this request, can you connect me with the right person?

Sometimes people may not reply to an email because they aren’t the right person to respond to the request. This question helps you get ahead of that issue.

Use this alternative if you aren’t sure if the person you’re writing to is the right person to respond to your request. And if they are the right person, then the question will still prompt a response.

7. If you’re too busy to help with this, is there someone else I can reach out to?

Sometimes people don’t respond to emails simply because they are busy. But that doesn’t make your request any less important or timely. So why not address the issue directly and ask for a resolution?

Use this phrase if you know the person you are writing to is busy or if they have a habit of not replying to emails promptly (or at all). Once you find out who to reach out to, you can let them know that the person suggested you speak with them.

8. I’d love if you could respond by [DATE], so we can get this moving.

Adding a date to your request is an excellent way to create a sense of urgency. This phrase is clear, polite, and specific, so there is no question about when or why they need to reply.

Use this alternative if you need feedback by a specific date in order to maintain the project timeline. Including the “so we can get this moving” also provides a sense of urgency and makes it clear why it’s important for the person to respond by the provided date.

9. If I don’t hear back from you by [DATE], I’ll assume we’re ready to move forward.

This alternative is clear and professional. It gives the reader the option to reply with feedback but makes it clear that they do not have to if everything looks good.

You can use this option if you plan to move forward with a project or action if there is no feedback. By giving a clear date, you’re letting the person know when they need to respond if they want their feedback considered, which provides a sense of urgency.

10. Talk to you soon!

“Talk to you soon” is a friendly sign-off that shows enthusiasm for a later conversation. You can use this as a closing if you’re not looking for direct feedback but just want to close the email in a friendly way.

This is also a great option if you plan to meet or chat with this person soon in a meeting or call to resume your conversation about the topic. If you have a meeting or call already scheduled, you may want to include the day. (“Talk to you on Monday!)

Level up your email game

With 10 clear and specific alternatives, you never have to resort to “looking forward to hearing from you” ever again. Bookmark this page to reference later or share it with someone you know who really needs to stop using this phrase.

Looking for more ways to make your email experience smoother? Check out these AppSumo products on email tools.

You’re not alone. In fact, 77% of people have some anxiety or fear of public speaking. And one of the best ways to alleviate some of that stress and anxiety is to prepare for the presentation and practice ahead of time.

We’ve put together some presentation tips to help you give a great presentation, no matter what topic or venue.

What makes a great presentation

The difference between a good presentation and a great presentation comes down to a few different factors:

• Content. When it comes to content, you want to make sure that you’re providing value for your audience and using language and examples that appeal to them.
• Delivery. A clear and confident delivery can go a long way in keeping the audience interested and helping them retain the information.
• Engagement. Keeping your audience engaged is essential to holding their attention and gauging their understanding and interest.
• Materials. Are you using PowerPoint? Worksheets? Video? Choose the best materials based on the audience, topic, and venue.
• Takeaways. Great presentations give the audience some important takeaways that they can think about or apply long after the presentation is over.

Now that you know the elements of a great presentation, let’s jump into some presentation tips you can use to up-level your next presentation.

10 presentation tips that will help you knock it out of the park

Whether you give presentations regularly or you’re just preparing for a big one, it helps to prepare and practice. Here are 10 presentation tips you can use to improve your presentation skills:

1. Tell stories

People love stories. Not only are they interesting, but they have a clearly defined beginning, middle, and end, which make them easy to remember. Stories will help your audience better connect to and understand the presentation topic.

Use relevant and engaging stories to your advantage during your presentation. For example, you might open with a story about a client who had a problem related to the topic. This is a great way to introduce your audience to what you’re about.

If the people in your audience have the same problem, they’ll be able to relate to the client in your story, so they’ll be more likely to pay attention.

2. Keep the presentation materials simple

When it comes to presentation materials, the simpler, the better. There’s a fine line between engaging and busy. You want to design presentation materials that will capture and hold your audience’s attention without distracting them from the presentation itself.

Here are some easy ways to make sure your presentation materials are simple:

• Don’t write everything you’re going to say in the presentation. Use bullet points with short statements that help the audience follow along and stay on track without having to read a bunch of text.
• Use relevant visuals when you can. Visuals help keep the presentation interesting and they also help visual learners retain more of the information.
• Stick to a few colors and fonts. You don’t want the presentation to be in black and white, but using too many colors or fonts can make it feel too busy.

Remember, simple doesn’t have to mean boring or ugly. Here’s an example of a PowerPoint presentation that’s interesting and stylish, yet simple:

Source

There isn’t an overload of distracting visuals or so many colors that it’s hard to concentrate on anything else. It’s limited to 3 fonts and a few colors. It may be simple, but it’s still beautiful and professional.

3. Use high-quality and engaging visuals

While you want to keep your presentation simple and accessible, certain concepts may be best explained with visual aids. Use infographics, charts, tables, videos, and drawings to explain complex concepts when necessary. You can also use these visual aids to share examples or provide proof of your talking points.

4. Make it interactive

Humans have short attention spans. If you want to keep them engaged in a presentation that’s longer than 5 minutes, you’re going to need to add interactive elements. Choosing the right interactive elements will depend on the presentation topic and goals.

For example, if you are trying to teach the audience something that they will be able to apply to their lives, then you might have them do an exercise during the presentation. That could be to jot down some ideas on a topic or speak with the person next to them. This will help them better grasp the topic and make them more likely to actually apply it when they leave.

If your presentation doesn’t lend well to exercises, you can still make it interactive by asking the audience questions or inviting them to consider a certain perspective. For instance, you might ask them to close their eyes and think about a time that something specific happened. This gets them to interact with the material and understand it on a deeper level.

5. Check for understanding

Checking for understanding is a classic teaching strategy that lends well to presentations, especially those focused on informing or educating. Throughout your presentation, add checks for understanding. These are basically questions you ask the audience to make sure they understand what’s going on.

This doesn’t necessarily have to be an open-ended question. If you’re presenting to a larger crowd where asking a comprehension question might be logistically difficult, you can instead gauge the comprehension and engagement of the whole crowd. For instance, you might ask them to raise their hand if they’ve experienced what you’re talking about or ask them to give you a thumbs up if they’re with you so far.

The thumbs up/thumbs down model of checking for understanding is one that’s easy to use with a large crowd because you’ll be able to quickly discern if your audience understands. You can then adjust on the fly to accommodate those who might need more explanation or examples.

Source

6. Summarize throughout the presentation

Immediately after hearing someone talk, the average person only remembers about 50% of what they heard. That’s why it helps to summarize important information after you’ve presented it.

At the end of each presentation section or after about 10 minutes of talking, provide a quick summary of the most important points you’ve just covered. You can also list those important points at the end of each section on your presentation slides as you reiterate.

7. Smile and make eye contact

Making a personal connection with your audience goes a long way in earning their trust and attention. One of the best ways to do that is to make eye contact while presenting. This makes the presentation feel more like a conversation between you and the audience.

Also, don’t forget to smile! It’s an easy thing to forget, especially if you’re nervous or have anxiety about public speaking. But smiling shows your audience that you actually enjoy what you’re talking about and you’re approachable. They’ll be more likely to pay attention and ask questions.

8. Use your hands and body language

Now it’s time to answer the age-old question… what do I do with my hands?

Using your hands and body language to match the flow of the presentation helps keep people engaged and listening. It also allows you to show your passion and enthusiasm for the topic, which will make people more likely to listen.

Here are some ways you can use your body to make your presentation more engaging:

• Avoid standing behind a podium or laptop. Instead of staying in one place, use the space to your advantage by calmly moving around the floor or stage.
• Use your facial expressions to match the material. When you’re really excited about a topic, let your face show it.
• Stand up straight with your arms unfolded. This makes the audience feel welcome and communicates confidence.

While Steve Jobs may not have been the pinnacle of fashion, he was certainly a confident and engaging presenter. Notice how his presentation stances always communicate excitement and confidence:

Source

9. Practice your delivery.

It might feel a little silly in the moment, but practicing your delivery is one of the most important things you can do to prepare yourself for a presentation. Don’t just read through your notes. Pull up the presentation and go slide by slide through the entire thing, adding any stories or tips that you plan to add during the actual presentation.

As you’re practicing, make sure that you’re speaking out loud and not just thinking through your presentation in your head or reading silently. When you present out loud, you can hear where things may sound awkward or not quite make sense. The time to iron out these details is during the practice period, not the actual presentation.

10. Time yourself

Most presentations will have some kind of time limit. When you’re practicing your presentation delivery, time yourself. This will help you pace the presentation effectively so you’re not moving too fast or too slow. It will also help you make sure you’re sticking to the time limits.

Practice makes “progress”

While there’s no such thing as the “perfect” presentation, you can definitely up-level your presentation skills and become more comfortable with presenting. All it takes is a little effort and practice. And this list is a great place to start for kicking your presentations up a notch!

Need design, copy, or other resources to create better presentations? Keep an eye out for deals on killer presentation tools on AppSumo Deals.

We’ve put together a list of our top free vector sites for all your vector needs. On this list, you’ll find everything from general vector images to curated collections of icons, patterns, and more.

30 places to find awesome free vector images

Variety is the spice of life. And that’s exactly what you’ll find in our list of free vector sites. Here are our favorite places to find killer free vector images that you can use in your designs:

1. VectorGrove

With VectorGrove, you get access to over 500,000 royalty-free vectors and graphics—ideal for designers and agencies who need a wide selection.

To find the vector images you need, use the advanced search and filters to narrow down the selection. In addition to vector graphics, you’ll also find infographic templates, icons, templates, and more.

2. Icons8

Icons8 pairs up with Dribbble artists to offer a library of free vector illustrations. You can browse the curated sets of vectors, search by style, or look for vectors by topic.

Since these free vectors are created by a variety of artists, you’ll find diverse drawing styles to match all types of branding from bright and fun to 3D.

3. Yay Images Startups

Yay Images Startups has a library of over 2 million stock photos, vectors, and videos perfect for startups to use in their marketing. No matter what industry you’re looking for, you’ll find a variety of high-quality vector images and stock assets.

You can filter through vectors and images by text, color, or orientation as well as drag and drop an image into the search to find similar images.

4. Vector Me

Vector Me offers over 79,000 vector art assets in AI, SVG, EPS and CDR. Use the search bar to type in keywords or filter through the free vectors, illustrations, and icons using categories.

With everything from spills and splatters, silhouettes, and patterns to maps, music, nature, and human vector images—there’s something for everyone.

5. DrawKit

DrawKit is not your average free vector image site. All of the vector illustrations and icons are hand-drawn, and the library is updated weekly. These gorgeous illustrations come in a variety of different illustration styles with icon collections and high-quality illustration kits for a number of different topics and industries.

6. VectorPortal

VectorPortal’s library is filled with a variety of free stock SVG vector images, clip art and icons that are royalty-free and ready to use in your designs.

All of the free vectors are created with Creative Commons Attribute License (CC-BY), which means that designers can use them in commercial projects. As you can see from the screenshot above, they have quite the eclectic collection of vectors!

7. Pixabay

Known for its wide variety of high-quality stock images, Pixabay also has a library with over 110,000 free vector images. All of these free assets are shared by their community of users and can be used for personal and commercial projects without asking permission or crediting the artist.

While you’re there, check out their libraries of stock photos, illustrations, videos, music, and sound effects.

8. Vector Stock

With over 28 million royalty-free vector images, Vector Stock may have one of the largest collections of vectors on this list.

Browse through over 900,000 totally free vector images, using the search bar to find images related to your topic. Vector Stock will recommend related search terms as well as curated collections that relate to your search.

9. Vexels

Vexels is focused on creating high-quality vector graphics for creatives, sellers, and innovative brands.

One unique thing about this free vector site is that all of the designs are created by an in-house team of designers and artists. On Vexels, you’ll find 50,000+ free vector designs with new designs added every week!

10. Pixeden

Pixeden offers a variety of free and premium graphic, design, and web resources. They have both free and premium vector images, all of which are offered in Adobe Illustrator AI and EPS.

Pixeden also has its own icon library where you can find over 600 free high-quality icons for your designs.

11. DryIcons

DryIcons is focused on… you guessed it, icons! With over 6,700 vectors and icons designed by their in-house team, you’ve got a lot of options to choose from. Search through collections of icons in all different styles and for all different industries to find the best icons for your project.

12. Freepik

Created in 2010, Freepik has 4.5 million graphic resources available on its site. You’ll find both free and premium vector images for a wide range of uses.

Like many of the other sites on this list, Freepik offers more than just vectors. You can also find illustrations, photos, icons, mockups, and presentations templates.

13. Vecteezy

Vecteezy has millions of free vector images, conveniently organized by category or contributor. With collaborators adding new content every week, there are always fresh vectors to use in your designs.

Not sure where to start? Check out the popular, trending, and Vecteezy team picks on the site homepage for inspiration.

14. unDraw

unDraw hosts a wide variety of open-source vector illustrations that you can use for personal and commercial projects without attribution or cost. All of the images can be scaled without losing the quality of the illustration.

One unique feature of unDraw is that you can change the color in the image by inputting a HEX code or selecting from the drop down.

15. Humaans 

Humaans has a unique take on vector images as it gives you the chance to customize your illustrations to better fit your brand style.

Another unique feature? It’s all people! You can change the hair and clothing as well as add a scene behind the people to add a little ambiance to the illustration.

16. Lucasz Adam

Lucasz Adam is a web designer known for his free illustrations. As a designer, he knows how hard it is to find high-quality free graphics online, so he’s created his own library of free SVG illustrations. You’ll find everything from city landscapes to people working. These can be used for personal or commercial use without attribution under the MIT license.

17. The Noun Project

The Noun Project has icons for everything! (And we mean everything.) Whether you’re looking for snowflakes or futuristic technology, you will find the icons on the Noun Project.

All images are free, but you also have the option to purchase a license to support the artists and get access to even more icons and photos.

18. Streamline Icons

Streamline Icons is another free vector site on our list that focuses on icons. With over 100,000 icons and 23 icon sets, you’re bound to find a style that meets your needs.

On Streamline, you can also find free vector illustrations and emojis to use royalty-free on your personal and commercial projects.

19. Openclipart

Openclipart keeps things simple. You can either scroll through all of the icons or type in a keyword to find relevant vector illustrations. No fancy curated lists or customization. What you see is what you get. But it’s definitely worth adding to your free vector sites list as it currently has over 160,000 free clipart assets with new assets being added every day.

20. Pimp My Drawing

Pimp My Drawing is a library filled with free vector illustrations of people, silhouettes, trees, cars, and plants. All of the drawings are 2D CAD illustrations that are completely free to use.

While the categories may make it seem like it’s a simple collection, there are certainly some hidden gems in this collection. (Can you spot the mittens Bernie on the home page?)

21. Public Domain Vectors

Public Domain Vectors has brought together 65,000 vector images in the public domain (which means you can use them for free!) View by topic category or just type in what you’re looking for to get a variety of vector drawings available to use on commercial and personal projects without attribution or fee.

22. Flaticon

Flaticon offers one of the largest collections of vector icons on this list. (And if we are to believe them… the largest ever?) With over 6.2 million vector icons, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for.

Vectors are available in PNG, SVG, EPS, PSD, and BASE 64 formats. Flaticon does a great job of organizing all of these vector icons into different collections, making it less overwhelming to browse.

23. Iconmonstr

Iconmonstr has over 4,500 vector icons in 316 collections. This is a great option if you’re looking for free vector icons that are simple and minimalistic. You can browse all the icons in either bold or thin, depending on if you want heavyweight or lightweight icons. They even let yousubmit your icon requests and vote on which option will be made next!

24. Shutterstock

Most of us know Shutterstock for its high-quality stock photos. But did you know they also have an awesome free vector library?

Browse through over 70 million royalty-free vector images to find all the backgrounds, clipart, icons, and illustrations you need for your design projects. Narrow it down by category or get inspired by seeing what’s new and what’s trending on the home page.

25. Free Vector

Free Vector is another great option if you’re looking for a wide variety of vectors. There are thousands of high-quality free vector graphics from designers across the planet in a variety of formats (Illustrator EPS, AI, PDF, and SVG files).

Free Vector is always adding new graphics (hundreds of new files each month), so check back often to find new illustrations, clipart, icons and more for you design work.

26. Streamline Emoji

We already listed Streamline Icons on this list, but we think Streamline Emoji deserved it’s own spot. (Because who doesn’t *love* kawaii emojis?!) Dare we say these are the cutest emojis you’ll find on the web? (At least the cutest free ones…) You can customize the colors, and you’ll be on your way to using these bad boys on your next design.

27. Free Vector Maps

Looking for a vector map? Free Vector Maps has you covered! On this free vector site, you can find thousands of high-quality vector maps with simple licensing options.

You can download the map for free as long as you provide attribution. Or purchase maps at affordable rates without having to include attribution for your personal and commercial projects.

28. Vectorian

Vectorian has a unique collection of vintage graphics which are perfect for anyone looking to add a vintage look and feel to their design work.

While you can buy packs of victorian vectors, there are also some free options. All of the designs are selected from authentic type foundries sources and vectorized by hand.

29. Wow patterns

Wow patterns is the only site on our list that works exclusively with vector patterns. Whether you’re looking for a background to use in a social media post or for your new business card, you’ll find it on Wow patterns. Search through patterns by category or make your own using the Pattern maker and your own image.

30. DeviantArt

While DeviantArt may not be the first place you think to look for free vector graphics, it has the most unique collection of vectors on this list!

Since this site was designed to encourage unique artists to innovate with their artistic designs, you’re not going to find simple vectors with a corporate feel. Instead, you’ll find unique, colorful, and creative illustrations.

Get Started with Free Vectors

This list is a great place to start when you’re hunting for free vectors. With 30 different free vector sites to choose from, you’re bound to find what you need for your next design project.

Check out AppSumo deals for other cool tools you can use to take your design work to the next level!

When choosing a lead magnet, consider what value you can provide your audience. Ideally your lead magnet should inspire an aha moment for your subscribers or allow them to get a quick win.

There are many different types of lead magnets you can create, depending on your topic and goal. Understanding the different types of lead magnets and knowing where to find lead magnet templates will make the process of creating your opt-in so much easier.

Let’s dive into what types of lead magnets you can create, along with beautiful lead magnet templates you can use to create yours today.

Ebooks

As one of the most popular lead magnets, ebooks are a great option for those who want to educate their audience on a specific, relevant topic. Ebooks typically include a balance of written content and images. Sometimes ebooks will also include worksheets, checklists, or other types of interactive content.

Here are some options for ebook templates:

1. Cool and Calm eBook Layout

With a muted color scheme, this free InDesign ebook template can work well for any modern brand. You can quickly customize the paragraph, character, and object styles. With 9 page templates, you can build a beautiful ebook with just the right balance of images and written content.

Platform: Adobe InDesign

Price: Free

2. Canva Ebook Template Bundle

With this Canva ebook template bundle, you get over 80 different templates for both ebook pages and social media graphics you can use to promote your ebook lead magnet. The 58 ebook pages include a variety of page types from covers, welcome pages, chapter intro pages, one- and two-columnn text pages, and call-to-action pages.

Platform: Canva

Price: $39

3. Wellness Workbook & Ebook Template

This workbook and ebook template from the AppSumo marketplace offers 140 pages of templates created specifically for wellness, health, and fitness brands. In addition to the ebook page templates, you’ll also get workbook templates to add extra value to your lead magnet.

Platform: Canva

Price: $40

Worksheets

These are not the worksheets you remember from Kindergarten! When it comes to lead magnets, worksheets give you a way to interact with your leads without being there in person. Worksheets are a good option if you have a process or idea that you’re helping your audience work through.

Here are some worksheet templates to help you get started:

4. Introduction & Goals Worksheets

This free worksheet template bundle on Canva includes three different worksheet pages ideal for goal planning or journal prompts. All you need to do to customize these bad boys is change the text so that it reflects the questions or prompts you want to include.

Platform: Canva

Price: Free

5. Lead Magnet Canva Templates

These worksheet templates are coming to you from the AppSumo marketplace. The bright, bold colors are fun, and as with any Canva template, you can customize the images and colors for your own branding. This bundle comes with over 30 unique pages you can mix and match to create your own lead magnet worksheet bundle.

Platform: Canva

Price: $22

6. Business Builder Kit

They’re not kidding when they named this the Business Builder Kit. It’s got 96 template pages that you can quickly and easily customize right inside Canva. In addition to worksheets, this bundle also offers ebooks, challenge assets, social media marketing opt-in posts, and other lead magnet templates.

Platform: Canva

Price:  $77

Workbooks

Workbooks are the perfect balance between ebook and worksheets. Workbooks are a great option for anyone that wants to add an interactive element to their lead magnet. The written content allows the reader to learn and the worksheet pages give them the chance to gain new insights and put what they’ve learned into action.

Here are 3 workbook templates you can use to create your own:

7. Minimalist Workbook

The minimalist design of this free Canva workbook template makes it versatile for many different professional industries. Not to mention, you can customize the colors, fonts, and images to match your branding. It includes 5 workbook pages that you can work with to create a killer workbook.

Platform: Canva

Price: Free

8. Canva Workbook Template

Here’s another gem from the AppSumo marketplace. These Canva workbook templates offer simple yet sophisticated pages designed by a professional. The best part? You get 100 pages to choose from, allowing you to put together a powerful workbook based on your audience’s needs.

Platform: Canva

Price: $36

9. Opt-In Workbook Kit

This opt-in workbook kit goes far beyond just the workbook. In addition to 16 opt-in workbook templates in a minimalist design, you also get 6 Instagram post and Story templates to help you get the word out about your lead magnet. Unlike the other templates on this list, this kit also offers custom designed patterns and illustrations allowing you to create your own unique designs.

Platform: Canva

Price: $67

Checklists

Checklists are a quick and easy lead magnet that allows you to give your audience an instant win. All they have to do is print out the checklist, and they have everything they need to take action. Checklists are a great option if you have something actionable that you want to guide the reader through.

Here are a few of our favorite checklist templates you can use to create your own:

10. Bold & Bright Checklist

Here’s another beautiful (and free) template in the Canva template library. This checklist template is ideal for any simple checklist. Its bold, bright colors help it stand out from other lead magnets. And if bold and bright is not your thing, you can customize this templates colors, fonts, text, and logo in just minutes.

Platform: Canva

Price: Free

11. Professional Project Checklist

Move over Canva! Those who want to create their checklist on InDesign or Microsoft Word will love this professional project checklist template. This checklist is simple, yet unique with its geometric check boxes. It’s ideal for a straightforward checklist geared toward a professional audience.

Platform: InDesign CS4 – CC and Microsoft Word

Price:  $14

12. Canva Checklist + Printable Templates

Looking for a chic checklist? (Plus bonus templates!) This collection of checklist and printable templates offers more than 11 templates that you can use as individual worksheets or combine them to create a work book. Make it your own in under an hour by changing the colors, fonts, and photos in Canva.

Platform: Canva

Price:  $29

Planners

Planners are a unique option for a lead magnet. They can be used when you want to help your audience plan for something long-term like goals or a strategy. Planners can be as simple or complex as you want while still providing a lot of value for your audience.

Here are a couple of our favorite planner templates:

13. Elegant Goals Planner

Want to keep things simple? This planner template is ideal for quick goal planning. With just one sheet, you can provide a simple yet helpful lead magnet for those who are ready to plan for the new year. You can even change the text and colors to make it your own.

Platform: Canva

Price:  Free

14. Aesthetic Planner Bundle

If you’re looking for something beautiful yet functional, the aesthetic planner bundle gives you 54 different planning sheet templates. Choose the planner pages that make the most sense for your topic or audience, and then customize the colors, fonts, and text for a beautiful lead magnet.

Platform: Canva, Figma, and Adobe Illustrator

Price:  $24

15. Planner & Ebook Canva Templates

Yet another beautiful template set from the AppSumo marketplace! This bundle gives you over 100 customizable Canva templates for every type of planning. Get templates for business planning, blog planning, goal setting, vision and life planning, mindset journaling, and fitness and weight loss planning. Bonus! You’ll also get ebook templates.

Platform: Canva

Price: $37

Create your lead magnet today

These templates should give you a great starting point for creating your own lead magnet. Not sure what content you want to create? Check out our 30 lead magnet ideas for inspiration!