When I first heard a few years ago that you could make a lot of money using AI, I was skeptical.
I didn’t understand how a tool alone could generate real income. I tried countless AI tools hoping to make money online, but repeatedly found myself stuck in a loop of fake reviews, product pushers, and endless posts selling a dream.
However, that doesn’t mean these tools and guides are worthless. AI really is a powerful way to make money — when used the right way, in the right context.
The real value of these tools lies in their efficiency — not in what’s often hyped as “money-making machines.” It’s true, they can make you money, but not automatically. The key is in how you use them. Most people don’t show you that these tools work by improving workflows, enhancing business processes, boosting efficiency, or even helping create valuable products that generate income online.
In this post, I’ll break down the best AI tools I’ve personally tested and used to make money — and I’ll show you exactly how each one can help you do the same.
1. DeepSeek AI
You’ve probably heard this before — but honestly, DeepSeek is just that powerful.
While competitors like ChatGPT have slowly become less usable — buried under filters, limitations, paywalls, and frustrating restrictions — DeepSeek has kept evolving, improving, and delivering better tools and utilities — completely free.
No gimmicks. No hidden limits. Just pure, open-source AI power.
DeepSeek AI is a robust, fully free alternative to ChatGPT, specializing in detailed explanations, content creation, and complex problem-solving — all without restrictive filters that block useful or professional topics.
How it makes you money:
Content Creation: Write blog posts, social media content, and product descriptions for clients
Tutoring & Explanations: Create educational content or offer tutoring in topics you understand
Business Ideas & Planning: Brainstorm and refine money-making ideas with step-by-step guidance
Automation: Help code simple tools or automate repetitive online tasksReal Proof: I built this entire website (NetSides.com) using DeepSeek AI for planning, structure, and content strategy — proving it can handle real business-level projects.
Pricing: Free (no hidden costs or usage limits)
Best for: Writers, students, entrepreneurs, and anyone needing reliable AI assistance without budget constraints
2. Midjourney – More Than Just AI Art
If you’ve spent time online recently, you’ve likely seen stunning, dream-like images labeled “AI-generated.” Many of those were made with Midjourney — one of the most powerful AI art tools available today.
But it’s more than just a toy for making pretty pictures. When used strategically, it can become a reliable source of income.
What Is Midjourney?
Midjourney is an AI image generator that creates highly detailed and artistic visuals from simple text prompts. It runs through Discord, so no software installation is needed — just a subscription and a idea.
How It Makes You Money:
- Sell Digital Art & Prints – Upload designs to platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, or Society6
- Freelance Design Services – Offer logo design, branding kits, or social media visuals
- Book Covers & Illustrations – Authors and publishers regularly need original artwork
- NFT Art – Create unique digital collections for NFT marketplaces
- YouTube Thumbnails – Design eye-catching thumbnails for content creators
A Quick Note:
While Midjourney isn’t completely free, its starting plan is just $10/month — a small investment compared to the earning potential it unlocks. Sometimes, you’ve got to spend a little to make a lot.
Pricing:
Starts at $10/month for the Basic plan.
Best For:
Artists, designers, and creators ready to turn visual ideas into income.
3. Canva AI – Design Like a Pro, Even If You’re Not
You’ve probably heard of Canva — it’s the go-to tool for non-designers who need to create sharp-looking graphics. But with its built-in AI tools, it’s become more than just a design platform — it’s a side-hustle powerhouse.
What Is Canva AI?
Canva now includes AI features like Magic Write (for content), AI Image Generator (for visuals), Magic Design (for instant templates), and more. It helps you design professional-looking social media posts, logos, presentations, and marketing materials in minutes.
How It Makes You Money:
- Freelance Graphic Design – Offer quick social media packs, flyers, or logos to small businesses
- Sell Custom Templates – Create and sell editable Canva templates on platforms like Etsy or Creative Market
- YouTube Thumbnails – Design high-converting thumbnails for content creators
- Marketing Materials – Design brochures, ads, and banners for local businesses or online brands
Pricing:
Free plan available; Canva Pro is $12.99/month
Best For:
Non-designers, marketers, small business owners, and social media managers looking to produce professional visuals quickly.
4. Jasper AI – Your AI Writing Assistant for Professional Content
If you’ve ever struggled with writer’s block or spent hours trying to craft the perfect marketing copy, you’ll appreciate what Jasper AI brings to the table. It’s not just another writing tool — it’s a specialized AI designed to help you create high-converting content faster.
What Is Jasper AI?
Jasper is an AI-powered writing assistant specifically trained for marketing and business content. It helps you write everything from blog posts and social media captions to email sequences and ad copy — all while maintaining a consistent brand voice.
How It Makes You Money:
- Freelance Copywriting – Offer blog writing, product descriptions, or email campaigns to businesses
- Social Media Management – Create engaging content calendars and posts for brands
- SEO Content Writing – Write optimized articles that rank on Google
- Ad Copy Creation – Craft high-converting Facebook/Google ads for e-commerce brands
- Content Agency Services – Scale your services using Jasper to handle multiple clients
🆓 Free Alternative: Copy.ai
If you’re not ready to invest in Jasper yet, Copy.ai offers a robust free plan that’s perfect for getting started with AI writing. While it has some limitations compared to Jasper, it’s excellent for basic content creation and social media posts.
Pricing(Jasper):
Starts at $49/month (often with a 7-day free trial)
Best For:
Content creators, marketers, freelancers, and business owners who need to produce quality written content consistently.
5. Notion AI – Organize, Plan, and Execute Your Online Business
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to manage multiple projects, content calendars, and business ideas all at once — Notion AI might be your secret weapon. It’s more than a note-taking app; it’s an all-in-one workspace that helps you systemize your money-making activities.
What Is Notion AI?
Notion is a powerful productivity platform that recently integrated AI features. It helps you write, edit, summarize, and organize your projects, goals, and content — all inside one customizable workspace.
How It Makes You Money:
- Create & Sell Templates – Build and sell custom Notion templates for budgeting, content planning, or project management
- Freelance Project Management – Use it to manage client work and deliver professional reports and timelines
- Content Planning – Organize your blog ideas, editorial calendar, and publishing schedule in one place
- Business Automation – Set up databases, track income streams, and automate repetitive planning tasks
🆓 Free Alternative:
Notion’s free plan is already incredibly powerful and now includes some AI features. You can build a full business management system without paying a dime.
Pricing:
Free plan available; Notion AI add-on is $10/month per member
Best For:
Organized creators, freelancers, students, and startup founders who want a central hub for their ideas, tasks, and business growth.
🎯 Let’s Wrap This Up & Get You Started
Alright, we’ve walked through five solid AI tools that can actually help you make money — no fluff, no “get rich overnight” nonsense. Just real tools, with real potential.
Whether you start with something free like DeepSeek AI or jump into a pro tool like Midjourney, the goal is the same: to work smarter, not harder.
Here’s My Advice:
- Don’t try to learn everything at once. Pick just one tool that feels right for you right now.
- Get comfortable with it. Play around. Make mistakes. That’s how you learn.
- Once you’ve got the hang of it, think about how you can help someone else with it. That’s where the real opportunity is.
You don’t need to be a tech genius or have a huge budget to start. You just need to start.
I started exactly where you are now — curious, a little unsure, but willing to try. And that made all the difference.