Every tool we've tested

QuickBooks Online

by Intuit

$35/mo Simple Start (US); promotional discounts common

The accounting software your accountant almost certainly uses — but is it right for you? Here's who should pick QBO and who should start somewhere simpler.

ConvertKit

by Kit

Free up to 10

The creator-focused email marketing tool that's eaten Mailchimp's lunch with writers, newsletter operators, and course sellers. Here's when it's the right pick.

Mailchimp

by Intuit Mailchimp

Free up to 500 contacts

The default email marketing tool for small business — but the pricing cliff at 2,500 contacts is brutal, and for some verticals you should skip it from day one.

1Password Business

by AgileBits

$19.95/user/mo (Business)

The password manager we recommend to almost every solo operator and small team — here's what works, what doesn't, and when to pick something else.

Notion

by Notion Labs

Free for personal

The all-purpose workspace that most solo operators eventually run their whole business in. Honest about what it's great at and what it isn't.

Notion

by Notion Labs

Free for personal

The all-purpose workspace that most solo operators eventually run their whole business in. Honest about what it's great at and what it isn't.

Calendly

by Calendly

Free for one event type

The scheduling tool everyone uses — sometimes because it's the best, sometimes because it's what clients expect. Here's when to pick it and when to skip.