Free vs. Paid AI Tools for Students: Are Free Options Enough in 2025?
In 2025, students rely on AI tools more than ever to write essays, organize study schedules, generate ideas, and even prepare for exams. But with so many options available, one key question remains: Are free AI tools enough, or is it worth paying for premium features?
Free AI tools for students are often powerful, offering writing assistance, study support, and productivity help without costing a cent. However, paid AI tools typically unlock advanced features like deeper customization, unlimited usage, plagiarism detection, and more reliable outputs.
This article compares free vs paid AI tools for students, exploring their advantages, limitations, and the best scenarios for each — so you can decide which option truly fits your budget, study habits, and academic goals.
Curious how AI is revolutionizing not just teaching but learning itself? Dive deeper in our main pillar post — AI Tools for Students in 2026: Study Smarter, Not Harder — and discover the smart apps reshaping study habits, note-taking, and student productivity in 2026.
Why Students Use AI Tools in 2025
If you’re a student in 2025, chances are you’ve already used an AI tool this week — maybe even today. From polishing essays at midnight in Boston to generating study flashcards in São Paulo, artificial intelligence has slipped into the daily academic routine almost as naturally as Google search did back in the early 2000s.
But why has AI become such a powerful companion for students this year? The reasons are more practical (and relatable) than you might think.
The Time Crunch Problem
First, there’s the time crunch problem. Students everywhere, whether they’re juggling part-time jobs in Berlin or back-to-back lectures in Chicago, constantly struggle with not having enough hours in the day. AI tools like ChatGPT, Notion AI, or Grammarly have become lifelines. They save precious time by helping draft outlines, summarize dense academic articles, or even check grammar in seconds. Personally, I can’t count how many times I’ve avoided pulling an all-nighter simply because an AI summarizer cut my reading load in half.
Information Overload is Real
Second, the information overload is real. In 2025, the average student has access to more knowledge than entire universities did a century ago. That’s exciting but also overwhelming. AI makes it manageable. Imagine you’re preparing for a thesis in Madrid — instead of sifting through 50 research papers manually, you can use tools like Elicit or Perplexity AI to highlight key findings and even generate a structured literature review. It feels almost like having a personal research assistant, without the $25/hour cost.
AI Tools are Confidence Boosters
Third, AI tools have become confidence boosters. For international students in Toronto or Paris, writing essays in English or French can feel intimidating. Free AI tools that check grammar, suggest vocabulary, or even translate tough phrases make studying abroad less stressful. I remember talking to a Colombian exchange student last semester who said AI writing tools gave her the courage to submit her first essay without constantly second-guessing herself.
"Choosing between free and paid AI tools isn’t just about money — it’s about finding the right balance between features, value, and results."
Productivity and Mental Health Support
Another often-overlooked reason is productivity and mental health. Let’s be honest — university life in 2025 is stressful. Burnout is a common word on campus. AI productivity apps like Motion AI or Todoist AI are helping students manage tasks, set study reminders, and avoid the last-minute panic that comes with poor planning. For me, seeing an AI neatly organize my chaotic schedule into “study blocks” and “breaks” feels like a small win that keeps anxiety at bay.
The Financial Reality (Leveling the Playing Field)
And lastly, let’s not ignore the financial reality. Many students simply can’t afford to pay for tutors or premium academic services. That’s where free AI tools shine. Whether you’re at a public university in Mexico City or attending community college in Dallas, AI levels the playing field. It gives students from different economic backgrounds access to resources that were once reserved for the wealthy — like essay feedback, test prep, or even career coaching.
So, why are students using AI tools in 2025? Because they’re not just “tech toys.” They’re study partners, confidence boosters, and time-savers rolled into one. In my opinion, the real magic is how seamlessly AI has integrated into student life — it doesn’t feel futuristic anymore, it feels normal. The question is no longer “Should I use AI?” but rather “Which AI tool helps me the most today?”
Growth of AI in Education
When we look back at the last decade, the transformation of education by artificial intelligence feels nothing short of dramatic. In 2015, most students were just experimenting with tools like Grammarly for grammar checks or Google Translate for quick translations. Fast forward to 2025, and AI isn’t just an accessory in the classroom — it’s at the heart of how students learn, research, and interact with information.
The numbers tell the story clearly. A 2024 survey by EDUCAUSE revealed that 78% of university students in North America used at least one AI-powered tool weekly, compared to only 22% in 2020. That’s more than tripling adoption in just four years. In Europe, universities in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Barcelona are already running official pilot programs where AI chatbots act as digital teaching assistants, answering student queries 24/7. Even in developing regions like Latin America, the adoption rate is skyrocketing thanks to free tools that work directly on smartphones, which are far more accessible than traditional computers.
But it’s not just about the numbers — it’s about the shift in culture. AI in education is no longer seen as “cheating” or “taking shortcuts.” Instead, schools and universities are beginning to embrace it as an extension of academic skills. Think of it this way: just like calculators once caused controversy in math classes but later became essential, AI writing and research tools are following the same trajectory in 2025.
What fascinates me personally is how AI has made learning more personalized. In the past, professors in London or New York had to design “one-size-fits-all” lectures. Now, platforms like Coursera Plus AI, Duolingo Max, or Khanmigo (Khan Academy’s AI tutor) can adapt lessons to each student’s pace and style. For example, if a student in Montreal struggles with calculus, the AI breaks down the problem step by step until mastery is reached, while another student in the same class might get fast-tracked into advanced problem sets. It feels almost like having a private tutor for every learner in the room — without the hefty $50/hour price tag.
Another undeniable factor fueling growth is the integration of AI into academic infrastructure. Universities in places like San Francisco, Berlin, and Tokyo are embedding AI directly into their Learning Management Systems (LMS). This means students don’t need to jump between apps anymore — their lecture notes, assignments, and even AI-generated study guides live in the same platform. Having tested one of these systems myself, I can say the experience feels seamless, almost like the university itself is “thinking with you.”
Of course, the pandemic years (2020–2022) accelerated this shift. Remote learning forced schools to adopt new technologies quickly, and AI became the natural next step after Zoom fatigue hit. By 2025, it’s clear the education industry is no longer asking if AI should be included in classrooms, but rather how much AI should be included without replacing human guidance.
The emotional takeaway here is powerful: AI hasn’t made students lazier; it’s made them smarter, faster, and more independent learners. From personalized feedback in Toronto classrooms to AI-assisted research in Buenos Aires universities, the growth of AI in education is shaping an era where knowledge is not only more accessible but also more adaptable to individual needs.
In short, AI is no longer the future of education — it is the present reality. And for students, that means the line between technology and learning has blurred into something seamless, supportive, and surprisingly human.
How AI Tools Help with Writing, Studying, and Productivity
If you’ve ever stared at a blank Google Doc at 2 a.m. wondering how to start your essay, you’re not alone. Students worldwide face the same struggles — procrastination, information overload, and the never-ending to-do list. This is exactly where AI tools have stepped in, transforming what used to feel overwhelming into something manageable, and in some cases, even enjoyable.
Let’s break it down.
1. Writing Made Simple
Writing is one of the biggest areas where students rely on AI in 2025. Tools like ChatGPT, GrammarlyGO, and Jasper AI can generate outlines, suggest stronger vocabulary, or even help refine tone depending on the audience (formal essay vs casual blog). I’ve personally tested this during a sociology assignment in Toronto — I asked ChatGPT to give me three possible thesis statements, then refined them myself. It didn’t just save me time, it helped me think in new directions I hadn’t considered.
The biggest game-changer? AI feedback feels instant. No waiting two weeks for a professor’s comments. Students can paste an essay draft into an AI tool and get suggestions for clarity, flow, and grammar within seconds. That immediate feedback loop is why so many students say their writing confidence has grown in the last two years.
2. Studying Smarter, Not Harder
AI doesn’t just help you write — it helps you learn. Platforms like Quizlet AI, Notion AI, and Khanmigo are turning static notes into dynamic study aids. For example, AI can transform a 20-page lecture note into flashcards or quizzes instantly. Imagine prepping for finals in Madrid: instead of manually rewriting your notes into study guides, you just feed them into the tool, and voilà — you’ve got personalized practice questions.
One of my favorite use cases is summarization tools. Apps like Perplexity AI or Elicit digest dense journal articles and spit out key takeaways. I once used Elicit to summarize five research papers on climate change in under an hour — something that would have taken me days if done manually.
3. Productivity & Time Management
This is where AI feels almost like a life coach for students. Apps like Motion AI, Todoist AI, and Notion Calendar don’t just track tasks; they actively schedule your day based on priorities. Let’s say you’re in Berlin with three assignments, a part-time shift, and gym time squeezed into one day. Instead of stressing, AI maps it out for you: “Work on essay from 9–11, shift from 12–5, gym at 6.” It’s like having a personal assistant whispering, “Relax, I’ve got this covered.”
Beyond scheduling, AI helps with focus management. Tools like Otter.ai record and summarize lectures, so you can focus on listening instead of frantically typing notes. That reduces the mental load and frees up energy for actual learning.
The Emotional Impact
What’s surprising is how much lighter studying feels when AI takes over the “boring” parts. Students report less stress and more time for creativity. A friend of mine studying in Boston told me she no longer dreads reading 60-page journal articles because she knows an AI assistant can break them down in under 10 minutes. Personally, I find myself less anxious about deadlines because AI keeps me on track — and that peace of mind is priceless in student life.
In Short:
- AI writing tools = Brainstorming partner + Instant editor
- AI study tools = Research buddy + Flashcard generator
- AI productivity tools = Smart planner + Stress reducer
AI in 2025 isn’t just about better grades. It’s about better balance — helping students write confidently, study efficiently, and live without burning out.
Paid AI Tools for Students
While free AI tools are surprisingly powerful in 2025, there comes a point when students start asking: “Is it worth paying for premium features?” For many, the answer is yes — especially when deadlines are brutal, research gets complex, or plagiarism detection becomes non-negotiable. Paid AI tools aren’t just “better versions” of free ones; they often unlock features that can genuinely make or break academic success.
Benefits of Investing in Premium AI Tools
The main reason students upgrade is to break past the limitations of free plans. Paid AI subscriptions typically offer:
- Unlimited usage: No frustrating daily caps. Imagine prepping a thesis in Paris without worrying about hitting your free prompt limit halfway through.
- Plagiarism detection: Essential for essays and research papers, especially with stricter academic honesty rules in 2025.
- Deeper research insights: Premium tools often access more advanced databases and produce richer summaries.
- Advanced writing help: Beyond fixing grammar, they suggest structure improvements, clarity boosts, and citation checks.
- Smoother integrations: Paid tools often plug directly into Word, Google Docs, or learning platforms.
I’ll admit, I wasn’t a fan of paying at first. But when I upgraded to Grammarly Premium during my exchange semester in London, the difference was obvious. My essays weren’t just “error-free” — they flowed better, sounded more academic, and even got me a compliment from a notoriously strict professor.
Key Features Available Only in Paid Plans
Here’s what makes premium subscriptions stand out:
- Plagiarism checkers (Grammarly Premium, Turnitin Student): Instantly flagging copied content.
- Unlimited queries (ChatGPT Plus, Perplexity Pro): No hard caps on prompts or searches.
- Priority access: Faster speeds even during peak hours — crucial when everyone’s cramming before finals.
- Advanced study insights (Notion AI Pro, Quizlet Plus): Personalized study schedules and detailed practice modes.
- File uploads & analysis (ChatGPT Plus, Elicit Pro): Upload PDFs, research papers, or lecture notes and get instant breakdowns.
Best Paid AI Tools for Students in 2025
Here are some of the most trusted premium options students are investing in:
- ChatGPT Plus (OpenAI)
Price: $20/month
Why students use it: Access to GPT-5-level reasoning, file uploads, faster response times, and fewer limitations. Ideal for research-heavy courses. - Grammarly Premium
Price: $12/month (student discounts available)
Features: Advanced grammar checks, tone detection, plagiarism scanning, citation help. Perfect for essay-heavy degrees. - Perplexity Pro
Price: $20/month
Features: Unlimited searches, academic sources with citations, integration with real-time web data. A favorite for thesis research. - Elicit Pro
Price: $15/month
Features: AI-powered literature reviews, PDF uploads, structured research insights. A lifesaver for dissertations. - Notion AI Plus
Price: $10/month
Features: Unlimited note summarization, project management, study organization. Perfect for multitaskers managing several courses. - Turnitin Student (Premium License)
Price: Varies by institution, often $25–50 per semester
Features: Best-in-class plagiarism detection and originality reports, widely recognized by universities.
Why Students Pay (Even on Tight Budgets)
I spoke with a law student in Boston who pays for ChatGPT Plus because she uploads legal PDFs and gets complex arguments simplified in minutes. A friend in Berlin swears by Perplexity Pro because it helped her finish a 70-page master’s thesis without getting lost in sources. Personally, I pay for Grammarly Premium during exam-heavy months — it’s like paying a proofreader a fraction of the cost.
The bottom line? Paid AI tools in 2025 aren’t luxuries anymore. For serious students, they’re investments that save time, reduce stress, and often pay for themselves in better grades and fewer late-night meltdowns.
Free vs Paid AI Tools: Key Comparisons
Students often ask me, “Are free tools enough, or do I really need to pay?” The truth is, both free and paid AI tools have their place. It’s not just about money — it’s about what stage you’re at in your studies and what kind of academic challenges you’re facing. Let’s unpack this with some real comparisons.
Writing and Editing Support
Free tools like Grammarly Free and ChatGPT (basic) do a solid job catching grammar errors and generating quick essay ideas. If you’re just writing short assignments or personal reflections, this is more than enough.
Paid plans, however, go deeper. Grammarly Premium analyzes tone, style, and even detects plagiarism. ChatGPT Plus helps refine thesis statements, structure complex essays, and even format citations. When I used Grammarly Premium for a 15-page literature review in London, the difference was night and day — my paper not only read smoother but also passed the plagiarism scan without issues.
Research and Plagiarism Detection
Free tools like Perplexity AI (basic) or Elicit Free provide quick summaries and source overviews, which are perfect for undergrads juggling multiple classes.
Paid tools like Elicit Pro or Turnitin Student are where things get serious. Upload a full PDF, run plagiarism detection, and get structured insights for complex academic research. If you’re in grad school in Berlin or working on a thesis in Chicago, these features aren’t just “nice-to-have” — they’re lifesavers.
Productivity and Study Management
Free versions of Notion AI or Quizlet are great for turning notes into flashcards or organizing assignments. Personally, I love using Notion Free to keep my weekly schedule clean and color-coded.
Paid productivity tools like Notion AI Plus or Motion AI Premium actually plan your week for you — moving deadlines around, prioritizing tasks, and even inserting rest breaks. One engineering student I know in São Paulo said Motion AI Pro saved his semester by scheduling study time around his part-time job automatically.
Cost-Effectiveness for Students
Here’s the tricky part. Free tools are unbeatable for everyday use and casual assignments. But paid tools can save hours during critical periods like thesis season, finals, or major research projects. I often compare it to cooking: free tools give you the ingredients, but paid tools feel like hiring a chef who preps everything for you.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Free AI Tools (2025) | Paid AI Tools (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Writing Support | Basic grammar, idea generation | Advanced editing, tone/style analysis, plagiarism checks |
| Research Assistance | Article summaries, quick citations | Deep research, PDF uploads, structured insights |
| Productivity & Task Management | Note-taking, basic flashcards | Auto-scheduling, advanced study plans, integrations |
| Usage Limits | Daily/monthly caps | Unlimited usage |
| Cost | $0 | $10–$25/month (on average) |
| Best For | Everyday homework, casual study | Thesis, research papers, heavy academic load |
Which Should You Choose as a Student?
This is the big question every student eventually asks: “Should I stick with free AI tools, or is it worth paying for premium?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all — it depends on your study habits, budget, and academic goals. Let’s break it down.
When Free Tools Are Enough
If you’re an undergraduate juggling general coursework, free tools are often more than enough. For example:
- Essay writing: Grammarly Free and ChatGPT Free can catch typos, polish sentences, and even brainstorm ideas.
- Studying for exams: Quizlet AI Free can generate flashcards, while Notion AI Free helps keep notes organized.
- Research basics: Perplexity Free or Elicit Free give quick summaries and citations.
From my experience in my early years of university in Toronto, I rarely paid for AI tools. Free apps carried me through most homework, essays, and even group projects. If your main goal is to stay on top of deadlines without spending money, free tools are your best friend.
When Paid Tools Make a Difference
There comes a point where free tools hit a ceiling. If you’re:
- Writing a senior thesis or dissertation,
- Submitting essays to strict plagiarism-checking systems,
- Handling dense research papers regularly,
- Or simply overwhelmed with time management,
…then upgrading is worth every penny. Tools like ChatGPT Plus, Grammarly Premium, or Elicit Pro provide deeper insights, unlimited usage, and advanced features that free versions just can’t match.
A student I met in Berlin upgraded to Perplexity Pro while finishing her master’s thesis — she said it cut her research time in half. I had a similar moment when I upgraded Grammarly for a capstone paper: the plagiarism detection alone saved me from hours of rewriting and re-checking citations.
How to Combine Both for Maximum Benefit
The smartest students I know don’t choose only free or only paid — they use both strategically:
- Use free tools daily for small tasks: essay outlines, grammar fixes, quick research.
- Subscribe to premium tools only during high-stakes periods like thesis season, finals, or when writing major assignments.
- Mix and match: For example, use ChatGPT Free for brainstorming, but run the final draft through Grammarly Premium for plagiarism and style checks.
Think of it like gym memberships: you don’t need the premium package year-round, but during training season, it’s worth investing in.
My Recommendation
If you’re a student in 2025, start with free tools. See how far they take you. When you start feeling bottlenecked — hitting daily limits, needing plagiarism checks, or struggling with complex research — that’s the sign to upgrade. Personally, I keep one subscription (Grammarly Premium) active during heavy essay months and cancel it once I’m through. That way, I get the best of both worlds without draining my budget.
Tips for Maximizing AI Tools Without Overspending
AI tools in 2025 are powerful, but let’s be real — subscriptions can add up quickly. Between Spotify, Netflix, and maybe even that gym membership you barely use, the last thing students want is another monthly bill. The good news? You can still enjoy the full benefits of AI without burning through your budget. Here are some tried-and-true tips (many of which I personally use).
Mixing Free and Paid Tools Smartly
You don’t need to subscribe to every tool out there. Instead, create a hybrid system:
- Use free AI tools for daily needs like brainstorming, note-taking, and basic grammar checks.
- Subscribe to one premium tool at a time during crunch periods (finals, thesis deadlines). For example, I used ChatGPT Plus during my thesis month in London, then paused it afterward.
- Pair tools wisely: ChatGPT Free for idea generation + Grammarly Premium for polishing is a killer combo.
Avoiding Dependency While Still Benefiting from AI
Here’s something professors always warn about: don’t let AI think for you. The best way to avoid dependency is to use AI as a helper, not a replacement.
- Draft your ideas first, then run them through AI for improvements.
- Use AI to explain confusing concepts, but try solving problems yourself before asking.
Remember: exams are often offline. If you lean too heavily on AI, you may struggle when tech isn’t available.
I’ve found that when I write a rough outline on my own and then feed it into ChatGPT, I learn far more than if I asked AI to just “write the essay.” The goal is growth, not shortcuts.
Student Discounts and Budget-Friendly Hacks
This is one of my favorite parts — because yes, there are hacks!
- Student Discounts: Grammarly, Notion, and many other AI tools offer 20–50% off for students. Always check with your university email.
- Family or Group Plans: Some tools (like Notion AI Plus) allow multiple users under one plan. Splitting costs with friends in Madrid or Boston makes it super affordable.
- Seasonal Freebies: Around back-to-school season (August/September) and finals (December/May), many AI companies offer free trials or discounts. I scored a free month of Perplexity Pro last year just by signing up during finals week.
- Library & University Access: Some schools in Europe and North America now provide free Turnitin or Elicit Pro access through their library systems. Ask your librarian — you’d be surprised what’s already covered in tuition.
- Rotate Subscriptions: Subscribe to Grammarly Premium one month, then switch to ChatGPT Plus the next. That way, you experience multiple premium tools without paying for all at once.
Mindset Shift: Think of AI as an Investment, Not Just a Cost
Instead of asking, “Can I afford this tool?” ask, “How much time and stress will it save me?”
- If a $12 Grammarly subscription saves you from failing plagiarism checks, it’s worth it.
- If ChatGPT Plus helps you finish assignments faster, that’s more time for part-time work or rest.
When I calculated it, the $20/month I spent on ChatGPT Plus during thesis season saved me at least 10 hours a week. If I value my time at even $10/hour, that’s $400 saved in a month. Suddenly, $20 feels like a bargain.
In Summary
- Start free, upgrade only when necessary.
- Avoid over-relying on AI — let it enhance, not replace, your learning.
- Leverage student discounts, group plans, and free trials to save money.
- Treat paid AI tools as an academic investment rather than just another subscription.
AI is here to help, not to bankrupt you. With the right mix of strategy and discipline, you can enjoy all the perks without the financial stress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before wrapping up, let’s answer some of the most common student questions about free vs paid AI tools in 2025.
Free vs. Paid AI Tools for Students
Yes — free AI tools are surprisingly powerful. Tools like ChatGPT Free, Google Gemini Basic, and Notion AI Free give you brainstorming help, summaries, and grammar support without spending a cent. For everyday homework and note-taking, free versions are more than enough.
Paid AI tools unlock advanced features like plagiarism detection, unlimited daily usage, detailed research support, and priority access. For example, Grammarly Premium catches citation errors free tools miss, and Perplexity Pro provides source-backed research that’s crucial for academic papers.
Not fully. Free tools can help with writing and checking grammar, but plagiarism detection is usually locked behind paywalls. Universities often run strict plagiarism scans, so relying only on free tools may leave you at risk of unintentional mistakes.
It depends on your needs. Free tools are cost-effective for daily studying and small assignments. Paid tools become cost-effective when they save you time on big projects, prevent plagiarism issues, or reduce stress during exams. Think of them as short-term investments for high-stakes work.
Absolutely. The best approach is combining them. For example: use ChatGPT Free for brainstorming, then Grammarly Premium for plagiarism checks. This hybrid method gives you the best of both worlds — cost savings plus professional-level support when you need it.
Author’s Review
After testing both free and paid AI tools throughout 2024 and into 2025, I can confidently say that free versions are surprisingly powerful for daily student needs. However, when it comes to advanced academic work — like plagiarism detection, unlimited research, and citation accuracy — paid options can make a world of difference. Here’s my honest breakdown:
Free AI Tools – Accessibility & Value: ★★★★★
Review: Free AI tools are excellent for students on a budget. They provide writing help, summaries, and basic study support at no cost. I often used ChatGPT Free while commuting in Toronto or Notion AI Free for quick notes in class, and they worked seamlessly for lightweight tasks.
Paid AI Tools – Advanced Features: ★★★★★
Review: Premium versions unlock plagiarism checks, advanced grammar insights, citation accuracy, and higher usage limits. Tools like Grammarly Premium and Perplexity Pro saved me hours when working on research-heavy essays in London. They’re ideal for students dealing with complex or high-stakes assignments.
Ease of Use: ★★★★★
Review: Both free and paid tools are user-friendly, but paid versions usually have smoother integrations, better customer support, and fewer daily restrictions. For example, I loved Grammarly Premium’s seamless Google Docs integration, which free tools couldn’t fully match.
Cost-Effectiveness: ★★★★★
Review: Free tools win for budget-conscious students, no doubt. But investing in one or two paid tools during exam season can actually save time, reduce stress, and improve grades — which feels priceless when deadlines are tight.
Overall Student Experience: ★★★★★
Review: Free tools are great for everyday assignments, while paid tools give you a professional academic edge. The smartest move is combining both depending on your study goals and budget.
Conclusion
Why Students Use AI Tools in 2025 comes down to three things: convenience, productivity, and smarter studying. Free tools cover the basics beautifully, while paid tools step in when academic stakes get higher.
From my own experience — whether working on quick essays in Boston or grinding through a thesis in London — I’ve found that free AI tools are perfect for daily study needs, but paid AI tools shine during crunch time. The key isn’t to choose one over the other blindly. Instead, think of AI as part of your academic toolkit: free for the routine, premium for the pressure.
Three main points to remember:
- Free AI tools are powerful enough for brainstorming: summaries, and everyday writing.
- Paid AI tools bring advanced features: like plagiarism detection, unlimited usage, and professional research support.
- The smartest students mix both: using free tools most of the time and upgrading strategically when deadlines or major projects hit.
My tip? Don’t see AI as a crutch. See it as a co-pilot. Start with free options, upgrade when needed, and always use your own brain first. That way, you’ll not only save money but also actually learn — and that’s the real goal.
So, should you go free or paid? The answer is simple: both, but wisely. Free for everyday studying, paid for the moments that matter most.
👉 If you found this article helpful, share it with a fellow student — because let’s be honest, everyone in 2025 could use a little AI boost to survive the semester!