Freelance developers need more than just coding tools - you're running a business. We surveyed successful freelance developers to find their essential toolkit: from project management to invoicing to client communication.
| Tool | Price | Primary Use | Free Tier | Essential? | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | Free | Project tracking | Yes | Yes | 9.3/10 |
| Notion | Free/$8 | Docs & wiki | Yes | Yes | 9.2/10 |
| Toggl Track | Free/$10 | Time tracking | Yes | Yes | 9.0/10 |
| Stripe | 2.9% | Payments | Pay per use | Yes | 9.4/10 |
| GitHub Copilot | $10/mo | AI coding | No | Recommended | 9.1/10 |
| Loom | Free/$12.50 | Async video | Yes | Recommended | 8.8/10 |
| Calendly | Free/$10 | Scheduling | Yes | Yes | 9.0/10 |
| Bonsai | $24/mo | Contracts | Trial | Nice to have | 8.5/10 |
Linear is the fastest issue tracker and works perfectly for solo developers. Track project tasks, set milestones, and stay organized. Free for individuals makes it a no-brainer.
Notion handles everything else: project docs, meeting notes, client wikis, and proposals. Create client-facing project pages for transparency. The free tier is generous.
Toggl Track is the simplest way to track time. Essential for hourly billing and understanding where your time goes. The free tier covers most freelancer needs.
Stripe handles payments professionally. Send invoices, accept credit cards, and even set up recurring billing. The professional polish makes a difference with clients.
GitHub Copilot accelerates coding with AI suggestions. Write code faster, handle boilerplate, and get help with unfamiliar patterns. The productivity boost is worth $10/month.
Loom lets you record quick video updates for clients. Show your screen while explaining - beats writing long emails. Great for async communication across timezones.
Calendly eliminates scheduling back-and-forth. Share your link and let clients book calls. Essential for discovery calls and project kickoffs.
Bonsai is built specifically for freelancers. Contract templates, proposals, time tracking, and invoicing in one place. Worth it if you want an all-in-one solution.
We surveyed successful freelance developers about their essential tools.
Linear (free) + Notion (free) + Toggl (free) + Calendly (free) + Stripe (pay per use). Complete professional toolkit for under $5/month.
If you want everything in one place and don't want to stitch tools together, yes. If you prefer best-of-breed tools, use the free options above.
Loom for async updates, Calendly for scheduling calls, and Notion for shared project pages.
