AI Tools for Managers

The handful of AI tools worth a manager’s time, sorted by your week. Free plans first, and nobody paid to be on this list.

13 toolsFree plans checked 6 Oct 2026No paid placements

What takes up your week?

Free plans and prices read on each tool’s own pricing page on 6 October 2026. Plans change often, so check before you buy.

If you only try three

Copilot Chat or ChatGPT for writing (use the one your workplace approves), Fathom for meeting notes, and Gemini Notebook for briefing packs. All three are genuinely free.

Which tools fit how you work?Five AI working styles, two minutes, a free result. See where AI fits your work, and what you should never hand over.Take the free AI quiz →

Got the tool? Get the prompt for your next 1:1 or hard conversation.

How to choose an AI tool as a manager

  1. Start with your biggest time drain, not the newest tool. For most managers that is meetings, then writing.
  2. Use what your workplace approves. If your company gives you Copilot or Gemini, start there: it is usually the approved route for work information.
  3. Stay on the free plan until you hit the limit more than once. Most managers need three tools, not thirteen.

Once you have the tool, the free AI prompts for managers give you the right prompt for a 1:1, feedback or a hard conversation, and let you practise it first.

Questions

What is the best free AI tool for managers?

For writing and email, Microsoft Copilot Chat or ChatGPT on their free plans. For meeting notes, Fathom, whose free plan includes unlimited recordings and AI summaries. For briefing packs, Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM). Start with whichever your workplace already approves.

Is it safe to put work information into AI tools?

Follow your organisation’s rules first. Use roles instead of names, and leave out anything private such as health, pay or disciplinary details. Workplace versions such as Microsoft 365 Copilot are usually the approved route for company information.

Do you take paid placements or affiliate fees?

No. Nobody pays to be listed, and the links go straight to each tool’s own site.

How up to date are the prices?

Each free plan and starting price was read on the tool’s own pricing page on 6 October 2026. Some tools only show US dollar prices. Plans change often, so check the tool’s site before you buy.

This list is independent and for information only. Prices and free plans are as shown on each provider’s site on the date above and may change.