Author: fsneves

  • Best AI Voice Generators (2026): ElevenLabs vs Murf AI vs Speechify

    Disclosure: Pickzy is reader-supported. If you buy through a link on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

    AI voice generators have become good enough to narrate YouTube videos, audiobooks, online courses and ads with voices that sound genuinely human. But the tools differ a lot in realism, pricing models and licensing. We compared the leading options so you can pick the right one for your projects. Prices were checked in October 2026 — always confirm on the official sites.

    Our top picks at a glance

    • Best overall (most realistic): ElevenLabs — expressive voices, voice cloning, dubbing, from ~$6/month
    • Best for video voiceover workflows: Murf AI — studio editor that syncs voice with video and slides
    • Best for listening and quick narration: Speechify — popular reader app with voiceover tools

    Comparison table

    ToolFree planPaid fromCommercial useBest for
    ElevenLabs~10,000 credits/mo~$6/moPaid plansRealistic narration, cloning, dubbing
    Murf AI10 minutes (no downloads)~$19/mo billed annuallyPaid plansVideo and presentation voiceovers
    SpeechifyLimited free tierCheck official siteCheck license termsListening and simple voiceovers

    1. ElevenLabs — best overall

    ElevenLabs produces some of the most natural, emotionally expressive AI voices available. It supports dozens of languages, instant and professional voice cloning, AI dubbing, a large community voice library, long-form projects for audiobooks, and an API for developers. Its credit system means heavy users need higher plans, and the free plan cannot be used commercially.

    • ✅ Best-in-class realism, cloning and multilingual dubbing
    • ✅ Affordable Starter plan with commercial license
    • ❌ Credits can run out quickly on long projects

    Read our full ElevenLabs review →

    2. Murf AI — best for video voiceovers

    Murf AI is built around a studio editor where you can line up narration with video, images and slides, adjust pitch and emphasis, and add background music. That makes it convenient for explainer videos, training materials and presentations. Its plans are time-based (hours of voice generation per year) rather than credit-based, and voice cloning is reserved for the Enterprise tier.

    • ✅ Excellent all-in-one studio for video and presentations
    • ✅ Predictable time-based limits
    • ❌ Free plan doesn’t allow downloads; cloning only on Enterprise

    3. Speechify — best for listening and simple narration

    Speechify is best known as a text-to-speech reader app that turns documents, articles and PDFs into audio, which is popular with students and busy professionals. It also offers voiceover tools for creators. If your main goal is listening to content faster, it’s a strong choice; for professional narration, ElevenLabs or Murf usually offer more control.

    • ✅ Great reading app across devices
    • ❌ Fewer pro production features than dedicated voiceover tools

    How to choose

    • You want the most human-sounding voice or need cloning/dubbing: ElevenLabs
    • You produce explainer videos, slides or training content: Murf AI
    • You mostly want to listen to text: Speechify

    Important: licensing and ethics

    If you plan to publish or monetize audio (YouTube, ads, audiobooks), use a paid plan that includes a commercial license. And never clone a voice without the owner’s explicit consent — it violates these platforms’ terms and may be illegal.

    FAQ

    What is the most realistic AI voice generator?

    In most comparisons, ElevenLabs is considered the most natural-sounding, especially for expressive narration.

    Can I use AI voices on YouTube?

    Yes, as long as your plan includes commercial rights and you follow YouTube’s policies on disclosing synthetic content where required.

    Is there a completely free AI voice generator?

    Most tools offer limited free plans for testing, but commercial use generally requires a paid plan.

  • Best Email Marketing Platforms for Creators (2026): Kit vs Brevo vs beehiiv vs MailerLite

    Disclosure: Pickzy is reader-supported. If you buy through a link on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

    Choosing an email platform is one of the most important decisions a creator makes: your list is the audience you actually own. We compared the most popular options for bloggers, newsletter writers, YouTubers and course creators on price, free plans, automation and monetization. Prices were checked in October 2026 — always confirm on each official site.

    Our top picks at a glance

    • Best overall for creators: Kit — easy automations, digital product sales, free up to 10,000 subscribers
    • Best for large lists on a budget: Brevo — priced by emails sent, unlimited contacts
    • Best for newsletter publishers: beehiiv — ad network, referrals and 0% cut on paid subscriptions
    • Best simple, affordable option: MailerLite — clean editor and low starting prices

    Comparison table

    PlatformFree planPaid fromBest for
    KitUp to 10,000 subscribers~$39/mo (1,000 subs)Creators selling digital products
    BrevoUnlimited contacts, 300 emails/day~$9/moLarge lists, small businesses
    beehiivUp to 2,500 subscribers~$43/mo (annual)Newsletter publishers
    MailerLiteUp to 250 subscribers, 2,500 emails/moLow monthly starting priceSimple, budget-friendly campaigns

    1. Kit — best overall for creators

    Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is built specifically for creators. Its free plan supports up to 10,000 subscribers with unlimited emails, its visual automation builder is one of the easiest to use, and you can sell digital products and paid newsletters directly. It becomes expensive as your list grows, and email designs are intentionally simple.

    • ✅ Huge free plan, easy automations, built-in commerce
    • ❌ Gets pricey at large list sizes

    Read our full Kit review →

    2. Brevo — best for large lists on a budget

    Brevo charges by the number of emails you send, not the number of contacts, so it can be dramatically cheaper for big lists that you email a few times a month. It also includes SMS, WhatsApp, transactional email and a simple CRM. Automations and landing pages require the Standard plan.

    • ✅ Unlimited contacts, very affordable, multichannel
    • ❌ Free plan capped at 300 emails/day

    See how Brevo compares with Kit →

    3. beehiiv — best for newsletter publishers

    beehiiv is designed for people who run a newsletter as a media business. Its paid plans include an ad network, a referral program, automations, and paid subscriptions with no platform cut (only Stripe fees). The free Launch plan supports up to 2,500 subscribers but excludes monetization features.

    • ✅ Built-in ad network and growth tools, 0% take rate on paid subscriptions
    • ❌ Monetization requires a paid plan; less suited to complex product funnels

    4. MailerLite — best simple, affordable option

    MailerLite is known for its clean drag-and-drop editor, landing pages and fair pricing. In 2026 it restructured its plans (Free, Comfort, Power and Enterprise) and reduced its free plan to 250 subscribers and 2,500 emails per month, so it’s now better for testing than for long-term free use.

    • ✅ Easy to use, good design tools, affordable paid plans
    • ❌ Smaller free plan than before

    How to choose

    • You sell courses, ebooks or coaching: Kit
    • You have a big list and a tight budget: Brevo
    • Your newsletter is the product and you want ad revenue: beehiiv
    • You want a simple, nice-looking tool for occasional campaigns: MailerLite

    FAQ

    Which email platform is best for beginners?

    Kit and MailerLite are the easiest to learn. Kit has the bigger free plan for growing an audience.

    Can I switch platforms later?

    Yes. All of these let you export your subscribers as a CSV file, and several offer free migration help.

    Do I need a website to start?

    No. All four include sign-up forms or landing pages, so you can start collecting subscribers before you have a website.

  • ElevenLabs Review (2026): The Most Realistic AI Voice Generator?

    Disclosure: Pickzy is reader-supported. If you buy through a link on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

    ElevenLabs is widely considered one of the most realistic AI voice generators available. Creators use it for YouTube voiceovers, audiobooks, podcasts, course narration, video dubbing and conversational AI agents. In this review we explain what ElevenLabs does, how its credit-based pricing works, its strengths and limitations, and who should use it. Prices were checked in October 2026 — always confirm on the official pricing page.

    Quick verdict

    ElevenLabs offers some of the most natural-sounding AI voices on the market, with strong voice cloning and support for dozens of languages. The Starter plan is an affordable entry point with a commercial license, and Creator is the sweet spot for regular content production. The main downsides are the credit system, which can run out fast on long projects, and the need to use voice cloning responsibly.

    • Best for: YouTubers, podcasters, course creators, authors, marketers and developers
    • Free plan: about 10,000 credits/month (non-commercial)
    • Paid plans: from about $6/month

    What is ElevenLabs?

    ElevenLabs is an AI audio platform. Its core feature is text-to-speech: you paste text, choose a voice and generate lifelike narration. It also offers voice cloning, a large voice library, speech-to-text, AI dubbing into other languages, sound effects, and tools for building voice-based AI agents. Developers can access everything through an API.

    ElevenLabs pricing (2026)

    PlanPrice/monthCredits/monthCommercial useVoice cloning
    Free$0~10,000No (attribution required)—
    Starter~$6~30,000YesInstant
    Creator~$22~121,000YesProfessional
    Pro~$99~600,000YesProfessional
    Scale~$299~1,800,000YesProfessional
    Business~$990~6,000,000YesProfessional

    Credits are consumed based on the amount of text you generate and the model you use — roughly one credit per character on the standard high-quality models, with faster/lighter models using fewer credits. Exact audio length per credit varies with the voice and pacing. Annual billing and occasional first-month discounts can lower the price.

    Key features

    Realistic text-to-speech

    ElevenLabs voices handle intonation, pauses and emotion better than most competitors. You can tweak stability, style and similarity to get more expressive or more consistent delivery.

    Voice cloning

    Instant Voice Cloning (Starter and up) creates a voice from a short sample. Professional Voice Cloning (Creator and up) uses longer, high-quality recordings for a near-identical clone. You must have the rights and consent to clone any voice — ElevenLabs includes verification steps and safeguards to prevent misuse.

    Multilingual voices and dubbing

    Generate speech in dozens of languages and automatically dub videos while preserving the original speaker’s voice — great for reaching international audiences.

    Voice Library

    Browse thousands of community-created voices for different styles, accents and use cases.

    Projects (long-form audio)

    Ideal for audiobooks and long scripts: organize chapters, adjust pronunciation and regenerate specific paragraphs.

    Conversational AI and API

    Developers can build real-time voice agents and integrate text-to-speech into apps using the API.

    Pros and cons

    Pros

    • Among the most natural, expressive AI voices available
    • Affordable entry plan with a commercial license
    • Powerful voice cloning (instant and professional)
    • Dozens of languages and AI dubbing
    • Large voice library and long-form tools
    • Robust API for developers

    Cons

    • Credits can run out quickly on long projects
    • Free plan can’t be used commercially
    • Professional cloning requires the Creator plan or higher
    • Occasional mispronunciations need manual fixes
    • Voice cloning raises ethical considerations — always get consent

    ElevenLabs vs. alternatives

    • vs. Murf.ai: Murf is built around a video/voiceover studio; ElevenLabs generally sounds more natural.
    • vs. Play.ht: similar features; ElevenLabs is often preferred for voice quality.
    • vs. built-in TTS (Google, Microsoft): cheaper at scale for developers but less expressive for content creators.

    Who should use ElevenLabs?

    Great for: faceless YouTube channels, podcast intros, e-learning courses, audiobooks, ad voiceovers, translating videos for new markets and developers building voice apps.

    Not ideal for: very high-volume narration on a tight budget (credit costs add up), or anyone hoping to clone someone else’s voice without permission.

    Which plan should you choose?

    • Free: to test voices and quality
    • Starter (~$6): occasional short voiceovers with a commercial license
    • Creator (~$22): regular YouTube/podcast creators who need more credits and professional cloning
    • Pro and up: agencies, audiobook production and businesses

    FAQ

    Is ElevenLabs free?

    Yes, there is a free plan with about 10,000 credits per month, but it requires attribution and doesn’t include a commercial license.

    Can I use ElevenLabs voices on YouTube?

    Yes, on paid plans, which include a commercial license. Check ElevenLabs’ terms for current details.

    Is voice cloning legal?

    Cloning your own voice, or a voice you have explicit permission to use, is allowed. Cloning someone else’s voice without consent violates ElevenLabs’ terms and may be illegal.

    Final verdict

    ElevenLabs sets the standard for realistic AI voices. Start with the free plan to test voices, then move to Starter or Creator once you’re producing content regularly. For most creators, Creator offers the best balance of credits, features and price.

  • monday.com Review (2026): Pricing, Pros, Cons and Who It’s For

    Disclosure: Pickzy is reader-supported. If you buy through a link on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

    monday.com is one of the best-known work management platforms, used by teams to plan projects, track tasks and automate repetitive work. Its colorful boards are easy to pick up, but its seat-based pricing can be confusing. In this review we cover what monday.com does, how much it really costs, its strengths and weaknesses, and who it’s best for. Prices were checked in October 2026 — always confirm on the official site.

    Quick verdict

    monday.com is one of the most user-friendly and flexible project management tools for small and mid-sized teams. It’s visual, highly customizable and packed with integrations and automations. The main drawbacks are the 3-seat minimum on paid plans and the fact that key features like automations and time tracking are reserved for higher tiers.

    • Best for: small to mid-sized teams, agencies, marketing and operations teams
    • Free plan: up to 2 seats
    • Paid plans: from about $9 per seat/month (annual), minimum 3 seats

    What is monday.com?

    monday.com is a cloud-based “Work OS” where you organize work on boards made of items (rows) and columns (status, owner, date, priority, etc.). You can view the same data as a table, Kanban, Gantt chart, calendar or dashboard. Beyond general project management, the company also offers specialized products such as monday CRM and monday dev.

    monday.com pricing (2026)

    PlanPrice per seat (annual)Price per seat (monthly)Highlights
    Free$0$0Up to 2 seats, basic boards
    Basic~$9~$12Unlimited items, prioritized support, dashboard per board
    Standard~$12~$15Timeline & Gantt views, ~250 automations/month, integrations
    Pro~$19~$24Time tracking, formulas, private boards, ~25,000 automations/month
    EnterpriseCustomCustomAdvanced security, governance and reporting

    Important: paid plans are sold in seat bundles with a minimum of 3 seats, so the cheapest paid option is roughly $27/month on annual billing. Annual billing saves around 18% compared with monthly. Plans now also include a monthly allowance of AI credits.

    For most small teams, Standard is the sweet spot because it unlocks timeline views, automations and integrations.

    Key features

    Flexible boards and views

    Create boards for anything — content calendars, client projects, sprints, hiring pipelines. Switch between table, Kanban, timeline, calendar and Gantt views with one click.

    Automations

    Set up “when this happens, do that” recipes without code — for example, notify a teammate when a status changes or move an item when a date arrives. Monthly automation limits depend on your plan.

    Integrations

    monday.com connects with popular tools like Slack, Gmail, Outlook, Google Drive, Zoom, Jira and HubSpot, so updates flow between your apps.

    Dashboards and reporting

    Dashboards pull data from multiple boards to show workload, progress and budgets at a glance — very useful for managers.

    Templates and AI

    Hundreds of ready-made templates help you get started quickly, and built-in AI features can help summarize updates, generate tasks and draft content.

    Pros and cons

    Pros

    • Very intuitive and visual — teams adopt it quickly
    • Highly customizable for almost any workflow
    • Strong automations and integrations on Standard and Pro
    • Excellent templates and dashboards
    • Good mobile apps

    Cons

    • 3-seat minimum on paid plans
    • Costs rise quickly as you add seats
    • Free plan is very limited
    • Time tracking and advanced features only on Pro
    • Can feel overwhelming if you over-customize

    monday.com vs. alternatives

    • monday.com vs. Asana: Asana is more task-focused; monday.com is more visual and customizable.
    • monday.com vs. ClickUp: ClickUp packs more features at a lower price but is harder to learn.
    • monday.com vs. Trello: Trello is simpler and cheaper for basic Kanban; monday.com scales better for teams.

    Who should use monday.com?

    Choose monday.com if you manage a team of three or more, want a visual and easy-to-adopt tool, and need automations, integrations and dashboards.

    Look elsewhere if you’re a solo user (the 3-seat minimum makes paid plans less cost-effective) or you only need a simple to-do list.

    FAQ

    Is monday.com free?

    Yes, there is a free plan for up to 2 seats with basic features. Paid plans offer a free trial.

    Why do I have to pay for 3 seats?

    monday.com sells paid plans in seat buckets, starting at 3 seats. Even if you are only one or two people, you pay for the minimum bucket.

    Which plan is best for small businesses?

    Standard is usually the best value because it adds automations, integrations and timeline/Gantt views.

    Final verdict

    monday.com is a polished, flexible work management platform that most teams can learn in a day. If you have a team of three or more and want visual project tracking with automations, it’s an excellent choice — start with the free trial and test the Standard plan.

  • Webflow vs WordPress (2026): Which Website Builder Should You Use?

    Disclosure: Pickzy is reader-supported. If you buy through a link on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

    Webflow and WordPress are two of the most popular ways to build a website, but they take very different approaches. WordPress is free, open-source software you install on your own hosting. Webflow is a hosted, visual website builder that gives designers pixel-level control without writing code. This guide compares cost, ease of use, design, SEO, maintenance and scalability so you can choose the right platform. Prices were checked in October 2026.

    Quick verdict

    • Choose Webflow if you are a designer, agency or business that wants a custom, high-end design, built-in hosting and security, and minimal maintenance.
    • Choose WordPress if you want the lowest cost, total ownership, thousands of plugins and themes, or you are building a large blog, membership site or WooCommerce store.

    Webflow vs WordPress at a glance

    WebflowWordPress (self-hosted)
    TypeHosted visual website builderOpen-source software on your own hosting
    Starting costFree plan; paid site plans from ~$14/mo (annual)Software free; hosting typically a few dollars a month and up
    Design controlExcellent, visual and pixel-preciseDepends on theme and page builder
    Learning curveModerate–steep (CSS concepts)Easy to start, can get complex
    Plugins/extensionsLimited marketplace of apps60,000+ free plugins
    MaintenanceHandled by WebflowYou manage updates, backups and security
    EcommerceWebflow Ecommerce plansWooCommerce (free) and others
    Best forDesigners, agencies, marketing sitesBlogs, content sites, stores, almost anything

    Pricing

    Webflow

    Webflow has two types of plans: Site plans (to publish a website on your own domain) and Workspace plans (for teams and collaboration).

    Site planAnnual billingMonthly billingHighlights
    StarterFreeFreewebflow.io subdomain, 2 pages, 50 CMS items
    Basic~$14/mo~$18/moCustom domain, 150 pages, no CMS
    CMS~$23/mo~$29/mo2,000 CMS items — ideal for blogs
    Businessfrom ~$39/mofrom ~$49/mo10,000+ CMS items, more bandwidth
    EnterpriseCustomCustomLarge organizations

    If you want a blog on Webflow, you’ll need at least the CMS plan.

    WordPress

    The WordPress software is free. You pay for hosting (shared hosting plans often cost a few dollars per month on promotional pricing), a domain name, and optionally premium themes or plugins. For most small sites, WordPress is the cheaper option, though costs can add up with premium plugins.

    Ease of use

    WordPress is easy to start: install it, pick a theme and start writing. The block editor is friendly for content creators. Complexity grows as you add plugins and customizations.

    Webflow’s Designer is extremely powerful but closer to a professional design tool. It uses concepts like boxes, classes, flexbox and grid. Designers love it; complete beginners may need some time — Webflow University’s free tutorials help a lot.

    Design flexibility

    This is where Webflow shines. You can build almost any layout visually, add animations and interactions, and get clean code without plugins. With WordPress, design freedom depends on your theme or a page builder such as Elementor; you can achieve great results, but often with more plugins and heavier pages.

    SEO

    Both platforms can rank well on Google. Webflow includes clean code, fast hosting, automatic sitemaps, SSL and full control of meta tags out of the box. WordPress relies on plugins like Yoast or Rank Math, which are excellent and very popular for content-heavy sites. For large blogs with thousands of posts, WordPress is often the more flexible choice.

    Maintenance and security

    With Webflow, hosting, security, backups and updates are handled for you. With self-hosted WordPress, you are responsible for updating the core, themes and plugins, and for backups and security — though many hosts automate much of this. Outdated plugins are a common source of WordPress security issues.

    Pros and cons

    Webflow

    • ✅ Best-in-class visual design control
    • ✅ No plugins to maintain; hosting and security included
    • ✅ Fast, clean code
    • ❌ More expensive than basic WordPress hosting
    • ❌ Steeper learning curve for beginners
    • ❌ Smaller app ecosystem; CMS item limits by plan

    WordPress

    • ✅ Free, open-source, you own everything
    • ✅ Huge ecosystem of themes and plugins
    • ✅ Excellent for blogs and large content sites
    • ❌ You manage updates, backups and security
    • ❌ Too many plugins can slow the site
    • ❌ Design quality depends on your theme/builder

    Which should you choose?

    Choose Webflow for portfolios, agency and startup marketing sites, landing pages and brands where design is a priority and you want zero maintenance.

    Choose WordPress for blogs, affiliate and content sites, membership sites, WooCommerce stores, and anyone on a tight budget who wants full ownership. (Fun fact: Pickzy runs on WordPress.)

    FAQ

    Is Webflow better than WordPress for SEO?

    Neither is automatically better. Both can achieve excellent SEO. Webflow has more built in; WordPress offers more flexibility through plugins.

    Can I move from WordPress to Webflow?

    Yes. Webflow can import blog content via CSV, but you’ll need to redesign the site, and you should set up 301 redirects to keep your rankings.

    Is Webflow worth the price?

    For designers, agencies and businesses that value design and low maintenance, yes. For a simple blog on a budget, WordPress is usually more cost-effective.

  • Brevo vs Kit (2026): Which Email Platform Is Right for You?

    Disclosure: Pickzy is reader-supported. If you buy through a link on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

    Brevo and Kit are two of the most popular email marketing platforms, but they are built for different people. Brevo is an all-in-one marketing suite that charges by the number of emails you send. Kit is a creator-focused platform that charges by the number of subscribers. In this comparison we look at pricing, features, ease of use and who each one is best for. Prices were checked in October 2026 — always confirm on each official site.

    Quick verdict

    • Choose Brevo if you have a large contact list, send occasional campaigns, want SMS/WhatsApp and transactional emails, or need the lowest cost per contact.
    • Choose Kit if you are a creator (blogger, YouTuber, course seller) who wants easy automations, a big free plan and built-in digital product sales.

    Brevo vs Kit at a glance

    BrevoKit
    Pricing modelBy emails sent per monthBy number of subscribers
    Free planUnlimited contacts, 300 emails/dayUp to 10,000 subscribers, unlimited emails
    Entry paid planStarter from ~$9/moCreator from ~$39/mo (1,000 subs)
    AutomationsStandard plan and up (from ~$18/mo)Unlimited on Creator; 1 on free
    Email designDrag-and-drop with many templatesSimple, text-focused templates
    SMS / WhatsAppYes (pay as you go)No
    Transactional emailYesNo
    Sell digital productsNo (needs integrations)Yes, built in
    Best forSmall businesses, ecommerce, large listsCreators and newsletters

    Pricing compared

    Brevo pricing

    • Free: unlimited contacts, up to 300 emails per day
    • Starter: from about $9/month, no daily sending limit (Brevo branding removal costs extra)
    • Standard: from about $18/month — adds marketing automation, A/B testing and landing pages
    • Professional: from about $499/month for high-volume senders
    • Enterprise: custom pricing

    Because Brevo charges by email volume, not contacts, it can be dramatically cheaper if you have a big list but email it only a few times a month.

    Kit pricing

    • Newsletter (Free): up to 10,000 subscribers, unlimited emails, 1 automation
    • Creator: about $39/month at 1,000 subscribers (~$139 at 10,000)
    • Creator Pro: about $79/month at 1,000 subscribers (~$189 at 10,000)

    Kit becomes more expensive as your subscriber count grows, but its free plan is one of the most generous available for list size.

    Example: 10,000 contacts, 4 emails per month

    That’s about 40,000 emails per month. On Brevo, you’d need a paid plan sized to your monthly volume (well under $100/month at typical rates). On Kit’s Creator plan, the same list costs around $139/month. On the other hand, if you only need one automation, Kit’s free plan would cost you nothing at that size.

    Features compared

    Automation

    Both offer visual automation builders. Kit’s is simpler and built around creator workflows like lead magnets and launch sequences. Brevo’s is broader, with triggers for website behavior, ecommerce events and multi-channel messages (email, SMS, WhatsApp), but automation requires the Standard plan or higher.

    Email design

    Brevo offers a full drag-and-drop editor and a large template library, ideal for promotional emails with images and product blocks. Kit intentionally keeps designs minimal because plain, personal emails tend to perform well for creators.

    Audience management

    Kit uses one list organized with tags and segments. Brevo uses lists plus segments and a built-in CRM for tracking deals and contacts — useful for small businesses.

    Monetization

    Kit lets you sell digital products, paid newsletters and tips directly. Brevo doesn’t sell products itself, but it integrates with ecommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.

    Pros and cons

    Brevo

    • ✅ Very affordable for large lists
    • ✅ Email, SMS, WhatsApp, CRM and transactional emails in one place
    • ✅ Unlimited contacts on all plans
    • ❌ Free plan capped at 300 emails/day
    • ❌ Automation and landing pages need the Standard plan
    • ❌ Branding removal costs extra on Starter

    Kit

    • ✅ Generous free plan (10,000 subscribers)
    • ✅ Easiest automations for creators
    • ✅ Built-in digital product and paid newsletter sales
    • ❌ Expensive at large list sizes
    • ❌ Minimal design options
    • ❌ No SMS or transactional email

    Which one should you choose?

    Pick Brevo if you run a small business or online store, have (or expect) a large contact list, want SMS and transactional emails, or need to keep costs low.

    Pick Kit if you are a creator building an audience around content, you want easy automations, and you plan to sell digital products or a paid newsletter.

    Both have free plans, so the best approach is to start free with the one that matches your business model. Read our full Kit review for more detail.

    FAQ

    Is Brevo cheaper than Kit?

    Usually yes, especially for large lists, because Brevo charges by emails sent rather than by contacts.

    Which is easier to use?

    Kit is generally easier for beginners and creators. Brevo has more features, which means a slightly longer learning curve.

    Can I switch later?

    Yes. Both let you export and import contacts via CSV, and Kit offers free migration help on paid plans.

  • Kit Review (2026): Is It the Best Email Platform for Creators?

    Disclosure: Pickzy is reader-supported. If you buy through a link on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

    Kit — the email platform formerly known as ConvertKit — is one of the most popular newsletter tools for creators: bloggers, YouTubers, podcasters, coaches and anyone selling digital products. In this review we break down Kit’s plans and prices, its key features, its strengths and weaknesses, and who should (and shouldn’t) use it. Prices below were checked in October 2026; always confirm on Kit’s official pricing page.

    Quick verdict

    Kit is one of the best email platforms for creators who want to grow an audience and sell digital products. Its free plan is unusually generous (up to 10,000 subscribers), its automations are easy to build, and its tag-based subscriber system is flexible. It’s less suited to ecommerce stores or businesses that need heavily designed, image-rich email campaigns.

    • Best for: bloggers, newsletter writers, YouTubers, course creators
    • Free plan: up to 10,000 subscribers
    • Paid plans: from about $39/month (Creator, 1,000 subscribers)

    What is Kit?

    Kit is an email marketing platform built specifically for creators. ConvertKit rebranded to Kit in 2024. Instead of focusing on fancy email designs, Kit focuses on helping you capture subscribers, send them the right emails automatically, and earn money with paid newsletters and digital products.

    Kit pricing (2026)

    Plan1,000 subscribers10,000 subscribersBest for
    Newsletter (Free)$0$0Getting started
    Creator~$39/mo~$139/moGrowing creators who need automations
    Creator Pro~$79/mo~$189/moEstablished creators and teams

    Paying annually gives you roughly two months free. Prices increase as your subscriber count grows.

    What each plan includes

    • Newsletter (Free): unlimited emails, forms and landing pages, 1 automation and 1 email sequence, sell digital products, Kit branding on emails.
    • Creator: unlimited automations and sequences, integrations, 2 team members, remove Kit branding, free migration help, the creator Recommendations network and RSS-to-email.
    • Creator Pro: everything in Creator plus advanced reporting, a newsletter referral program, advanced A/B testing, Facebook Custom Audiences sync, unlimited team members and priority support.

    Key features

    Landing pages and forms

    You can build sign-up forms and simple landing pages without a website, which is great when you are just starting out. Templates are clean and mobile-friendly.

    Tags instead of separate lists

    Kit keeps all subscribers in one list and organizes them with tags and segments. That avoids paying twice for the same person on multiple lists and makes it easy to send targeted emails.

    Visual automations

    The visual automation builder lets you create welcome sequences, lead-magnet delivery and launch funnels with simple “if this, then that” logic. It’s one of the easiest automation builders on the market.

    Selling digital products and paid newsletters

    You can sell ebooks, presets, templates, coaching and paid newsletter subscriptions directly from Kit, with payments processed through Stripe. Kit charges a transaction fee on these sales in addition to Stripe’s processing fee — check the current rates on Kit’s site.

    Creator Network and Recommendations

    Kit’s Recommendations feature lets creators recommend each other’s newsletters at sign-up, which can be a meaningful source of free subscriber growth.

    Pros and cons

    Pros

    • Very generous free plan (up to 10,000 subscribers)
    • Easy, powerful visual automations
    • Flexible tag-based subscriber management
    • Built-in digital product and paid newsletter sales
    • Recommendation network for organic growth
    • Free migration help on paid plans

    Cons

    • Gets expensive as your list grows
    • Email designs are intentionally simple — not ideal for image-heavy promotions
    • Limited ecommerce features compared with Klaviyo or Shopify Email
    • Only one automation on the free plan

    Kit vs. alternatives

    • Kit vs. Brevo: Brevo is usually cheaper for large lists because it charges by emails sent rather than contacts. Kit is easier for creator-style automations. Read our Brevo vs Kit comparison.
    • Kit vs. Mailchimp: Mailchimp has more design options; Kit has better creator tools and a bigger free plan.
    • Kit vs. beehiiv: beehiiv focuses on newsletter publishing and ad monetization; Kit is stronger for automations and product sales.

    Who should use Kit?

    Choose Kit if you are a creator building an audience, you want to sell digital products or a paid newsletter, and you value simple, effective automations over fancy design.

    Look elsewhere if you run an online store with lots of products, or you need highly designed promotional emails on a tight budget.

    FAQ

    Is Kit free?

    Yes. The Newsletter plan is free for up to 10,000 subscribers, with unlimited emails, but it is limited to one automation and one sequence.

    Is Kit the same as ConvertKit?

    Yes. ConvertKit rebranded as Kit in 2024. The product and team are the same.

    Can I move my list from another platform?

    Yes. Paid plans include free migration help, and you can import subscribers via CSV at any time.

    Final verdict

    Kit remains one of the best email platforms for creators. Start on the free plan, build your list, and upgrade to Creator when you need more automations. If your list grows very large or you run an ecommerce store, compare it with Brevo before you commit.

  • Advanced Amino Formula Review (2026): Ingredients, Research and Who It’s For

    Disclosure: Pickzy is reader-supported. If you buy through a link on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more. This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.

    Advanced Amino Formula is an essential amino acid (EAA) supplement from Advanced Bionutritionals, marketed mainly to adults over 50 who want to maintain muscle, energy and recovery as they age. The sales page makes some bold comparisons with whey protein and BCAAs. Here’s what the product actually is, what the research on essential amino acids says, and who might benefit.

    Quick verdict

    Advanced Amino Formula is a reasonable option for older adults who struggle to eat enough high-quality protein, especially when combined with strength training. Essential amino acids are a well-researched way to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. However, some marketing claims — such as whey protein being one of the “worst” protein sources — are not supported by mainstream nutrition science, and a supplement can’t replace adequate food and exercise.

    • Best for: adults 50+ with low appetite or low protein intake, as a convenient add-on
    • Not for: people who already eat plenty of protein, or anyone with kidney or liver disease without medical approval
    • What it is: a blend of 8 essential amino acids from Advanced Bionutritionals

    What is Advanced Amino Formula?

    Advanced Amino Formula is a dietary supplement that provides a blend of eight essential amino acids — the protein building blocks your body cannot make on its own and must get from food. The company says the blend is designed in a specific ratio so that the body can use it efficiently to build protein, with very little waste.

    It is made by Advanced Bionutritionals, a US supplement company that sells a range of products aimed primarily at older adults.

    Ingredients: the essential amino acids

    The formula is built around the essential amino acids, typically including:

    • Leucine — the main “trigger” for muscle protein synthesis
    • Isoleucine and valine — the other two branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)
    • Lysine
    • Methionine
    • Phenylalanine
    • Threonine
    • Tryptophan

    Note that nutrition science recognizes nine essential amino acids for adults; the ninth, histidine, is not part of this 8-amino-acid blend. Histidine is easy to get from ordinary food, so this isn’t a major issue, but it’s worth knowing. Check the supplement facts label on the order page for exact amounts per serving.

    What does the research say?

    Muscle loss with age is real

    Adults gradually lose muscle mass and strength with age, a condition called sarcopenia. It affects mobility, balance and independence, so maintaining muscle matters as you get older.

    Essential amino acids can stimulate muscle building

    Clinical research shows that essential amino acids — particularly leucine — stimulate muscle protein synthesis, and older adults often need more protein per meal to get the same effect as younger people. EAA supplements have been studied as a way to support muscle in older adults, with the most consistent benefits when combined with resistance (strength) training.

    Where the marketing goes too far

    • “Whey is one of the worst protein sources”: mainstream research considers whey a high-quality, leucine-rich protein that is effective for muscle building. This claim is not consistent with the scientific consensus.
    • “Reverse muscle loss”: no supplement alone reverses sarcopenia. Resistance exercise and adequate total protein are the foundation.
    • Broad benefits (skin, hair, mood, food sensitivities): these are not well supported by clinical evidence for this product.

    Advanced Amino Formula vs. whey protein vs. BCAAs

    Advanced Amino FormulaWhey proteinBCAAs
    Essential amino acids8 of 9All 9Only 3
    Calories per servingVery lowModerateVery low
    Good for low appetiteYesModerateYes
    Cost per gram of proteinHigherLowestVaries
    Dairy-freeYesNoUsually

    In short: whey is usually the most cost-effective way to add protein, while an EAA formula is convenient for people who can’t tolerate dairy, have a small appetite or want a low-calorie option. BCAAs alone are the least complete choice.

    Pros and cons

    Pros

    • Based on a well-studied nutrient category (essential amino acids)
    • Low-calorie and dairy-free — easy for people with small appetites
    • Contains leucine, the key amino acid for muscle protein synthesis
    • Convenient alternative for people who dislike protein shakes
    • Sold with a money-back guarantee (confirm the terms at checkout)

    Cons

    • More expensive per gram of protein than whey or food
    • Some marketing claims overstate the evidence
    • Only 8 of the 9 essential amino acids
    • Not a substitute for strength training and a protein-rich diet
    • Testimonials are individual experiences, not clinical results

    Safety and who should be careful

    Amino acid supplements are generally well tolerated by healthy adults, but talk to your doctor first if you:

    • Have kidney or liver disease
    • Have phenylketonuria (PKU) — the formula contains phenylalanine
    • Take medications that affect serotonin (tryptophan is included)
    • Are pregnant or nursing
    • Have any chronic medical condition

    Who should consider it?

    Consider it if you are over 50, find it hard to eat enough protein, want a low-calorie or dairy-free option, and are also doing some form of strength training.

    Skip it if you already eat a protein-rich diet or are happy using whey protein — you will likely get similar benefits for less money.

    Frequently asked questions

    Does Advanced Amino Formula really build muscle?

    Essential amino acids can support muscle protein synthesis, especially alongside resistance exercise. Results depend on your diet, activity level, age and health. No supplement builds muscle on its own.

    How is it different from a protein shake?

    It provides free-form essential amino acids with very few calories, while a protein shake provides whole protein (all nine EAAs plus non-essential amino acids) and more calories.

    Is it safe?

    For most healthy adults it is likely safe at the recommended dose, but check with your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, PKU or take prescription medication.

    Final verdict

    Advanced Amino Formula is a legitimate, research-backed type of supplement that can make sense for older adults who struggle to get enough protein. Ignore the exaggerated claims about whey and “reversing” aging, and think of it as one helpful tool alongside strength training and a balanced, protein-rich diet.

    These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.

  • The Self-Sufficient Backyard Review (2026): Is This Homesteading Book Worth It?

    Disclosure: Pickzy is reader-supported. If you buy through a link on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

    The Self-Sufficient Backyard is a homesteading book by Ron and Johanna Melchiore, a couple who have lived off the grid for roughly four decades. It promises to show you how to turn an ordinary home and a small plot of land into a productive, largely self-sufficient homestead. We reviewed the official product page, the book’s published details and what real readers say about it to help you decide if it belongs on your shelf.

    Quick verdict

    The Self-Sufficient Backyard is one of the better beginner-to-intermediate homesteading overviews available, written by authors with genuine long-term off-grid experience. It covers an impressive range of topics — food, water, power, preservation, chickens, greenhouses — in a practical, illustrated way. It’s a broad roadmap rather than a deep technical manual on any single topic, and the sales page is more dramatic than the book itself.

    • Best for: beginners and small-acreage homesteaders who want one practical overview
    • Not for: experienced homesteaders looking for in-depth detail on a single subject
    • Format: about 266-page book (print and digital options) + 3 digital bonuses
    • Reader rating: 4.2/5 average on Goodreads (150+ ratings at the time of writing)

    Who are Ron and Johanna Melchiore?

    Ron (originally from Philadelphia) and Johanna Melchiore went “back to the land” in the late 1970s. Over about 40 years they built three off-grid homesteads, including a remote fly-in property in northern Saskatchewan, and they are now based in Nova Scotia. They have never had a grid power connection to their home and generate electricity with solar and wind. Ron has also written about homesteading for Mother Earth News, where the book is sold in the official store — a good sign of credibility in this niche.

    What’s inside the book

    The book is built around a sketch of a quarter-acre homestead designed to support a family of four, which you can scale down to your own space. According to the official page, it covers:

    • Planning a small homestead and choosing land
    • Growing most of your food on roughly 1,000 sq ft per person using their methods
    • Water: rainwater collection, wells and hand pumps
    • Off-grid and hybrid solar/wind power basics (batteries, controllers, inverters)
    • Simple off-grid hot water ideas
    • Root cellars and preserving food without electricity
    • Raising chickens and keeping bees
    • Building a year-round greenhouse, cold frames and an earth-tube heating option
    • Natural pest control using birds and bats instead of pesticides
    • “Easy on the back” gardening for older homesteaders
    • A medicinal herb garden with seven key plants
    • Composting, seed saving and orchard planning
    • Small crops for extra income, like microgreens
    • 75+ DIY projects and 100+ money-saving tips

    The three digital bonuses

    • The Aquaponic Gardener — raising fish and vegetables together in one system
    • DIY Projects from the 1900s — old-time skills such as smokehouses, charcoal water filters and root cellars
    • Where Free Land Can Still Be Found in the US — an overview of land programs (always verify current rules locally)

    What readers say

    Reader feedback is largely positive. Reviewers frequently praise the garden planning, food preservation and diagrams, and appreciate that the advice comes from people who actually lived it — including what didn’t work. The most common criticisms are:

    • Breadth over depth: it introduces many topics, but whole books exist on each one (solar power, beekeeping, aquaponics).
    • Cold-climate perspective: much of the authors’ experience comes from Maine and Saskatchewan, so warm-climate readers may need to adapt some advice.
    • Marketing: some buyers disliked follow-up promotional emails from the seller.

    Pros and cons

    Pros

    • Written by authors with ~40 years of real off-grid experience
    • Covers almost every area of homesteading in one book
    • Practical illustrations, diagrams and step-by-step projects
    • Designed for small properties and older or back-sensitive gardeners
    • Three useful digital bonuses
    • 60-day money-back guarantee

    Cons

    • Overview level — you’ll need specialist books for advanced projects
    • Sales page overpromises compared with the measured tone of the book
    • Cold-climate bias in some sections
    • Print edition adds shipping costs

    Price and guarantee

    FormatPrint book (~266 pages) or digital edition
    Bonuses3 digital books included
    Guarantee60-day money-back guarantee
    RetailerDigistore24 (via the official site)
    PriceChanges with promotions — check the official order page

    Who should buy it?

    Buy it if you are new to homesteading, have a small to medium property (or just a suburban backyard), and want a single, practical reference that shows how the pieces — food, water, energy and storage — fit together.

    Skip it if you already homestead and want deep technical detail on one subject, such as designing a full solar system or advanced animal husbandry. In that case, a specialist book will serve you better.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is The Self-Sufficient Backyard legit?

    Yes. It’s a real, published book by experienced homesteaders, sold through an established retailer and also stocked by Mother Earth News.

    Can I really be self-sufficient on a quarter acre?

    The authors’ plan shows how a well-designed quarter acre can produce a large share of a family’s food. Full self-sufficiency depends on your climate, effort, skills and diet, so treat it as a goal to work toward step by step.

    Is it useful if I live in the suburbs?

    Yes. Many projects — raised beds, container gardening, composting, food preservation and money-saving tips — work on a small lot. Always check local rules for chickens, bees and rainwater collection.

    Final verdict

    The Self-Sufficient Backyard is a well-rounded, experience-based introduction to homesteading that delivers solid value for beginners and small-property owners. Ignore the hype on the sales page: the real strength of the book is its practical, tested advice. If you want one book to map out your path to a more self-reliant home, it’s an easy recommendation.

  • Medicinal Garden Kit Review (2026): Is This Backyard Herb Kit Worth It?

    Disclosure: Pickzy is reader-supported. If you buy through a link on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

    The Medicinal Garden Kit is a bundle of seeds for 10 herbs traditionally used in home remedies, plus a guide that shows you how to grow them and turn them into teas, tinctures and salves. It’s promoted as a “backyard pharmacy” — a phrase that deserves a closer look. We reviewed the official product page, the creator’s background and what research actually says about each herb, so you can decide whether it’s worth it.

    Quick verdict

    The Medicinal Garden Kit is a convenient, beginner-friendly way to start an herb garden with well-known plants like chamomile, lavender, calendula and echinacea, backed by an unusually long 365-day money-back guarantee. It’s a good buy for gardeners and self-reliance enthusiasts. Just don’t treat it as a replacement for a pharmacy: several health claims in the sales page go well beyond the evidence, and some of these herbs aren’t safe for everyone.

    • Best for: home gardeners, preppers and anyone interested in traditional herbalism
    • Not for: people looking for a substitute for medical treatment
    • What you get: 10 seed packets (4,818 seeds, non-GMO, packaged in the US) + growing and remedy guide + 2 digital bonuses

    Who created the Medicinal Garden Kit?

    The kit is presented by Nicole Apelian, Ph.D., a biologist and herbalist best known for surviving 57 days on season 2 of History Channel’s survival show Alone. She is also co-author of the popular book The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies. On the sales page she shares that she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and credits natural remedies with helping her manage it — a personal story, not a clinical result, and one that shouldn’t be read as a promise for anyone else.

    What’s inside the kit

    According to the official product page, you receive:

    • 10 individual seed packets — 4,818 non-GMO seeds in total, packaged in the US
    • Herbal Medicinal Guide: From Seeds to Remedies — planting, growing and harvesting instructions plus recipes for tinctures, salves, infusions, poultices and oils
    • Bonus 1: Healing Yourself at Home With Household Items
    • Bonus 2: Wild Edible and Medicinal Herbs You Can Forage or Find Around the House
    • Customer support from the vendor

    The 10 herbs — and what the evidence says

    Here’s each plant, how it’s traditionally used, and an honest note on the science and safety. This is general information, not medical advice.

    HerbTraditional useWhat to know
    ChamomileCalming tea, digestion, skinOne of the best-studied gentle herbs; may cause reactions in people allergic to ragweed.
    LavenderRelaxation, sleep, skinStudies on a standardized oral lavender oil (Silexan) show benefits for anxiety; homemade preparations are not equivalent.
    CalendulaSkin, minor cuts and rashesWidely used in topical skin products; for external use on minor issues.
    EchinaceaImmune support at the first sign of a coldResearch is mixed; it may modestly shorten colds. Avoid with ragweed allergy or autoimmune conditions unless a doctor approves.
    YarrowWound care, digestionTraditional styptic for minor cuts; avoid during pregnancy.
    FeverfewMigraine preventionSome evidence for migraine prevention; not for pregnant women or people on blood thinners.
    California poppySleep and relaxationMildly sedative; don’t combine with sleep medications or alcohol, and don’t drive after use.
    MarshmallowSoothing throat and digestionIts mucilage can coat the throat; may slow absorption of other medicines taken at the same time.
    Evening primroseSkin, hormonal balanceMost research uses the seed oil; results are mixed. May interact with blood thinners.
    ChicoryDigestion, coffee substituteRoot is rich in inulin, a prebiotic fiber; can cause gas or bloating in large amounts.

    Bottom line on health claims: these are useful, time-tested herbs for teas and simple home preparations. But claims such as “better than sleeping pills” or “natural antibiotic” on the sales page are marketing, not proven medical facts. Talk to your doctor before using herbs if you are pregnant, nursing, take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

    Is it easy to grow?

    Yes, for the most part. Most of these herbs are hardy, low-maintenance plants. Several are perennials (they come back every year) and others readily reseed themselves, so a well-established bed can keep producing for years. A few tips:

    • Start in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks earlier
    • Lavender and echinacea can be slow to germinate — be patient
    • Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil; most of these herbs dislike soggy roots
    • Check your USDA hardiness zone before planting perennials
    • Unused seeds can be stored in a cool, dry, dark place for a future season

    Pros and cons

    Pros

    • 10 popular herbs in one package — convenient for beginners
    • Large seed count (4,818 seeds) and non-GMO
    • Practical recipe guide included, plus two bonuses
    • Many of the plants are perennial or self-seeding
    • Bonus value for the garden: attracts bees, butterflies and beneficial insects
    • 365-day money-back guarantee, which is far longer than most products

    Cons

    • Sales page overstates health benefits
    • Some herbs have real safety precautions and drug interactions
    • You could buy individual seed packets cheaper if you only want a few herbs
    • Results depend on your climate, soil and gardening effort
    • Physical product — check shipping availability for your location

    Price, shipping and guarantee

    The Medicinal Garden Kit is a one-time purchase of a physical product. At our last check, independent coverage listed it at around $59 plus a small shipping fee, but prices change frequently, so confirm the current price on the official order page. The vendor offers a 365-day full money-back guarantee, and orders are processed by Digistore24 as the retailer.

    Who should buy it?

    Buy it if you want an easy, all-in-one way to start an herb garden, enjoy making teas and natural skin-care products, or want to add a garden-based skill to your self-reliance plan.

    Skip it if you only want one or two specific herbs (individual packets will be cheaper), you have no outdoor or container space, or you are hoping to replace prescribed medication.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is the Medicinal Garden Kit legit?

    Yes. It’s a real physical seed kit sold through an established retailer with a long refund window. The issue is not the product — it’s the exaggerated health language in the marketing.

    Can I grow it in containers?

    Most of these herbs grow well in large pots on a sunny balcony or patio. Chicory and marshmallow have deep roots, so give them deeper containers.

    How long do the seeds last?

    Stored cool, dry and dark, most herb seeds stay viable for a few years, though germination rates gradually decline over time.

    Can these herbs replace my medication?

    No. Never stop or change a prescribed medication without talking to your doctor.

    Final verdict

    The Medicinal Garden Kit is a solid, beginner-friendly herb seed collection with a helpful remedy guide and a generous one-year guarantee. Buy it as a gardening and self-reliance project — and treat the herbal remedies as gentle home support, not medicine.

    This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy.