All in all, the internet can be a beautiful resource, connecting us to an endless array of knowledge with a simple click. Sure, we have to wade through a politics-related Facebook feud here and an annoying pop-up ad there, but it's safe to say the pros outweigh the cons. But are you truly taking advantage of everything the internet has to offer?
If you haven't seen this useful Reddit thread [1] yet, then your answer to that question is probably no. The thread posed the question, "What free things [2] on the internet should everyone be taking advantage of?", and thousands of juicy answers ensued. The compilation can be pretty overwhelming to sift through, so we did the dirty work for you. Keep reading to learn about some of the best free resources the web has to offer.
Self-Help Services
Psychiatrists and therapists can cost an arm and a leg, so if you're going through a hard time and need some help, try out one of these free alternatives.
- 7 Cups [4] allows anyone to have anonymous and totally confidential conversations with trained counselors online.
- Blah Therapy [5] is a similar online service that allows you to vent to strangers when you just need to air your frustrations.
Printables
Instead of browsing the racks of corny birthday cards at your local drugstore, check out the sites below for free printable versions of cards, coloring pages, and other paper products.
- Coloring Pages For Adults [6] provides a stunning array of templates, from mandalas and animals to landscapes and foods.
- Greetings Island [7] has a range of adorably designed cards for any occasion you could possibly think of — all available for free download!
- Wedding Chicks [8] is there to soothe your wedding budget blues, offering free templates for invites, save the dates, labels, and everything in between.
Movies
Say goodbye to endless previews and overpriced movie theater popcorn! Although there are some debatably unsafe movie-streaming sites mentioned in the Reddit thread, here are a few more secure options.
- Archive.org [9] is a non-profit library that compiles tons of free books, movies, and software. Although most of the movies are older classics, it gives you a cool chance to get a blast from the past.
- Documentary Heaven [10] is exactly what the website title suggests: pure heaven for anyone looking for an educational documentary to watch.
- Top Documentary Films [11] is sure to satiate your thirst for documentaries if heaven itself wasn't enough.
Music Lessons
This separate Reddit thread [12] compiles tons of great resources for learning the ins and outs of a new instrument, but a few of our favorite free options are below.
- MusicTheory.net [13] will teach you everything you need to know about chords, notes, rhythm, and more without ever stepping foot in a classroom.
- How to Play Piano [14] . . . the title of the program says it all. These interactive courses will make you a piano expert in no time.
- Ultimate Guitar [15] provides all the tips and techniques you need to become a guitar guru.
Photo Editing
If Photoshop isn't exactly in your budget, you can still make your pictures look like they belong in a magazine without having to spend a dime.
- Pixlr [16] is an awesome online photo editor that has many similar features to Adobe's expensive software.
- GIMP [17] is a free downloadable software that has gone through many updates in its lifetime to make it a worthy photo-editing option.
- Fotor [18] gives users the ability to not only edit specific aspects of photos but also to create collages and designs with free templates.
Books
Trust us, we're all about a good read [19], but books can rack up quite the hefty bill. The resources below can help penny-pinching book-lovers get lost in a story without losing a portion of their paycheck.
- Project Gutenberg [20] offers more than 50,000 ebooks for free download — no strings attached! There are tons of classics available, from Jane Austen's Emma to Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
- Open Library [21] is a subset of archive.org that allows users to download and read ebooks and edit any available versions.
- LibriVox [22] uses crowdsourced narrations to offer countless books for free in audio format.
Shipping Boxes
Though it may not amount to much, it's time to stop wasting money on cardboard boxes!
- UPS [23] offers free packaging supplies for all registered customers.
- USPS [24] also offers similar supplies, which the company will deliver to any desired address free of charge.
Music
When it comes to free online music, the options are practically endless (if you're willing to put up with the occasional ad, that is). Below are a few of our favorite off-the-beaten-path options.
- 8tracks [25] allows users to explore by artist, mood, or genre to discover playlists crafted by other users.
- Jango [26] is a free online streaming service that enables people to make custom radio stations, just like Pandora.
- TuneIn [27] gives listeners access to 100,000 radio stations and millions of podcasts, allowing them to stay up to date on all things music, sports, and news.
Random Knick-Knacks
Thrift stores offer hefty discounts on cool vintage items, but why pay a dime when you can get a variety of random items for free from none other than . . .
- Craigslist [28]! Every city's main page (which can be found by searching cityname.craigslist.org) has a semihidden "free" section under the "for sale" tab. The items vary depending on your location, but you can find some buried treasure that other users are just desperate to get rid of, from couches and lamps to shelves and even animals! Visit your city's respective site and browse away.