A lot of these are either free or budget friendly for beginning VTubers and content creators. Along with some internet safety and security plugins
One of the best 3D VTuber programs.
VSeeFace
This is for 2D VTubers. I have used this for a while and it does its job well.
VTube Studio on Steam
Honestly, this is the best option for Full Body Estimation if you don't want to invest in money on Full Body Tracking just yet.
ButzYung/SystemAnimatorOnline: XR Animator
Hands down, the best free video editing software. There is a paid version but the free version is more than enough for an average content creator
DaVinci Resolve 20
Amazing DAW for voice overs and music recordings. It does have a paid version but the free version works just as well.
Reaper
Industry standard for streamers and VTubers.
OBS Studio
If you can't afford physical audio cables, virtual audio cables are the next best thing to help you monitor your audio levels. Voicemeeter does have a learning curve but once you know how to use it, it's pretty easy.
VB-Audio VoiceMeeter
This only works if you have any Elgato related products already but it's an alternative to Voicemeeter for virtual audio cables.
Elgato Wave Link
More targeted towards internet safety and streamers. Serybot is best for controlling any hate raids and spams coming your way.
Sery_Bot, by SeryCodes
A free plugin for OBS to help you set up a seperate vertical layout for TikTok live or Insta live. Or to help you create vertical content.
Aitum Vertical
You can use this bot to trigger redeems attached to your 3D and 2D model.
Mix It Up
Another DAW I love using along side Reaper. It is free and a lot more beginner friendly than Reaper.
Cakewalk by BandLab
A necessary for VTubers. It prevents any accidental doxxing or just weird program issues while preventing any out of character moments
GitHub - Off-World-Live/obs-spout2-plugin: A Plugin for OBS Studio to ...
I believe this is no longer being updated but it still works extremely well with all the functions and features of a freemium program.
VMagicMirror
With its new Selfie Expression mode, it’s becoming one of my favorite to use for VTubing. No need for fancy equipment, just a webcam.