AM - do you actually need lots of software?

Hi team, first time poster

I have read nearly every article on AM online and every single one says I need “this” software or “that” software (obviously affiliate links themselves).

This has left me confused AF, my question is:

What subscriptions do you actually NEED for AM? Can you do all your SEO and keyword research without spending hundreds a month on all these “must have” plugins?

What are the bare basic programs you need? (Like a keyword finder etc)

Thanks