51 tools ยท 10 use cases
All use cases
Each category lists our picks in order. Sponsorship never changes the order.
Coding agents
Which AI tool should I use to write or fix code?
- Claude CodeA strong pick if you want an agent that works across a whole repository from the terminal.Paid
- GitHub CopilotThe easy default if your team already lives on GitHub.Free plan + paid
- CursorGood if you want AI built into the editor itself.Free plan + paid
- OpenAI CodexWorth trying first if you already pay for ChatGPT, since Codex usage is included in those plans.Free plan + paid
- Windsurf (Devin)A solid editor option with a free tier.Free plan + paid
- AiderThe pick for people who want a free, open-source terminal tool and are happy to bring their own model API key.Free (open source)
- ClineGood if you want an open-source agent inside your editor and want to choose your own model provider.Free (open source)
- LovableGood for non-coders who want a working web app or prototype quickly.Free plan + paid
- BoltAnother quick way to go from an idea to a working web app, with a free tier to try it.Free plan + paid
- GrammarlyThe safe default for cleaning up everyday writing.Free plan + paid
- SudowriteBest for novelists and story writers.Paid (free trial)
- JasperMade for marketing teams that write a lot of on-brand content.Paid (free trial)
- ChatGPTA good general-purpose starting point for drafting and rewriting.Free plan + paid
- Google GeminiA natural pick if you use Google apps.Free plan + paid
Image generation
Which AI tool should I use to make images?
- MidjourneyA top pick for artistic, high-quality images.Paid
- IdeogramA good choice when you need readable text inside images, like posters.Free plan + paid
- RecraftThe pick when you need vectors or icons.Free plan + paid
- CanvaBest for everyday designs from templates, with AI as a helper rather than the main event.Free plan + paid
- RunwayA strong option for creators who want to generate and edit AI video clips, with a free tier to test.Free plan + paid
- SynthesiaGood for training and explainer videos without filming.Free plan + paid
- DescriptThe pick for podcasters and talking-head video.Free plan + paid
- HeyGenGood for marketing videos with avatars.Free plan + paid
- LumaAn option for creative teams generating a lot of video.Paid
Voice and audio
Which AI tool should I use for voice, transcription, or music?
- ElevenLabsA leading choice for natural-sounding voiceovers.Free plan + paid
- Otter.aiGood for transcribing meetings and conversations, with a free Basic plan to start.Free plan + paid
- SpeechifyBest for listening to text instead of reading it.Free plan + paid
- WhisperThe pick for free, private transcription on your own computer, if you are comfortable with a command line.Free (open source)
- SunoThe pick for quick AI songs.Free plan + paid
Research and search
Which AI tool should I use to research a topic?
- PerplexityA strong default for quick researched answers with links you can check.Free plan + paid
- ElicitThe pick for academic and scientific literature.Free plan + paid
- Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM)Best when you want answers grounded in your own documents, not the open web.Free plan + paid
- KagiGood if you want ad-free search plus an AI assistant with a choice of many models.Paid (free trial)
Automation and agents
Which AI tool should I use to automate a workflow?
- ZapierThe easiest no-code automation tool for most people.Free plan + paid
- MakeGood for more complex, visual workflows on a budget.Free plan + paid
- n8nThe pick for technical users who want to self-host their automations and keep control of data.Free (self-hosted) + paid cloud
- LindyGood for business users who want an AI assistant that acts across their apps without building workflows by hand.Paid (free trial)
Business ops
Which AI tool should I use for email triage or lead research?
- SuperhumanWorth a look for people who handle a lot of email and want AI help in the inbox.Free plan + paid
- FyxerA direct fit for email triage: sorting the inbox and drafting replies for you to check.Free plan + paid
- ShortwaveGood for people who want an AI-first email app.Free start + paid
- ClayThe power tool for lead research and enrichment.Free plan + paid
- Apollo.ioA good first stop for finding prospects and contact data.Free plan + paid
- LindyGood for business users who want an AI assistant that acts across their apps without building workflows by hand.Paid (free trial)
Productivity
Which AI tool should I use for notes, meetings, and my calendar?
- NotionGood if you want notes, docs, and projects in one place with AI built in.Free plan + paid
- GranolaGood if you dislike meeting bots.Free plan + paid
- Fireflies.aiGood for teams that want searchable meeting records, with a free forever tier.Free plan + paid
- MotionFor people who want the AI to plan their day.Paid (free trial)
- Reclaim.aiA gentler calendar helper than full auto-planners, with a free forever Lite plan.Free plan + paid
Local and private AI
Which AI tool can I run on my own computer?
- OllamaThe standard first step for running models locally.Free + optional paid cloud
- LM StudioThe friendliest desktop app for local models, no command line needed.Free plan + paid
- JanA good open-source chat app for offline use, with the option to connect cloud models.Free (open source)
- GPT4AllA simple free desktop option for private, on-device chat.Free (open source)
- Open WebUIThe pick for a ChatGPT-style web interface on top of your own local models.Free (self-hosted)
- WhisperThe pick for free, private transcription on your own computer, if you are comfortable with a command line.Free (open source)
- n8nThe pick for technical users who want to self-host their automations and keep control of data.Free (self-hosted) + paid cloud