AI Tools We Recommend

Every tool here has been tested with real work. We've grouped them by category for easier scanning. Click through to read our full review.

AI writing & thinking

• Claude — The chat AI we use for serious writing, code, and long-context work. Most honest about uncertainty.
• ChatGPT — Wider feature set than Claude — image generation, voice, larger plugin ecosystem.
• Jasper — AI writing tool focused on marketing copy. We use Claude instead for most writing.

AI coding

• Cursor — AI code editor that can take whole tasks across multiple files. Best for indie devs who ship.
• GitHub Copilot — GitHub Copilot — autocomplete inside your existing editor. Best if you stay in VS Code.
• Windsurf — Alternative AI code editor. Strong agent mode, fresh interface.

AI design & media

• Midjourney — AI image generation with the most refined art direction. Discord-first interface.
• ElevenLabs — Best voice cloning quality we have tested. Clone your own voice, produce hours of audio.
• Runway — AI video tools — generation, editing, motion control. Used by indie filmmakers.

No-code automation

• Make — Visual automation platform. Cheaper than Zapier at scale, more flexible logic.
• Zapier — Easier no-code automation for beginners. Free tier is friendlier than Make for first scenarios.

Productivity & growth

• Notion — Database-meets-notes that scales from one person to a small team. AI add-on is good for workspace search.
• Kit — Email marketing built for creators. Free up to 10k subscribers.
• Perplexity — AI search with citations. Better than Google for research, fact-checking, and comparing options.

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