Last updated: October 2026. Prices are in USD as listed by each company; Canadian prices are shown in CAD at checkout.
There are thousands of AI tools, but most people only need a few. This guide picks the best AI tools for each common task: chatting and research, images, video, coding, writing, meetings and presentations. For each one you get what it is best at and what it costs.
ChatGPT
The best single AI tool for most people: writing, research, images and voice in one app, with a capable free plan.
Pros
- One app for writing, research, images and voice
- Useful free plan
- Cheap entry plan (Go, $8/month)
Cons
- Best features need Plus ($20/month)
- Gemini fits Google users better; Claude is stronger for long documents and coding
Best AI tools at a glance
| Task | Best pick | Also great | Price to start |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-round AI assistant | ChatGPT | Gemini, Claude | Free; ChatGPT Go $8/month |
| Research with sources | Perplexity | Gemini Deep Research | Free plans available |
| Long documents and writing | Claude | ChatGPT | Free; Claude Pro $20/month |
| Image generation | ChatGPT | Midjourney, Ideogram | Free; Midjourney from $10/month |
| Video generation | Google Veo | Runway | Included in Google AI plans |
| Coding | Claude Code | OpenAI Codex, Cursor | Claude Pro or ChatGPT Plus, $20/month |
| Grammar and editing | Grammarly | Wordtune | Free plans available |
| Meeting notes | Fireflies | Granola | Free plans available |
| Presentations | Gamma | Canva | Free plans available |
| Automation | Zapier | — | Free plan available |
Best AI chatbots and assistants
An AI chatbot is the one tool almost everyone should have. It writes, summarizes, answers questions, analyzes files and helps with code.
- ChatGPT: the best all-rounder, with image creation, voice mode and a huge app ecosystem. Free plan; Go $8/month; Plus $20/month.
- Gemini: best for Google users, working inside Gmail, Docs and Drive. Its free plan includes Deep Research. Google AI Plus $4.99/month; AI Pro $19.99/month.
- Claude: strong for long documents, natural writing and coding. Free plan; Pro $20/month.
Not sure which to pick? Read our ChatGPT vs Gemini and ChatGPT vs Claude comparisons, or see all AI chatbot guides.
Best AI search and research tools
- Perplexity: an AI search engine that answers questions with clear source links, so you can check every claim.
- Gemini Deep Research and ChatGPT Deep Research: create long, sourced research reports from a single question.
Best AI image generators
- ChatGPT: the easiest way to create and edit images by simply describing what you want.
- Midjourney: the most artistic, visually striking results. From $10/month; no free plan.
- Ideogram: best for images with accurate text, such as posters and logos. Free plan with daily credits.
- Adobe Firefly: best for adding AI elements to photos in Photoshop. From $9.99/month.
See all AI image generator guides.
Best AI video tools
- Google Veo: cinematic video clips with sound, available through Google AI plans.
- Runway: a creative video studio for generating and editing clips.
- Descript: edit videos and podcasts by editing the text transcript.
Best AI coding tools
- Claude Code: Anthropic’s coding agent, included in Claude Pro ($20/month).
- OpenAI Codex: OpenAI’s coding agent, included in ChatGPT Plus ($20/month).
- Cursor: an AI-first code editor popular with developers.
- Lovable and Bolt: build simple apps and websites by describing them, no coding needed.
See all AI coding tool guides.
Best AI writing and editing tools
- Grammarly: fixes grammar, spelling and tone in your browser, email and documents.
- Wordtune: rewrites sentences in different styles and lengths.
- ChatGPT or Claude: for drafting full emails, posts and articles.
Best AI productivity tools
Meeting notes
Fireflies records, transcribes and summarizes meetings; Granola takes notes from any video call on your own device.
Presentations
Gamma creates complete slide decks from a short prompt; Canva adds AI presentation tools to its drag-and-drop editor.
Notes and knowledge
Notion AI answers questions using your own notes and documents; NotebookLM from Google turns your files into summaries and study guides.
Automation
Zapier connects AI tools to thousands of apps, so tasks run automatically. Free plan available.
How to choose the right AI tools
- Start with one AI chatbot. ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude covers most everyday tasks.
- Use free plans first. Almost every tool here has one, so test on your own tasks before paying.
- Add specialist tools only for frequent tasks. For example, an image generator if you create graphics weekly.
- Check where your work happens. Google users get the most from Gemini; Microsoft 365 users from Copilot.
FAQ
What is the best AI tool right now?
For most people, ChatGPT is the best single AI tool because it handles writing, research, images and voice in one app. Gemini is the better choice for Google users, and Claude for long documents and coding.
What are the best free AI tools?
ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude all have free plans. Gemini’s free plan includes Deep Research. For images, Ideogram has a free daily allowance.
Which AI tool is best for students?
Gemini and ChatGPT are the most useful for studying, and NotebookLM is excellent for turning your notes and readings into summaries and study guides.
Do I need to pay for AI tools?
No. Free plans are enough for occasional use. Paid plans, usually around $20/month, are worth it if you use a tool every day and hit the free limits.