Here Are My Go-To AI Tools

My preferred LLMs, image and video models, music makers, research tools, and more.

I first published this round-up on October 17, 2024. But things in AI move fast, so I now release regular updates. Check out this archive page for snapshots of the past versions—fun for tracing how AI and my preferences evolved.

Note: Many tools (especially from Google) have limited global availability, but you can fix that using a VPN.

LATEST UPDATE: October 16, 2025 (below)

I often get asked about AI tools that I personally use.

While I regularly test and review all sorts of AI models and sites, most don’t end up a part of my routine.

Here are those that did.

🗣️ 1. Large language models

These are the chatbots and LLMs I turn to.

• 🎁Free:

  • Claude 4.5 Sonnet [UPDATED - replacing 4] for brainstorming and creative work. Claude has a “fresh” conversational feel and tends to suggest unconventional ideas. Artifacts are fantastic and now also let you build AI-powered apps. The only downside is the strict message limit for free accounts.

  • Gemini 2.5 Pro (via Google AI Studio) for working with big docume…