I always appreciate these personal approaches and descriptions. It's good to know that you've been around the block several times, and you've settled on these particular tools. I myself have centered most of my research around ChatGPT Plus, and as a bonus, I get really good image generation. I use Gemini (or Google's Experimental Model) to read and "grade" my work - ChatGPT is still better at reviewing writing, but Gemini will notice some errors ChatGPT will not.
Perplexity has become a favorite too. It's amazing for quick research, probably better than the other 2 I mentioned. I've used the paid versions of GPT and Gemini, but only the free Perplexity model, and it is nearly as good as the paid models for my needs.
I might need a crash course on Perplexity one of these days. You're one of many people on Substack who seem to use it regularly, but while I've tried it out multiple times, I could never get it to "stick" in my routine.
Same. I have now started using it, especially the "Pro" mode for deeper, slightly more complex searchers. The "Pro" mode appears to be somewhere between traditional AI search and the "Gemini Deep Research" you mentioned in a separate comment. It makes an action/research plan and follows it, although it doesn't give you the option to edit it and doesn't crawl nearly as many pages.
Yeah, Perplexity is growing on me too but not to the extend where it becomes my go-to search engine. It's definitely a nice supplement for those in-between, semi-complex queries.
Oh hey, I actually *enjoyed* using Google's 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental with apps (the title rolls off of the keyboard just as smoothly as it rolls off the tongue) today. That's a first for talking to Google about anything, ever. Big step up!
For me, if I already have an idea about something but want to verify info, it's very fast and very effective, and very transparent insofar as where the info is coming from.
I do note that what we're using these tools for very much determines which tool is the best to use. I'm not sure that was the case a year ago.
Agreed. Perhaps the reason I never got "into" Perplexity is that my current writing and research routine isn't a good fit for it. I mean, it's clearly a solid product, but I just don't find myself naturally navigating to it.
I've started using Napkin ai for ai based dynamic graphic images. It's kind of hard to explain, but it's my new go to for creating dynamic colourful images using prompts. Amazing
Oh yeah, Napkin's supposed to be great at turning concepts from text into visuals. I played around with it back when it was launched but never really used it for my own work. I might have to revisit it, thanks for reminding me.
Yeah, Freepik is very simlar to Krea in that it lets you test drive a bunch of models from other providers on one platform. I did come across Flora before but never used it heavily. Will put it on my list to check out!
Count me in as someone who's well aware of Perplexity but isn't using it actively. I remember trying it way back in early 2023 and even showcasing it as the future of search to some friends. I also know many people here on Substack who absolutely swear by Perplexity.
I've made several attempts at incorporating Perplexity into my daily life, going as far as following specific instructions on YouTube about setting up special browser extensions for it and using it as my default search engine. At the time, I went back to Google because I didn't like how Perplexity handled navigational queries - it'd take me to a Perplexity answer for a company instead of just opening their website when I'd type the name into the search bar.
So, while I recognize that Perplexity is a very useful tool for many people, it'd feel disingenuous to put it on a list of my personal used tools. I briefly considered putting it on the list (under "Research," exactly as you mentioned) but then I'd have to add the disclaimer that I don't use it, which might've given the impression that I don't approve of it. But the simple story is that it's just not in my daily repertoire. Perhaps it will be at some later stage.
It's important to note that on UDIO the downloading of music you make is no longer allowed. That makes UDIO a far lesser option, no matter the quality IMHO (both are virtually the 'same' (UDIO slightly better control) for all intents and purpose).
It happened quite unbeknownst to me. I had built up a large collection of songs and tracks, and overnight downloading was removed. I am having to play the tracks I've made and record the output (AudioHijack) to maintain an offline record of them. I was annoyed. I no longer subscribe to UDIO because of this download ban.
I have coalesced on GPT 5.2 thinking for a lot of research and proofreading for factual accuracy and continuity. Gemini "Thinking" acts as a great 2nd opinion. I still like Jippity images, but Gemini NB is very good as well - just not my present ecosystem. I see that I'm actively selecting a more narrow set of tools.
For building things, codex-> github is rad. I am learning the ropes and getting some things done, and it's frustrating and cool and magic. I have not had the opportunity to fiddle w/the new Claude Code, but am looking forward to the app when it hits windows users.
Advanced voice by ChatGPT is still tops IMO, but show me a better model and I'll tell you why I think you're wrong. I hope my view on this is forced to change soon, because that means we'll see the same rapid innovation in voice as we've seen elsewhere. IMO this has lagged more than any other sector or aspect.
Pro models are coalescing on more and more useful work, but you still have to really hold their hands today. I'm looking forward to more delegating and less hand-holding by the end of '26.
Yeah I think for most users it kind of makes sense to pick one ecosystem and lean into that, and ChatGPT still gives you lots of bang for your buck for sure!
I'm only starting to appreciate the Claude Code setup and so far really digging it. But codex is very much on my list as soon as the Windows app is out!
Nice! It took me a while to finally try Claude Code, but it's grown on me very quickly! It'll be added to the next update to this "Go-To AI Tools" list next week, actually.
Solid roundup! Appreciate that you include both personal context and tool updates instead of just listing names. The “why it fits your workflow” angle makes this much more useful than a typical AI tools post.
For AI trends and practical insights, check out my Substack where I break down the latest in AI.
Thank you so much Daniel for this list! It’s incredibly helpful and genuinely valuable, as well as deeply inspiring for exploring and trying out new things, especially in the summertime. Wishing you a wonderful summer!
Thanks Dan. Hadn't ever given Napkin a proper try but had seen it floating around for a while. Have been tinkering for the past half an hour since reading your recommendation. Think I'll be adding it to my stack, thank you!
Yeah I was kinda skeptical when I first heard of it, but I'll generally quite impressed by how accurately it matches the text content to the visuals. Happy to hear you found it useful!
What about gamma? I like Claude, perplexity, chat GPT obviously but between Notion, gamma and Gemini combo. I put together a fair amount of presentations so I guess that’s why gamma it’s important.
Gamma is pretty great, but since I don't often create presentations, it's not on my personal go-to list. But whenever anyone asks me about an AI-powered slide tool, Gamma is the first one I think of!
You're welcome David, and yes, I'm aware of Merlin and similar extensions but haven't really used them beyond testing a few casually (wrote about Hyper write a long time ago: https://www.whytryai.com/p/riffusion-prompter-hyperwrite)
But based on you feedback, I'll give Merlin another closer look!
Same here. I pay for ChatGPT and loved Claude but the limits are maddening. Trying Gemini Pro out. For images ChatGPT and Canva because of the editing features. Napkin is really cool.
OpenAi's Deep Research isn't available on the $20 sub that I see. I only am aware of Gemini and Perplexity's available for that price. Thanks for this though!
I always appreciate these personal approaches and descriptions. It's good to know that you've been around the block several times, and you've settled on these particular tools. I myself have centered most of my research around ChatGPT Plus, and as a bonus, I get really good image generation. I use Gemini (or Google's Experimental Model) to read and "grade" my work - ChatGPT is still better at reviewing writing, but Gemini will notice some errors ChatGPT will not.
Perplexity has become a favorite too. It's amazing for quick research, probably better than the other 2 I mentioned. I've used the paid versions of GPT and Gemini, but only the free Perplexity model, and it is nearly as good as the paid models for my needs.
I might need a crash course on Perplexity one of these days. You're one of many people on Substack who seem to use it regularly, but while I've tried it out multiple times, I could never get it to "stick" in my routine.
For me it helps to think of Perplexity as a research tool, not a colleague that I’m chatting with. (Maybe this only makes sense to me though!)
Same. I have now started using it, especially the "Pro" mode for deeper, slightly more complex searchers. The "Pro" mode appears to be somewhere between traditional AI search and the "Gemini Deep Research" you mentioned in a separate comment. It makes an action/research plan and follows it, although it doesn't give you the option to edit it and doesn't crawl nearly as many pages.
I have little to add, but feel obligated since today's email triggered me like one of Pavlov's dogs.
I do use Perplexity from time to time, especially for a quick alternative "opinion" or incognito search where I don't want to sign in, etc.
Yeah, Perplexity is growing on me too but not to the extend where it becomes my go-to search engine. It's definitely a nice supplement for those in-between, semi-complex queries.
Oh hey, I actually *enjoyed* using Google's 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental with apps (the title rolls off of the keyboard just as smoothly as it rolls off the tongue) today. That's a first for talking to Google about anything, ever. Big step up!
For me, if I already have an idea about something but want to verify info, it's very fast and very effective, and very transparent insofar as where the info is coming from.
I do note that what we're using these tools for very much determines which tool is the best to use. I'm not sure that was the case a year ago.
Agreed. Perhaps the reason I never got "into" Perplexity is that my current writing and research routine isn't a good fit for it. I mean, it's clearly a solid product, but I just don't find myself naturally navigating to it.
Yep. Same reason I don't use Midjourney every day.
I've started using Napkin ai for ai based dynamic graphic images. It's kind of hard to explain, but it's my new go to for creating dynamic colourful images using prompts. Amazing
Oh yeah, Napkin's supposed to be great at turning concepts from text into visuals. I played around with it back when it was launched but never really used it for my own work. I might have to revisit it, thanks for reminding me.
Gamma for presentations is awesome! For video also Leonardo and Freepik, ElevenLabs for audio, Flora for creative workflow genning!
Yeah, Freepik is very simlar to Krea in that it lets you test drive a bunch of models from other providers on one platform. I did come across Flora before but never used it heavily. Will put it on my list to check out!
Did you miss to mention perplexitiy.ai?
I was expecting that to show up under research.
At this point, I'd be curious to hear from anyone who knows about perplexity and is _not_ using it. I guess that is not you, but just double-checking.
Hey Nico. Nope, haven't missed it.
Count me in as someone who's well aware of Perplexity but isn't using it actively. I remember trying it way back in early 2023 and even showcasing it as the future of search to some friends. I also know many people here on Substack who absolutely swear by Perplexity.
I've made several attempts at incorporating Perplexity into my daily life, going as far as following specific instructions on YouTube about setting up special browser extensions for it and using it as my default search engine. At the time, I went back to Google because I didn't like how Perplexity handled navigational queries - it'd take me to a Perplexity answer for a company instead of just opening their website when I'd type the name into the search bar.
So, while I recognize that Perplexity is a very useful tool for many people, it'd feel disingenuous to put it on a list of my personal used tools. I briefly considered putting it on the list (under "Research," exactly as you mentioned) but then I'd have to add the disclaimer that I don't use it, which might've given the impression that I don't approve of it. But the simple story is that it's just not in my daily repertoire. Perhaps it will be at some later stage.
Interesting
https://www.whytryai.com/i/150276977/4-ai-music
It's important to note that on UDIO the downloading of music you make is no longer allowed. That makes UDIO a far lesser option, no matter the quality IMHO (both are virtually the 'same' (UDIO slightly better control) for all intents and purpose).
Oh man, that's a new development and that does suck. Definitely makes Udio less of an appealing free option then.
It happened quite unbeknownst to me. I had built up a large collection of songs and tracks, and overnight downloading was removed. I am having to play the tracks I've made and record the output (AudioHijack) to maintain an offline record of them. I was annoyed. I no longer subscribe to UDIO because of this download ban.
Hey, I'm leaving a new comment!
I have coalesced on GPT 5.2 thinking for a lot of research and proofreading for factual accuracy and continuity. Gemini "Thinking" acts as a great 2nd opinion. I still like Jippity images, but Gemini NB is very good as well - just not my present ecosystem. I see that I'm actively selecting a more narrow set of tools.
For building things, codex-> github is rad. I am learning the ropes and getting some things done, and it's frustrating and cool and magic. I have not had the opportunity to fiddle w/the new Claude Code, but am looking forward to the app when it hits windows users.
Advanced voice by ChatGPT is still tops IMO, but show me a better model and I'll tell you why I think you're wrong. I hope my view on this is forced to change soon, because that means we'll see the same rapid innovation in voice as we've seen elsewhere. IMO this has lagged more than any other sector or aspect.
Pro models are coalescing on more and more useful work, but you still have to really hold their hands today. I'm looking forward to more delegating and less hand-holding by the end of '26.
Yeah I think for most users it kind of makes sense to pick one ecosystem and lean into that, and ChatGPT still gives you lots of bang for your buck for sure!
I'm only starting to appreciate the Claude Code setup and so far really digging it. But codex is very much on my list as soon as the Windows app is out!
What a whirlwind. I know it's trite by now to point it out, but: wow.
My biggest driver is going to be Claude Code, and I write a lot about it on my Substack: prosperinai.substack.com
I do use Windsurf a lot too, dabble in Perplexity as well. But Claude Code is the main tool!
Nice! It took me a while to finally try Claude Code, but it's grown on me very quickly! It'll be added to the next update to this "Go-To AI Tools" list next week, actually.
Solid roundup! Appreciate that you include both personal context and tool updates instead of just listing names. The “why it fits your workflow” angle makes this much more useful than a typical AI tools post.
For AI trends and practical insights, check out my Substack where I break down the latest in AI.
Great you found it useful! I try to share personal takes where I have some hands-on experience, so I'm happy to hear it resonates!
Thanks for the Learn About mention. I’d not heard of it before and it looks pretty cool.
Nice, check it out and let me know what you think!
Thank you so much Daniel for this list! It’s incredibly helpful and genuinely valuable, as well as deeply inspiring for exploring and trying out new things, especially in the summertime. Wishing you a wonderful summer!
Hey Riccardo, happy to hear you found it useful! I appreciate the kind words. I wish you a fantastic summer as well!
Thanks Dan. Hadn't ever given Napkin a proper try but had seen it floating around for a while. Have been tinkering for the past half an hour since reading your recommendation. Think I'll be adding it to my stack, thank you!
Yeah I was kinda skeptical when I first heard of it, but I'll generally quite impressed by how accurately it matches the text content to the visuals. Happy to hear you found it useful!
What about gamma? I like Claude, perplexity, chat GPT obviously but between Notion, gamma and Gemini combo. I put together a fair amount of presentations so I guess that’s why gamma it’s important.
Gamma is pretty great, but since I don't often create presentations, it's not on my personal go-to list. But whenever anyone asks me about an AI-powered slide tool, Gamma is the first one I think of!
This list is 🔥🔥🔥
Thanks for sharing!
Happy you found it useful!
Thanks for sharing. I also use Merlin with chrome, it allows me to chat with any webpage. Easy to use and is free.
You're welcome David, and yes, I'm aware of Merlin and similar extensions but haven't really used them beyond testing a few casually (wrote about Hyper write a long time ago: https://www.whytryai.com/p/riffusion-prompter-hyperwrite)
But based on you feedback, I'll give Merlin another closer look!
Same here. I pay for ChatGPT and loved Claude but the limits are maddening. Trying Gemini Pro out. For images ChatGPT and Canva because of the editing features. Napkin is really cool.
Will need a few weeks to proper gauge its performance for my needs. Interesting that 2.5 remains at the top of the llm leaderboard overall.
Would love to hear your thoughts on Gemini. I'm still amazed that Google gives free access to so many of its frontier models in Google AI Studio.
OpenAi's Deep Research isn't available on the $20 sub that I see. I only am aware of Gemini and Perplexity's available for that price. Thanks for this though!
It is. You get 10 “Deep Research” queries per month with the $20 ChatGPT Plus account, which is what I'm on. And you're welcome!