The 40 Best AI Software for 2025 (Tried & Tested)

The Best AI Software by Category

• AI assistant software
  • ChatGPT: Conversational AI and problem-solving
  • Gemini: Multimodal AI-powered interactions
  • Claude: Contextual AI assistance and coding tasks
• AI video generation software
  • Synthesia: Create videos with realistic AI avatars
  • Runway: Short videos and creative storytelling
  • Filmora: AI-powered video editing software
  • OpusClip: Repurpose existing videos into clips
• AI image generation software
  • Midjourney: Generate high-quality images from text prompts
  • DA‎LL·E 3: Generate detailed and diverse images 
• AI voice generation software
  • Murf: AI voiceovers in multiple languages
  • ElevenLabs: Lifelike text-to-speech and voice cloning
• AI music generation software
  • Suno: AI-generated music and audio creation
  • Udio: Custom music tracks using AI
• Building software with AI
  • Cursor: AI-powered coding and debugging
  • Bolt: AI-driven web development
  • v0: Build prototypes and AI-powered applications
  • Retool: Develop internal tools and applications
• AI content writing software
  • Rytr: Automate content writing and editing
  • AISEO: SEO-optimized AI writing
• AI design software
  • Looka: AI logo design and brand identity
• AI presentation software
  • Gamma: Create presentations, documents and websites
  • Beautiful: Dedicated AI presentation maker
• AI marketing software
  • AdCreative: Generate ad creatives
  • Creatify: Create and test marketing videos
• AI social media software
  • Vista Social: Manage social media distribution and growth
  • FeedHive: Optimize social media engagement
• AI customer support software
  • Tidio: AI-driven live chat and customer service automation
  • Hiver: Manage shared inboxes and streamline email support
• AI sales software
  • Regie: AI prospecting for sales teams
  • Clay: Personalized AI sales outreach
• AI meeting assistant software
  • tl;dv: Summarizes and manages meeting notes
  • Nyota: AI note taker that prepares agendas
• AI recruitment software
  • CVViZ: Automate recruiting tasks
• AI resume builder software
  • Teal: Simplify your job search
  • Kickresume: Build a resume with AI

AI is transforming how we work and create, offering tools that make complex tasks easier and more accessible. The applications of AI are everywhere—from video editing to design—helping us work smarter every day. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top tools out there.

The best AI assistant software

Ch‎atGPT

ChatGPT consistently leads the LM Arena leaderboard, outshining other models across crucial benchmarks. With over 200 million users as of August 2024, it stands as the world’s most widely used AI application.

I’ve relied heavily on ChatGPT for a variety of tasks, including idea generation, translation, coding assistance, AI-driven scriptwriting, data analysis, and managing research-intensive projects. The new ChatGPT-4o model marks a significant upgrade—it’s exceptionally fast and noticeably smarter compared to its predecessors.

One of my favourite ChatGPT-4 features is its multimodal functionality. It can process images, such as charts or graphs, and provide detailed insights. For example, when I uploaded a PNG file of a chart, it not only analyzed the visual data but also extracted the raw numbers, organized them into a table, and even recreated the chart in my preferred color scheme. That level of versatility really is impressive.

Another powerful enhancement is its ability to retain context over extended interactions, tailoring its responses based on prior conversations. This feature has been invaluable for refining recurring project ideas without the need to re-explain everything, saving me countless hours. OpenAI also provides tools to review and control what ChatGPT remembers, offering users peace of mind when managing sensitive data.

The addition of an integrated search option enhances the AI’s reliability by incorporating Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). This technology reduces hallucinations by grounding ChatGPT’s responses in real-world data sourced externally, making its answers more accurate and trustworthy.

While ChatGPT shines in creative and general-purpose tasks, I recommend considering alternatives like Claude (detailed below) for coding-specific needs. It’s not that ChatGPT struggles with coding, but Claude delivers exceptional results in this area.

ChatGPT-4o Mini is available for free, while the Plus plan costs $20 per month. For its unmatched capabilities and performance, the subscription is a worthwhile investment.

Ge‎mini

Google’s Gemini seamlessly integrates into the Google ecosystem. The Basic version is great for straightforward tasks like drafting emails, summarizing articles, and answering general questions. Everything works effortlessly, especially on Android devices, where it feels like a natural extension of the operating system. If you’re already using tools like Google Workspace, Gemini’s integration makes it incredibly convenient.

One of Gemini's best features is its ability to process multiple types of inputs simultaneously. I tested this by uploading a technical diagram and asking a question about its design, and the response was detailed and accurate. This multimodal capability is a huge advantage for creative projects and technical workflows that involve both text and images. It’s also remarkably fast, which makes it a reliable tool for quick tasks.

For casual users, the free Basic version is an excellent starting point, offering enough functionality to cover most everyday needs. Gemini Advanced, which costs $19.99 per month, takes things further by adding enhanced reasoning and better handling of complex scenarios. For example, when I needed help crafting a detailed project proposal, the advanced tier provided more nuanced suggestions that felt tailored to the task at hand.

However, Gemini isn’t without its limitations. One of the first challenges I encountered was its occasional inability to maintain context in longer tasks. For instance, when revising a piece of writing, it often seemed to forget earlier instructions, requiring me to re-explain my goals with each prompt. This made longer interactions feel disjointed, which was frustrating for tasks that needed refinement or iteration.

Another issue came up when I tested its ability to analyze data. I uploaded an Excel file and asked it for an analysis, and while the initial summary was decent, things got complicated when I updated the data. Instead of recognizing the updated file and continuing where we left off, Gemini repeatedly asked which file to use, treating each step as a new task. This lack of fluidity slowed things down and made it less practical for handling iterative tasks.

Additionally, while it performs well with general and creative prompts, it struggles with highly technical or niche questions. For example, its attempts at debugging code often produced incorrect or unhelpful results, and its analysis of dense legal texts lacked the nuance I’d expect from an advanced model. Its accuracy with certain image-based queries also left something to be desired, occasionally returning answers that were outright wrong.

Despite these shortcomings, there’s still a lot to like about Gemini. Its seamless integration with Google tools makes it an excellent choice for users already embedded in the Google ecosystem. The multimodal capabilities are a significant advantage for creative professionals, educators, and anyone who needs to synthesize different types of inputs. It’s fast, intuitive, and handles most everyday tasks with ease.

If you’re looking for an AI to assist with simple tasks, casual writing, or creative projects, Gemini is a solid option. While it may not be the best choice for highly specialized or technical work, its strengths in accessibility, speed, and multimodal processing make it a compelling choice for a wide range of users. Ultimately, Gemini shines when used for what it does best: simplifying everyday tasks and adding value to Google’s already robust suite of tools.

Cl‎aude

When it comes to coding tasks, Claude, developed by Anthropic, has quickly become my preferred choice, especially for code reviews. What sets Claude apart is its remarkable precision—it seems to truly understand the subtleties of programming in a way other AI tools don’t. I’ve used it to uncover hidden issues in my code and brainstorm more efficient ways to organize projects. Anthropic has clearly trained this model on up-to-date and specialized coding knowledge, and it excels when working with modern frameworks or debugging complex problems.

I love the conversational experience that Claude provides. Its tone feels warmer and more engaging than other AI models, making interactions smoother and more enjoyable. Whether I’m hashing out ideas or tackling a challenging issue, working with Claude feels like collaborating with an understanding and thoughtful partner.

One downside I’ve encountered is hitting the response and rate limits more quickly than I’d like, which can be inconvenient during intensive projects. However, at $20/month for the Pro plan, Claude is still an excellent value for anyone seeking an AI assistant that’s intelligent, approachable, and particularly adept at coding tasks.

The best AI video generation software

Sy‎nthesia

Synthesia is the top AI video creation platform, specializing in producing professional video content with AI avatars. I’ve used it extensively for training videos and presentations, and it’s easy to see why it’s a go-to tool for learning and development (L&D) teams. By transforming text into video, Synthesia eliminates the need for traditional video production setups like cameras, microphones, or studios, streamlining the entire process.

While its most common application is creating training and L&D videos, Synthesia’s versatility extends far beyond that. Companies use it for internal communications, employee onboarding, and customer support videos, as well as for building knowledge bases. On the marketing front, it’s an excellent choice for personalized sales outreach videos, B2B marketing campaigns, explainer videos, and product demos. I’ve also found it incredibly useful for creating professional website videos with minimal effort.

Two key features of Synthesia are its avatar customization options and its wide selection of templates. When I needed to create tailored training videos for different departments, Synthesia made it easy to adjust the language, tone, or background of the avatars to fit the target audience. With a library of over 230 avatars and support for more than 140 languages, it enables businesses to produce globally consistent content with ease.

Although Synthesia is exceptional for corporate-style videos, it’s not the best choice for storytelling or cinematic projects. Its strengths lie in catering to teams and businesses that value efficiency, professionalism, and brand alignment in their video workflows.

Synthesia offers a free plan that allows up to 36 minutes of video creation annually, with no credit card required. For those needing additional features, paid plans start at $29 per month, making it a cost-effective solution for high-quality video production.

Ru‎nway

Runway is an advanced AI video creation platform offering powerful tools like text-to-video, image-to-video, Motion Brush, Camera Controls, and Inpainting. I’ve primarily used its text-to-video feature to transform simple prompts into visually engaging videos, perfect for social media content.

Features like Motion Brush allow users to add animations to specific parts of a video effortlessly, while Camera Controls help refine angles and focus to achieve a cinematic look. The Inpainting tool stands out as a game-changer, enabling seamless removal or alteration of elements in a scene without disrupting the overall flow—tasks that traditionally require expert skills and specialized video editing software. However, there is a bit of a learning curve, especially for those new to video editing.

Runway’s pricing structure is adaptable to different needs. The Standard Plan ($12/month) suits light users, while the Pro Plan ($28/month) provides additional credits and features. For high-volume creators or teams, the Unlimited Plan ($144/month) offers unlimited capabilities. There’s also a Basic Plan that includes 125 one-time credits for free, allowing individuals to test the platform. Additionally, a simplified version of Runway is integrated into Canva, making it easy to try out its features there.

Runway excels for creatives such as filmmakers, digital artists, and content creators aiming to push creative boundaries. While rendering times for high-resolution videos can occasionally slow down, the quality of the results more than compensates. For me, it has become an indispensable tool for experimenting and producing professional-grade content, whether for short-form videos or storytelling projects.

Fi‎lmora

Filmora is an AI-powered video editor that stands out for its intuitive interface and ease of use. Its drag-and-drop functionality and straightforward design make it easy for anyone to start creating videos, even with minimal experience. The platform also offers an extensive library of transitions, effects, and templates, making it simple to produce professional-quality content for social media or YouTube. This combination of accessibility and functionality makes Filmora a great choice for beginners and intermediate users alike.

Filmora’s AI-powered features bring both convenience and creativity to the editing process. The AI Smart Cutout tool simplifies isolating objects by letting users paint over specific areas, while AI Audio Denoise effectively removes background noise from recordings. The AI Audio Stretch feature allows seamless extension of background music to match transitions, and AI Motion Tracking adds versatility by enabling users to track moving objects for effects like privacy blurring or playful overlays such as stickers.

One of my favorite tools was the AI Remove Background feature, which let me replace backdrops in my videos without needing a green screen. It opened up so many creative possibilities for my projects. Another favorite was AI Silence Detection—it saved me so much time by automatically cutting out awkward pauses, which helped me create sharp, engaging jump cuts. While these tools worked great most of the time, I did notice that features like Smart Cutout and Remove Background occasionally needed some manual tweaks for more complex scenes. Also, when I worked on larger projects with high-resolution files, the software could slow down a bit, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker for me.

The pricing is flexible and accessible, making Filmora an attractive option for creators at all levels. An annual subscription costs approximately $49.99 per year, while a lifetime license is available for around $79.99, offering excellent long-term value. There’s also a free version for users who want to try out the software, though it includes a watermark on exported videos. These options provide affordable solutions for casual creators, small business owners, and anyone seeking professional-grade tools without breaking the bank.

Op‎usClip

Opus Clip has quickly become one of my favorite tools for repurposing long videos into social media-friendly clips.

The AI-driven clip generation feature is surprisingly accurate, identifying the most engaging parts of my videos and saving me the time I’d usually spend sorting through footage. I appreciate how it automatically resizes clips to fit different platforms like TikTok and Instagram without requiring manual adjustments.

Adding captions and even emojis is simple, and makes the videos more engaging, especially for viewers who watch without sound. One great feature is the "hook" identification, which picks out key moments to grab attention quickly. This ensures that the content immediately resonates with the audience, increasing the chances of higher engagement on social platforms.

The AI also provides useful insights, such as audience engagement predictions and optimal formats for different platforms, which makes it easier to tailor content for maximum impact. It’s a great tool for streamlining the process of creating shareable videos, especially for creators or businesses looking to maximize their reach.

While the automation is impressive, there’s still room for customization, allowing you to tweak the generated clips to better align with your brand or storytelling needs. However, like most AI tools, Opus Clip isn’t perfect and may occasionally miss subtleties in footage that require manual refinement.

Despite minor limitations, Opus Clip stands out as an efficient and user-friendly solution for turning long-form content into attention-grabbing social media clips. It’s particularly suited for content creators, marketers, and anyone looking to amplify their video presence across multiple platforms with minimal effort.

Opus Clip offers flexible pricing plans to suit different needs. The free plan includes 60 credits per month with basic features and watermarked clips. The starter plan costs $15/month and provides 150 credits, AI-powered tools, and platform-specific resizing. For professionals, the pro plan is $29/month, offering 300 credits, team collaboration, and advanced features like AI B-roll and multi-aspect ratio exports. Custom pricing is available for businesses needing tailored solutions.

The best AI image generation software

Mi‎djourney

Midjourney continues to be my top choice for generating painterly and imaginative visuals. Its particularly brilliant at producing breathtaking fantasy and sci-fi imagery, as well as richly textured "historical" photographs.

One of Midjourney's greatest strengths is its artistic aesthetic, particularly when it comes to faces and intricate details in surreal or dreamlike scenarios. While it sometimes struggles with rendering faces from a distance, it excels in creating speculative and narrative-driven artwork—perfect for crafting a mystical kingdom or a vivid space opera.

For projects requiring grounded realism, I usually turn to DALL-E 3. However, when it comes to vibrant, otherworldly concepts or highly creative art pieces, Midjourney remains my preferred tool.

That said, like DALL-E 3, Midjourney lacks the ability to define reusable characters or objects, which would be a game-changing feature for creating consistent visual narratives.

Midjourney offers both free and premium plans. The free plan allows for a limited number of image generations, while premium plans provide more generations, faster processing, and additional tools. The basic premium plan, which I’ve found to be a good value, starts at $10/month.

DA‎‎LL·E 3

DALL-E 3, OpenAI’s latest text-to-image model, is seamlessly integrated into ChatGPT, making image creation incredibly intuitive. You can collaborate with ChatGPT to refine prompts, transforming simple ideas into detailed visual narratives. It’s like working with a creative partner that translates your concepts into stunning visuals.

I rely on DALL-E 3 for photorealistic renders and scenes with multiple distinct "actors." It excels at producing lifelike depictions, whether it's a detailed battle scene for a game concept or realistic images of animals and people. Its improved ability to interpret complex prompts makes it significantly more reliable than earlier versions.

However, like similar tools, DALL-E 3 has limitations when it comes to creating reusable elements. The ability to save and reuse specific characters, locations, or objects—such as naming a character "Paul" and incorporating him consistently across projects—would revolutionize visual storytelling and brand design.

For those seeking photorealistic visuals or grounded scenes, DALL-E 3 is an excellent choice, especially when paired with ChatGPT to fine-tune creative ideas.

The best AI voice generation software

Mu‎rf

I tried using Murf AI to generate voiceovers for a few content creation projects, specifically for explainer videos. My goal was to save time while achieving high-quality, professional-sounding audio without the need for manual recording.

Getting started was straightforward—I created an account, uploaded my script, and was able to choose from a wide variety of voices. Murf offers male and female options in diverse accents and languages, all accessible through an intuitive user interface that required no prior tutorial.

What impressed me most was the realism of the AI-generated voices. The natural intonation and rhythm felt far superior to typical text-to-speech systems. After testing several options, I selected a voice that perfectly matched the tone of my video, resulting in a polished, professional final product that sounded as though it had been recorded by a voiceover artist—without the cost or studio time.

Murf also allows for customization of parameters like pitch, speed, and tone, which made it easy to fine-tune the delivery. For example, I wanted a more upbeat tone for the video’s introduction and was able to achieve this with just a few adjustments.

I also experimented with the AI voice cloning feature, which lets you create a digital replica of your own voice. By uploading a short sample, I was able to generate a highly accurate model of my voice. This feature could be particularly useful for personalizing content while avoiding repetitive recordings.

While the overall experience was excellent, there were occasional hiccups. For complex sentences, the AI sometimes mispronounced words or inserted unnatural pauses. These issues were manageable with manual tweaks or using Murf’s built-in editing tools, but an automatic solution would make the tool even better.

Murf saved me a significant amount of time by handling the bulk of the voiceover work, allowing me to focus on the creative aspects of my videos. It was especially helpful for quickly creating multiple versions of the same script for different audiences or purposes, eliminating the need for repeated recordings.

Murf offers a Free Plan that includes 10 minutes of voice generation and transcription, access to 120+ voices, and basic sharing capabilities. For more extensive needs, the Creator Plan is available at $29/month, providing unlimited downloads, access to 200+ voices, 2 hours of voice generation, and commercial usage rights.

El‎evenLabs

‎ElevenLabs is widely regarded as one of the top AI voice generators, offering advanced text-to-speech and voice cloning capabilities.

The voice quality is outstanding. When I converted text to speech, the AI-generated voice sounded incredibly natural, capturing human-like intonation and rhythm far better than I anticipated. Customization options such as pitch, speed, and tone adjustments provided precise control over the final result.

I also tested the voice cloning feature by uploading a sample of my own voice. The generated model closely mirrored my speech patterns, and when I input text, it sounded almost identical to my original recording. While there were occasional slight tonal differences, the overall accuracy was remarkable.

Integrating ElevenLabs with a text-to-speech application allowed me to effortlessly convert written content into spoken words, which is invaluable for accessibility or for those who prefer consuming information in audio format.

One feature that stood out was the AI Dubbing Studio, which enables high-quality voiceovers and multilingual dubbing. I uploaded a video and quickly generated voiceover tracks in various voices and accents. While it lacks video dubbing or lip-sync capabilities (for lip-sync Synthesia's AI video dubbing is a better option), the dubbing functionality is a great tool for translating content into multiple languages. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s one of my favorite apps for video translation.

While the features are impressive, there’s room for improvement. AI-generated voices sometimes need small adjustments to fine-tune tonal nuances, and the customization options, while robust, might feel limiting for users seeking very specialized results.

ElevenLabs offers a free plan with 10,000 credits (about 10 minutes of text-to-speech). The Starter Plan, priced at $5/month, includes 30,000 credits (30 minutes), along with access to voice cloning and the Dubbing Studio. It’s an affordable and powerful tool for anyone looking to create natural, high-quality voiceovers.

The best AI music generation software

Su‎no

‎Suno is an AI music generator that transforms text prompts into complete songs. I provided a prompt for a melancholic piano ballad, and Suno delivered a fully composed piece, complete with vocals and instrumentation. The AI’s ability to interpret and translate text descriptions into music is genuinely impressive.

The song it generated felt coherent and emotive. The synthetic vocals captured the melancholy tone I wanted, and the piano arrangement complemented the mood beautifully. However, there were moments where the lyrics became slightly repetitive, and the vocal delivery lacked some of the nuanced expression of a human performer.

While Suno makes it easy to generate music, its editing capabilities are limited. I attempted to adjust the tempo and key but found the options somewhat restrictive. For detailed modifications, external audio editing tools would be necessary.

Despite these limitations, I enjoyed the experience and plan to continue using Suno for generating quick musical ideas or experimenting with different genres. I’ve found it particularly useful for creating background music for social media posts and videos, where it excels at delivering polished, ready-to-use compositions.

AI-generated music is becoming increasingly accessible with platforms like Suno, though it still falls short of the depth and emotional complexity of human-made music. It might be a while before AI compositions are regularly enjoyed for pure listening pleasure, but for practical applications, Suno is a powerful tool.

Suno offers a Free Plan with 50 daily credits for up to 10 songs per day, suitable for personal and non-commercial use. For those needing commercial rights, the Pro Plan at $10/month provides 2,500 credits, priority generation, and the ability to run up to 10 tasks at once. If you plan to use Suno for social media or video projects like I do, the Pro Plan is essential to ensure you have the proper commercial licensing.

Ud‎io

‎I tested Udio by creating an upbeat electronic track with a strong bassline and catchy melodies, using a text prompt to describe the vibe I had in mind.

The generated track had a well-defined structure, including an intro, build-up, and drop. The synths were vibrant and energetic, and the rhythm section delivered a groove that made the track engaging and dynamic.

What sets Udio apart from tools like Suno is its genre-specific customization. Udio allows for more precise control over the style of music based on your prompt. For instance, I could specify particular instruments or focus on a specific subgenre of electronic music. While the song captured the energy I wanted and was enjoyable overall, the vocals still felt somewhat robotic, which is a common limitation of AI-generated music.

Udio’s editing options are slightly more flexible than Suno’s, allowing for basic tweaks, but it still falls short of traditional music production software when it comes to detailed customization.

Udio offers a Free Plan with 100 credits per month, allowing up to 50 song generations and access to basic music creation tools. For users who need more credits and features, the Standard Plan is available for $10/month, making it a solid choice for experimenting with AI-generated music.

The best AI application-building software

Cu‎rsor

‎Cursor is marketed as a revolutionary AI-powered code editor, and I was excited to see how it could enhance my development process. The idea of having an AI assist with coding, debugging, and even optimizing my code was too good to pass up. After spending time with it, I found plenty to like—though it’s far from perfect.

One of the first things I noticed was how well Cursor handles basic coding tasks. While working on a React project, I tried using it to generate functional components, and it did so with remarkable accuracy. Not only did it produce clean, efficient code, but it also suggested performance optimizations I hadn’t considered. I appreciated how intuitive its autocomplete felt—it often predicted what I was trying to do before I even finished typing. It saved me a ton of time on repetitive tasks like creating boilerplate code.

I also tested Cursor’s debugging capabilities by feeding it a Python script with intentional errors. It not only identified the issues but also explained the fixes in a way that was clear and easy to follow. It felt like having a knowledgeable coding mentor by my side, guiding me through my mistakes. For newer developers or those looking to build confidence in their coding skills, this feature could be a game-changer.

However, as I moved on to more complex projects, I began to notice its limitations. I tried refactoring a messy block of legacy JavaScript code, and while Cursor offered some decent suggestions, they didn’t account for the broader structure of my application. When I integrated the changes, they broke other parts of the codebase. It became clear that Cursor struggles to understand context across larger or more intricate projects.

I also encountered issues during a paired programming session with a colleague. Cursor’s auto-suggestions often clashed with my collaborator’s input, and we found ourselves wasting time overriding or ignoring its recommendations. This rigidity made it feel less helpful in team environments where collaboration and flexibility are essential.

There’s also the question of cost. Cursor Pro, the premium version, costs $25 per month. While it unlocks advanced AI models and priority updates, I found the price steep compared to alternatives like GitHub Copilot. The free version is functional enough for casual use, but if you’re a professional, you may feel the need to upgrade to make the most of it.

That said, Cursor still has its strengths. Its speed, simplicity, and intelligent suggestions make it a fantastic tool for solo developers working on small to medium-sized projects. I found it particularly helpful when prototyping ideas or iterating quickly on a project. The clean interface and beginner-friendly design also make it a great starting point for those learning to code.

Cursor is a promising tool with some impressive features, but it’s not a perfect fit for everyone. If you’re a solo developer looking to accelerate your coding process or a beginner wanting extra guidance, Cursor can be a valuable asset. However, its struggles with larger codebases, real-time collaboration, and continuity make it less appealing for teams or highly technical projects. For what it does well—streamlining small projects and providing quick coding assistance—it’s worth giving a try.

Bo‎lt

‎Bolt is an ambitious AI-powered code editor designed to generate, debug, and manage entire codebases with minimal input. It allows users to provide prompts via text or images, generating complete project structures with files, directories, and dependencies. It even supports installing packages, setting up backends, and editing code—all within the platform. After diving in, I found plenty to appreciate but also some frustrating limitations.

One of the most impressive features of Bolt is how quickly it can set up entire projects. I tested it by asking for a basic React app with Tailwind and Firestore integration, and it delivered a complete codebase with the required dependencies. It didn’t stop there—it also generated backend services and allowed me to edit code directly within the interface. For someone with a vision but little programming experience, Bolt feels like a magic wand, turning abstract ideas into functional codebases.

That said, success with Bolt depends on having a basic understanding of programming. For simple projects, it’s remarkably effective, but more complex setups can be a mixed bag. For instance, I spent $140 on a frontend and backend for a reasonably complex app, and while the results were solid overall, there were hiccups. Features that initially worked suddenly broke, requiring additional instructions to fix them. I also asked it to create a test suite for my backend, but it couldn’t produce a functional one, leaving me to figure it out myself.

Debugging with Bolt was another hit-or-miss experience. I ran into a recurring issue when trying to link footer elements on a website. No matter how many times I clarified my instructions, Bolt wouldn’t connect the links properly. While it’s possible I made a mistake somewhere, the platform’s inability to consistently execute basic tasks was frustrating. Calendly integration was another area where it struggled, repeatedly misconfiguring the feature despite multiple attempts.

One major drawback is its lack of reliable deployment features. During one project, I attempted to deploy directly from Bolt but encountered multiple errors, and at one point, I even lost the project files entirely. These kinds of limitations make it hard to recommend for anything beyond the initial stages of a project.

Despite these setbacks, Bolt has a lot going for it. For those new to coding or looking to quickly prototype ideas, it’s a fantastic tool that lowers the barrier to entry. I especially appreciated how it enabled me to implement concepts I’d previously only understood in theory. For small-scale projects or as a learning tool, it’s highly effective.

Bolt offers exciting possibilities, particularly for beginners or anyone looking to quickly create and iterate on small to medium-sized projects. Its ability to generate complete codebases and handle dependencies is impressive, and for the right user, it can be a game-changer. However, it struggles with complex projects, doesn’t always follow instructions, and lacks reliable deployment features. If you’re considering Bolt, go in with realistic expectations—it’s a great starting point but not yet polished enough for high-stakes or large-scale development.

v0‎

‎v0 is an intriguing tool, positioned as a rapid prototyping and code generation platform aimed at helping developers and designers quickly spin up functional projects. After testing it out on a variety of tasks, I found it to be a mixed bag—highly useful in some scenarios but lacking the polish needed to rely on it for more complex work.

One of v0’s biggest strengths is its ability to help you get a passable UI up and running quickly. I used it to create a basic interface for a React app using Tailwind and found that it delivered a working layout in just minutes. The tool felt intuitive and was great for laying the groundwork. However, I noticed that its output sometimes lacked the flexibility needed for more custom designs. For instance, if you stick to its default paradigms, like shadcn or Tailwind, it works well, but deviating from them means you’ll end up spending extra time adjusting the results.

Another test involved creating a simple game for fun. I asked v0 to build a basic 2D game for a small project and was impressed by how quickly it generated something playable. After a few iterations, I pushed it further by asking it to upgrade the game to 3D. While the results weren’t flawless, the iterative capabilities were impressive—it felt like having a junior developer on hand who could take basic instructions and quickly spin up something workable.

Despite these strengths, v0 isn’t without its limitations. One issue I ran into was its lack of depth in explanations. For example, when I requested a breakdown of a specific code snippet, the responses were too shallow to be useful. If you’re looking for detailed insights into how or why a piece of code works, v0 probably isn’t the right tool for the job. It’s better suited for rapidly generating concepts or prototypes rather than diving into intricate details.

I also noticed that v0 struggles with edge cases. In one project, I attempted to tweak a layout element to fit a custom design, and v0 hit its limits—it couldn’t make the adjustments I needed without breaking the overall structure. Similarly, while it’s great for generating code quickly, I often found myself refining or “doctoring” the output to make it more maintainable.

At $20 per month, it feels reasonable for the speed and convenience it offers, but only if you’re consistently using it for prototyping or small-scale projects. For those who already have established workflows or don’t rely heavily on Tailwind and similar design systems, the value may not justify the cost.

That said, v0 excels in one specific area: it gets you 80% of the way there, fast. If you’re working on a project without a concrete design or just need something functional to iterate on, v0 can save you a ton of time. It’s also a great tool for learning or experimenting with ideas you might not have the expertise to implement from scratch.

v0 is a valuable tool for prototyping and quick project spins, but it’s not a full-stack solution. It works best when you have a clear, straightforward goal and are willing to tweak the output to suit your needs. If you’re someone who frequently starts new projects or needs quick inspiration, v0 is worth considering. However, for in-depth development or highly customized workflows, it still has some growing up to do.

Re‎tool

‎Retool is a low-code platform designed for building internal tools and custom software quickly. After spending time with it, I was impressed by its potential to accelerate development, though it does come with a learning curve and some notable limitations.

One of Retool’s most appealing features is its flexibility. I tested it by creating a simple internal dashboard for tracking employee performance. With Retool, I could quickly pull data from an external database, display it in a clean interface, and even add interactive filters for sorting and searching. It felt intuitive, and its drag-and-drop components made assembling the UI a breeze. For someone like me, who isn’t a full-time developer, Retool bridged the gap between idea and execution with minimal frustration.

Another test involved building a more complex internal app to manage inventory. Retool’s pre-built integrations with databases like PostgreSQL and third-party APIs like Slack saved me hours of setup time. I appreciated how easy it was to connect different data sources, and being able to write custom JavaScript for specific logic was a huge plus. It’s clear that Retool isn’t just for non-technical users; developers with coding experience can leverage its features to build powerful tools faster than starting from scratch.

That said, I ran into a few challenges. For one, Retool is not a no-code platform—it’s low-code, meaning that while the drag-and-drop interface helps, you still need some familiarity with SQL and JavaScript to unlock its full potential. I struggled with certain customizations, like modifying how data was displayed in a table or setting up more complex logic. These tasks required more trial and error than I expected, and it would have been helpful if the documentation were more comprehensive.

Another issue I noticed is that scaling applications built with Retool can become cumbersome. As I added more pages, APIs, and logic, keeping everything organized became a challenge. For example, I had to spend extra time cleaning up the way I managed permissions and API keys. It’s manageable with small apps, but as your app grows, you’ll need to adopt a systematic approach to avoid chaos.

One thing I really liked was the community and support. When I hit roadblocks, I turned to Retool’s community forums and found answers for most of my issues. Their customer support team was also responsive and helpful, which made the process less frustrating.

Pricing is another factor to consider. Retool offers a free tier for small teams, but for larger organizations or apps with more users, the cost scales quickly. While the value is undeniable for businesses that rely on internal tools, smaller teams or individuals might find the pricing less accessible.

Despite these drawbacks, Retool shines when it comes to rapidly prototyping and building internal tools. Its pre-built integrations, flexibility, and user-friendly design make it an excellent choice for operations teams, startups, or anyone looking to reduce the time spent on repetitive development tasks. However, it’s not the best choice for apps that need to scale significantly or for users without any technical knowledge.

Retool is a powerful tool for building internal software, offering a good balance of speed and customization. It’s perfect for creating dashboards, automating workflows, or integrating with external systems. While it has a learning curve and challenges with scaling, the time savings and flexibility it offers make it worth considering for businesses that need custom tools quickly.

The best AI content writing software

Ry‎tr

‎I’ve found Rytr to be an excellent AI writing assistant for creating quick, polished content. It’s particularly well-suited for short-form writing tasks such as social media posts, product descriptions, and email drafts. Its library of over 40 pre-designed templates provide a structured starting point and save time when you’re unsure how to begin.

Unlike ChatGPT, which excels at brainstorming and idea exploration, Rytr feels more specialized and focused on delivering polished, ready-to-use content in a professional tone. Its built-in plagiarism checker is a great addition, offering reassurance about originality, and it supports over 30 languages, making it a strong choice for multilingual content creation.

Rytr does have its limitations, particularly with longer or more complex writing tasks, where it may struggle to maintain depth or coherence. However, for short-form projects, it’s efficient, easy to use, and budget-friendly. Plans start at just $9/month, making it an ideal choice for freelancers, small business owners, and marketers seeking a streamlined tool to handle their writing needs quickly and effectively.

AI‎SEO

‎AISEO is a content generation tool that promises to help users create SEO-optimized copy quickly and efficiently. It offers a suite of features, from article and sentence rewriting to email generation and paraphrasing. After testing it across a variety of tasks, I found that while it has its strengths, there are significant issues that potential users should be aware of.

One of the first things I tried was the paraphrasing tool, and it performed well for simple tasks like rewriting short paragraphs. The results were clear and engaging, often improving readability without straying too far from the original meaning. I also experimented with the AI image generator and found it useful for creating simple visuals, though the quality varied.

For longer-form content, AISEO’s templates made it easy to get started. I used the blog article generator to draft a post on a niche topic, and it provided a coherent structure with relevant SEO keywords. However, the generated content often required significant editing to feel polished. While AISEO can give you a head start, I had to spend a good amount of time refining the output, especially when aiming for professional-level writing.

One issue I ran into was with the subscription process. After starting a free trial, I noticed that the auto-renewal wasn’t as transparent as I’d expected. It wasn’t immediately clear how to cancel, and I had to dig around to ensure I wouldn’t be charged unexpectedly.

AISEO also struggled with nuanced or highly specific content. For example, when I asked it to generate an article with technical details in my niche, the results were overly generic and lacked depth. It reminded me that AI content tools like this are best suited for general topics or brainstorming rather than specialized or authoritative writing.

While the free trial gives you a taste of the platform, the subscription costs, which start at $24 per month, might not be justifiable for occasional users, especially since the output often requires manual editing. For those who need frequent content generation, it could be worth it, but I’d recommend testing it thoroughly before making a commitment.

AISEO is a decent option for users looking to accelerate content creation, especially for straightforward tasks like paraphrasing, generating blog outlines, or creating email templates. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It works best for quick drafts and general topics but requires time and effort to refine the results.

The best AI design software

Lo‎oka

‎‎Looka is an AI-powered logo design platform that simplifies branding and delivers professional results. I used it to create a logo for one of my side projects—an Airbnb property management company—and was impressed with how polished the designs were. After entering my project name and selecting my preferred styles and colors, Looka generated several logo options that felt sleek and professional. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible even for those with no design experience.

The best thing about Looka is its simplicity. Once I chose a design I liked, I was able to easily customize it by adjusting fonts, colors, and layouts. The final logo was so well-done that I opted to download the accompanying Brand Kit, which included matching social media templates and business card designs. Having these assets ready to go saved me hours of extra work and gave my branding a cohesive and professional look.

While Looka doesn’t provide the deep customization options you’d get with a professional designer, it’s a fantastic solution for small businesses or personal projects where time and budget are key considerations. It’s straightforward, effective, and delivers high-quality results that I’ve been very happy with.

Looka’s pricing options are flexible. You can make a one-time purchase through their Logo-Only Packages, with the Basic package priced at $20 and the Premium package at $65, both offering logo files in multiple formats. For a more comprehensive solution, the Brand Kit Subscriptions provide access to over 300 customizable branding assets. The standard Brand Kit costs $96 per year, while the Brand Kit with an AI-generated website is available for $129 per year.

The best AI presentation software

Ga‎mma

‎Gamma is an AI-powered presentation tool that simplifies the process of creating professional slides. I tried it out and was impressed by how quickly it transformed simple prompts into clean, visually appealing slides. Gamma handles layout, colors, fonts, and alignment seamlessly, allowing me to focus entirely on the content without getting bogged down in formatting details.

While the slides Gamma generates are beautifully designed, I did notice some limitations in its editing capabilities. Customization options, particularly for modifying layouts and specific slide elements, felt a bit restrictive. For example, while I could adjust text and add media easily, fine-tuning elements like resizing objects or repositioning text boxes wasn’t as intuitive as I’d hoped. Additionally, the templates, while polished, limit flexibility for those looking to deviate significantly from the pre-set styles or structures.

Despite these constraints, Gamma is an excellent option for anyone who needs to create polished presentations quickly and efficiently, without spending hours on design.

Gamma’s pricing options are straightforward. The Free Plan includes 400 AI credits, basic image generation, and the ability to create up to 10 slides per presentation. For more robust features, the Plus Plan is available at $10 per user per month, offering unlimited AI creation, advanced image tools, the ability to create more slides, and priority support.

Be‎autiful

‎Beautiful is an AI presentation tool designed to simplify the process of creating professional-looking slides with minimal effort. After using it for a few projects, I found it to be brilliant for some tasks but frustratingly limited for others.

One of Beautiful's main advantages is its ease of use. I tried building a presentation from scratch and it only took me a few minutes to generate a fully structured deck complete with clean layouts, cohesive design elements, and even placeholder visuals. Its ability to automate formatting saved me so much time compared to manually adjusting slides in PowerPoint. For a non-designer like me, having the tool handle alignment and consistency was very useful.

Collaboration was another area where Beautiful impressed me. I worked with a colleague on a shared deck and it was easy to make changes together without stepping on each other’s toes. We also customized the deck with our brand colors and fonts, which was straightforward to set up. That said, customization beyond basic branding felt restrictive. I wanted to tweak specific design elements—like adjusting spacing or re-aligning graphics—but the platform didn’t offer that level of control.

Another test involved importing an existing PowerPoint file to see how well Beautiful could adapt it. While it did a decent job of reformatting the content into cleaner layouts, some elements, like charts and tables, didn’t transfer seamlessly. I had to manually fix these, which negated some of the time savings I’d hoped for.

One major drawback I encountered was with more creative or unconventional layouts. Beautiful is great if you’re sticking to standard business-style presentations, but when I tried to design a highly visual pitch deck with unique layouts, the tool felt limiting. Moving elements freely or adding custom animations wasn’t possible, which made the final product feel less dynamic.

The pro plan costs $12 per month, which is very affordable compared to hiring a designer, but whether it’s worth it depends on how often you create presentations and how much customization you need.

Beautiful is an excellent tool for creating polished, professional slides quickly and easily. It’s perfect for business presentations, team updates, or other standard decks where clean design and speed matter more than creative freedom. However, if you need deep customization or work with unconventional layouts, it might not meet your needs. For straightforward projects, though, Beautiful lives up to its name and delivers impressive results with minimal effort.

The best AI marketing software

Ad‎Creative

‎AdCreative is an AI-driven tool designed to help businesses quickly generate professional ad creatives for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads. After spending some time with it, I found it to be a time-saving tool with strong potential, though it does have its limitations depending on your needs.

One of the biggest advantages of AdCreative is how simple it is to get started. I entered details about my campaign, such as the product and target audience, and the tool generated several ad designs tailored to different platforms. The designs looked polished and followed modern advertising trends, making them ready to use with minimal tweaks. For someone like me, who isn’t a designer, this automation was incredibly helpful.

I also appreciated the ability to customize the outputs. I adjusted text, swapped out images, and added my brand’s logo seamlessly. The interface is user-friendly, and even with limited design skills, I felt confident making changes to better align the ads with my vision. However, the customization options don’t allow for deep design flexibility, so if you’re looking to create highly unique ads, you might feel restricted.

My favourite use case was generating variations for A/B testing. AdCreative made it easy to create multiple versions of an ad with slightly different headlines or visuals. This feature alone can save marketers a lot of time, especially for campaigns where optimization and iteration are key.

That said, AdCreative isn’t perfect. When I tried creating ads for a niche product, the designs sometimes felt generic. While the tool excels at producing clean, professional-looking ads, it struggles to infuse creativity or uniqueness into campaigns that require a distinctive edge. This might not be an issue for standard e-commerce products, but for highly specialized or artistic projects, the results could feel underwhelming.

Another limitation I encountered was with its ability to generate copy. While the tool can provide suggestions for headlines and descriptions, the language was often too formulaic for my liking. I ended up rewriting much of the ad text to better capture the brand’s voice.

In terms of pricing, AdCreative offers good value for frequent users. Starting at $39/month, it’s affordable compared to hiring a designer, but occasional users may find it less cost-effective, especially if the outputs still require significant manual adjustments.

AdCreative is a powerful tool for marketers looking to save time and streamline the ad creation process. It’s particularly effective for generating professional-looking ads for standard campaigns and for those who frequently need variations for A/B testing. However, its limitations with creativity and copywriting mean it works best as a starting point rather than a complete solution. If you’re seeking efficiency and don’t mind refining the final product, AdCreative can be a valuable addition to your toolkit.

Cr‎eatify

‎Creatify is an AI-powered tool designed to streamline video marketing by automating the creation of user-generated content (UGC) and ad creatives. After spending time with it, I found it to be a promising tool, though it’s clear it’s still evolving and not without its challenges.

One of the first things I noticed was how quickly Creatify could generate video concepts. I tested it by providing a script and some branding guidelines, and the tool produced multiple video variations. The results were visually appealing and well-structured, saving me significant time compared to manually editing videos. For marketers needing a large volume of content quickly, this is a major advantage.

Another great feature is its ability to sync video scripts with on-screen "actors." I experimented with this by creating a testimonial-style video, and while the lip-syncing worked for the most part, it wasn’t perfect. The lack of emotional depth in the delivery made some sections feel flat, which could be a drawback for more nuanced campaigns. It’s clear that while the AI is competent, it hasn’t yet mastered the subtleties of human expression.

The tool also comes with a range of customization options. I adjusted fonts, colors, and video pacing to better align with my brand, and the process was straightforward. However, when it came to adding more complex elements like layered animations or intricate transitions, the platform felt limited. For simple video marketing needs, Creatify works well, but for high-production-value campaigns, you might need a more robust tool.

One issue I encountered was occasional glitches in the rendered videos. In one test, an actor's mouth movements didn’t align perfectly with the audio, and minor visual artifacts appeared in some scenes. These weren’t deal-breakers, but they detracted from the polished look I was aiming for.

Pricing is competitive, especially considering the time savings Creatify offers. While the platform does require a paid subscription for full access, it’s a reasonable investment for marketers who need consistent content generation. That said, if you’re only creating occasional videos, you might not see as much value.

In summary, Creatify is a strong contender for marketers looking to scale their video content production. It excels at generating quick, visually appealing videos and offers customization options to fit a range of branding needs. However, it’s not yet a replacement for high-end video production, particularly for campaigns requiring emotional depth or intricate designs. For straightforward UGC or testimonial videos, it’s a great tool to have in your arsenal.

The best AI social media software

Vi‎sta Social

‎I tried using Vista Social to manage our social media accounts, and it quickly became an essential part of my workflow. Its wide range of features allows me to plan, collaborate, and schedule content effortlessly across all our social channels. One of my favorite features is the visual scheduling and preview tool, which lets me see exactly how posts will look before they’re published, ensuring everything is polished and on-brand.

The built-in AI Assistant, powered by ChatGPT, is a significant time-saver. It generates engaging captions and message replies, streamlining the content creation process. Vista Social’s engagement tools are equally impressive, consolidating messages, comments, and reviews from all platforms into one central hub. This makes it much easier to manage interactions and strengthen connections with our audience. The platform’s robust analytics and reporting tools also provide valuable insights, helping me track campaign performance and fine-tune my strategy as needed.

Vista Social is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses, marketing agencies, and solo content creators who need a comprehensive and cost-effective social media management tool. However, it may not meet the needs of larger enterprises or teams requiring advanced CRM integrations or highly customizable analytics.

With pricing starting at $39/month, Vista Social includes a rich set of features such as planning and publishing tools, AI-powered assistance, engagement management, and detailed analytics. It’s an accessible and user-friendly solution for anyone looking to simplify their social media management.

Fe‎edHive

FeedHive has become one of my favorite tools for managing social media content. Its AI-powered features, such as content suggestions and hashtag recommendations, are especially helpful when I need fresh ideas for posts. Scheduling content is straightforward, and the visual previews ensure that everything looks polished before it goes live. I also love how easy it is to tweak posts for different platforms within the same interface, which saves me a ton of time.

The analytics dashboard is another useful feature. I’ve used it to analyze follower activity and track post performance, helping me better understand what resonates with my audience. FeedHive’s collaboration tools have also been incredibly useful—I’ve been able to share drafts with my boss and quickly get approvals without the hassle of switching between apps.

One area where FeedHive falls short is its social listening capabilities. If you need to monitor brand mentions or track trends in real-time, you may find it lacking compared to other tools. Platforms like Vista Social offer more advanced social listening features, but these come at a higher price point.

FeedHive is lightweight, affordable, and starts at $19/month, making it an excellent choice for freelancers and small businesses. It’s a reliable and efficient tool for creating and scheduling content, especially if you’re looking for something simple yet effective.

The best AI customer support software

Ti‎dio

‎Tidio is a versatile customer service platform that incorporates powerful AI-driven tools to streamline support operations.

A key feature of Tidio is the Lyro AI Chatbot, which is designed to handle up to 70% of customer inquiries. I implemented Lyro to manage routine questions and tasks, freeing up our human support team to focus on more complex cases. The chatbot’s natural language processing capabilities were impressive—it effectively understood and addressed customer queries. For example, when a customer asked about product specifications, Lyro provided a detailed and accurate response, significantly improving response times and boosting customer satisfaction.

Another highlights is the Reply Assistant, powered by GPT-4. This feature transforms basic responses into polished, contextually appropriate messages. I found it particularly useful for enhancing the professionalism and clarity of our team’s replies. By entering a simple draft, the AI suggested improved alternatives, ensuring high-quality communication. This feature also helped gain buy-in from our support team, as they saw how the AI could complement their efforts rather than replace them.

Tidio’s Smart Views feature offers real-time insights into customer activity. Support agents can see which customers are online and what pages they’re browsing, enabling proactive engagement and quicker issue resolution. This functionality made it easier to prioritize conversations and provide more efficient support.

The platform also includes detailed analytics and reporting tools, which I used to measure the performance of the AI features. Metrics like response times and customer satisfaction ratings highlighted how effectively Lyro managed a large share of inquiries, allowing human agents to dedicate their attention to more complex concerns.

Tidio offers a 7-day free trial for new users. The Starter Plan, priced at $29/month, includes 50 Lyro AI conversations, making it an accessible and valuable solution for enhancing customer service workflows.

Hi‎ver

‎Hiver is a smart AI customer service platform designed to help teams manage shared email inboxes with ease. When I introduced it to our workflow, I was looking for a way to simplify email management and improve response times for customer support. Its seamless integration with Gmail was a major advantage, allowing our team to adapt quickly without a steep learning curve.

One of the features I found most valuable was the AI Summarizer. With the sheer volume of emails we handle, lengthy threads can easily become overwhelming. The Summarizer condensed these conversations into clear and actionable overviews, highlighting important points like follow-ups and decisions. It became a reliable way to stay informed without having to sift through every single message in detail.

Harvey, Hiver’s AI-powered assistant, was another game-changer for us. It filtered out repetitive or low-priority emails—like automated replies or common inquiries—keeping our inbox organized and clutter-free. This allowed us to focus on more complex requests that required human attention, significantly improving our team’s efficiency and reducing the time it took to address customer queries.

In addition to these tools, Hiver’s analytics provided us with valuable insights into team performance. Metrics like response times, customer satisfaction, and the volume of inquiries handled by the AI gave us a clear picture of how well we were doing and where we could refine our approach. This data proved instrumental in optimizing our workflows and balancing the workload between AI and our team members.

However, I did encounter some limitations. While the AI Summarizer worked well for most threads, it occasionally missed subtle nuances in more detailed conversations. Similarly, Harvey sometimes filtered out emails that were actually important, which required manual intervention. A bit more flexibility in customizing how the AI operates would make it an even stronger tool.

Overall, Hiver has been an excellent solution for streamlining email management. It has saved me time, reduced manual effort, and enabled our team to provide more focused and responsive customer support.

Hiver offers a Free Plan with basic features like one shared inbox, live chat, and a knowledge base. For teams that need more advanced tools, the Lite Plan costs $24 per user per month and includes two shared inboxes, light automation, analytics, and integrations.

The best AI sales software

Re‎gie.ai

‎Regie is an AI-powered sales tool designed to enhance sales prospecting and content creation for outreach campaigns. After testing it, I found it offers some useful features for streamlining sales workflows, but it’s not without its challenges, particularly when integrating with existing tools.

One of the key strengths of Regie is its ability to generate engaging email templates. I used it to create outreach sequences for a B2B campaign, and the AI produced emails that were concise, professional, and tailored to my input. The personalization suggestions were particularly helpful—it made crafting emails for specific industries or personas much faster than starting from scratch. However, I often needed to tweak the outputs to better align with my brand’s voice and ensure they didn’t sound overly generic.

Another area where Regie shines is in its library of pre-built templates and content ideas. For someone like me, who sometimes struggles to come up with fresh approaches for outreach, these resources were a great starting point. I also liked how it incorporated data insights to recommend optimal sending times and subject lines.

That said, I ran into issues with how Regie fits into an existing tech stack. While I appreciated its capabilities, I found it a bit clunky when working alongside tools like Outreach or Salesloft. For example, Regie only creates call tasks if there’s engagement with an email or another trigger event. This meant I couldn’t manually prioritize calls based on my own knowledge or instincts, which felt limiting in certain scenarios.

The pricing model is another factor to consider. Regie offers its AI Agents for an eye-watering $50,000 per use case, regardless of your sales team size. While this flat rate might make sense for large enterprises looking to scale their outreach, it’s a steep cost for smaller businesses or teams with limited budgets. At this price point, the tool needs to deliver significant value to justify the investment.

Integration limitations also extended to how tasks and sequences were managed. During one test, I tried creating a multi-touch campaign that included manual follow-ups, but the lack of flexibility made it harder to execute effectively. It’s clear that Regie is great for automating top-of-funnel activities but less so for tasks that require a human touch or a lot of customization.

Regie is a solid tool for automating sales outreach and generating engaging content, particularly for teams looking to save time and scale their top-of-funnel activities. However, its limitations in flexibility and integration mean it works best as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, a comprehensive sales tech stack. While the pricing might make sense for larger teams, smaller businesses are unlikely to commit to such a significant investment.

Cl‎ay

Clay is a lead generation platform designed to streamline prospecting by automating data retrieval, enrichment, and scoring. After testing it for several campaigns, I found it to be a powerful tool for advanced users, though it has a learning curve and might not be ideal for everyone.

One of the most impressive features is how efficiently Clay automates tasks that would otherwise take hours. I used it to build a prospect list by specifying job titles, company size, and other parameters, and Clay generated an enriched dataset with detailed information. This process saved me significant time compared to manual research. The platform’s lead scoring feature was equally useful, helping me prioritize high-value leads by ranking them based on relevance to my campaign goals.

Another highlight is the flexibility Clay offers through its customization options. I set up workflows to automate repetitive tasks, like data cleansing and exporting leads directly to my CRM. While this required some technical understanding of APIs, the end result was a streamlined workflow that significantly improved efficiency. For those who are comfortable with automation, Clay’s potential is unmatched.

However, Clay isn’t without its challenges. Setting up workflows can feel overwhelming for less technically skilled users. It took me a fair amount of time to learn how to effectively utilize its features. Additionally, while the tool integrates with other platforms, I encountered occasional sync issues, which added extra steps to my workflow.

Clay offers a free version, which is great for small-scale experimentation. The paid plans range from $149/month to $800/month, with the pro plan offering significant savings per credit for higher usage.

Clay is a robust tool for lead generation and prospecting, especially for businesses looking to scale their outreach with high-quality, enriched data. Its power lies in its customization and automation capabilities, making it ideal for teams with the resources and technical expertise to fully utilize it. While the pricing may deter smaller teams, the time savings and quality of leads it delivers make it a valuable asset for scaling outreach efforts.

The best AI meeting assistant software

tl‎;dv

‎tl;dv is an AI-powered tool designed to make virtual meetings more productive by automating transcriptions and creating detailed summaries. I began using it with my team to streamline how we manage meeting notes and ensure that important information is always documented and accessible.

Getting started with tl;dv was simple—all I had to do was connect it to our Zoom account, and it began transcribing meetings automatically. The transcription quality was impressive, with only occasional issues around technical terms that required minor manual adjustments. Overall, it captured the majority of discussions accurately and reliably.

One of my favorite features was the automatic meeting summaries generated at the end of each session. These summaries highlighted key decisions, action items, and significant topics, making it easy for team members who missed the meeting to catch up. As someone who struggles with taking notes during meetings, I found it invaluable to be able to review the action items assigned to me without needing to ask for clarification later.

Another feature I appreciated was the ability to flag key moments in meetings. This made it simple to locate specific discussions without having to replay the entire recording. It saved me a great deal of time when I needed to revisit meetings for important details. However, the AI occasionally struggled with accurately pinpointing more nuanced or technical topics, which required a quick manual review to ensure nothing was overlooked.

While tl;dv excelled in automating meeting summaries and transcriptions, its editing capabilities felt limited. If I needed to refine or adjust the transcription, the platform didn’t offer robust tools to make detailed edits. Despite this minor limitation, the time-saving benefits and overall ease of use made it a worthwhile addition to my workflow.

Using tl;dv has been a transformative experience for managing meetings. It has helped me stay organized, save time, and focus more on meaningful tasks instead of note-taking. This tool is particularly valuable for remote teams, where ensuring everyone stays informed can be a challenge. While there’s room for improvement, tl;dv has proven to be an essential resource for efficient team collaboration.

tl;dv offers a Free Plan that includes unlimited meetings and viewers. For those seeking more functionality, the Pro Plan is priced at $29/user/month and provides unlimited access to its AI-powered features.

Ny‎ota

‎Nyota is an AI-powered meeting assistant designed to boost productivity by automating note-taking, task tracking, and meeting preparation.

After connecting Nyota to our calendar, it seamlessly joined scheduled meetings and took charge of capturing key points, decisions, and action items. This allowed me to remain fully engaged in discussions without the need to jot down notes.

Following each meeting, Nyota delivered comprehensive transcripts and clear summaries that highlighted critical information and assigned tasks. This feature was especially useful for team members who missed a meeting, as they could quickly review essential takeaways and stay aligned with the team.

Nyota’s meeting planning features stood out as well. It used AI to suggest relevant topics for upcoming meetings, helping us keep discussions focused and productive. The integration with project management tools was another major advantage—Nyota automatically turned meeting outcomes into actionable tasks and updates, streamlining our workflow and saving time on manual entry.

However, I did notice a few limitations. Like other AI meeting tools, Nyota's editing capabilities for transcripts were somewhat basic, which made it less flexible when adjustments were needed. Additionally, while Nyota excelled in capturing and organizing meeting content, it lacked advanced post-meeting analytics. Features that measure meeting dynamics, such as tracking participation levels, could add significant value for improving team collaboration.

Compared to other meeting assistants like tl;dv, Nyota offers a more integrated approach by connecting meeting insights directly to project management workflows. While tl;dv specializes in transcription and summarization, Nyota shines in its ability to bridge the gap between meeting discussions and actionable planning.

Nyota is available with a Starter Plan at $12/month, which includes core features like automated note-taking. A 7-day free trial is also offered for those who want to test its capabilities.

The best AI recruitment software

CV‎ViZ

‎CVViZ is an AI-powered recruitment platform designed to simplify the hiring process by automating key tasks like job posting, resume screening, and candidate engagement. It proved to be a valuable resource for finding and selecting qualified candidates efficiently.

One of CVViZ’s best features is its ability to automate job postings across multiple platforms. With integrations spanning over 2,000 job boards worldwide, the platform enables you to publish job ads to more than 20 free and 1,700 paid job sites with just one click. This broad reach ensures maximum visibility for your job listings without requiring extra effort.

CVViZ also excels in matching and ranking resumes, helping recruiters identify top candidates early in the process. When we tested it for a position on our team, the platform highlighted several strong candidates that aligned well with the role’s requirements, making the initial screening process faster and more focused.

In addition to sourcing candidates, CVViZ simplifies engagement and tracking. The platform allows you to communicate with applicants, schedule interviews, and even make job offers, all within a single system. It integrates seamlessly with existing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), serving as an intelligent enhancement to your current recruitment workflow.

Analytics and reporting are another area where CVViZ adds value. The platform provides insights into sourcing effectiveness, team performance, and key metrics like time-to-fill, enabling data-driven decisions to optimize the hiring process.

CVViZ offers a 7-day free trial for new users. For ongoing access, the Starter Plan is priced at $99 per month, making it an accessible option for businesses looking to streamline their recruitment efforts.

Check out our guide to the practical uses of AI in HR to learn more.

The best AI resume builder software

Te‎al

‎Teal is an AI-powered resume builder designed to make creating and optimizing resumes faster, easier, and more effective. As someone who has spent countless hours refining my resume, especially when tailoring it for specific roles, I was eager to see how Teal could streamline the process while ensuring my resume truly stood out.

Getting started was simple. I added my job history, skills, and career goals, and Teal immediately generated a live preview of my resume. Using the information I provided, the platform suggested bullet points tailored to my experience. For instance, when I entered a previous marketing role, the AI recommended action-oriented phrases like "increased engagement by 30%" or "managed a team of 5." These suggestions gave my resume a polished, results-driven tone right from the start, saving me time and mental effort in crafting the perfect phrasing.

I loved Teal’s ability to tailor resumes to specific job descriptions. By uploading a job posting, Teal analyzed the description and highlighted key skills and qualifications I should emphasize. When I tested this with a marketing manager role, the AI suggested ways to incorporate relevant phrases from the posting into my resume. This feature made tailoring my resume for each application a breeze, ensuring it aligned closely with the employer's expectations.

Another helpful tool was Teal’s real-time feedback system. It provided actionable suggestions, such as "add more measurable achievements" or "use stronger action verbs," which improved the overall impact of my resume. For example, some of my bullet points lacked emphasis on results, and Teal guided me in reframing them to highlight measurable outcomes. This feedback was invaluable for refining my resume beyond surface-level correctness.

That said, there were some limitations. While many of the AI-generated phrases were useful, a few felt overly generic and didn’t fully capture the specifics of my roles. I needed to tweak these to ensure they accurately reflected my personal contributions. Additionally, while Teal offers several design templates, I found the customization options somewhat limited. Greater flexibility with fonts and layouts would make it easier to match my personal style and preferences.

Teal offers a Free Plan, which includes unlimited resumes and job tracking—a fantastic option for anyone looking to enhance their job search without extra costs. For more advanced features, the Teal+ Plan is available at $29 per month, offering unlimited access to tools like tailored resume suggestions and real-time feedback. Overall, Teal is a powerful resource for job seekers who want to create quality resumes quickly and effectively.

Ki‎ckresume

‎Kickresume is an AI-powered resume builder that simplifies the process of creating professional and tailored resumes. With a variety of templates and design options, it’s designed to help users craft resumes that stand out in the job market.

One of Kickresume’s most valuable features is its AI-driven content suggestions. After entering my job title and description of responsibilities, the AI generated relevant bullet points and achievements to include. Customizing a resume for each job application is often one of the most tedious parts of the process, especially when trying to emphasize specific accomplishments or projects. Kickresume analyzes the job description and suggests skills and experiences to highlight, making it much easier to tailor resumes for specific roles. In my experience, the suggestions were almost always on point and significantly sped up the customization process.

The platform also provides real-time feedback on both the content and formatting of resumes. It identifies areas for improvement, such as optimizing keywords or better aligning content with the job description. This feature helped me refine my resume to ensure it was polished and relevant to the positions I was applying for.

Kickresume offers a Free Plan that includes basic resume and cover letter templates, a personal website template, and access to 20,000 pre-written phrases. For more advanced tools, the Monthly Plan is available at $19/month, which unlocks premium templates, unlimited customization options, an AI resume checker, and priority support. Whether you’re just starting out or need to refine your resume for a competitive role, Kickresume provides a user-friendly and efficient solution.

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