Artificial intelligence is no longer something meant only for programmers or technology companies.
Today, AI can help you write an article, create a video, generate a professional voiceover, compose music, build a website, automate office work, analyse information and even develop an application from a simple description.
The difficult part is no longer finding an AI tool.
The difficult part is knowing which AI tool to use for which job.
There are hundreds of AI platforms available, and many of them appear to do similar things. For someone who is new to AI, this can quickly become confusing.
So, instead of filling this guide with technical language, here are 28 useful AI tools explained in detail.
Whether you are a student, teacher, content creator, developer, entrepreneur, office professional or simply curious about artificial intelligence, this guide will help you understand what these tools actually do.
What are the best AI tools to use in 2026?
There is no single AI tool that is best for everything.
Some tools are designed for writing and research. Others are excellent for creating images, videos or voices. Some help developers write software, while automation platforms connect different applications and make them work together.
The right tool therefore depends on what you want to accomplish.
Here are 28 AI and AI-related tools worth knowing.
1. LM Studio – Run AI Models on Your Own Computer
LM Studio is useful for people who want to experiment with AI models directly on their own computers.
Instead of depending entirely on an online AI service, you can download supported language models and run them locally.
One major advantage is that after downloading a model, some tasks can be performed without continuously sending your prompts to an online service.
This makes LM Studio particularly interesting for developers, researchers and AI enthusiasts who want to understand how local AI works.
What can you use LM Studio for?
You can use it to experiment with language models, test prompts, build local AI applications and learn how open models work.
Best for: Local AI experimentation and developers.
2. OpenAI – AI for Writing, Learning, Research and Coding
OpenAI develops artificial intelligence technologies including ChatGPT.
For most people, ChatGPT is one of the easiest ways to begin using artificial intelligence.
You can ask questions, explain difficult concepts, draft emails, summarise documents, brainstorm ideas, analyse information, write or debug code and work with different types of content.
The important thing is to treat AI as an assistant rather than assuming every answer is automatically correct. Important information should still be checked, particularly in areas such as medicine, finance and law.
Who can use OpenAI tools?
Students, teachers, businesses, writers, developers, researchers and everyday users can all find practical uses for them.
Best for: General-purpose AI assistance.
3. Gemini – Google’s AI Assistant
Gemini is Google’s family of AI models and its AI assistant.
You can use Gemini for writing, brainstorming, explaining concepts, coding, research and working with images or files.
For people already using Google’s ecosystem, Gemini can be particularly useful because Google is integrating AI across many of its products and services.
A student might use it to understand a difficult topic, while a professional might use it to organise information or create an initial draft.
What is Gemini good for?
Gemini is particularly useful when you want one AI assistant for a variety of everyday tasks.
Best for: Research, writing, learning and productivity.
4. Hugging Face – A Huge Library of AI Models
If ChatGPT is an AI assistant, think of Hugging Face more like a giant community and library for artificial intelligence.
Developers and researchers use Hugging Face to discover, test and share AI models, datasets and applications.
You can find models for language, images, audio, computer vision and many other AI tasks.
You do not necessarily need to be an AI expert to explore the platform, although many of its advanced features are aimed at developers and researchers.
Why is Hugging Face important?
It gives people access to a large ecosystem of AI models that can be tested or incorporated into other applications.
Best for: AI developers, researchers and learners.
5. Llama – Meta’s Family of AI Models
Llama is Meta’s family of large language models.
These models can be used by developers to create AI-powered assistants, applications, chatbots and other software that understands or generates language.
You may not interact with Llama in exactly the same way you use a normal chatbot. Instead, developers often use Llama as the AI engine behind another application.
The AI landscape changes quickly, so while many people became familiar with Llama 3, Meta’s Llama family continues to evolve.
Who should explore Llama?
Anyone interested in building applications around Meta’s AI ecosystem or experimenting with downloadable AI models.
Best for: Developers and AI experimentation.
6. Mistral AI – Powerful Language Models and AI Assistance
Mistral AI develops language models that can be used for writing, reasoning, analysis and software applications.
It has become another important name in the growing ecosystem of AI model providers.
For a normal user, Mistral’s AI assistant can help with questions, writing and information-based tasks.
For developers, Mistral models can become part of custom AI applications.
What makes Mistral AI useful?
It gives businesses and developers another choice when selecting AI models instead of depending on a single provider.
Best for: Writing, analysis and AI development.
Best AI Tools for Voice, Images, Video and Music
AI has dramatically changed creative work. Tasks that once required expensive equipment or specialised software can now begin with a sentence describing what you want.
Here are some of the most interesting creative AI tools.
7. ElevenLabs – Turn Text into Realistic Speech
Need a professional voice without recording everything yourself?
ElevenLabs specialises in AI-generated speech.
You type your text, select an appropriate voice and the platform converts the text into spoken audio.
This can be useful for YouTube videos, podcasts, educational content, audiobooks, presentations and voiceovers.
Voice technology should always be used responsibly. You should not clone or imitate another person’s voice without appropriate rights or permission.
What is ElevenLabs best used for?
It is particularly helpful when you already have a script but need natural-sounding spoken audio.
Best for: Voiceovers, narration, dubbing and audio content.
8. Krea AI – Create and Improve Images and Videos
Krea is an AI-powered creative platform for people working with visual content.
You can generate images, improve existing visuals and work with video and other creative assets.
It is useful when you have an idea in your head but do not have the design skills required to create it manually.
For example, you could describe a futuristic office, advertisement concept or cinematic scene and use AI to turn that description into a visual starting point.
Who should use Krea?
Designers, marketers, content creators and anyone who regularly creates visual content.
Best for: AI images, video and creative design.
9. Google Colab – Run Python and AI Experiments in Your Browser
Google Colab is different from most tools on this list.
It is an online notebook that lets you run Python code through your web browser.
Students use it to learn programming. Data analysts use it for analysis. Developers and researchers use it to test machine-learning and AI models.
You do not need to install a full programming environment on your computer before getting started.
Is Google Colab only for AI experts?
No. Beginners can use tutorials and ready-made notebooks to learn Python and AI step by step.
Best for: Python, data science, machine learning and AI experiments.
10. Google Veo – Create Videos with AI
Google Veo is an advanced AI video-generation technology.
Instead of filming every scene with a camera, you can describe the scene you want and AI can generate video based on those instructions.
You might describe a cinematic landscape, a product scene or a particular camera movement.
Modern versions of Veo can also work with audio, making AI-generated video increasingly sophisticated.
This does not mean filmmaking skills are becoming irrelevant. Good ideas, storytelling, prompting and editing still make a significant difference.
What is Google Veo useful for?
Short films, creative experiments, advertisements, concept videos and storytelling.
Best for: AI video generation.
11. Make – Automate Repetitive Work Without Coding
Imagine receiving a registration form and automatically doing all of the following:
Add the person’s details to a spreadsheet.
Send a confirmation message.
Create a record in another application.
Notify your team.
That is the type of work Make can automate.
Make connects different applications together so that one event can automatically trigger another action.
You do not need to be an expert programmer to create many of these workflows.
Why should businesses use automation?
Because employees often spend valuable time repeating predictable tasks that software can handle automatically.
Best for: Business automation and connecting apps.
12. Suno – Create Songs with AI
Have an idea for a song but cannot sing or play an instrument?
Suno can generate music from your instructions.
You can describe the type of song you want, provide lyrics or describe a style and let the AI generate music that includes instruments and vocals.
It can be entertaining for beginners while also serving as an experimental creative tool for musicians and content creators.
As with any generative AI platform, users creating commercial work should understand the platform’s current usage and licensing terms.
What can Suno be used for?
Song ideas, background music, creative experiments and music generation.
Best for: AI-generated music.
13. HeyGen – Create Videos with AI Avatars
HeyGen allows you to create videos featuring AI presenters and avatars.
Instead of standing in front of a camera each time, you can prepare a script and use an AI avatar to present it.
This makes the platform useful for training material, product explanations, educational videos, social media content and business presentations.
AI video translation is another useful area because it can help creators adapt videos for audiences speaking different languages.
Is HeyGen useful for businesses?
Yes. Companies can use avatar-based videos for training, marketing, demonstrations and internal communication.
Best for: AI presenters, avatar videos and video translation.
14. Higgsfield – Create Cinematic AI Images and Videos
Higgsfield focuses strongly on professional-looking visual and cinematic AI creation.
It includes tools for AI images, video generation, editing and filmmaking-style workflows.
This can be particularly useful when you want visual content that feels more like a carefully directed scene rather than a simple automatically generated clip.
Creators can experiment with movement, camera-style effects and cinematic compositions without beginning with a traditional film production setup.
Who is Higgsfield for?
Social media creators, filmmakers, advertisers, designers and visual storytellers.
Best for: Cinematic AI video and visual creation.
15. Weavy – Build Visual AI Creative Workflows
Sometimes one AI model is not enough.
You might generate an image with one model, modify it using another tool and then turn the final image into a video.
Weavy provides a visual workspace where different AI models and creative steps can be connected into a workflow.
Instead of repeatedly moving files between separate applications, you can organise different parts of the creative process visually.
This becomes especially useful for repetitive content production.
Why use an AI workflow platform?
Because combining several specialised AI tools can sometimes produce better results than relying on a single tool.
Best for: Visual AI workflows and creative production.
Best AI and Developer Tools for Building Apps
AI is also changing software development.
Some platforms help professional developers work faster, while others allow beginners to create applications simply by describing what they want.
16. Postman – Test and Work with APIs
An API is basically a way for different software systems to communicate with each other.
Postman helps developers test, manage and document those connections.
Imagine that you are building an application that needs information from another service. Before placing that connection into your final application, you may want to test whether it works correctly.
That is one of the problems Postman helps solve.
Postman is primarily a developer platform rather than simply an AI generator, but its AI capabilities can assist modern API workflows.
Who should learn Postman?
Developers, students learning APIs and people building connected software systems.
Best for: API testing and development.
17. TextCortex – AI for Writing, Knowledge and Workflows
TextCortex began as an AI-focused writing and productivity platform and has developed into a broader environment for working with AI and organisational knowledge.
It can help with writing, rewriting, information retrieval and AI-based work processes.
For businesses, one interesting use is connecting AI with company information so employees can work with knowledge that is relevant to their organisation.
When might TextCortex be useful?
When you want AI assistance that goes beyond writing a single paragraph and becomes part of a larger knowledge or work process.
Best for: AI-assisted work, knowledge and enterprise productivity.
18. n8n – Build Powerful Automated AI Workflows
n8n is a workflow automation platform.
It allows you to connect applications, databases, APIs and AI services so they can perform tasks automatically.
For example, you could build a workflow that receives information, sends it to an AI model for analysis, saves the result in a database and then sends a notification.
Beginners can work visually with workflows, while technical users have considerable flexibility to build more advanced automations.
What is n8n best for?
It is useful when your automation needs involve multiple services, data sources or AI models.
Best for: AI agents, workflow automation and integrations.
19. Supabase – The Backend for Your App
When building an application, creating the visible screen is only part of the work.
You may also need a database, user accounts, authentication, file storage and other backend services.
Supabase provides many of these features.
This is why you will often see Supabase used together with AI website and app builders.
The AI builder can create the interface while Supabase helps manage the information behind it.
Do beginners need Supabase?
Not everyone does. But once your website becomes a real application with users and stored data, services such as Supabase become much more important.
Best for: Databases and application backends.
20. fal – Run Generative AI Models Through APIs
fal is designed primarily for developers building applications that use generative AI.
Instead of developing and hosting every image, video or audio AI model yourself, you can use an API to access supported models.
Think of it as infrastructure sitting behind an AI application.
A user may only see a button saying “Generate Video,” while the application’s developer may be using fal behind the scenes to process that request.
Who should use fal?
Developers creating products that need image, video or audio generation at scale.
Best for: Generative AI APIs and developer infrastructure.
21. Retell AI – Build AI Voice Agents for Phone Calls
Retell AI focuses on AI voice agents.
These are systems capable of carrying out phone conversations using artificial intelligence.
A business might use a voice agent to answer frequently asked questions, collect basic information, route calls or handle repetitive telephone enquiries.
This is different from simply converting text into audio. A voice agent needs to listen to the caller, understand the conversation and respond appropriately.
Where can AI voice agents be useful?
Customer support, appointment handling, lead qualification and routine business calls are common examples.
Best for: AI-powered phone agents.
22. Kling AI – Generate Videos from Text or Images
Kling AI is another major tool in the growing AI video-generation space.
You can use written prompts or images as the starting point for video generation.
For example, you might begin with a still photograph and ask AI to introduce movement, atmosphere or camera motion.
This makes it useful for short-form video, advertisements, concept scenes and creative social media content.
Is Kling AI suitable for beginners?
Yes. You do not need traditional animation skills to begin experimenting, although better prompts and creative direction usually lead to better results.
Best for: Text-to-video and image-to-video creation.
23. Twilio – Add Calls, SMS and Messaging to Applications
Twilio helps developers add communication features to software.
This includes services such as telephone calls, SMS and messaging.
Twilio becomes particularly interesting when combined with artificial intelligence.
For example, an AI assistant could understand a customer’s request while Twilio handles the actual phone or messaging connection.
It is therefore another example of technology that often works behind the scenes rather than being something the customer directly notices.
What is Twilio used for?
Communication-based applications, automated messaging and AI voice systems.
Best for: SMS, phone and communication APIs.
24. Replit – Build and Run Software Online with AI
Replit makes programming accessible directly through a web browser.
You can write code, run applications and host software without setting up a complicated development environment on your computer.
Its AI capabilities can also assist with creating and improving code.
This makes Replit useful for both beginners learning programming and developers who want to turn an idea into a working project quickly.
Can beginners build applications with Replit?
Yes. AI assistance has made it considerably easier to move from an idea to working software, although understanding basic programming concepts is still valuable.
Best for: Coding, prototyping and software development.
25. Lovable – Build Websites and Apps by Describing Your Idea
Lovable represents a major change in how websites and applications can be created.
Instead of beginning with hundreds of lines of code, you can describe what you want in ordinary language.
For example:
“I need a staff management portal with login, employee records, reports and a responsive dashboard.”
The AI can turn that description into a starting application.
You then continue telling it what to change.
This approach is sometimes referred to as AI-assisted development or vibe coding.
Do you need to know programming to use Lovable?
Technical knowledge certainly helps with advanced projects, but beginners can now create working prototypes without writing everything manually.
Best for: Websites, web apps and rapid prototypes.
26. Emergent – Turn Conversations into Full Applications
Emergent takes natural-language app development even further.
You describe the product you want to build, and its AI agents can help with different parts of the process, including design, frontend development, backend functionality, databases, testing and deployment.
That makes it interesting for entrepreneurs and non-programmers who have an idea but may not have a development team.
It can also help developers build initial versions of products more quickly.
What could you build with Emergent?
Dashboards, SaaS products, internal tools, websites and full-stack applications are among the possibilities.
Best for: AI-powered full-stack application development.
27. Google Flow – Create AI-Powered Cinematic Stories
Google Flow is aimed at AI-assisted filmmaking and visual storytelling.
Instead of treating each generated video as an isolated clip, Flow provides a more creative environment for developing scenes and visual stories.
It brings Google’s generative media technologies into a filmmaking-oriented workflow.
This makes it particularly interesting for storytellers who want greater control over how AI-generated scenes fit together.
Who should try Google Flow?
Filmmakers, video creators, advertising professionals and anyone interested in visual storytelling with AI.
Best for: AI filmmaking and cinematic storytelling.
28. ImagineArt – One AI Workspace for Images and Videos
ImagineArt is a creative AI platform for generating and editing visual content.
You can turn text descriptions into images, create videos, transform images into video and experiment with different generative models.
One advantage of platforms such as ImagineArt is that you do not always have to move between several separate AI websites for every creative task.
A social media creator, for example, might generate an image, convert it into a short video and then continue refining the content inside a broader creative workflow.
Who should use ImagineArt?
Content creators, designers, marketers and anyone experimenting with AI-generated visuals.
Best for: AI images, video and creative media.
Which AI Tool Should You Choose?
Looking at 28 tools at once can still feel overwhelming.
A simple way to choose is to begin with the problem you want to solve.
For general AI assistance:
ChatGPT, Gemini or Mistral AI.
For AI voiceovers:
ElevenLabs.
For AI music:
Suno.
For AI avatar videos:
HeyGen.
For cinematic AI video:
Veo, Kling AI, Higgsfield or Google Flow.
For AI images and creative visuals:
Krea or ImagineArt.
For automation:
Make or n8n.
For coding:
Replit or Google Colab.
For building websites and applications using prompts:
Lovable or Emergent.
For app databases and backend services:
Supabase.
For AI voice agents:
Retell AI.
For developers working with AI models:
Hugging Face, Llama, fal or LM Studio.
You do not need accounts on all 28 platforms.
In fact, that is probably the wrong way to start.
Choose one problem you regularly face, find the AI tool that addresses it and learn that tool properly.
Once it starts saving you time, move to the next problem.
Are AI Tools Only for Technical People?
Not anymore.
One of the biggest changes in artificial intelligence is the movement from technical commands to normal conversation.
Instead of learning complex software menus or programming syntax, many modern AI tools allow you to simply explain what you want.
You might say:
“Create a professional presentation about climate change for Class IX.”
“Turn this article into a one-minute video.”
“Build a registration page with a name, email and phone number.”
“Create a workflow that sends an email whenever someone submits this form.”
The AI then helps translate your instruction into an output.
That is why AI is increasingly useful not just for programmers, but also for teachers, students, administrators, creators, entrepreneurs and ordinary professionals.
Will AI Replace the Need to Learn Skills?
AI makes many tasks faster, but knowing what a good result looks like becomes even more important.
AI can generate a video.
But you still need storytelling skills to decide whether the video is interesting.
AI can write an article.
But you still need judgment to know whether the information is correct and useful.
AI can write code.
But someone still needs to understand whether the application is secure and works as intended.
The real advantage therefore does not simply belong to the person who uses the most AI tools.
It belongs to the person who learns how to combine AI with human knowledge, judgment and creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions About AI Tools
What is the best AI tool for beginners?
General-purpose assistants such as ChatGPT and Gemini are among the easiest starting points because you can communicate with them using normal language. The best choice ultimately depends on what you want to accomplish.
Which AI tools can create videos?
Popular options include Google Veo, Kling AI, HeyGen, Higgsfield, Google Flow, Krea and ImagineArt. They serve somewhat different purposes, ranging from avatar presentations to cinematic video generation.
Which AI tool is best for voiceovers?
ElevenLabs specialises in realistic AI-generated speech and is widely useful for narration, videos, audiobooks and other spoken content.
Can AI create an entire website?
Yes. AI app builders such as Lovable and Emergent can create substantial parts of websites and web applications from plain-language instructions. Complex projects still require testing, security checks and human supervision.
Which AI tools can automate office work?
Make and n8n can connect different applications and automate repetitive processes. They can also connect with AI services to create more intelligent workflows.
Which AI tools are useful for students?
ChatGPT, Gemini, Google Colab and other AI learning tools can help students understand subjects, practise concepts, learn coding and explore ideas. Students should use AI to support learning rather than simply submitting AI-generated answers as their own work.
Which AI tools are useful for teachers?
Teachers can use AI for lesson planning, explanations, worksheets, presentations, quizzes, visual material and administrative tasks. Human review remains essential, particularly for educational accuracy and age-appropriate content.
Can AI tools build mobile and web applications without coding?
AI development platforms are making this increasingly possible. Tools such as Lovable and Emergent can generate substantial portions of an application from descriptions. However, more complex applications may still require technical knowledge.
Are AI tools free?
Many AI services offer free access, free trials or limited free usage, while advanced models and higher usage levels normally require paid plans. Pricing and usage limits change frequently, so check the tool’s official website before choosing a plan.
Is it safe to upload confidential documents to AI tools?
You should always check a platform’s privacy, security and data-retention policies before uploading confidential, personal or organisational information. Avoid uploading sensitive information unless you understand how that service handles your data.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Try Every AI Tool—Build Your Own AI Toolkit
Artificial intelligence is developing so quickly that trying to master every new platform is almost impossible.
You do not need to.
A better approach is to build your own small AI toolkit.
Choose one assistant for thinking and writing.
Choose one creative tool if you regularly create images or videos.
Choose one automation platform if repetitive work is consuming your time.
Choose an AI development tool if you want to build digital products.
Then learn those tools well.
The most important question is no longer:
“Which AI tool is the most powerful?”
A much better question is:
“Which AI tool can help me solve the problem I am facing today?”
Once you start thinking that way, AI stops being a collection of impressive technologies and becomes something far more useful:
a practical tool for learning, creating, working and turning ideas into reality.
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16 AI Tools I’m Using in 2026 — And What Each One Is Actually Good For
