AI tools can save hours of routine work — drafting, editing, designing and researching. But which ones are worth your time? Here are the six AI tools we list in our AI Tools Directory, what each one is good at, and what it costs. Prices change, so check the official site before you pay for anything, and never paste private or client data into an AI tool without permission.
1. ChatGPT
ChatGPT is OpenAI’s AI assistant for writing, coding, analysis and research. It can draft emails, explain ideas, write code and summarise documents. The free plan costs $0 and Plus is $20/month. See our ChatGPT listing or visit chatgpt.com.
2. Claude
Claude is Anthropic’s AI assistant for writing, coding, analysis and research. It is known for long, careful answers and for working well with long documents. The free plan costs $0 and Pro is $20/month. See our Claude listing or visit claude.com.
3. Gemini
Gemini is Google’s AI assistant on the web and inside Google apps like Gmail and Docs. It can answer questions, draft text and help with research, and it works well if you already use Google’s tools. A free plan is available and paid plans start from $19.99/month. See our Gemini listing or visit gemini.google.com.
4. Grammarly
Grammarly is an AI writing assistant that checks grammar, spelling, punctuation and tone in emails, documents and online text. It is the most useful of these tools if your work involves writing for clients. The free plan costs $0 and Premium starts from $12/month. See our Grammarly listing or visit grammarly.com.
5. Canva AI
Canva AI (Magic Studio) adds AI image, text and design tools to Canva’s design platform, helping you create graphics, presentations and social posts faster. The free plan costs $0 and Pro starts from $120/year. See our Canva AI listing or visit canva.com.
6. Midjourney
Midjourney is an AI image generator that creates images from text prompts. It runs through Discord and offers paid plans from $10/month — see the official site for current pricing. Use it to create visuals for blogs, social media and freelance design work. See our Midjourney listing or visit midjourney.com.
Using AI tools honestly
AI tools are assistants, not replacements for your skills. Check everything they produce before you send it to a client — AI makes mistakes. Be honest with clients about using AI where it matters, and never present AI-written work as your own original writing unless the client is happy with that. Learn to use these tools well in our free AI Skills course in the Learning Center.
Last updated: November 2026.