Which AI tool is right for you? A plain-English guide by what you actually need to do

Start with the job, not the tool

The best AI tool is the one that does your specific job well. This guide is organised by what you need to do, not by what's popular.

Find your job. Get a recommendation. Skip the research rabbit hole.

I need to write better, faster

Best options: Claude, ChatGPT, Jasper

For blog posts and long-form: Claude. For marketing copy and short-form: ChatGPT or Copy.ai. For teams with brand guidelines: Jasper. All three have free tiers worth trying.

I need to build something (no coding experience)

Best options: Bolt.new, Cursor (with AI), Bubble

Bolt.new is the fastest way from idea to working web app. Bubble has more flexibility for complex apps. If you're willing to learn a bit of coding, Cursor with AI assistance is worth the investment.

I need to create images and graphics

Best options: Midjourney, Canva AI, Ideogram

For high-quality artistic images: Midjourney. For quick social graphics with templates: Canva AI. For images that need readable text: Ideogram.

I need to research a topic quickly

Best options: Perplexity, NotebookLM, ChatGPT

For live web research with citations: Perplexity. For deep-diving into documents you upload: NotebookLM. For brainstorming and open-ended exploration: ChatGPT.

I need to edit or transcribe audio/video

Best options: Descript, ElevenLabs, Whisper

For podcast and video editing with AI: Descript. For voice generation and cloning: ElevenLabs. For raw transcription accuracy: Whisper.

I need to automate repetitive tasks

Best options: Zapier AI, Make, n8n

For non-technical users: Zapier. For more complex automations: Make. For full control with hosting flexibility: n8n (open source).

I need to manage customer support

Best options: Intercom Fin, Freshdesk AI, Tidio

For larger teams: Intercom or Freshdesk. For small businesses: Tidio. All three can handle common questions automatically and escalate complex ones to humans.

I need to create video content

Best options: Runway, HeyGen, Pika

For AI video generation from prompts: Runway or Pika. For AI avatar videos (great for explainers): HeyGen.

Still not sure?

Browse ToolBees by category. Every tool has pricing info, ratings, and a direct link so you can try before you commit. No sign-up required to browse.