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Sample edition.These stories, sponsors and partners are placeholders for design and testing, not news. Live editions come from the curation pipeline and are signed off by an editor.

AI tools, tested and unjargoned

Plain-English verdicts on 26 tools, a level for each one, and deals for readers.

Brightloop
AI CRM for small firms

Turns your calls and emails into follow-ups automatically. Set up in an afternoon.

4.5 · our testFree setup call
Fernwave
AI video editing

Cut a 30-minute recording into five short clips with captions, in your brand colours.

4.6 · our test3 months free
Notewell
AI meeting notes

Summaries that link every line back to the moment it was said. Works with Zoom, Teams and Meet.

4.7 · our test2 months free

Every tool we trackRanked by our editors · updated 2 Oct 2026

ToolBest forLevelPriceOur verdict
CanvaSocial posts, flyers and slidesBeginnerFree plan; paid plansDraftThe easiest way to make something that looks professional.
CapCutShort social videosBeginnerFree; paid featuresDraftFast for social clips; check the terms for commercial use.
ChatGPTEveryday writing and questionsBeginnerFree plan; paid plansDraftThe default all-rounder: start here if you only use one tool.
ClaudeLong documents and careful writingBeginnerFree plan; paid plansDraftOur pick for long documents and nuanced writing.
CursorDevelopers working in large codebasesAdvancedFree plan; paid plansDraftA big productivity jump for working developers.
DescriptPodcasts and talking-head videoIntermediateFree plan; paid plansDraftEditing by text is a genuine time-saver.
ElevenLabsVoice-overs and narrationIntermediateFree plan; paid plansDraftClass-leading voices; only clone voices you have rights to.
Fireflies.aiTeams that want notes in their CRMIntermediateFree plan; paid plansDraftStrong integrations; set clear consent for recordings.
GammaFirst drafts of decksBeginnerFree plan; paid plansDraftFast first drafts; expect to edit the content.
GeminiPeople who work in Google appsBeginnerFree plan; paid plansDraftBest if your day runs on Google Workspace.
GitHub CopilotTeams already on GitHubAdvancedFree tier; paid plansDraftThe safe default for development teams.
GrammarlyPolishing emails and documentsBeginnerFree plan; paid plansDraftLight-touch help that works wherever you type.
HeyGenExplainers and translated videoIntermediateFree plan; paid plansDraftImpressive avatars; disclose AI presenters to viewers.
LovablePrototypes and simple apps without codeIntermediateFree plan; paid plansDraftRemarkable for prototypes; review security before launch.
MakeDetailed workflows with branchesAdvancedFree plan; paid plansDraftMore control than Zapier, with a steeper learning curve.
Microsoft CopilotWord, Excel and Outlook usersBeginnerFree; paid Microsoft 365 optionsDraftThe natural choice inside Microsoft 365.
NotebookLMStudying and summarising your own filesIntermediateFree; paid tiersDraftExcellent for making sense of a pile of documents.
Otter.aiTranscripts of calls and interviewsBeginnerFree plan; paid plansDraftDependable transcripts; skim the summaries.
PerplexityQuick research with linksBeginnerFree plan; paid plansDraftBest for research where you need the sources.
TidioSmall online shopsBeginnerFree plan; paid plansDraftQuick to set up; train it on your own FAQs.
ZapierJoining your apps togetherIntermediateFree plan; paid plansDraftThe widest app coverage; costs rise with volume.

Prices change often, so check the maker’s site before you buy. Featured partners and category sponsors pay to appear and are always labelled; they cannot buy or change a verdict. Some links to tools earn us a commission, which never changes a verdict or a ranking. Our advertising policy