⚡ Some links below are affiliate links. We only list tools we actually use. Full disclosure →
Honest, First-Hand Reviews

The AI Tools
We Live In

Every tool here is one we actually use. No paid placements. No affiliate-first recommendations. Just what works in the real world.

⚡

Tools marked with * affiliate earn us a small commission if you sign up — at no extra cost to you. This helps keep the free newsletter free. We never recommend a tool just because of its commission rate. Full disclosure policy →

AI Models
🧠
Claude
Anthropic · AI Model
We Use Daily
★★★★★5.0 — Our primary model
Our go-to for writing, analysis, coding, research, and document generation. Claude Sonnet is the workhorse; Opus when accuracy matters most.
Try Claude → Free + $20/mo Pro
💻
Claude Code
Anthropic · Agentic CLI
We Use Daily
★★★★★5.0 — Game changer for builders
The agentic coding CLI that changes how you build. Run autonomous tasks, process files, and execute multi-step workflows directly from your terminal.
Get Claude Code → Included w/ Claude Pro
💬
ChatGPT
OpenAI · AI Model
Weekly Use
★★★★☆4.2 — Strong for ideation
Great for brainstorming, first drafts, and DALL·E image generation. We use it alongside Claude rather than instead of it.
Try ChatGPT → Free + $20/mo Plus
🌀
Perplexity
Perplexity AI · Research
We Use DailyAffiliate
★★★★★4.8 — Best AI search bar
The best tool for research and fact-checking. Replaces most Google searches. Pro gives you access to Claude and GPT-4 within the same interface.
Try Perplexity → Free + $20/mo Pro
💎
Gemini
Google · AI Model
Situational
★★★★☆3.9 — Good for Google Workspace
Strong when embedded in Google Workspace. Useful for long-context tasks with Google Drive integration. Not our first pick for standalone use.
Try Gemini → Free + $20/mo Advanced
Automation & Workflows
⚙️
n8n
n8n GmbH · Workflow Automation
We Use DailyAffiliate
★★★★★5.0 — The automation backbone
Our preferred automation platform for connecting AI to everything else. Self-hostable, powerful, and now has native AI nodes. The Make/Zapier alternative for builders.
Try n8n → Free self-host + Cloud from $20/mo
🚂
Railway
Railway · Cloud Deploy
We Use DailyAffiliate
★★★★★4.9 — Best deploy experience
Where we deploy FastAPI agents, n8n instances, and backend services. Stupidly easy deployment with great pricing. We use it for every project we ship.
Try Railway → Free tier + usage-based
📋
Airtable
Airtable · Database / CRM
Weekly Use
★★★★☆4.2 — Great AI pipeline backend
We use Airtable as the backend database for AI scoring pipelines — especially the AI Clarity Index. Great for non-developers who want structure without SQL.
Try Airtable → Free + $20/seat/mo
Productivity & Knowledge
🔷
Notion AI
Notion · Knowledge Base
We Use DailyAffiliate
★★★★★4.7 — Best knowledge OS
Our entire operating system — projects, clients, content calendar, prompt library, and SOPs all live in Notion. Notion AI speeds up writing and summarization significantly.
Try Notion → Free + $10/mo Plus
📧
Beehiiv
Beehiiv · Newsletter Platform
We Use DailyAffiliate
★★★★★4.8 — Best newsletter platform
The platform powering this very newsletter. Built for growth with referral programs, segmentation, paid subscriptions, and beautiful templates. Switched from Substack and never looked back.
Try Kit.com → Free up to 2,500 subs
🏫
Skool
Skool · Community Platform
We Use ItAffiliate
★★★★☆4.5 — Best community platform
Where our premium community lives. Combines discussion forum, courses, events, and member profiles in one clean interface. Far better UX than Discord for paid communities.
Try Skool → $99/mo flat