I'm not writing another "top 50 AI tools" post. This is only what I open every single day. Each of these tools saves me hours.
1. Claude Code
My main tool. I write code, build websites, refactor projects. It runs right in the terminal and understands project context through CLAUDE.md files.
I built this site, a client site, and several internal tools -- all through Claude Code.
2. Claude (chat)
For everything that isn't code. Strategy, copywriting, competitor analysis, call prep. I keep projects in separate chats with context.
The key is describing your context well upfront. The more Claude knows about your project, the better the answers.
3. NotebookLM
Google's tool for working with documents. Upload PDFs, articles, notes -- and it creates podcasts, answers questions, finds connections.
I use it for competitor landscape analysis and processing large documents.
4. Perplexity
Replaced Google for research. Fast answers with sources. When I need to verify something or find fresh data -- this is where I go.
5. Cursor / Windsurf
For projects where I need an IDE. Claude Code covers 80% of my needs, but sometimes I want to see file structure and work visually.
None of these tools existed 2 years ago. Now I can't imagine a workday without them.
If you haven't integrated AI into your workflow yet -- you're already falling behind. Not behind technology. Behind the people who use it.