9 Best Generative AI Tools I Use: Which One Leads Today?

I’ll be honest and admit right away that when AI tools like DALL-E and GPTs started popping up, I was hyped. Then, in late 2022, when ChatGPT blew up and suddenly everyone was talking to AI, I knew generative AI was going mainstream, and I had to check it out. 

Since then, I’ve tested AI chatbots, content generators, image creators, AI video generators, and other generative AI tools. Some were great. Others? Let’s just say I spent more time setting them up than creating (looking at you, early AI image generators).

But through all the hype and half-baked tools, I’ve kept my focus on the best generative AI tools, the ones that actually help professionals, writers, coders, marketers, and creators work smarter, not harder. It’s clear this isn’t just a passing trend; the global generative AI market was valued at USD 16.9B in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 109.4B by 2030, growing at a rapid 37.6% CAGR.

From OpenAI’s ChatGPT to Google’s Gemini, from MidJourney’s mind-blowing images to Synthesia’s AI video magic, I’ve seen how far these tools have come.

Now, after sorting through the good, the bad, and the just plain unnecessary, I’ve put together a list of the best generative AI tools that actually deserve a spot in your workflow.

9 best generative AI tools I've tried and loved

For me, generative AI tools aren’t just software. They’re creative partners, problem-solvers, and (on really busy days) lifesavers. They help me brainstorm more efficiently, automate tedious tasks, and unlock ideas I wouldn’t have thought of on my own.

At their core, these tools generate something new: text, images, code, videos, and even voices, based on what they’ve learned from massive datasets. But the best ones? They don’t just spit out generic results. They enhance how we think, create, and work. They give us a starting point, a creative boost, and sometimes, a much-needed reality check when we realize that AI still isn’t perfect.

I’ve had moments where AI completely transformed how I approach work, and others where I’ve sat, staring at a screen, wondering why it gave me the most ridiculous output (seriously, why does AI struggle with hands?). But that’s part of the journey: finding the tools that actually make life easier, not harder.

What makes the best generative AI tool: My checklist

With so many generative AI tools on the market, choosing the best isn’t just about picking the most popular names. My colleagues and I followed a structured evaluation process to test and compare each tool, ensuring we prioritized performance, usability, and real-world value over hype.

For larger teams or developers building new systems, I also explored the most recommended generative AI infrastructure for software companies, especially those integrating AI across their codebase, dev environments, and customer workflows.

Here’s the detailed checklist we used to separate the best from the rest.

• Accuracy and output quality: Generative AI is only as good as the content it produces. We assessed each tool’s ability to generate accurate, high-quality results across different applications. 
  
  For AI writing tools, we tested for coherence, factual accuracy, grammar, and contextual understanding, ensuring minimal hallucinations. AI coding tools were evaluated based on syntax correctness, efficiency, and debugging capabilities across various programming languages. AI image generators were judged on realism, detail, resolution, and adherence to prompts, while AI video generators were analyzed for frame consistency, lip-sync accuracy (for avatars), and animation smoothness. For text-to-speech tools, we focused on natural tone, pronunciation, emotional variation, and response time. A tool that consistently produced high-quality, usable results with minimal intervention ranked higher.
• Usability and learning curve: A powerful AI tool is useless if it’s a pain to use. We paid close attention to how intuitive the interface felt: was the dashboard clean and easy to navigate, or did I have to dig through endless menus just to get started? The best generative AI tools worked right out of the box, while the ones that required excessive setup or technical know-how quickly dropped down our list.
• Speed and performance: AI should enhance productivity, not slow it down. We measured response time, processing efficiency, and overall system performance to see how quickly AI-generated text, images, code, or videos were produced. We prioritized tools that offered quick, seamless results without lag or crashes, especially for large-scale tasks like long-form content generation.
• Reliability and consistency: Some generative AI tools perform well one day and fail the next. To ensure stability, we tested them across multiple sessions over weeks to check for degradation in quality. Variability in outputs was another key factor: did the AI remain consistent, or did results fluctuate unpredictably? Additionally, we analyzed how well the tools handled complex prompts and nuanced requests without producing misleading or irrelevant results. Generative AI tools that delivered stable, repeatable performance were rated higher than those with unpredictable behavior.
• Customization and control: We looked at how much control users had over AI-generated content by assessing prompt tuning, adjustable styles, and revision capabilities. Tools that allowed detailed, fine-tuned prompts, let users define brand voice, artistic style, or coding conventions, and offered an interactive feedback loop for refining results ranked higher. Those that produced rigid, one-size-fits-all outputs scored lower.
• Data privacy and security: Generative AI tools process vast amounts of user data, making security and privacy considerations critical. We examined data handling policies, checking whether tools stored, shared, or used user data for further model training. Privacy-focused features such as local processing, opt-out options, and transparent data policies scored higher.
• Pricing and value for money: Not every AI tool justifies its price tag. We analyzed free vs. paid features, subscription costs, and overall return on investment. Some tools offered robust free plans, while others had essential features locked behind high-priced tiers. We prioritized tools that struck the right balance between affordability and functionality, ensuring that paid plans actually provided significant value.

After evaluating 50 AI tools across different categories, I narrowed it down to the 9 best generative AI tools. They're reliable and friendly and make our workflow more productive and efficient. The list below contains genuine G2 user reviews from the respective product pages on G2.

*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity. 

1. ChatGPT: Best AI chatbot for conversations and productivity

Category:  AI chatbot software, AI code generation software

ChatGPT is probably the most well-known generative AI tool out there. I’ve used it for just everything from drafting blog posts and brainstorming marketing ideas to answering random late-night questions like “Why do cats knock things off tables?” (spoiler: they’re just tiny chaos agents). But like any tool, it’s got its strengths and a few quirks.

Accessing ChatGPT is super-easy now, with no login requirement. It's as simple as opening a site and starting to ask questions. But for features like voice mode or image generation, we need to sign up for either a free plan or a paid one.

Let me be frank here: I’m a ChatGPT Plus user. The upgrade makes a difference to me as I use it extensively for writing, coding, brainstorming, and research. The access to advanced models, like GPT-4o, GPT-4, and GPT-o, that are noticeably sharper, and the added perks (like access to new features) make it worth it. That said, the free version is still solid for everyday tasks.

ChatGPT is fast, efficient, and surprisingly good at structuring ideas when my brain refuses to cooperate. One of its biggest strengths is how versatile it is. I can ask for a witty tweet one minute and try writing code in the next minute, and it handles both with ease. It also keeps track of context within a conversation, so I don’t have to repeat myself constantly.

My favorite feature is ChatGPT’s memory controls. I can explicitly tell it to remember things, ask what it remembers, and even reset or update its memory, either through conversation or settings.

Honestly, if I had to pick just one tool as the best generative AI infrastructure for my tech startup, ChatGPT Plus, with its advanced models, code generation, and file handling, would top the list.

But the feature that excites me the most is the ability to build custom GPTs. Instead of a one-size-fits-all chatbot, I can fine-tune ChatGPT to behave exactly how I want, whether for a specific writing style, a coding assistant, or even an AI persona for brainstorming.

I’ve relied on ChatGPT to write HTML and JavaScript for interactive tools and web pages, ones that are now live on our website. Note that I have no experience coding at all, but that hasn’t stopped me from using it to build things that actually work. ChatGPT helps me generate full scripts, optimize code, understand algorithms, and even help with debugging. 

It’s also been incredibly useful in breaking down complex datasets, writing Excel formulas I wouldn’t have figured out on my own, and even generating Pandas scripts to automate repetitive tasks. I wouldn't have thought of using these advanced methods if not for ChatGPT honestly. And did I mention that we can now browse with SearchGPT also? If I need real-time information, I just switch to browsing mode and get up-to-date search results.

ChatGPT can also double down as an AI image generator powered by the DALL E3 model, albeit with limits on the number of images you can generate in the free tier and with fewer controls for tweaking it. I'd say there are other free AI image generators that do an even better job with more controls. 

I’ve been genuinely impressed by how helpful ChatGPT is in my day-to-day work. It’s great for brainstorming ideas, breaking down complex topics, and speeding up writing or research. It really feels like having a supercharged assistant at my fingertips. That said, it does have its quirks. I’ve noticed it can sometimes sound overly confident, even when the answer isn’t entirely accurate. But once I got into the habit of fact-checking key details, it became much easier to rely on it for solid first drafts and quick insights.

ChatGPT excels at clarity, creativity, and adaptability, making it one of the best tools for writers, marketers, and anyone who needs help with brainstorming or research. While some G2 users (and my own experience) show that it can occasionally fall short on highly technical or niche topics, that’s mostly because it’s optimized for breadth rather than deep domain expertise. For everyday content, ideation, and productivity tasks, though, its accuracy and versatility shine through.

I’ve noticed that it sometimes repeats information or slightly misses the intent of a prompt, but rewording or refining questions usually leads to spot-on results. That’s part of what makes it such a powerful learning tool, the more you use it, the better you get at prompting and guiding responses effectively.

Even the free version delivers tremendous value, though it’s best suited for casual users or light research. Professionals who need faster speeds, advanced data handling, or the latest model access will find the Plus plan well worth it. Overall, ChatGPT continues to stand out as one of the most capable and time-saving AI tools available, especially for those who rely on clarity, creativity, and quick problem-solving.

What I dislike about ChatGPT:

• ChatGPT is built for responsiveness and accessibility, which makes it great for fast-paced research or creative work. Some G2 users noted that usage limits, even on the Plus plan, can interrupt longer sessions or in-depth tasks. However, these caps are designed to ensure stable performance for all users, and for most day-to-day use cases, they rarely get in the way of productivity.
• Its conversational design allows for impressive versatility across topics. A few G2 reviewers mentioned that complex or highly specific prompts can occasionally lead to generic responses or slight misinterpretations. Still, with a bit of prompt refinement, the model consistently delivers strong, context-aware output, making it best suited for users who rely on adaptive, iterative collaboration.

What G2 users dislike about ChatGPT: 

"Sometimes, ChatGPT struggles with deeply nuanced or highly specialized queries. It might provide answers that are too general or miss subtle details, requiring additional clarification or manual fine-tuning."

- ChatGPT Review, Shikar S.

2. Gemini: Best for advanced reasoning and content generation

Category: Large language models, AI chatbot software

If there’s one chatbot I keep open all the time, along with ChatGPT, it’s Gemini. But if I call it just a chatbot, that doesn’t do it justice. It’s one of the top-rated large language models (LLMs) out there, optimized for everything from text generation to multimodal tasks like processing images, audio, and video.

Gemini 2.0 Flash, the latest iteration, is designed for speed and versatility, while previous models like Gemini 1.5 Pro focused more on complex reasoning. From what I've seen, Google has clearly positioned Gemini as more than just a conversational AI. It’s a full-fledged LLM built to handle high-volume data processing, creative content generation, and advanced problem-solving.

It can analyze text, generate creative content, assist with coding, and even process images, making it more than just a chatbot.

With the release of Gemini 2.0 Flash, I feel it’s faster, smarter, and better at handling everyday tasks. If you’ve used Gemini 1.5 before, you’ll notice the step-up immediately. Responses feel more refined, the model understands context better, and overall, it’s just a smoother experience.

What sets Gemini apart from ChatGPT, in my experience, is its focus on natural, flowing conversation. While ChatGPT is excellent at generating text and following instructions, Gemini feels more like a true dialogue. It's less about giving commands and more about having a back-and-forth.  I find myself using them for different purposes – ChatGPT for structured tasks, and Gemini when I want to explore ideas and have a more dynamic interaction.

Beyond conversation, Gemini has features that have impressed me over time. It supported real-time web browsing long before ChatGPT got that capability, which was a huge plus. The fact-check with Google feature is another favorite. I can easily verify AI-generated responses with sources from the web, making it especially useful when researching or cross-checking information.

I also like its AI image generation  capabilities powered by the Imagen 3 model. It's not as sophisticated as other AI image generators, but I definitely like to play a lot with it, creating a number of images, given that it has no limits on the number of images generated.

Whether you're exploring multimodal content generation or building LLM-powered systems, Gemini stands out among the top generative AI tools for enterprise use. It’s fast, well-integrated, and strong on fact-checking, which makes it a reliable choice for professional workflows.

That said, there are a few areas where it could improve. The free web version doesn’t yet support file uploads for data analysis or advanced tasks, though you can still upload images directly in the browser. File uploads are available on the mobile app, which works well for users who prefer flexible, on-the-go workflows.

Some G2 reviewers also noted that deeper integrations with Gmail, Docs, and other Google tools are currently limited to Google One AI Premium or Workspace plans. While this may segment access, it also ensures that professional and enterprise users get enhanced privacy controls and more robust collaboration features, making Gemini particularly well-suited for teams already using Google’s productivity suite.

Even so, Gemini continues to be one of my go-to AI tools. It’s fast, thoughtful, and feels more like a real assistant than just another chatbot. For research, content creation, or everyday productivity, it’s definitely worth having open alongside ChatGPT.

What I dislike about Gemini:

• Gemini shines for quick research, writing support, and creative brainstorming, making it ideal for users who value accessibility and speed. Some G2 users mentioned that file uploads for data analysis are limited to the mobile app in the free version, while the web version currently supports only image uploads. This setup, however, helps keep the web tool lightweight and optimized for fast responses
• The platform’s seamless integration with Google Workspace tools is one of its strongest advantages. A few G2 reviewers noted that deeper integrations, such as with Gmail and Docs, are only available through the Google One AI Premium Plan. Still, this tiered access ensures enterprise-grade data protection and advanced functionality for professionals who rely on Google’s ecosystem for daily productivity.

What G2 users dislike about Gemini: 

"Sometimes, Gemini will fail to provide accurate solutions, and does not accept documents, and doesn't have the ability to read and understand documents."

- Gemini Review, Suma G.

3. GitHub Copilot: Best AI coding assistant for developers

Category: AI code generation software

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not a coder by trade. But ever since I started using generative AI tools, I’ve found myself diving into coding more than ever. And if there’s one tool that kept coming up in conversations with my developer friends, it was GitHub Copilot.

Right off the bat, I noticed that GitHub Copilot gives users the option to choose their preferred large language model (LLM) for generating code, including GPT-4o, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and the o1 models from Azure OpenAI.

I gave the tool a try and immediately appreciated that I don’t have to start from scratch. I can describe what I need in plain English, and Copilot generates a working code snippet that I can tweak, much like ChatGPT. For someone like me, without a formal coding background, it’s been a huge confidence booster, helping me understand code structure, syntax, and logic without feeling overwhelmed.

For example, see how I used it to generate code for a home screen dashboard for my pet project. With a few tweaks here and there, I had a working dashboard. 

That being said, my experience with GitHub Copilot is still at a beginner level, so I relied on insights from my colleague, who uses it extensively for development work.

From what I’ve seen and from their feedback, Copilot is a massive time-saver for developers, whether they’re writing new code, debugging, or automating repetitive tasks. Instead of spending hours searching through documentation, Copilot provides smart code suggestions that speed up the process and make development smoother.

Most of the time, it suggests code that they would write out anyway, and if the suggestion is wrong, they just start typing what they want, and it usually figures it out pretty quickly.

The best part, according to them? It integrates directly into their IDE (Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ), making it incredibly seamless to use. Copilot works right inside the editor, generating real-time suggestions as they type. 

GitHub Copilot has earned strong praise for its ability to accelerate development and enhance code quality, making it a favorite among developers who want to focus more on logic and less on repetitive syntax. It’s particularly effective at writing cleaner, more consistent code snippets, which helps teams maintain project standards and move faster during active development.

That said, some G2 users and developers have noted that Copilot occasionally suggests functions that don’t actually exist, meaning a quick review before implementation is still important. This behavior isn’t unique to Copilot; it’s common across AI coding assistants, and in practice, it encourages developers to keep a healthy layer of human validation in the workflow.

Copilot also excels when working within individual files or focused coding sessions, delivering context-aware suggestions that save considerable time. However, as a few G2 reviewers pointed out, it doesn’t always capture cross-file dependencies or full project context, which makes it best suited for developers who like to maintain hands-on control and iterative oversight rather than relying on full automation.

Overall, GitHub Copilot strikes a practical balance between AI assistance and developer autonomy, making it one of the best tools for coding speed, efficiency, and productivity.

What I dislike about GitHub Copilot:

• GitHub Copilot is widely recognized for accelerating code generation and streamlining everyday programming tasks. However, some G2 users, including those I’ve spoken with, noted that it can occasionally generate or suggest functions that don’t actually exist, which may require a quick review before running the code. This behavior is common among AI-assisted coding tools and reinforces best practices by encouraging developers to stay actively involved in validating and refining outputs.
• The tool performs best when supporting focused, file-level coding or smaller projects, offering contextually accurate suggestions that enhance productivity. A few G2 reviewers pointed out that Copilot doesn’t always capture cross-file dependencies or the complete structure of large codebases, which means developers may need to double-check broader integrations. That said, this setup makes Copilot particularly well-suited for individual contributors, rapid prototyping, and teams that value speed without sacrificing manual oversight.

What G2 users dislike about GitHub Copilot: 

"The model is not trained enough to comprehend a somewhat difficult question.  Sometimes it ignores the prompt that's given; it sort of hallucinates. For example, it calls for a function of a module that doesn't exist." 

- GitHub Copilot Review, Rheyhan F.

4. Grammarly: Best AI writing assistant for error-free communication

Category:  AI writing assistants

If there's one tool I'd recommend to anyone with eyes closed, that would be Grammarly. It has been my go-to AI writing assistant for years, and honestly, I can’t imagine working without it.

Whether I’m writing blog posts, drafting emails, or editing content, Grammarly ensures that my writing is polished, professional, and free of grammar mistakes, typos, and awkward phrasing. 

If you move from the free to the paid plan, you'll understand the real difference. With the Premium version, Grammarly does more than just fix grammar. It improves clarity, refines tone, and even suggests better sentence structures. I’ve also noticed that, over time, Grammarly has actually made me a better writer.

Grammarly now has an AI writer that can generate content from scratch, whether it's blog ideas, project reports, emails, reports, or creative pieces. The free version comes with 100 AI-generated prompts, while the Premium plan offers 1,000, which is more than enough for anyone who isn’t creating AI-written content at scale.

You can see how I started writing one of my stories on Grammarly with its Write with Generative AI feature here. 

I really like how I can further improve the AI-generated text by easily selecting one of the available prompts to make it more persuasive or descriptive. The best part? I can use it directly inside Google Docs, emails, and other apps to refine what I am writing with the AI suggestions. The browser extension works flawlessly. See, for instance, how I  can edit directly on Google Docs here and ask the AI assistant to rewrite a text.

Another feature I found interesting is Grammarly’s AI content detector. It scans your text and flags sections that "resemble AI-generated text," which could be helpful if you're trying to balance human vs. AI-written content. However, from my testing, it seems to err on the cautious side, sometimes flagging perfectly human-written text as AI and, at times, marking completely AI-generated text as partly human text.

Grammarly remains one of the most dependable tools I’ve used for improving clarity, tone, and overall readability. It’s particularly helpful for catching subtle grammar issues and making writing feel more polished without much extra effort.

That said, I’ve noticed, and some G2 users agree, that it occasionally misinterprets context, particularly in conversational pieces. It can flag casual phrasing that’s intentional, making it better suited for formal communication where precision matters most.

The floating “G” icon is another minor point raised in reviews. While it offers convenient access to suggestions, it can sometimes overlap with text boxes or inputs in certain apps. A simpler toggle or reposition option would make the experience smoother overall.

Even with these small limitations, Grammarly continues to be an excellent writing companion. It’s reliable, easy to use, and invaluable for anyone who wants their content to look clean, confident, and professional.

What I dislike about Grammarly:

• Grammarly is highly effective at catching grammar mistakes and improving sentence flow, especially in professional and academic writing. However, some G2 reviewers, and my own experience, show that it can occasionally misinterpret context in conversational pieces, suggesting overly formal edits to phrasing that’s already clear. It’s best suited for structured communication where tone consistency matters most.
• The floating “G” icon is great for instant access to edits, but a few G2 users noted that it can overlap with text boxes or fields while typing. Even so, its real-time accessibility remains a useful feature for polishing content across different platforms.

What G2 users dislike about Grammarly:

 "There are certain times that the suggestions, particularly regarding tone, miss the mark or change the interpretation of the message. I also wish there was a way to dismiss a suggestion and have it remove the highlight or the notation that there is a suggestion, since it can be distracting." 

- Grammarly Review, Riley B. 

5. AKOOL: Best AI tool for image and video generation

Category: AI image generators

My first encounter with AKOOL was through a mind-blowing ad campaign last year, where you could swap your face into a video and “star” in a scene alongside a celebrity, all with just a selfie. It felt like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. Naturally, I had to dig deeper. That’s when I found out that AKOOL was the AI powerhouse behind it, and since then, I’ve been exploring the platform to see what else it can do.

I’ve tested its AI image generator, face-swapping, video translation, and AI avatar features, and I can see why businesses, educators, and marketers are using it. It saves an incredible amount of time while keeping video production quality high. 

AKOOL's image-generating capabilities are on par with other AI image generators, and I am an absolute fan of its face-swapping feature. What I love the most is the ability to create custom avatars. Though it takes some time, I can create my own avatar by uploading a profile photo.

Aside from marketing use cases like the one I mentioned earlier, AKOOL's AI avatar and video translation and editing features make it ideal for video presentations. 

Say, for example, I need to create a training video for my colleagues who are all distributed globally and speak different languages. Instead of going the traditional video production route, I can create a custom AI avatar, upload our script, and have the tool produce a complete video presentation. I can then translate it to other languages too and share it with everyone. 

It’s a practical solution for global teams, customer training, or even onboarding videos, making content more accessible and scalable without the usual video production costs.

There are also a bunch of other cool functions, like talking photos. I personally use the talking photos feature to create some fun memes, like this Monalisa one. 

AKOOL truly shines for its innovation. From lifelike avatars to multilingual video creation and face-swapping, the platform offers a level of creative control that few AI tools can match. It’s especially useful for creators who want professional-quality visuals without spending hours on post-production.

That said, creating a custom avatar may take a bit of fine-tuning to get the best results. Some G2 reviewers, and my own experience, show that while the avatars look highly realistic, achieving a close resemblance can take a few tries. This makes AKOOL particularly suited for creators, marketers, and production teams who value precision and are willing to experiment to achieve studio-grade quality.

Processing time can also be longer for high-resolution or 360-degree projects, which is expected given the tool’s focus on detailed, lifelike rendering. For professionals working on cinematic visuals or immersive experiences, this trade-off ensures higher fidelity and visual polish that’s hard to find in faster, lower-quality tools.

On the whole, AKOOL remains one of the most advanced AI image and video generators I’ve tested, ideal for users who want to push creative boundaries and produce realistic, multilingual, and high-quality content efficiently.

What I dislike about AKOOL:

• AKOOL is praised for its lifelike avatar and video generation, helping creators achieve polished visuals with minimal effort. Some G2 reviewers noted that creating a custom avatar takes a bit of trial and error, while results are impressive, fine-tuning realism can take time. This makes AKOOL ideal for users who value precision and authenticity over instant results.
• The platform’s AI rendering excels at producing high-resolution, immersive content. However, a few G2 users mentioned that processing can be slow for 360° or complex videos. Since AKOOL prioritizes quality over speed, it’s best suited for professional projects where visual fidelity matters most.

What G2 users dislike about AKOOL: 

"I have seen a few glitches with rendering videos from time to time, and this can be a bummer if you are working on a deadline. A stable performance would be great." 
- AKOOL Review, Allan B. 

6. Synthesia: Best for AI-generated video creation with avatars

Category: AI video generators, Text-to-speech (TTS) software

I first came across Synthesia when I was looking for a way to create AI-powered training videos without having to record myself on camera. I wanted something fast, professional, and easy to use, and after testing it for a while, I can confidently say that Synthesia is one of the best AI video generators out there.

Now I'll say this upfront: Unlike AI video tools like Runway or OpenAI’s Sora, which focus more on cinematic, AI-generated scenes, Synthesia is built for business. It’s great for corporate training, explainer content, and marketing videos, making it a great choice for anyone who wants high-quality videos without the hassle of filming, editing, or hiring a production team. So, if you are looking for generative cinematic or imaginary scenes, check out the other recommendation list in the callout below. 

Using Synthesia is simple. I can pick from a bunch of realistic AI avatars or even create my own, choose a video template, drop in my script, edit transitions and graphics, add AI voiceovers, and boom, my video is ready. It’s all done without needing a camera, microphone, or editing software.

One of the best parts? The templates and AI voiceovers. Instead of spending hours editing the video, adding text, recording, and syncing audio, the AI handles everything for me. What I love most about AI in this format is how repeatable and consistent it is. Once I figured out the process, I could crank out videos in no time.

Plus, it supports multiple languages, so I can easily create videos for different audiences without re-recording, hiring a voice artist, or manually adding subtitles. However, the one-click translation of videos to other languages is available only in the Enterprise plan, along with other features like importing PowerPoint or adding our own voiceovers. The platform makes it easy to produce polished videos with lifelike avatars, and the overall experience feels smooth and intuitive.

Some G2 reviewers have noted that the AI voices, while natural and clear, can occasionally sound slightly robotic or flat in longer scripts. This makes Synthesia best suited for structured videos like tutorials, explainers, and corporate training, where clarity and professionalism matter more than emotional tone.

Similarly, minor pronunciation or lip-sync inconsistencies have been observed in complex or multi-language scripts, though they’re subtle and don’t detract much from the overall quality. As G2 users point out, small tweaks like phonetic spelling or script adjustment often resolve these easily, a worthwhile step for creators seeking consistency across global audiences.

Given the full picture, Synthesia remains one of the best AI video creation platforms I’ve used. It’s reliable, easy to work with, and ideal for producing engaging videos quickly, especially if you want high-quality output without needing a studio setup.

Currently, free users can create up to 3 minutes of AI-generated video using Synthesia.

What I dislike about Synthesia:

• Synthesia is praised on G2 for producing high-quality AI videos with realistic avatars and voices, making it ideal for marketing, training, and educational use. Some reviewers note that the avatars can sound a bit mechanical or less expressive in nuanced scripts, which makes the tool best suited for structured, informational videos where clarity matters more than emotional depth.
• Its lip-syncing is generally accurate, though a few G2 users mentioned minor mismatches in complex or multi-language scripts. Even so, Synthesia remains a great fit for business-focused teams who prioritize efficiency and consistency over full cinematic realism.

What G2 users dislike about Synthesia:

"There are areas that need improvement. When incorporating screen recordings, I sometimes encountered synchronization delays or issues when adding videos to a “slide,” which required multiple retakes to align everything correctly. Another drawback is that the video preview often doesn’t match the final export. This inconsistency forced me to generate mid-version exports just to verify the output, leading to an early depletion of my generation minutes.

Speaking of generation minutes, their limitation is arguably Synthesia’s biggest drawback. Either the previews need to work seamlessly as accurate representations of the final export, or the allocation of generation minutes should be more generous to account for these discrepancies."

- Synthesia Review, Riccardo Z. 

7. Murf.ai: Best AI voice generator for professional content

Category: Text-to-speech (TTS) software

Murf.ai has quickly become one of my favorite AI text-to-speech tools, and for good reason. One of my mom's pet projects is creating video lessons for students by using the lesson script. I’ve tested a bunch of text-to-speech apps to help her do this quickly at scale, but Murf.ai really stood out for its realistic, natural-sounding voices.

A lot of AI-generated voices still sound robotic or emotionless, but I felt Murf’s second generation of voices actually capture tone and emphasis, making the narration feel far more human-like. I could filter voice by age, gender, and voice styles and select what type of project it is, say, promo, narration, or newscast, or even select emotions like sad, cheerful, and more. 

Beyond just sounding good, Murf gives me full control over the voice output. I can adjust pitch, speed, pauses, and emphasis to fine-tune the delivery. It makes it perfect for tutorials, e-learning, storytelling, podcasts, and even marketing content. The ability to choose from multiple languages and accents is another major plus, making it a great option for global content.

Another small but useful feature is the ability to break down text into sentences for easy editing. Instead of redoing an entire section, I can just tweak individual lines and reprocess them, a huge time-saver. I also really like the pronunciation feature, where I can specify exactly how I want certain words to sound and even create my own pronunciation library for future use. It’s a thoughtful touch that adds real flexibility.

Murf stands out for its professional-grade voiceovers and intuitive interface, making it a top choice for creators, educators, and marketers who want to produce natural-sounding audio without studio equipment. The free plan is fairly generous, allowing up to 10 minutes of audio generation and full access to explore the platform. However, some G2 reviewers note that downloads and premium features like AI translations, voice cloning, and faster rendering are reserved for paid tiers, a setup that makes Murf particularly suited for frequent users or teams producing commercial-quality voice content who can fully benefit from the advanced options unlocked in higher plans.

The platform’s voice library earns praise for its clarity and range, especially across US and UK English accents. That said, a few G2 users mentioned the limited availability of regional and child-specific voices, suggesting room for expansion. This structure makes Murf best for professional or business-oriented projects where articulate, neutral, and polished delivery is preferred over hyper-local or niche character voices.

Even so, Murf.ai continues to be one of the best AI voice generators I’ve used. It’s simple, intuitive, and produces remarkably natural-sounding speech, a huge help for anyone looking to elevate their audio or video projects without needing a recording studio.

What I dislike about Murf.ai:

• Murf.ai is praised on G2 for its natural-sounding voiceovers and easy-to-use editor, making it ideal for creators and marketers who need professional audio quickly. Some G2 reviewers noted that key features like exports, voice cloning, and “Say It My Way” are limited to higher-tier plans, which makes Murf best suited for teams and frequent users who want full creative control and access to premium tools.
• The platform’s voice library is broad and high quality, though a few G2 users mentioned wanting more regional and child-specific options to widen its versatility. Even so, Murf remains a great fit for mainstream narration, e-learning, and business content, where clarity and polish matter most.

What G2 users dislike about Murf.ai: 

"I think Murf.ai could improve in a few areas. Firstly, the pricing seems to be a concern for me. Additionally, while the voices generally perform well, they sometimes lack emotional nuance and can sound flat or too robotic, which affects the expressiveness of the content. Also, the free plan is very limited in features and usage, which restricts exploring all capabilities before committing to a paid plan."

- Murf.ai Review, Gabriel A.

8. Canva: Best AI design tool for content and marketing teams

Category: AI content creation platforms

Canva has been my go-to for quick and easy designs for years now, but with the new AI-powered features, such as Magic Media and Dream Labs, it’s more powerful than ever. Whether I need to design social media posts, presentations, or even marketing videos, Canva makes it ridiculously simple, no need for a professional design background.

Magic Media is where things get interesting. It enables me to create images, graphics, and even videos using AI, all within the Canva editor. Instead of searching for stock photos or manually tweaking visuals, I can type in what I need, and Canva’s AI creates a custom image for me.

I absolutely love the suite of Magic editing tools, too, be it the background eraser, Magic Edit to change color or one particular aspect of the image, or Magic Grab to move an object in a photo. I dig them. 

Then there’s Magic Write, Canva’s AI-powered writing tool. I use it for brainstorming text ideas, rewriting content, and adjusting tone as I design. As seen in the image above, it even lets me select how the AI rewrites text, whether I want something shorter, more formal, or even more fun (I may or may not have tested the “Sprinkle fairy dust” option just out of curiosity). It’s especially useful when I need to quickly tweak copy for a social post, blog snippet, or presentation slide.

In my opinion, what makes Canva stand out is that it’s an all-in-one design platform that combines AI-powered tools, intuitive editing, and ready-made templates. It’s why Canva often shows up in lists featuring the best options for generative AI infrastructure in the SaaS industry. Its workflow-friendly interface and built-in AI toolset are ideal for fast-moving product and marketing teams.

Unlike most other AI tools that focus on just image generation, video creation, or text editing, Canva brings everything together. I don’t have to switch between multiple tools, an AI writer, image generator, or video creator, and then move my work into Canva for editing. I can do it all in one place, which saves a ton of time and keeps the creative flow uninterrupted.

Canva stands out as one of the most accessible and versatile tools for creators, combining design, writing, and AI-powered media generation in one intuitive platform. It’s especially popular among marketers, small business owners, and social media teams who need to produce polished visuals quickly without advanced design skills.

That said, some G2 reviewers note that Canva’s AI-generated images don’t always hit the mark, particularly when it comes to creating realistic human photos. Many users mention making minor manual tweaks afterward to refine the results — a small adjustment that works well for those who prefer hands-on creative control. This makes Canva especially suited for designers and content creators who want AI assistance without giving up creative flexibility.

A few G2 users have also mentioned that some advanced AI features, like Magic Media or Dream Lab, come with usage limits on the free plan (50 credits for text-to-image and 20 lifetime uses for Dream Lab). These caps are designed for exploration rather than heavy use, making the free plan ideal for casual creators, while Canva Pro offers the scalability and freedom professionals need for regular AI-powered content creation.

In the broader context, Canva remains one of the most well-rounded and user-friendly generative AI tools, striking a balance between creative power and accessibility for a wide range of users.

What I dislike about Canva:

• Canva’s AI tools like Magic Media and Dream Lab are popular for helping users quickly generate visuals right inside a familiar design platform, and many G2 reviewers praise how accessible and easy they are to use. That said, several users note that the free plan is limited; advanced AI image generators and features like Dream Lab are capped for free users, so experimenting fully often requires upgrading to Pro for more AI credits and flexibility.
• Similarly, while many G2 reviewers enjoy Canva’s text-to-image capabilities, a common comment is that AI-generated images can be hit or miss; sometimes they align well with the prompt, and other times they feel generic or slightly off, requiring extra tweaking or prompt refinement to get the desired look.

What G2 users dislike about Canva: 

"It is a great platform for beginners, but some of its AI features do not work perfectly. Also, its premium cost is very high."

- Canva Review, Manoj J. 

9. GPTZero: Best AI detection tool for identifying AI-written content

Category: AI content detectors

Given that I’ve tested multiple AI writing tools, content generators, and chatbots, it only made sense to try AI content detectors too. Because let’s be real, nobody wants to read another article that starts with "In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape…"

GPTZero was the first AI content detector I heard about, and it’s still one of the most widely used. It launched right when AI-generated content started raising concerns in education, publishing, and professional writing. While plenty of AI detectors have popped up since GPTZero remains one of the most trusted tools for identifying AI-written text.

I’ve used it extensively and have seen it used everywhere, from teachers checking student essays to businesses verifying content originality. What makes GPTZero stand out is its ease of use and accessibility. I could scan up to 10,000 words a month for free, and I actually did the first few checks without even signing up. 

I found it particularly useful when running checks on long-form AI-generated content since it provides a clear breakdown of which parts were likely written by AI, edited by AI, or fully human-written. I like how it color codes what's probably AI-written, and what it thinks is written by a human.

Another feature that stood out to me was the writing feedback tool. It’s not as advanced as Grammarly or other dedicated writing assistants, but I liked that I could edit the text directly within GPTZero right after running a scan. It’s a small but useful touch, making it easy to refine content without switching between multiple tools.

Now, even when I'm not directly using the app or website, I appreciate how I can integrate it into my workflow as well. I personally find the browser extension for Google Docs super convenient since it lets me check text without switching between tabs. 

GPTZero stands out for its accuracy in identifying AI-generated text and its smooth integration options. The ability to embed it into existing systems via API makes it especially valuable for organizations that need AI detection at scale. Educators, in particular, appreciate its integrations with Google Classroom and Moodle, which simplify plagiarism and originality checks within familiar platforms.

That said, some G2 reviewers and educators note that GPTZero can occasionally misclassify human-written content as AI-generated (and vice versa). This isn’t uncommon among AI detectors, as natural writing styles can overlap with AI-like phrasing. As a result, GPTZero is best suited for educators, editors, and reviewers who pair its analysis with human judgment for more accurate results.

Another point mentioned by users is GPTZero’s limited ability to detect paraphrased or AI-altered text. If a piece has been rewritten after AI generation, the system may not always flag it. Still, this makes GPTZero ideal for initial screenings or large-scale checks, rather than forensic-level verification.

Lastly, the free plan has usage caps, which G2 reviewers note can restrict extensive testing for high-volume users such as journalists or content writers. That said, the free tier remains a solid entry point for individuals or educators exploring AI detection tools, while paid plans cater better to frequent, professional use.

Overall, GPTZero is best suited for educational institutions, editors, and content teams that value a quick, accessible, and integrated approach to identifying AI-written content, especially when used in conjunction with human review.

What I dislike about GPTZero:

• GPTZero is highly rated on G2 for helping educators and publishers identify AI-generated content quickly and accurately. Many G2 users appreciate its simplicity and reliability for spotting AI-written text in essays and reports. However, some G2 reviewers mention that it struggles with paraphrased or lightly rewritten AI content, making it better suited for broad authenticity checks rather than detecting heavily edited or reworded material.
• The platform performs well overall, but a few G2 users have noted occasional false positives, where human-written content gets flagged as AI-generated. Since this overlap is common among AI detectors, GPTZero is best used as part of a larger verification workflow, combining automated detection with human review for the most accurate results.

What G2 users dislike about GPTZero: 

"GPTZero is not a 100% foolproof method for AI detection. It can sometimes provide the wrong conclusion or wrong percentage of AI-written text, though it is designed for search engine optimization and ensuring the authenticity of online and published content.

It is recommended to use it alongside other detection tools, as it has limited detection for altered AI text. If a text is taken from AI and rephrased, it may not be identified by GPTZero. 

- GPTZero Review, Sheetal J

Based on my testing and G2 reviews, the go-to stack for most service companies includes ChatGPT or Gemini for content and support, GitHub Copilot for dev work, and Grammarly or Jasper for marketing. If you're wondering what AI infrastructure everyone uses for service companies, these tools dominate across support, dev, and content ops.

I have a few more honorable mentions based on popular choices that are worth checking out. While they didn’t make it to my main list, they’re fantastic in their own right. 

• Claude is best for thoughtful, nuanced text generation and deep reasoning.
• Perplexity AI stands out for its AI-powered search with real-time web access, making it a solid choice for fact-checking and research.
• If you’re a developer, Replit offers AI-assisted coding with real-time collaboration, helping streamline the development process. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on generative AI tools

1. How do generative AI tools work?

These tools rely on large language models (LLMs) and multimodal AI trained on vast datasets. They predict and generate content by recognizing patterns in data. Some models, like GPT-4 and Claude, specialize in text, while others, like DALL·E and Midjourney, focus on image generation.

2. What are the best generative AI tools available today?

The best tool depends on your needs:

• ChatGPT and Gemini – Best for text generation and chat-based AI
• GitHub Copilot - Best tool for AI code generation
• Grammarly - Best AI writing assistant. 
• Claude – Strong in nuanced reasoning and creative writing
• Canva, DALL·E, and Midjourney – Ideal for AI-generated images 
• Stable Diffusion – Great for open-source image generation
• Synthesia, AKOOL - Best for AI video generation and AI avatars
• Murf.ai - Great text-to-speech application
• GPTZero - Best for AI content detection.

3. Are generative AI tools free to use?

Many generative AI tools offer free versions with limitations. For example, ChatGPT has a free plan, but GPT-4 is behind a paywall. Gemini allows free users to generate unlimited images, while others, like Midjourney, require subscriptions for full access.

4. Can generative AI replace human creativity?

Not entirely! AI is a powerful assistant, not a replacement for human creativity. While it can generate content, refine ideas, and automate tasks, it still relies on human input, guidance, and critical thinking to produce truly valuable work.

5. What are the risks of using generative AI?

Key risks include misinformation, plagiarism, bias, and data privacy concerns. AI models can sometimes generate inaccurate or misleading information, so fact-checking is crucial. Businesses should also be mindful of copyright issues when using AI-generated content.

6. Can generative AI be used for coding?

Yes! Tools like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and Gemini are excellent for writing and debugging code. They help developers speed up tasks, generate scripts, and even suggest fixes for errors. However, AI-generated code should always be reviewed for security and accuracy.

7. What’s the best generative AI infrastructure for SaaS companies?

If you’re in SaaS, the best infrastructure combines AI chat (like ChatGPT or Gemini), dev tools (like GitHub Copilot), and content generators (like Canva or Jasper). Based on my testing and G2 data, this combo offers flexibility, scale, and solid integrations for app development and customer engagement.

8. Which generative AI platforms are best for tech startups?

For startups moving fast, I recommend tools that work out of the box and scale as you grow. ChatGPT for ideation and coding, Gemini for research, and Copilot for app logic are my go-tos. These are also among the best generative AI platforms for launching a new product quickly.

9. What AI tools do small businesses use most?

Small businesses often rely on user-friendly tools with freemium plans. Based on G2 reviews and my experience, the top picks include Grammarly, Canva, ChatGPT, and Synthesia. Each helps with writing, design, customer content, or presentations. These rank among the top generative AI software providers for small businesses.

10. Which AI tools support app development workflows?

GitHub Copilot, Replit, and ChatGPT are great for AI-assisted app dev. For UI content and marketing, I use Canva or Writesonic. If you're wondering what's the best generative AI platform for app development, this blend works across planning, coding, and launch.

11. Are there AI tools that work well for service companies?

Yes. Service-based businesses benefit from tools that streamline communication and content, like Gemini for FAQs, Murf.ai for voiceovers, and GPTZero for verifying AI content. If you’re asking what AI infrastructure service companies rely on, this trio hits content, audio, and trust.

12. What are some enterprise-ready generative AI solutions?

Enterprise teams need scalable, secure tools with APIs and admin controls. Google’s Gemini, OpenAI’s ChatGPT Enterprise, and Salesforce’s Einstein AI are top-tier choices. These are often called the most reliable generative AI infrastructure tools for enterprise applications.

The Future is AI-mazing

After trying these tools for so many days, one thing is obvious to me: there’s no single "best" AI — only the best one for what you need. The real advantage isn’t just in what these models generate, but how seamlessly they fit into our workflow, enhancing productivity, creativity, and even decision-making in ways that feel almost second nature.

Across all tools I tested, OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft emerged as leaders in the space. So if you’re asking which company offers the most reliable AI infrastructure tools, these three consistently deliver on scale, performance, and model stability.

For me, the best generative AI tool depends on what I need at the moment. If I’m writing a long-form article, I’ll lean on ChatGPT. If I want up-to-date, fact-checked information, Gemini is my go-to. And when I need creative brainstorming or image generation, there are plenty of specialized tools to choose from.

So here’s my takeaway: don’t settle for just one AI tool. Experiment, mix, and match. Use ChatGPT for writing, Gemini for real-time insights, Claude for complex reasoning, and AI art tools when creativity calls. The real power of generative AI isn’t just in what it can create. It’s in how we use it to enhance the way we work, think, and innovate.

Stay ahead of AI legal risks. Read this guide with tips from a legal expert on how to use generative AI tools safely in the workspace.