I Tried 100+ AI Tools. These 7 Are the Best

Summary

After testing more than 100 AI tools, presenter Nate Herk highlights seven that he says he regularly uses to run his business. His main takeaway is that a small set of useful tools can matter more than trying every new product—and that the best choice depends on the task.

1. Claude Code and Codex — AI agents that work with files and projects on a computer, using natural-language instructions to create or edit code, presentations, spreadsheets, and documents. Herk uses them as a “second brain” for business projects, reference material, and meeting transcripts, and says they support roughly 90% of his daily workflow. He also uses them to build small custom apps as alternatives to some paid software. He favors Codex for desktop and browser work, and Claude Code for brainstorming, but recommends choosing based on the task and keeping files organized so it’s easy to switch between them.

2. OpenRouter — A single account and API for accessing hundreds of AI models from many providers. Herk uses it in automations to centralize billing and model management, set up fallback models, and track costs with separate keys. He suggests matching models to the job—for example, using a cheaper, faster model for lead sorting and a stronger one for reasoning or writing.

3. A VPS, hosted with Hostinger — A cloud computer that stays online even when a user’s own computer is off. Herk uses servers to run n8n and open-source agents and models around the clock. He says one-click deployments make it easier to get tools running without much server-management experience. Examples include agents handling business tasks such as social-media content and stock trading. Hostinger sponsored this segment.

4. “Grok Bot” — A service for creating bots that work through a cloud computer with a browser, file system, and terminal. Herk describes setting up scheduled or webhook-triggered tasks through an app, without managing hosting himself. Examples include posting call transcripts to a community, announcing new YouTube videos, and sending updates about AI developments.

5. Glaido — A voice-dictation app that types spoken words into the current application. Its command mode can also handle tasks such as web searches, video summaries, research, and finding or opening files and apps. Herk says its data is stored locally and describes team features for creating tools or integrations, including MCP servers and connections to services such as Notion. He says dictation alone can save time. Herk discloses that he is a Glaido partner.

6. “key.ai” — A pay-per-use service for accessing image- and video-generation models in one place. Herk uses it to create assets such as social-media visuals, thumbnails, and short videos. He prefers usage-based pricing when generating many assets rather than paying for a monthly subscription.

7. Trigger.dev — A platform for running TypeScript code on a schedule or in response to events such as webhooks, without managing a server. Herk uses it for predictable, repeatable automations, such as document processing and data synchronization, where a full AI agent would be unnecessary. He says Claude Code can write, deploy, test, and update these automations. Trigger.dev charges for execution and offers a free monthly credit allowance.

The video also promotes a free AI operating-system kit based on Herk’s workflow system. He closes by noting that his recommendations reflect his business needs and may not suit every business, and points viewers to his community for learning resources and discussion.

Main Speakers and Sources

• Nate Herk — Presenter and source of the tool reviews and recommendations.
• Hostinger — Sponsor of the VPS segment.
• Glaido — Discussed by Herk, who discloses a partnership.