crystal0474
Member
Over the past two years, I've likely registered, tested, and seriously used over 50 AI tools. With 2026 approaching, I've begun consciously streamlining my tool usage. I no longer chase every newly released tool; instead, I retain only those that truly integrate into my workflow and remain relevant after months (or even years) of use.
Here are 10 AI tools I'm certain I'll still use in 2026, along with the reasons for my choices.
1. iMini AI
iMini AI is my most frequently used visual processing tool. Besides its one-stop AI image and video generation, it offers the advantage of precise local editing—I can modify only a portion of an image without regenerating the entire image. I frequently use it to create social media cover images and product marketing images, especially to correct small but annoying flaws. Integrating image generation and targeted editing into a single workflow saves a significant amount of time.
2. Manus
Manus is a highly automated tool that I primarily use for multi-step, repetitive tasks, such as organizing information, compiling cross-platform content, or conducting early research. It integrates multiple AI functions, including dialogue, design views, data analysis, and media processing, and it truly saves a lot of manual work. However, its interface is more complex than some lightweight tools, and the user experience is not ideal, but the time saved is still worthwhile.
3. ChatGPT
Today, ChatGPT is more than just a chat tool for me; it's the central hub of my workflow. I use it to break down complex problems, structure articles or reports, translate content, and perform cross-language proofreading. It's irreplaceable because it handles open-ended and ambiguous tasks. I don't need to perfectly define my needs beforehand; I can think freely, refine step by step, and let the structure emerge naturally. This flexibility is something most specialized tools still can't match.
4. Claude
Claude is my go-to tool for long-form writing and complex logical reasoning. Whether writing in-depth articles, report analyses, or testing the logical consistency between multiple arguments, it maintains exceptional stability. It's not flashy or overly creative, but it excels at understanding context and preserving the structure of long texts. Even with multi-paragraph content, it rarely makes mistakes—making it a trusted tool for serious work.
5. Notion AI
Notion AI has become my long-term indispensable assistant for note-taking and project management. Because it is directly embedded in Notion, I can clean up notes, generate summaries, reorganize thoughts, or rebuild structures without switching tools. It has quietly become my long-term AI partner in my work, deeply integrated with my workflow—which is precisely why I've kept it.
6. Perplexity
Perplexity is my primary tool for obtaining structured, sourced information. It is especially useful when entering unfamiliar topics or quickly gathering background information. I don't rely on it for in-depth analysis, but for quick, verifiable information with references, it is consistently superior to traditional searches.
7. Midjourney
I mainly use Midjourney for concept exploration and style direction adjustments, rather than final production. However, it remains irreplaceable when aesthetic consistency, emotional tone, or visual concept are paramount. While I don't generate the number of images a professional designer would, Midjourney remains a top choice for visual inspiration and style discovery.
8. Runway
Runway is my AI-assisted video tool. I don't use it entirely for video generation, but rather for background processing, extending functionality, and assisting with editing. It acts as an efficient editor, handling repetitive tasks so I can focus on creative decisions and content output.
9. Gemini
A major reason I continue using Gemini is its deep integration with the Google ecosystem. Whether it's Docs, Sheets, or Gmail, it adds AI assistance without disrupting existing workflows. Its value lies in its reliability and smooth daily user experience.
10. Grammarly
Grammarly remains essential for writing, editing, and professional communication. Beyond basic grammar checking, it helps improve clarity, tone, and sentence structure—especially important in multilingual work environments or when working with international clients.It's not about generating content, but about continuously improving the quality of the final output and reducing avoidable errors.
By now, I no longer evaluate AI tools based on demos. What truly matters is whether a tool can consistently save time, integrate naturally into my existing workflows, and remain useful months later. Most tools don't meet this standard, but that's okay. The tools listed above are simply those that have truly proven their place in my daily work, and I believe they will be used as AI tools for a long time, in 2026 and beyond.
Here are 10 AI tools I'm certain I'll still use in 2026, along with the reasons for my choices.
1. iMini AI
iMini AI is my most frequently used visual processing tool. Besides its one-stop AI image and video generation, it offers the advantage of precise local editing—I can modify only a portion of an image without regenerating the entire image. I frequently use it to create social media cover images and product marketing images, especially to correct small but annoying flaws. Integrating image generation and targeted editing into a single workflow saves a significant amount of time.
2. Manus
Manus is a highly automated tool that I primarily use for multi-step, repetitive tasks, such as organizing information, compiling cross-platform content, or conducting early research. It integrates multiple AI functions, including dialogue, design views, data analysis, and media processing, and it truly saves a lot of manual work. However, its interface is more complex than some lightweight tools, and the user experience is not ideal, but the time saved is still worthwhile.
3. ChatGPT
Today, ChatGPT is more than just a chat tool for me; it's the central hub of my workflow. I use it to break down complex problems, structure articles or reports, translate content, and perform cross-language proofreading. It's irreplaceable because it handles open-ended and ambiguous tasks. I don't need to perfectly define my needs beforehand; I can think freely, refine step by step, and let the structure emerge naturally. This flexibility is something most specialized tools still can't match.
4. Claude
Claude is my go-to tool for long-form writing and complex logical reasoning. Whether writing in-depth articles, report analyses, or testing the logical consistency between multiple arguments, it maintains exceptional stability. It's not flashy or overly creative, but it excels at understanding context and preserving the structure of long texts. Even with multi-paragraph content, it rarely makes mistakes—making it a trusted tool for serious work.
5. Notion AI
Notion AI has become my long-term indispensable assistant for note-taking and project management. Because it is directly embedded in Notion, I can clean up notes, generate summaries, reorganize thoughts, or rebuild structures without switching tools. It has quietly become my long-term AI partner in my work, deeply integrated with my workflow—which is precisely why I've kept it.
6. Perplexity
Perplexity is my primary tool for obtaining structured, sourced information. It is especially useful when entering unfamiliar topics or quickly gathering background information. I don't rely on it for in-depth analysis, but for quick, verifiable information with references, it is consistently superior to traditional searches.
7. Midjourney
I mainly use Midjourney for concept exploration and style direction adjustments, rather than final production. However, it remains irreplaceable when aesthetic consistency, emotional tone, or visual concept are paramount. While I don't generate the number of images a professional designer would, Midjourney remains a top choice for visual inspiration and style discovery.
8. Runway
Runway is my AI-assisted video tool. I don't use it entirely for video generation, but rather for background processing, extending functionality, and assisting with editing. It acts as an efficient editor, handling repetitive tasks so I can focus on creative decisions and content output.
9. Gemini
A major reason I continue using Gemini is its deep integration with the Google ecosystem. Whether it's Docs, Sheets, or Gmail, it adds AI assistance without disrupting existing workflows. Its value lies in its reliability and smooth daily user experience.
10. Grammarly
Grammarly remains essential for writing, editing, and professional communication. Beyond basic grammar checking, it helps improve clarity, tone, and sentence structure—especially important in multilingual work environments or when working with international clients.It's not about generating content, but about continuously improving the quality of the final output and reducing avoidable errors.
By now, I no longer evaluate AI tools based on demos. What truly matters is whether a tool can consistently save time, integrate naturally into my existing workflows, and remain useful months later. Most tools don't meet this standard, but that's okay. The tools listed above are simply those that have truly proven their place in my daily work, and I believe they will be used as AI tools for a long time, in 2026 and beyond.
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