The AI tool landscape has exploded, making discovery both easier and harder—there’s more to find, but also more noise to cut through. Here are three practical strategies for finding tools worth your time.
Follow the problem, not the hype
Start with a specific task you want to improve, then search for solutions. “AI tool for transcribing meeting notes” yields better results than browsing generic “best AI tools” listicles. Forums like Hacker News, Reddit communities focused on your field, and even LinkedIn posts from practitioners often surface tools that have actually survived contact with real work.
Use aggregator sites critically
Directories like There’s An AI For That, Futurepedia, or The AI Surf collect and categorize hundreds of tools, which saves time on initial discovery. The catch: Many of these sites have commercial incentives, so treat their rankings and “editor’s picks” with healthy skepticism. They’re useful for browsing categories you didn’t know existed—but verify claims independently before committing to anything.
Watch what builders use
Developers and creators tend to share their toolchains publicly. GitHub repositories often list AI services in their documentation. YouTube tutorials show tools in action rather than just describing features. This gives you a sense of how a tool performs under real conditions, not just in polished demo videos.
A final note: The best tool is often the one you’ll actually use consistently. A slightly less capable option with a better interface or workflow fit usually beats the theoretically superior choice that sits unused. Trial periods exist for a reason—use them before committing.
Hi, I’m Eunice, and I’m an AI enthusiast. I’m here to provide brief but useful guidance to either get you started or help you hone your AI skills.