I test AI for a living, and these 3 free tools are the ones I used most in 2025
Briefly

I test AI for a living, and these 3 free tools are the ones I used most in 2025
"While I was working the other day organically, I opened up one of my favorite AI tools and had an unprompted thought to myself about how grateful I was to have access to this application. That realization then made me think about how many apps have now become an integral part of my everyday workflow, and at this point, many have made the list."
"While I put together a similar roundup every end-of-year season, I think it is worth noting that some apps have made the list multiple years in a row, demonstrating consistency in the value of the tools. It is also worth noting that the market is more saturated than ever, so having even a set of tools that cut through the hype and can be relied on to make your life easier is a win."
"Also: Gemini vs. Copilot: I compared the AI tools on 7 everyday tasks, and there's a clear winner I am sharing my list not because I think it will translate directly to your life, but rather because I hope it sparks ideas on how you can use some of these tools in your own life. As I have written before, since Google launched NotebookLM, it has been the tool that I am most often asked about by AI superusers and media professionals."
Some AI tools offer measurable productivity gains and are available at no cost. Certain tools integrate into everyday workflows and become essential for routine tasks. A subset of apps has demonstrated consistent value across multiple years. The AI tools market is increasingly saturated, making a reliable collection that cuts through hype especially valuable. NotebookLM serves as a personal repository that accepts documents, PDFs, PowerPoint files, and voice recordings. NotebookLM supports organization and workflow integration by storing diverse file types for easy access and reference. These tools can spark ideas for personal use and adapt to different work styles and tasks.
Read at ZDNET
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