5 AI Tools You Must Know: Your AI Guide

The world of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) is accelerating at an incredible pace. The playing field of artificial intelligence continues to expand, and there are now numerous tools that can be used by students and professionals to make their daily lives more efficient.

However, it remains important to figure out exactly how these tools should be used and which ones are best suited for specific tasks. Not every AI tool is appropriate for every challenge – choosing the right one can make a decisive difference.

For this reason, I’ve compiled the 5 bestAI tools – including free LLMs – designed to significantly improve your study or work routine. Each of these tools brings unique strengths that are particularly valuable for specific tasks.

The 5 Essential AI Tools You Need

1. ChatGPT – Your All-rounder for Explanations and Creative Tasks

ChatGPT is the most versatile AI assistant on the market and is particularly suitable for creative tasks and understanding complex topics. As a true all-rounder, it handles most everyday requests with excellence and delivers remarkably human-like responses.

• Strengths: Explaining complex concepts, brainstorming, creating learning materials
• Best Prompt: “Explain the concept [Topic] in three difficulty levels with practical examples.”
• Cost Model: GPT-3.5 free, GPT-4o in Plus subscription (approx. $20/month)

2. Claude – Your Specialist for Text Work and Structured Thinking

Claude excels particularly when dealing with long texts and offers impressive document analysis with nuanced, detailed answers. Its special strength lies in structuring information and creating well-thought-out, well-organized content.

• Strengths: Structuring texts, summarizing long documents, comparative analyses
• Best Prompt: “Analyze this text and give me feedback on structure, arguments, and potential improvements.”
• Cost Model: Claude 3 Haiku free, Sonnet and Opus in subscription (from approx. $20/month)

3. Perplexity – Your Research Engine with Current Sources

Perplexity combines AI with real-time web search, merging the best of both worlds. It delivers not just answers but also direct access to sources – perfect for fact-based research and up-to-date information.

• Strengths: Research on current topics, literature research, fact-checking
• Best Prompt: “Find the 5 most relevant scientific sources on [Topic] from the last 3 years with summaries.”
• Cost Model: Basic version free, Pro version approx. $20/month

4. DeepSeek – Your Helper for Technical and Scientific Questions

DeepSeek impresses with its outstanding ability to provide precise and technically accurate answers, especially for programming and STEM topics. Its code generation is particularly clean and well-documented, making it the ideal assistant for technical challenges.

• Strengths: Programming tasks, mathematical problems, data analysis and visualization
• Best Prompt: “Write a Python code for [Task] with explanations and comments.”
• Cost Model: Partially free, extended features in subscription

5. Qwen – Your Global Assistant for International Perspectives

Qwen from Alibaba stands out with its multilingual strength and comprehensive understanding of cultural nuances in various markets worldwide. It’s especially valuable when you need global perspectives and insights on international topics.

• Strengths: International comparisons, translation with cultural context, analysis of international markets
• Best Prompt: “Analyze the different approaches to [Topic] in various countries.”
• Cost Model: Various options, partially free to use

Your Optimal AI-Supported Workflow

1. Research Phase with Perplexity: Collect current sources and perspectives
2. Understanding Phase with ChatGPT: Get explanations of complex concepts
3. Structuring Phase with Claude: Structure your thoughts and notes
4. Development Phase with the Right Specialist: Choose according to your field
5. Revision Phase with Claude: Get feedback on your finished text

Conclusion

The secret isn’t in randomly using AI, but in choosing the right tool for the right task. None of these tools replaces your own thinking, but each can support you at specific points in your work process and save you valuable time.