The Only Two AI Tools I Pay For: A Comprehensive Guide
Generative AI has revolutionized productivity, offering countless tools for programming, graphic design, and creative workflows. However, not all are worth your investment. As an AI tools expert, I’ve rigorously tested a wide range of options. After much experimentation, here are the two AI tools I rely on and pay for every month.
The Rise of Generative AI
In just a couple of years, generative AI has become a cornerstone of productivity, making its way into industries across the board. As someone who evaluates AI tools professionally, I’ve explored countless options to understand their real-world value. Many of you may have come across my detailed comparisons of programming AIs or my evaluations of AI-powered content tools.
While I use AI tools extensively in a lab setting to produce unbiased reviews, I also integrate them into my daily workflow to boost productivity. From programming and graphic design to creative projects, AI has become an essential part of how I work.
My Workflow and AI Usage
I wear multiple hats: I manage a small business with my wife, assist her in her own ventures, and support various industry groups. My day-to-day involves designing, maintaining a popular WordPress security software, and tackling diverse creative projects—from 3D printing to marketing for an AI-assisted Etsy store.
Importantly, I do not use AI to create my core content. Whether it’s articles, music, or social media posts, my work is entirely my own. Instead, I leverage AI to streamline other parts of my workload, such as research, programming, and image creation.
1. ChatGPT Plus ($20/month)
Why ChatGPT Plus?
ChatGPT has become an irreplaceable part of my programming workflow, doubling my productivity. Its ability to generate code for published APIs saves me hours of digging through forums and piecing together examples.
Compared to alternatives like Google Gemini or Perplexity, ChatGPT consistently outperforms in real-world programming tasks. While other AIs have potential, they often fail to deliver the precision and reliability I need.
Use Cases:
- Programming: Streamlining code generation for APIs.
- Research: Tackling complex math problems, brainstorming solutions, and more.
- General Productivity: Acting as a reliable sounding board for problem-solving.
Why pay for ChatGPT Plus instead of using the free version? Beyond faster responses, the paid version offers priority access and a better overall experience. For the level of value it brings to my workflow, the $20/month is well worth it.
2. MidJourney ($10/month)
MidJourney is my go-to for generating high-quality, creative images. Despite having access to DALL-E 3 through ChatGPT Plus, I still pay extra for MidJourney because of its superior stylistic flexibility.
Why MidJourney Stands Out:
- Offers a broader range of artist styles and customization.
- Delivers more polished, aesthetically pleasing images compared to DALL-E 3.
While DALL-E 3 is excellent for quick experiments, I find MidJourney’s output more aligned with my creative vision.
Honorable Mention: Adobe Photoshop with Generative Fill
Although not exclusively an AI tool, Photoshop’s Generative Fill feature deserves recognition. As part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, it enhances my workflow alongside MidJourney and DALL-E 3.
That said, I’ve been a Photoshop user for decades—long before generative features were introduced. Even if these AI tools were removed, I’d still pay for Photoshop because of its unparalleled capabilities and my deep familiarity with the platform.
Other AI Tools I’ve Tested
- Google Gemini Advanced: While promising, it doesn’t deliver enough value for the price.
- Notion AI: Pricing policies were a dealbreaker for me, as they required annual payments for multiple accounts.
- DALL-E 3 (via ChatGPT Plus): A solid option for image generation, but not as versatile as MidJourney.
Conclusion
In the rapidly evolving world of generative AI, not every tool is worth the investment. After rigorous testing, the only two AI tools I consistently pay for are ChatGPT Plus and MidJourney. Both have proven indispensable for enhancing productivity and creativity in my day-to-day work.
Whether you’re a programmer, designer, or creative professional, these tools offer exceptional value, making them worthy of consideration for your own workflow.
