After testing more than 500 AI tools, this article ranks the top AI tools that can help you make money in 2026. The ranking is based on the balance of time, money, and energy invested versus the returns. Tools like Apex, Claude, and Gum Loop top the list, while others like ChatGPT and Apple Intelligence rank lower. The article also emphasizes the importance of being a director using AI rather than a doer.
I've personally tested over 500 AI tools so you don't have to. In this comprehensive review, I rank every AI tool you can use to make money in 2026. Many people waste their time on tools that don't generate income, so this guide will help you focus on the most valuable ones.
I run an AI venture studio where we launch AI companies every month, so I need to know what's out there. Whether you're just starting out or running a multi-million dollar business, these tools can either 10x your income or completely waste your time.
I rank these AI tools into five tiers based on how much you put in (money, time, energy, cost) versus how much you get back:
ChatGPT was the first to market and is widely loved, often considered the Kleenex of AI chatbots. However, I believe it is like MySpace in the AI space and will slowly decline. It ranks in the C tier because it doesn't provide the best return on investment compared to others.
One of my favorite tools for accelerated learning. It allows you to search topics into a custom AI, talk about the topic, and create visual outputs like infographics, slides, and podcasts. It helps me stay on top of new topics in real time, making it valuable for business. I rank it in the A tier.
My favorite tool for whispering and creating content. It allows you to talk naturally and formats your input based on language nuances, erasing mistakes automatically. I use it for coding and creating with AI, which saves me time and boosts creativity. It ranks in the A tier.
Claude is like ChatGPT but with better memory, tool usage, and skills. I love it so much I taught my team how to write code in Claude code. It has integrations with tools like Dispatch and visualization features. Claude has reached a $30 billion run rate with a fraction of the resources of ChatGPT. It is the most powerful tool in my life for making money, ranking it in the S tier.
An open-source AI agent that anyone can use. It is powerful but complex and creates security and support challenges for most business owners who are not technical. I rank it in the A tier but caution about its complexity.
One of my companies within Martell Ventures, Apex builds on OpenClaw with backups, security, and applications. It acts like a tireless team member who can write code, solve problems, and identify gaps in real time. Apex ranks at the top of the S tier, above Claude.
A coding platform by Google that connects to various language models including Google's Gemini. It is useful for building websites and writing code but has a complicated interface. Best for design companies, it ranks in the B tier.
A platform for generative video and AI B-roll creation. It offers access to multiple AI models under one membership. Great for video marketing, it can save time and money. I rank it in the A tier.
An AI generative music platform to create custom songs. While it may not directly make you money, it adds value and entertainment. I rank it in the B tier.
An AI financial co-pilot for businesses that answers profitability, spending, and hiring affordability questions quickly and visually. It saves money by reducing the need for expensive CFOs. I rank it in the A tier, above Higsfield.
Google's AI integrated across Docs, Gmail, Calendar, and more. It has access to vast data and YouTube indexing. While not as good as Claude yet, it is a strong contender and ranks in the S tier, just behind Claude.
A research-focused AI tool favored for detailed and truthful answers. Elon Musk is rebuilding it for better performance. Currently, it ranks above Whisper Flow but below Notebook LM.
A no-code app builder, once popular but now overshadowed by other AI tools with built-in capabilities. I rank it at the bottom of the B tier.
An AI search tool that was less useful to me compared to others. Its new product, Computer, outperforms it. I rank Perplexity just behind Higsfield.
A coaching AI that copies your knowledge to answer questions on your behalf, saving you time. Great for coaches, consultants, and experts. I rank it in the A tier, just behind Frank.
Currently a poor tool, far from expectations of a smart Siri. I rank it in the F tier.
A note-taking AI integrated with Notion and other tools. It captures data during Zoom calls without others knowing. It enhances BuddyPro's intelligence and ranks above Frank.
A tool to search your private network for contacts and opportunities. Useful for activating relationships but less directly profitable. I rank it behind Perplexity.
An AI image generation tool to visualize ideas and projects. Valuable for communication and vision sharing. I rank it at the top of the B tier.
An automation tool for business processes like onboarding, sales, and reporting. Great for non-technical users. I rank it in the S tier, just behind Gemini.
An open-source automation platform for technical users. Powerful but overkill for most businesses. I rank it behind Social Sweep.
A tool for generating slides from data, useful for presentations and training. I rank it in the B tier.
A chat-based sales tool that helps businesses sell through social media DMs at scale. It keeps you on top of relationships and communication. I rank it in the S tier, behind Gum Loop.
A tool for long-term memory and data storage for AI. It integrates with many AI tools and helps organize workflows. While it doesn't directly make money, it provides leverage. I rank it behind Social Sweep.
A voice platform acting as a virtual receptionist for local businesses, handling calls, scheduling, and qualifying leads. It can make you a lot of money by freeing your time. I rank it in the A tier, above Granola.
The future is about the separation between the director and the doer. Lean into being a director, designer, and co-creator—a human on the loop—while letting AI do the work. Challenge yourself to use AI tools to complete entire tasks, like posting in Slack or sending emails, to get your time back and maximize leverage.
Leave a comment below about which AI tool you plan to dive into next. For my full AI tech stack and every tool I use in my businesses, message me on Instagram @DanMartell with the word "YouTube stack" and I'll send it over.
If you want to learn how I run a solo AI business launching new companies, reach out and I'll share more.
I hope this guide helps you navigate the AI tool landscape and make the most money and leverage in 2026 and beyond.
