Top Internet Tools & AI Services in 2025: What to Use and Why (Real-World Picks)

Last updated: Aug 2025 • 8–12 min read

Why This Guide? The world of internet tools and AI services is exploding in 2025. Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or student, picking the right stack can save hours and unlock new possibilities. Here’s my expert roundup of the best tools I’ve tested and trusted—no hype, just real-world picks for productivity and creativity.

Image: YouQube — 2025 Internet Toolbox.

Contents

1. Research & Answering
2. Writing & Editing
3. Creative Media (Video, Design, Voice)
4. Automation & Workflow
5. Security & Passwords
6. SEO & Site Tools
7. Image Optimization
8. Starter Stacks (Pick a Combo)
9. Quick FAQ
10. My Take

Official Tool Links

• Perplexity — perplexity.ai
• Claude 3.5 Sonnet — claude.ai
• ChatGPT — chat.openai.com
• Arc Browser / Arc Search — arc.net
• Notion AI — notion.so
• Obsidian — obsidian.md
• Runway (Gen-3) — runwayml.com
• Canva — canva.com
• ElevenLabs — elevenlabs.io
• Zapier — zapier.com
• Make (ex-Integromat) — make.com
• Bitwarden — bitwarden.com
• Proton Pass — proton.me/pass
• Ahrefs Webmaster Tools — ahrefs.com/webmaster-tools
• Hemingway Editor — hemingwayapp.com
• Grammarly — grammarly.com
• Squoosh (image compressor) — squoosh.app

1) Research & Answering

Perplexity is best for fast, cited answers and up-to-the-minute search; Claude 3.5 Sonnet shines at careful reasoning and long docs; ChatGPT is a great all-rounder with tons of plugins; and Arc Search bundles “Browse for me” summaries on mobile.

• Use when: You need trustworthy summaries with sources, or you’re drafting based on multiple links.
• Skip when: You must access paid PDFs behind strict logins — upload docs instead.

Visit: Perplexity · Claude · ChatGPT · Arc

2) Writing & Editing

Notion AI turns notes into pages and simple docs; Obsidian gives you linked Markdown vaults for deep research; Grammarly and Hemingway catch grammar and clarity issues fast.

• Use when: You want a single hub for ideas → Notion; heavy research with backlinks → Obsidian; polish → Grammarly + Hemingway.
• Skip when: You require enterprise DLP/IRM — check business plans first.

Visit: Notion · Obsidian · Grammarly · Hemingway

3) Creative Media (Video, Design, Voice)

Runway (Gen-3) turns prompts and clips into stylized video; Canva covers quick social graphics and brand kits; ElevenLabs produces crisp voiceovers in multiple styles.

• Use when: You need shorts, explainer intros, thumbnails, or quick product reels.
• Skip when: You’re producing long films with complex timelines — use pro NLEs.

Visit: Runway · Canva · ElevenLabs

4) Automation & Workflow

Zapier and Make (Integromat) connect your apps without code: send form leads to sheets/CRM, auto-post to socials, or move files around clouds.

• Use when: You want “if this then that” between your SaaS tools.
• Skip when: You need heavy ETL on big data — look at dedicated pipelines.

Visit: Zapier · Make

5) Security & Passwords

Bitwarden and Proton Pass are reliable password managers with secure sharing, passkeys, and multi-device sync. Use one manager across your team to reduce lockouts and reuse.

• Use when: You need open-source (Bitwarden) or Proton ecosystem tie-ins (Proton Pass).
• Skip when: Your company mandates a different SSO-managed vault.

Visit: Bitwarden · Proton Pass

6) SEO & Site Tools

Ahrefs Webmaster Tools gives you free basic audits and backlinks on your verified site — a great complement to Search Console. Fix high-impact issues first: broken links, slow pages, missing titles/meta.

• Use when: You want quick wins without a paid subscription.
• Skip when: You already have an enterprise crawler and full suite.

Visit: Ahrefs Webmaster Tools

7) Image Optimization

Squoosh compresses images in-browser (WebP/AVIF/JPEG) and shows you live quality vs size. For blogs, aim for <150 KB hero thumbnails and <70 KB inline images when possible.

Visit: Squoosh

8) Starter Stacks (Pick a Combo)

• Creator Stack: Perplexity + Claude + Runway + Canva + ElevenLabs
• Writing Stack: Notion + Obsidian + Grammarly + Hemingway
• Ops Stack: Perplexity + Zapier/Make + Bitwarden/Proton Pass + Ahrefs WT

9) Quick FAQ

Q: Which single tool should I start with?
A: Perplexity for fast, cited answers. Then layer one writing tool (Notion/Obsidian) and one media tool (Canva/Runway).

Q: Are these free?
A: Most have generous free tiers; heavy usage (long videos, advanced models) may require paid plans.

Q: Privacy tips?
A: Don’t paste secrets in cloud tools unless covered by your policy. Prefer on-device or enterprise plans for sensitive content.

10) My Take: Top 3 Tools I Can’t Live Without

• Perplexity – For instant, reliable research with sources.
• Notion AI – My daily hub for notes, content, and planning.
• Runway – The fastest way to create videos and graphics for my blog.

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About the Author: Faisal is the founder of YouQube Hub, covering tech trends, AI, and productivity tools for the MENA region and beyond. Learn more

What’s your favorite tool of 2025? Share your experience or ask questions in the comments below!