I tweak my AI Dev Tools almost weekly. I'll keep this list up-to-date with everything I currently recommend:
1. Super Whisper 2 with Parakeet Model 🎤
Purpose: Instant, accurate voice-to-text for rapid ideation and documentation
I use Super Whisper constantly throughout my day for:
- Dictating implementation plans directly to Cursor/Claude Code
- Drafting emails and documentation
- Capturing fleeting thoughts before they disappear
The new Parakeet model provides exceptional accuracy and speed. It's become an essential part of my workflow for turning thoughts into text without breaking flow.
Price: $9/month
Get it: Super Whisper on Gumroad
2. Basic Memory 🧠
Purpose: Open-source markdown + database system for persistent AI context
Basic Memory creates a searchable knowledge base that:
- Works seamlessly with Cursor, Claude, and any MCP-compatible tool
- Stores context in version-controllable, Git-friendly markdown
- Maintains human-readable documentation of your project history
This tool solves the context window problem by giving AI assistants access to your project's accumulated knowledge.
Price: Free (open source)
Get it: Basic Memory on GitHub
3. Cursor 🖱️
Purpose: Primary AI-powered code editor
Cursor has become my go-to editor because of:
- Lightning-fast tab completion that actually understands context
- Powerful agent/background agent/bug bot experiences
- Continuous improvements and feature releases
- Excellent integration with various AI models
The team ships improvements constantly, making it feel like the editor gets smarter every week.
Price: $20/month (Pro plan)
Get it: cursor.com
Documentation: docs.cursor.com
4. Claude Code 🤖
Purpose: Best-in-class agentic coding assistant
Claude Code stands out as the current leader in autonomous coding:
- Superior tool-calling capabilities compared to alternatives
- Flat pricing for unlimited usage (crucial for heavy users)
- Custom script integration through the SDK (game-changer!)
- Exceptional understanding of complex codebases
The ability to integrate custom scripts makes this incredibly powerful for personalized workflows.
Price: $200/month (Max 20x Pro plan)
Get it: claude.ai/download
GitHub: anthropics/claude-code
5. Warp Terminal 🚀
Purpose: AI-enhanced terminal for faster command-line workflows
Warp transforms the terminal experience with:
- Incredible speed - everything feels instantaneous
- Smart command auto-completion
- Natural language to complex command generation
- Intelligent history search
- AI-powered error explanations
It's the terminal reimagined for the AI era.
Price: Free (paid plans available for AI Agents)
Get it: warp.dev
Documentation: docs.warp.dev
6. Pieces App 📚
Purpose: Automatic work tracking and searchable local knowledge base
Pieces creates a personal AI assistant that:
- Captures browser activity, code snippets, and chat conversations automatically
- Makes everything queryable through MCP in Cursor/Claude Code/Scripts
- Generates "What I'm working on" summaries to maintain context across projects
- Builds a searchable archive of your development history
This tool ensures nothing gets lost in the shuffle of multiple projects.
Price: $20/month (Pro plan, generous free tier available)
Get it: pieces.app
MCP Integration: pieces.app/features/mcp
7. Script Kit 📜
Purpose: Build and trigger AI scripts through various automation methods
Script Kit (disclosure: I created this) enables powerful automation through:
- Keyboard shortcuts for instant script execution
- Cron scheduling for automated tasks
- System event triggers
- Integration with AI models for intelligent automation
It's the glue that connects your tools and workflows together.
Price: Free & Open Source
Get it: scriptkit.com
GitHub: johnlindquist/kit
Documentation: Script Kit Docs
8. Bee AI Wristband ⌚
Purpose: Ambient conversation capture and automatic note-taking
The Bee wristband:
- Records conversations throughout the day unobtrusively
- Takes automatic notes without manual intervention
- Syncs with other tools in your stack
- Captures context you'd otherwise forget
It's particularly helpful for capturing insights from meetings, conversations, and spontaneous ideas.
Price: $50
Get it: bee.computer
9. Fusion ☢️
Purpose: Load any project into an AI designer
Fusion stands out because it:
- Works with any framework or technology stack (not limited to Next.js)
- Provides intelligent design suggestions
- Continuously improves with regular updates
This tool bridges the gap between code and design in AI development.
Note: Specific product URL pending verification
10. Honorable Mentions
AI Studio/Gemini 🎬
Purpose: Video processing and rapid design iteration
Google's AI Studio with Gemini provides:
- Best-in-class video processing capabilities
- Quick design iteration workflows
- Multimodal understanding
Price: $20/month
Get it: aistudio.google.com
ChatGPT o3 Pro 🧠
Purpose: Complex reasoning and deep research
The o3 Pro tier offers:
- Advanced reasoning for complex questions
- Comprehensive planning capabilities
- Deep research mode for thorough analysis
Price: $200/month for o3 Pro access
Get it: OpenAI ChatGPT Pricing
Total Monthly Cost
Here's the breakdown of my complete stack:
- Super Whisper 2: $9/month
- Basic Memory: Free
- Cursor: $20/month
- Claude Code: $200/month
- Warp Terminal: Free
- Pieces App: $20/month
- Script Kit: Free
- Bee AI Wristband: $50 (one-time)
- AI Studio/Gemini: $20/month
- ChatGPT o3 Pro: $200/month
Total: ~$469/month (plus $50 one-time for Bee)
While this might seem like a significant investment, the productivity gains far outweigh the costs. Each tool eliminates friction in different parts of the development process, and together they create a workflow that feels almost magical.
The key is choosing tools that complement each other and create a cohesive ecosystem rather than a collection of disconnected utilities.