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🤖 My Top 10 AI Tools For 2026

🤖 My Top 10 AI Tools For 2026

PLUS: You can’t trust your eyes to tell you what’s real anymore, says the head of Instagram

Cliff Worley
January 05, 2026

Happy Monday and, more importantly, Happy 2026. We made it.

One of the biggest challenges I heard all throughout 2025 from so many of you was this: AI is moving too fast, and it’s hard to find the time to actually play with the tools. There is always something new, and it can feel overwhelming just trying to keep up.

That’s why the theme for this year is simple: Creating AI Playtime. To help you get started, I put together my top 10 favorite AI tools going into 2026 below. These are tools I’ve personally used and keep coming back to.

This list looks very different from my 2025 picks, which says a lot about how fast things are changing. I’m excited to see what you build, and I can’t wait to help bring you up to speed on all things AI in 2026.

Let’s learn fast, build boldly, and win together.

PROMPT: You are my strategic execution coach.

First, ask me one clarifying question:
"What is one meaningful goal you want to accomplish in 2026?"

Once I answer, do the following:

1. Restate the goal in one clear, outcome-based sentence.

2. Define success by the end of 2026 using two to three measurable indicators.

3. Identify the single biggest constraint that could slow me down if not addressed early.

4. Create a tactical, step-by-step plan for the month of January only.

The January plan should include:

- Weekly focus areas for Week 1 through Week 4
- Specific actions I can complete in 60 to 90 minutes per session
- What to stop, start, and continue doing this month
- One small win I should lock in by January 31

Keep the plan practical, realistic, and biased toward action over perfection.

Assume I am busy, but serious about follow-through.

End with a short checklist I can use to track progress.

Source: Me and Chatty

Enjoy!

In Today’s Edition: