How we test and rate AI tools

How does a tool get into the directory?

It always starts with a real task: writing a text, editing a video, building a presentation or sorting invoices. For that task, we look for suitable tools, also let AI assistants make suggestions, and then try out the candidates ourselves. Only when a tool proves itself in a hands-on test does it make it into the directory.

1. Define the task: what should the end result be, and who is it for?
2. Gather candidates: well-known providers, recommendations and new tools.
3. Try them out ourselves: sign-up, first results and the limits of the free version.
4. Classify: category, free or premium list, position and short assessment.
5. Double-check: compare prices and limits with the provider’s pages.

What criteria do we use to rate tools?

The order in each list is an editorial assessment. Three criteria are decisive:

• Output quality: how good are the results the tool delivers for typical beginner tasks?
• Free tier: how far can you get without paying, and where are the limits?
• Ease of entry: how quickly can you find your way around, and do you need prior knowledge?

We also look at whether a tool works well in English, what a subscription offers for your money and how openly the provider deals with your data. For each tool, we sum this up in a short assessment: who it suits, what it does particularly well, where the catch is and whether the price suits beginners. You’ll find it directly below each entry on the category pages.

How do we check prices and free limits?

We take prices and limits from the providers’ official pricing and help pages. Because both change often, we regularly review the entire directory. During the last major review in October 2026, we went through all 224 tools, updated 105 prices, added 28 new tools and removed 18.

• Prices are monthly guide values, in US dollars or euros depending on the provider. Depending on the country, VAT and exchange rates come on top.
• If there are several plans, we list the entry-level plan and the most expensive plan.
• The provider’s current information always takes precedence.

How do we handle advertising and partner links?

ai-dict.org is free to use, with no sign-up required. The site is funded through partner links and, in future, also through display ads. If you take out a subscription via a partner link, we may receive a commission. This doesn’t change the price for you.

Such entries are always labelled “Ad”, and providers with a partner programme receive preferential placement within their category. We still write our short assessment honestly: even for partner tools, we point out catches and limitations.

How are the guides, AI advice and AI glossary created?

We build guides and automations from tools listed in the directory and describe every step so that you can follow it without prior knowledge. The AI advice articles and the AI glossary answer the questions beginners ask most often.

We also use AI assistants for research and wording, in keeping with the topic of this site. Before publishing, we check facts such as prices, limits, privacy settings and legal deadlines against official sources. Gabriel Schaffrath is responsible for all content.

How up to date is ai-dict.org?

The AI world changes fast. That’s why we revise the directory continuously and document major changes in the changelog. The “Updated” note on the pages always shows the current month. We check prices and limits again at regular intervals, not every month.