Tool Lab
The tools I actually run, and what each one is honestly for.
Honest reviews of the tools behind the AI systems I build and write about. Some have affiliate programs. Most don't. I'll always tell you which is which.
In the Lab37
No affiliate program23
Lanes4
AI
8 tools
ClaudeThe frontier model that ships in production.No affiliateCCursorThe AI editor for serious codebases.No affiliate
OpenAIStill the API every other model gets measured against.No affiliateMModel Context ProtocolThe standard plug between agents and the world.No affiliateGGeminiGoogle's frontier model, strong on long context and the Google stack.No affiliate
GrokReal-time, X-aware answers from xAI.No affiliatePPerplexityThe answer engine that cites its sources.No affiliateCChatGPTOpenAI's assistant, the one most people start with.No affiliateBuild
13 tools
nn8nSelf-hostable automation that scales past Zapier.No affiliateVVercelThe deploy target for the modern web.No affiliateCClaude CodeAgentic coding in the terminal that reads your whole repo.No affiliatevv0Generate production React UI from a prompt.No affiliateWWindsurfThe agentic AI editor, Cursor's closest rival.No affiliateZZapierConnect apps without code, the automation default.MMakeVisual automation with serious branching power.CCloudflareWorkers, R2, and the edge platform I deploy on.No affiliateSSupabasePostgres, auth, and storage for AI apps.No affiliateCCodexOpenAI's agentic coding tool, terminal and cloud.No affiliateNNotionDocs, wiki, and now agents in one workspace.SShopifyThe commerce platform that ships stores fast.LLovablePrompt-to-app, the fastest path to a working MVP.No affiliate
Design
7 tools
WWebflowThe visual builder that ships production-grade marketing sites.FFramerThe fastest way to ship a flagship marketing site.FFigmaWhere the design actually happens.No affiliateMMidjourneyThe benchmark for AI image quality.No affiliateCCanvaDesign for everyone, now with a real AI studio.RRunwayGenerative video the pros actually ship with.No affiliateHHiggsfieldCinematic AI video with real motion control.No affiliate
Growth
9 tools
HHubSpotThe CRM that grew into a full growth suite.AApolloB2B contact data and outbound in one place.SSmartleadCold email at scale with inbox rotation.IInstantlyCold outreach and deliverability for senders.MManychatChat automation for Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger.IIntercomThe support suite behind Fin, the rented agent I benchmark owned builds against.No affiliateAAhrefsThe backlink and SEO toolset, now AI-aware.No affiliateSSemrushThe all-in-one SEO and visibility platform.KKlaviyoEmail and SMS built for ecommerce revenue.
Newsletter
One letter, every Sunday. Working systems, not hot takes.
Build logs, working systems, and field notes from running a portfolio of AI ventures.