Tools Directory
Curated tools I use or recommend for AI, privacy, and security. Each includes honest assessments of strengths and weaknesses.
AI Tools
View all →Generative AI tools for music, art, writing, code, and research
ChatGPT
FreemiumOpenAI's conversational AI with GPT-4, code interpreter, image generation, and browsing capabilities.
Pros
- + Versatile capabilities
- + Image generation with DALL-E
- + Code execution environment
Cons
- - Usage limits on free tier
- - Can be confidently wrong
- - Privacy concerns with data usage
Claude
FreemiumAnthropic's AI assistant focused on safety and helpfulness, with strong reasoning and writing capabilities.
Pros
- + Excellent at nuanced, long-form writing
- + Strong reasoning and analysis
- + Large context window (200K tokens)
Cons
- - No image generation
- - Sometimes overly cautious
- - Slower than some competitors
Cursor
FreemiumAI-powered code editor built on VS Code, with deep integration of language models for code generation and editing.
Pros
- + Seamless AI integration in editor
- + Composer for multi-file edits
- + Uses Claude and GPT-4
Cons
- - Subscription cost adds up
- - Can be aggressive with suggestions
- - Privacy concerns with code sent to AI
Midjourney
PaidAI image generator known for artistic, stylized outputs. Operates through Discord with a unique prompt-based workflow.
Pros
- + Distinctive artistic style
- + Excellent at stylized imagery
- + Strong community and prompt sharing
Cons
- - Discord-only interface
- - Less precise control than DALL-E
- - No free tier
Privacy Tools
View all →Tools for protecting your digital privacy and personal data
Firefox
FreePrivacy-focused browser from Mozilla with Enhanced Tracking Protection, container tabs, and no corporate data harvesting.
Pros
- + Enhanced Tracking Protection built-in
- + Container tabs isolate sites
- + Non-profit stewardship
Cons
- - Some sites optimized for Chrome
- - Smaller market share
- - Occasional compatibility issues
Mullvad VPN
PaidPrivacy-focused VPN with anonymous account creation, no email required, and pay-with-cash options.
Pros
- + No account creation required
- + Can pay with cash
- + Strong no-logs policy
Cons
- - No free tier
- - Fewer server locations than competitors
- - No streaming optimization
ProtonMail
FreemiumSwiss-based encrypted email service with zero-access encryption, meaning Proton cannot read your emails.
Pros
- + Zero-access encryption
- + Swiss privacy jurisdiction
- + No personal info required
Cons
- - E2EE only with other Proton users by default
- - Search is limited due to encryption
- - Storage limits on free tier
Signal
FreeEnd-to-end encrypted messaging app with strong privacy protections, minimal metadata collection, and open-source code.
Pros
- + True end-to-end encryption
- + Minimal metadata collection
- + Open source and audited
Cons
- - Requires phone number to sign up
- - Smaller user base than WhatsApp
- - No web client without phone
Security Tools
View all →Information security, encryption, and authentication tools
1Password
PaidPassword manager with secure sharing, travel mode, and integrations across devices and browsers.
Pros
- + Excellent UX and design
- + Travel Mode hides vaults
- + Family and team sharing
Cons
- - No free tier
- - Subscription model only
- - Closed source
Bitwarden
FreemiumOpen-source password manager with free tier, self-hosting option, and strong security audit history.
Pros
- + Generous free tier
- + Fully open source
- + Self-hosting available
Cons
- - Less polished UX than 1Password
- - Browser extension can be clunky
- - Some features paid-only
Have I Been Pwned
FreeFree service to check if your email or password has appeared in data breaches. Essential for security hygiene.
Pros
- + Completely free
- + Comprehensive breach database
- + Email notifications for new breaches
Cons
- - Only shows known breaches
- - Can't undo exposure
- - Limited to email-based lookup
Little Snitch
PaidmacOS firewall that monitors and controls outgoing network connections, showing exactly what apps phone home.
Pros
- + See all outgoing connections
- + Block apps from phoning home
- + Beautiful network visualization
Cons
- - macOS only
- - Learning curve to configure
- - Can be noisy at first