A brief and clear overview of the Top-100 AI-based applications and websites according to Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). What's in the rating, who the leaders are, how web services differ from mobile apps, which categories are growing, and how to choose the best AI applications for your smartphone.
The authors note that the market is gradually entering a more stable phase. If in spring 2025 the list was replenished with 17 new web products, then in the August report there were only 15, including four Google applications that were not previously counted. The number of newcomers in the mobile category has also decreased to just 14. The situation was also affected by stricter app store policies: numerous ChatGPT copies are gradually leaving the rating, making room for original developments.
Another important change: the new rating does not include universal services like Canva or Notion, even if they offer AI features. Now the list only includes products that were originally created around artificial intelligence.
The rating is divided into two parts:
First – the 50 most visited web services (according to Similarweb data).
Second – 50 mobile applications, evaluated by the number of active users per month (Sensor Tower data).
The "web vs mobile" division allows us to understand where complex scenarios occur and where the fast format "opened – did – closed" wins.
The rating shows not "the smartest model," but usage, popularity, and user habits. For business, this is a reference point; for developers, it's a map of demand and key niches. The results are based on real data, not headlines. And these conclusions help accurately find a place for a product and create a relevant market overview without guesses.
Other leaders include:
On the web, people more often solve complex tasks: video generation, audio editing, presentation creation, document work, and analysis of large data sets. Therefore, in the top-20 web, tools with broad functionality stand out:
Mobile applications are dominated by apps for quick solutions: assistants, keyboards, photo editors, and avatar and learning platforms.
There are five "crossovers" – applications found successfully on both web platforms and mobile stores:
The best AI applications on mobile devices leverage the unique capabilities of smartphones: camera, gallery, microphone, and GPS. This allows you to get results quickly in real-time and without copying data between services. This is the main difference from web versions.
This is an example of how AI applications open new possibilities for other users and companies. The Suno + Copilot music combination shows how neural networks can be embedded in familiar services and make content creation accessible to everyone.
The "productivity" category is growing due to browser extensions and "tools in the workflow." Here are the key applications in this direction:
Six of seven of these applications work through a Google Chrome extension or exclusively through an extension. They help analyze articles and videos, reduce time, work with documentation and code. Broad scenarios are convenient for developers, students, and small business owners, as they save hours on routine tasks.
AI companions have evolved from niche to mainstream use, representing a potential shift in society.
Evidence:
An interesting trend: 6 of 8 web companions position themselves as "uncensored," allowing users to have conversations that might be restricted on ChatGPT or other major platforms. Among them are JanitorAI, Spicychat, and CrushOn.
For companions with their own apps, engagement levels are unusually high. According to Sensor Tower data:
This indicates that the most successful companions are becoming a central part of users' daily lives, becoming as common as texting a friend.
Although companions are often associated with "virtual boyfriends/girlfriends," research revealed early signs of a broader range of companion apps: for friendship, mentoring, entertainment, and potentially healthcare.
This shows that Discord is an important tool not only for gamers, but also for early adoption of AI technologies, allowing developers to get feedback before a full product launch.
The rating shows strong contributions from American companies, but many leaders are from Europe and Asia. Studios from Turkey have released hits in several categories:
This confirms: the world of AI products is global, and competition is happening everywhere – from major brands to independent developers.
On the mobile platform, there are 7 specialized avatar applications, since selfies on smartphones serve as ready-made data for training neural networks.
Three of the top mobile applications – Facemoji (#9), Bobble (#31), and Genie (#37) – are specialized mobile keyboards that allow users to send text messages using AI.
EdTech is a popular category on mobile devices, where users can:
Notably, while most top generative AI mobile applications are self-funded (without external financing), four of seven rating EdTech applications have raised more than $30 million, according to PitchBook data.
Below is a convenient and useful checklist. It helps find a quality application and use it every day.
Define Your Task
Do you need an assistant, video/audio editor, photo editor, or "educational" application? Identify the main scenario and key usage criteria. This is the first step to choosing the right tool.
Check Speed and Interface Simplicity
The application interface should be clear. Tips and buttons should be accessible without extra clicks. The best AI applications don't make users struggle through complex navigation.
Find Out Which AI Model Is Used
Look for mentions of reliable providers:
Use applications with transparent information about the model – this guarantees quality.
Check Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
Data policy and content usage should be transparent. Privacy settings should be visible. Don't use applications with vague data processing conditions.
Assess Pricing Honesty
Be cautious of "ChatGPT" copies in the App Store and Google Play. Official products provide access honestly, and subscriptions are clear. Many fake applications charge for access to free models.
Check Integrations with Other Services
Support for Microsoft, Google Drive, "Share" function, browser extensions. The more connections with other tools, the less friction in work and the higher productivity.
Ensure Reliable Support and Updates
Updates should come frequently. It's important for the product to work stably and quickly on different devices. Check ratings and user reviews in the app store.
| Category | Example Applications | Main Tasks | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Assistants | ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude | Answering questions, writing, analysis | Web + Mobile |
| Content Creation | Leonardo, Runway | Image generation, video editing | Web |
| Audio and Music | ElevenLabs, Suno | Speech synthesis, music creation | Web |
| Photo Editing | Photoroom, Pixelcut | Editing, enhancement, background removal | Mobile |
| AI Companions | Character.AI, Replika, Poly.AI | Communication, entertainment, support | Web + Mobile |
| Productivity | Otter.ai, ChatPDF, Liner | Transcription, document analysis | Web |
| Programming | Phind, Blackbox AI | Code help, debugging | Web |
| Education | Photomath, Elsa | Problem solving, language learning | Mobile |
| Content Summarization | Eightify, MaxAI | Video and article summaries | Web |
| Chatbot Aggregators | Poe | Access to multiple AI models | Web + Mobile |
For schoolchildren and students
Assistant: ChatGPT or Gemini for help with assignments Mathematics: Photomath for solving problems Languages: Elsa for practicing conversational speech Writing: QuillBot for checking and improving texts
For employees and freelancers
Main assistant: ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude Meetings and notes: Otter.ai for automatic transcription Documents: ChatPDF for analyzing PDF files Extensions: Liner or MaxAI for web content analysis
For creative professionals
Visuals: Leonardo or Midjourney for generating images Video: Runway for advanced editing Music: Suno for creating original tracks Photo: Photoroom or Pixelcut for professional editing Voice: ElevenLabs for high-quality speech synthesis
For developers
Code assistance: Phind or Blackbox AI Documentation: ChatPDF for analyzing technical documents General assistant: Claude for technical tasks
The world of artificial intelligence applications is developing rapidly. In the past two years, neural networks have stopped being “toys for enthusiasts” and have become part of the daily lives of millions of users around the globe.
The best AI programs are not a single leader, but a list of tools for different purposes:
On the web – complex processes and long work chains with tools like ElevenLabs, Gamma, or Otter.ai.
In mobile applications – quick actions, working with photos and audio, learning, and assistants like Photoroom or Photomath.
Choose an application for your specific scenario, check the model, data policy, integrations, and pricing.
The main takeaway is simple: AI tools are becoming as familiar as search engines or office software. To get the most benefit, try different services, compare them in terms of convenience, price, and results, and then integrate them into your own workflows—be it studying, work, or creativity.
AI already helps save time, streamlines complex processes, and opens new possibilities for business and personal projects. Now is the perfect time to choose your top AI applications and start using them every day.
Start with ChatGPT or Google Gemini—these are universal assistants with intuitive interfaces. Most beginners use them as a foundation.
Check the developer’s privacy policy. Official apps from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic protect data at a high level. Beware of fakes.
Many applications have free versions with limitations. Paid subscriptions provide access to faster responses and additional features. Choose based on your needs.
For basic editing—Photoroom or Pixelcut. For professional work—Leonardo with advanced settings.
The market is becoming more specialized. Instead of universal solutions, tools for specific tasks are emerging: music (Suno), programming (Phind), learning (Photomath). Competition will grow.
Due to stricter app store policies that remove ChatGPT copies. The market is shifting from quantity to quality. Instead of just more innovations, there are deeper improvements to existing solutions.
Max Godymchyk
Entrepreneur, marketer, author of articles on artificial intelligence, art and design. Customizes businesses and makes people fall in love with modern technologies.
