Agents That “Do” Things

Productivity agents are the ultimate executive assistants. They live in your browser or desktop and interact with other apps on your behalf.

1. OpenAI Operator

The computer-using agent.

Released in early 2026, Operator takes control of your mouse and keyboard to perform tasks.

• Capabilities: “Book a flight to NYC on Expedia for under $300 next Tuesday.” Operator goes to the site, clicks the buttons, and fills the forms.
• Safety: High reliability in confirming actions before payment.

2. MultiOn

The browser automation specialist.

What are AI Agents?

Unlike traditional chatbots that just “talk,” AI Agents can “do.” They can execute code, browse the web autonomously, and complete complex workflows.

In 2026, the agent ecosystem has exploded. We track and rank the best tools across three categories:

1. Best AI Coding Agents

Turn natural language into production code.

• Top Picks:
  • Cursor: The best AI-first IDE for context-heavy refactoring.
  • Windsurf (Codeium): The best for agentic automation and bug fixing.
  • Trae AI: The “10x Engineer” choice for end-to-end app generation.

2. Best Research Agents

Deep dive into topics with autonomous web browsing.