What social automation + AI tools are actually worth using in 2025?

I’m testing a bunch of AI + automation tools for social and I’m honestly struggling to separate real value from marketing gloss.

Looking for tools that are strong at:

• Content creation (AI captions, visuals, remixing)
• Scheduling + cross-posting
• Workflow automation (not just “post and pray”)
• Analytics that aren’t terrible

A lot of tools I’ve tried feel like:

• A thin GPT wrapper
• Overpriced schedulers
• “All-in-one” platforms that do everything… badly

Would love to hear from people deep in the trenches:

• What tools do you actually rely on?
• Which ones sounded great but flopped?
• Any underrated platforms?
• What part of your workflow still sucks?

If you’re willing, share:

• What you use each tool for
• Why you chose it
• Approx monthly cost
• Biggest downside

Trying to build a stack that saves time instead of creating more work 😅