Skyrim Script Exstender (SKSE) is a utility that's required for some of the more complex mods to work. It's also useful in that it supports tons of other games, like The Witcher 3, Fallout 4, and many more. It's easy to use and makes downloading, activating, and deactivating mods a breeze.
Available from the Nexus Mods website, just like most of the mods on our list, it will handle everything for you. Replacing the Nexus Mod Manager is Vortex, a newer program for organizing your mod loadout. Again, make sure you read the pages for each of your mods: many of them require specific steps and instructions.
Now that you've found some mods you'd like to try, here are the tools you can use to get them working. How to install Skyrim mods How to install Skyrim mods
