Alternatives · checked
ChatGPT alternatives
The verdict
The verdict: Claude and Gemini are the closest alternatives to ChatGPT, and both have free plans. Try Claude for long documents and careful writing, Gemini if you live in Google apps or on an Android phone, and Microsoft Copilot if you work in Windows and Microsoft 365. For a quick fact, a plain web search with sources you can check still beats any chatbot.
Side by side
| Feature | Claude | Gemini | Microsoft Copilot | A plain web search |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free and paid | Free and paid | Free, more with Microsoft 365 | Free |
| Best at | Long documents and writing | Google apps and Android | Windows, Office and Outlook | Checkable facts |
| Where it lives | claude.ai and apps | gemini.google.com, Android, Google apps | Windows, Edge, Microsoft 365 | Any browser |
| Standing instructions | Instructions for Claude | Instructions for Gemini, on most personal accounts | Varies by plan | Not needed |
Which one to pick
- Pick Claude if you paste long text and want a careful answer.
- Pick Gemini if your mail, files and phone are already Google.
- Pick Copilot if your work happens in Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Pick a web search if you need a fact you can point to.
The alternatives
Claude
Free and paid plans
Best for: Long documents, writing and careful step-by-step answers.
Good
- Handles long pasted documents well
- Projects keep instructions for one job
Not so good
- Fewer extras like image generation
Gemini
Free and paid plans
Best for: People who use Gmail, Docs and an Android phone.
Good
- Built into Android and Google apps
- Gems for repeat jobs
Not so good
- Some settings are missing on work and school accounts
Microsoft Copilot
Free, paid tiers for Microsoft 365
Best for: Windows and Microsoft 365 users.
Good
- Built into Windows and Edge
- Works inside Word and Outlook on paid plans
Not so good
- The best parts need a Microsoft 365 subscription
A plain web search
Free
Best for: Facts, prices and anything you need a source for.
Good
- You see the source
- No made-up menu names
Not so good
- You do the summarising yourself
Questions people ask
Is Claude better than ChatGPT?
For some jobs. People often prefer Claude for long documents and writing, and ChatGPT for extras like voice and images. Paste the same prompt into both and keep the one whose answer you would actually use.
Do my ChatGPT custom instructions move over?
No. Each chatbot keeps its own. Paste the same short block into the new one.
Which ChatGPT alternative is free?
Claude, Gemini and Copilot all have free plans with daily limits. The paid plans mostly buy you more use and newer models.
Related tips
More comparisons and alternatives
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