Ever since ChatGPT hit the scene, AI chatbots have been causing a stir, offering a plethora of functions to streamline both personal and professional tasks. From coding and composing emails to drafting reports and generating art, these bots are at your beck and call, ready to lend a hand with a variety of tasks.
However, with ChatGPT's widespread success, competitors have sprung up, each offering their own spin on AI chatbots. As a result, the market is now flooded with options, each boasting unique strengths, use cases, and complexities.
Moreover, after delving deep into the realm of AI for the past year and a half, I've had the opportunity to test numerous AI tools, including a multitude of AI chatbots. Drawing from my own experiences and insights from other AI experts at ZDNET, I've curated a comprehensive list of the top AI chatbots and AI writers currently available.
This list covers everything you need to know before selecting your next AI assistant, including its primary applications, advantages, disadvantages, pricing, language model capabilities, and more. Whether you're a newcomer to the world of AI chatbots or a seasoned user, this resource aims to introduce you to a new chatbot you may not have encountered before.
So, what's the cream of the crop when it comes to AI chatbots right now? In my opinion, Microsoft Copilot takes the crown, thanks to its robust sourcing capabilities, free internet access, and advanced language model. Keep reading to explore how Copilot stacks up against other contenders like ChatGPT, You.com, and beyond.
ChatGPT: The Pioneering AI Chatbot
Pros:
- Exceptional writing abilities
- Proficient in STEM subjects
- Engaging conversational skills
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ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, stands out as a remarkable conversational AI chatbot capable of generating text based on any given prompt, whether it's drafting emails, crafting essays, composing poetry, or even jotting down grocery lists.
Beyond its writing capabilities, ChatGPT excels in engaging discussions on a wide range of topics, from the profound ("What is the meaning of life?") to the technical ("What are colors?"). Moreover, it boasts strong STEM knowledge, effortlessly tackling coding tasks and solving complex mathematical equations.
Thanks to recent updates from OpenAI, accessing ChatGPT has never been easier. Gone are the days of mandatory logins; now, users can initiate conversations with ChatGPT directly through its website, akin to using a search engine like Google.
Since its launch in November 2022, ChatGPT has garnered immense popularity, serving as a benchmark for many subsequent AI chatbots. As such, for those delving into the realm of AI chatbots, ChatGPT remains a must-try, being the original tool that sparked the craze.
However, despite its strengths, ChatGPT does have its drawbacks. At times, it may reach capacity due to high demand, lacks internet connectivity, and operates based on knowledge up to January 2022.
Personally, I continue to turn to ChatGPT for its remarkable capabilities, albeit with an awareness of its limitations regarding the timeliness of information. It's particularly useful for tasks like brainstorming text or tackling coding challenges.
Key Features of ChatGPT:
- Harnesses the power of OpenAI's GPT-3.5 or GPT-4 (with subscription)
- Versatile text generation, math problem-solving, and coding abilities
- Impressive conversational prowess
- Currently available to the public for free
Microsoft Copilot: The Ultimate AI Chatbot
Pros:
- Access to a wealth of internet resources
- Provides links to sources for transparency
- Harnesses the power of OpenAI's most advanced language model
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Last February, Microsoft rolled out an enhanced version of Bing powered by AI, rebranded as Copilot, leveraging the cutting-edge GPT-4 Turbo model developed by OpenAI. By May 4th of the same year, Copilot transitioned from a limited to an open preview, granting free access to all users.
Wondering what sets Copilot apart? Well, when it comes to addressing queries, Copilot shines by providing two key advantages over its counterparts like ChatGPT: access to real-time information and the ability to provide source links for its responses, all at no cost. Moreover, Copilot stands out as the exclusive gateway to OpenAI's most advanced language model, GPT-4 Turbo, without any fees attached.
But that's not all. Copilot offers a suite of enticing features that make it a compelling option, including multi-modal inputs, integrated image generation, and even its own standalone application.
Key Features of Copilot:
- Utilizes OpenAI's cutting-edge GPT-4 Turbo
- Seamlessly accesses internet resources
- Functions as a dynamic search engine, delivering up-to-date information
- Free to use, providing a cost-effective solution for AI chatbot needs
Perplexity.ai: Your Ultimate Companion for Prompt Exploration
Pros:
- Provides links to relevant sources
- Offers access to the internet for additional information
- Boasts a user-friendly and intuitive interface
More Details:
Perplexity.ai stands out as a premier AI chatbot designed specifically for prompt ideation, offering users a seamless experience with access to a wealth of resources and a visually appealing interface.
Upon visiting the platform, users are greeted with a straightforward chat interface, inviting them to input their prompt into the "ask anything" box to kickstart the conversation. With the slogan "Where knowledge begins" prominently displayed, Perplexity.ai lives up to its promise of facilitating exploratory dialogue.
One of the standout features of Perplexity.ai is its curated list of suggested prompts, spanning both current news topics and evergreen subjects. Users can simply click on these prompts to delve deeper into a variety of engaging topics and keep the conversation flowing. Additionally, the chatbot provides related questions to further stimulate discussion and exploration.
What truly sets Perplexity ai apart is its emphasis on encouraging users to take deep dives into topics they may not have previously considered. Whether it's uncovering the history of birthday cakes or exploring other intriguing subjects, this chatbot fosters a spirit of discovery and experimentation.
Moreover, Perplexityi offers the added convenience of mobile accessibility, with dedicated apps available for both iOS app and Android app devices. Each answer provided by the chatbot is accompanied by footnotes citing relevant sources, and users can expect rich multimedia content, including photos and graphics, to enhance their interactive experience.
Key Features of Perplexity.ai:
- Utilizes OpenAI GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 for subscribers
- Access to the internet and real-time events for up-to-date information
- Curated prompt suggestions to spark engaging conversations
- Free to use with the option for premium subscriptions for enhanced features.
Anthrophic's Claude: Your Go-To Document Summarizing AI Chatbot
Pros:
- Support for uploading documents
- User-friendly chat controls
- Offers both light and dark mode options
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In February 2023, Anthropic introduced its groundbreaking AI assistant, Claude, which quickly earned recognition as one of the top chatbots in the field. Much like its competitors, Claude is adept at addressing a wide array of queries, spanning coding, mathematics, writing, research, and beyond.
What sets Claude apart is its remarkable capability to handle document uploads for reading, analysis, and summarization. Users can effortlessly upload documents by clicking on the paper clip icon and selecting the desired file. From there, simply engage with Claude in conversation to request assistance with document summaries or seek clarifications on specific topics within the document.
Currently available in a free open beta version, Claude does come with certain limitations, including context window and daily message caps that may fluctuate based on demand. For users seeking more extensive usage capabilities, upgrading to Claude Pro is an option, offering significantly higher usage limits at a nominal fee of $20 per month.
Key Features of Claude:
- Powered by the Claude 3 model family
- Facilitates document uploads for analysis and summarization
- Knowledge trained up to early 2023
- Available for free in open beta, with an option to upgrade to Claude Pro for enhanced usage limits
Jasper: The Ultimate AI Companion for Business Professionals
Pros:
- Offers 50 diverse writing templates tailored for business needs
- Includes copyediting features to enhance written content
- Provides a built-in plagiarism checker for content authenticity
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Jasper stands out as a powerful tool designed specifically for businesses and marketers seeking to streamline their workflows with the assistance of AI technology. Unlike other platforms, Jasper operates on a subscription-based model, with no free plan available for users.
Upon signing up for Jasper, users gain access to a wide range of features aimed at enhancing their content creation process. From generating compelling copy to ensuring its quality and originality, Jasper offers comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the demands of modern businesses.
One of the key highlights of Jasper is its extensive library of writing templates, encompassing various formats such as blog posts, social media content, video scripts, and more. With over 50 templates to choose from, users can effortlessly create professional-grade content optimized for their specific needs.
In addition to its writing capabilities, Jasper incorporates advanced copyediting features, allowing users to refine their content for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy. The platform also includes a robust plagiarism checker, enabling users to verify the authenticity of their content and maintain ethical standards.
While Jasper subscription plans may come with a steep cost, the investment is justified for businesses and marketers reliant on AI-driven tools for content generation and optimization. Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or part of a larger organization, Jasper offers a suite of tools to elevate your content creation efforts and drive business success.
Key Features of Jasper:
- Utilizes various language model systems, including GPT-4
- Generates paragraphs, product descriptions, and more
- Provides comprehensive plagiarism and grammar checking capabilities
- Subscription plans start at $39 per month with annual billing options.
You.com: The Ultimate AI Search Companion
Pros:
- Accessible anytime, anywhere
- Free to use without any subscription fees
- Provides citations for sourced information
More Details:
You.com, revolutionizes the way users interact with search engines by integrating AI-driven conversational capabilities. Unlike traditional search engines like Google, You.com offers real-time web results alongside conversational responses, providing users with a seamless browsing experience.
When users input queries into You.com, they receive a comprehensive response that includes both relevant web links and conversational insights. For instance, a search for "adorable dog breeds" might yield a mix of web links, images, and conversational responses, enhancing the overall search experience.
In addition to its search functionality, You.com doubles as a technical assistant, capable of providing assistance with various tasks such as math problems, coding queries, translations, and writing prompts. One of its key advantages is its accessibility, allowing users to engage with the chatbot at any time without constraints.
One standout feature of You.com is its premium subscription option, You.com Pro, which grants access to a range of advanced AI models, including GPT-4 and GPT-4 Turbo. With the Custom Model Selector feature, users can seamlessly switch between different AI models, enhancing the versatility of their search experience.
By leveraging cutting-edge AI technology, You.com offers users unparalleled access to some of the most advanced models on the market. Whether you're seeking information or assistance, SearchGenius delivers comprehensive results with unmatched convenience.
Key Features of You.com:
- Access to advanced AI models with You.com Pro subscription
- Provides citations for sourced information
- Integrates conversational responses with real-time web results
- Free to use without any subscription fees.
Chatsonic by Writesonic: The Premier AI Writing Companion for Authors
Pros:
- Stay updated with the latest information
- Versatile application for various writing needs
- Offers a free trial to explore its capabilities
More Details:
Chatsonic, developed by ProseForge, stands out as a reliable AI chatbot tailored specifically for article writers. Much like ChatGPT, Chatsonic empowers users to input prompts for assistance across a wide range of tasks. However, it distinguishes itself by offering additional functionalities such as web searching, image generation, and PDF assistance, filling the gaps left by conventional AI writing tools.
The Chatsonic platform provides a suite of tools designed to streamline the article writing process. Notable features include the Instant Article Writer, which generates articles with a single click; the Article Rewriter, which rephrases existing content; and the Article Writer 5, which leverages competitor rankings to generate insightful articles.
Moreover, Chatsonic offers a plethora of auxiliary tools to enhance article creation, including an SEO Checker and Optimizer, AI Editor, Content Rephraser, and Paragraph Writer, among others. While a free version is available, it comes with limitations, such as a daily generation cap of 50 articles. For users requiring more robust capabilities, subscription plans start at $12 per month, with pricing scaling based on word count and user requirements.
Key Features of Chatsonic:
- Powered by advanced AI models, including GPT-3.5 or GPT-4 (based on subscription)
- Up-to-date with current events, surpassing ChatGPT's knowledge cutoff in 2021
- Comprehensive feature set, encompassing voice dictation and image generation
- Flexible pricing options, starting at $12 per month.
Gemini (formerly Google Bard): The Ultimate AI Chat bot for Google Enthusiasts
Pros:
- Free to use
- Seamlessly integrated with Google ecosystem
- Exceptional text editing capabilities
More Details:
Gemini is Google's,, represents Google's foray into the realm of conversational AI chatbots. Renamed to Gemini is Google in a recent rebranding effort, this AI tool has evolved significantly since its initial launch in March 2023, with continuous enhancements leading to its current state of optimization.
At its core, Gemini is Google relies on Google's robust technology stack, drawing on the vast resources of the search giant's ecosystem. With its user-friendly interface and familiarity to loyal Google users, the chatbot seamlessly integrates with Google applications and services, offering a cohesive experience.
Unlike many counterparts that leverage OpenAI's language models, Gemini is Google employs a proprietary model developed by Google, ensuring a unique approach to conversational interactions..
For users seeking the utmost in AI capabilities, Google offers the AI Premium Plan, granting access to advanced models like Ultra 1.0 within Gemini is Google. Additionally, subscribers gain access to Gemini for Workspace, formerly known as Duet AI, enhancing productivity across Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet with Google's AI assistance.
Key Features of Gemini is Google:
- Powered by a refined version of Gemini Pro
- Integrates seamlessly with Google applications
- Offers rapid generation of clear text and images
- Available for free to all users
Socratic by Google: Top AI Chat bot app for Young Learners
Pros:
- Free of charge
- Educational in nature
- User-friendly interface
More Details:
Socratic, developed by Google, stands out as an ideal AI companion for children and students seeking academic assistance in a user-friendly format. Tailored specifically for young learners, Socratic offers a plethora of educational benefits while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Designed to alleviate the academic burdens of students while fostering a healthy learning environment, Socratic allows children to pose questions related to their school curriculum. The chatbot responds with informative, conversational explanations enriched with engaging graphics, ensuring a fun and interactive learning experience.
Socratic effectiveness as a study aid, emphasizing its role in assisting students with homework clarification and concept comprehension. The app's intuitive interface mirrors popular platforms like Snapchat and voice assistants, making it easily accessible to young users.
Socratic is available for download on both the App Store and Google Play Store, offering convenient access to its educational features. Notably, the app incorporates a unique scanning feature that enables students to upload and receive tailored answers based on scanned worksheets.
While Socratic excels in providing informative responses and supporting worksheet scanning, it refrains from generating extensive written content, such as essays or stories. This intentional limitation serves to encourage students to engage actively in their learning process rather than relying solely on automated assistance.
Key Features of Socratic:
- Developed by Google
- Interactive question-response format
- Enhanced with engaging graphics
- Supports worksheet scanning for customized answers
- Available for free download
HuggingChat: The Ultimate Open-Source Chatbot Solution
Pros:
- No cost involved
- Sleek and intuitive user interface
- Highly customizable according to your preferences
More Details:
While the market offers a plethora of chatbot solutions catering to various needs, sometimes the perfect fit for your specific requirements might not exist yet. In such cases, building a fully customizable chatbot from scratch could be the ideal solution. Enter HuggingChatt, an open-source chatbot framework developed by Hugging Face, offering unparalleled flexibility and adaptability.
Unlike pre-built chatbot platforms, HuggingChat empowers users to tailor every aspect of their chatbot to suit their unique needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a standard chatbot interface or aiming to create a specialized bot for a specific niche, HuggingChat provides the tools and flexibility necessary to bring your vision to life.
While HuggingChat may not serve as a standalone primary chatbot solution for all users, it serves as an invaluable platform for building and customizing your chatbot ecosystem. Gewirtz emphasizes the control and transparency offered by HuggingChat, allowing users to gain insight into every aspect of their chatbot's functionality.
With HuggingChat, you have the power to create a chatbot that aligns perfectly with your requirements. Whether you opt to deploy it exclusively for personal use or share it with a wider audience, HuggingChat offers complete control and transparency throughout."
Key Features of HuggingChat:
- Intuitive user interface inspired by Chat-GPT
- Complete customization options
- Ideal for developers and AI enthusiasts seeking a secure alternative
- Free to use and modify according to your needs
Key Considerations in Choosing a Chatbot
With the abundance of chatbot options flooding the market, settling on the right one can be a daunting task. Here are some essential factors to ponder, helping you streamline your choices:
- Pricing: Evaluate the cost structure of each chatbot, considering both upfront expenses and ongoing subscription fees.
- Large Language Model (LLM): Assess the sophistication of the underlying language model powering the chatbot, as this impacts its conversational abilities and output quality.
- Knowledge Cutoff: Determine the extent of the chatbot's knowledge base and whether it aligns with your informational needs.
- Internet Accessibility: Confirm whether the chatbot requires internet connectivity to function optimally, especially if you anticipate using it in offline settings.
- Source Integration: Check if the chatbot has the capability to cite sources and provide verifiable information to enhance content reliability.
Ideal Use Cases: Identify the specific scenarios or tasks for which you intend to use the chatbot, ensuring that its features and functionalities align with your requirements.
How Were These AI Chatbots Selected?
In curating the roster of top AI chatbots and writers, meticulous assessment of each program's capabilities was conducted, with a focus on their suitability for diverse applications. As an AI reporter, firsthand testing of each chatbot was imperative to gauge performance and reliability accurately. Additionally, factors such as availability and cost-effectiveness were carefully weighed to present a well-rounded selection.
Tailored Use Cases: Recognizing the multifaceted roles AI chatbots can play, a diverse range of options was included to cater to varied needs spanning ideation, education, and content creation.
Dependability: Emphasizing the importance of information accuracy, thorough vetting ensured that only reliable chatbots made the cut.
Accessibility: While acknowledging the popularity of ChatGPT, alternatives with unrestricted access and no user limits were prioritized to ensure seamless availability.
Affordability: A balanced mix of free and subscription-based chatbots was curated, taking into account budget constraints without compromising quality.
Distinguishing Between AI Chatbot and AI Writers
The primary disparity between AI chat app and AI writers app lies in the nature of their output and core functionality. Historically, AI writers were tailored for generating written content such as articles, stories, or poetry based on given prompts. Conversely, AI chatbots were developed for real-time text or voice-based interactions, serving purposes like answering queries or offering recommendations.
Although the terms "AI chatbot" and "AI writer" are now sometimes used interchangeably, the original distinction emphasized AI writers' focus on content generation and chatbots' focus on conversational engagement. However, advancements in AI technology, exemplified by tools like ChatGPT, have blurred these boundaries. Modern AI chatbots often possess the capability to produce text-based responses resembling human language, akin to AI writers.
For further insights into optimizing your business toolkit and selecting the right resources for business development, explore additional resources.
In conclusion,
There are so many AI-powered chatbots to try out and so little time! With countless opportunities to explore the capabilities of AI chat app, the possibilities are growing every day. It's time to make the most of this convenient, accurate, and innovative technology right at your fingertips and find the perfect AI chat bot for you.