The rise of AI chatbots has revolutionized online interaction. While voice assistants like Siri have been around for a while, the newest generation of AI chatbots boasts significantly greater capabilities. These tools can engage in natural language conversations and generate various text formats, from poetry to code. With ChatGPT leading the charge, a growing number of competitors are emerging, offering exciting alternatives.
A MacBook Pro on a desk with ChatGPT
OpenAI’s ChatGPT and ChatGPT Plus
OpenAI’s ChatGPT has undeniably popularized AI text generation. Launched in November 2022, it quickly became a viral sensation, achieving unprecedented user growth. This platform leverages GPT-4o, a powerful Large Language Model (LLM) designed for efficient and impressive natural language conversations. It’s based on the cutting-edge GPT-4 family and optimized for multimodal operation.
Capitalizing on ChatGPT’s success, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Plus, a premium subscription service, in February 2023. Initially offering priority access, it evolved to provide access to the more advanced GPT-4 model. This premium version unlocks features like Advanced Voice Mode, allowing users to interact with ChatGPT through natural language. ChatGPT Plus has proven to be a valuable tool for creative projects, enabling users to achieve remarkable results, including developing complex applications like 3D games. The subscription costs $20 per month after a free initial month.
Google Gemini and Gemini Advanced
Gemini Advanced on the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Google’s Gemini, formerly known as Bard, is a primary competitor to ChatGPT. The premium version, Gemini Advanced, is also priced at $20/month. Powered by the Gemini 1.5 Pro LLM, it offers a massive input window of up to 1 million tokens, allowing users to provide extensive context. This capability makes Gemini suitable for highly complex tasks and impressive computational feats.
Gemini seamlessly integrates with Google’s ecosystem, including Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Gmail. Its AI capabilities extend to text generation, email summarization, automated replies, slideshow image creation, and complex spreadsheet formula generation, all from simple text prompts. Gemini Live, Google’s counterpart to Advanced Voice Mode, is available free to all Gemini users on Android and the web app, supporting conversations in over 40 languages.
Microsoft Copilot and Copilot Pro
Bing Chat shown on a laptop.
Microsoft, an early investor in ChatGPT’s success, quickly launched its own model, initially called Bing Chat, and later rebranded as Copilot. Integrated into Windows 11, Copilot is accessible via iOS and Android apps, the Edge browser, and a web portal. Similar to Gemini, Copilot integrates with Microsoft 365 apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and effectively replaced Cortana.
In late 2024, Copilot introduced Vision and Voice Interactions. Vision provides context-sensitive summaries and answers based on viewed content, while Voice Interactions allows for natural language interaction. Copilot emphasizes user accessibility and offers a streamlined experience compared to ChatGPT.
PerplexityAI
Perplexity AI app running on an iPhone 14 Pro.
PerplexityAI offers a unique approach by incorporating a social element. Users can explore trending searches and “threads,” providing insights into current events. It leverages GPT-3, offering suggested follow-up questions and source links for increased credibility. However, PerplexityAI has faced legal challenges regarding content sourcing, including accusations of plagiarism and copyright infringement from major news outlets.
Anthropic Claude
A screenshot of claude 3.5 sonnet, with an 8-bit crab.
While ChatGPT and Gemini excel in general topics, Anthropic’s Claude shines in technical applications like mathematics and coding. Built on the Claude 3.5 Sonnet model, it has demonstrated superior performance in benchmark tests. Claude’s speed and cost-effectiveness make it suitable for complex tasks. It also pioneered the collaboration space concept with its “Artifacts” feature, enabling real-time preview and iteration, a feature now adopted by competitors.
JasperAI
JasperAI helping write a bio for a Facebook profile.
JasperAI caters to professional creative needs, offering specialized text generation based on “brand voice” and formatting rules. It excels in creating content for specific platforms, including Instagram captions, professional emails, YouTube scripts, and blog posts. Unlike free alternatives, JasperAI requires a subscription after a seven-day trial, starting at $40 per month. A free Chrome extension provides AI assistance for more casual writing tasks.
YouChat
YouChat shown in a window answering a question about Taekwondo.
YouChat, integrated into the You.com search engine, offers a ChatGPT-like experience. While initially based on GPT-3, the platform now supports various leading LLMs, including GPT-4, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Gemini 1.5, and Llama 3.1, accessible with a YouPro subscription. You.com also provides specialized tools like YouWrite for AI writing, YouCode for coding assistance, and YouImagine for image generation.
The AI chatbot landscape is constantly evolving, presenting a range of options for diverse needs. From casual conversation to professional content creation and technical applications, there’s a chatbot to explore.
