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Google Gemini vs Open WebUI

Google Gemini: Google's assistant, connected to Search, Gmail, Docs and Android. Open WebUI: A self-hosted, open-source chat interface for local and cloud AI models. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.

Quick verdict

Google Gemini

Best for: People who already live in Google's apps and want an assistant inside them.

Stands out for: Deep link with Google apps; Free to start.

Open WebUI

Best for: Technical teams who want their own private chatbot portal.

Stands out for: Free and open source; Highly customisable.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Google Gemini, Open WebUI
Google Gemini
Visit gemini.google.com (opens in a new tab)
Open WebUI
Visit openwebui.com (opens in a new tab)
What it isGoogle's assistant, connected to Search, Gmail, Docs and Android.A self-hosted, open-source chat interface for local and cloud AI models.
Pricing
Free + Paid
Open source
Free to useYesYes
CategoryAI Chatbots & AssistantsAI Chatbots & Assistants
Editor rank#3 in category#13 in category
Made byGoogle—
Best forPeople who already live in Google's apps and want an assistant inside them.Technical teams who want their own private chatbot portal.
Key features
  • Works with Google Workspace apps
  • Image and video generation
  • Deep Research reports with sources
  • Works with local and API models
  • Document upload and retrieval
  • Multi-user accounts and roles
  • Plugin and tool support
Pros
  • Deep link with Google apps
  • Free to start
  • Handles text, images and files
  • Free and open source
  • Highly customisable
Cons
  • Best features need a Google paid plan
  • Answers can still contain mistakes
  • Needs some technical setup to host
Use it to
  • Ask questions with up-to-date Google Search results
  • Summarise emails and files in Gmail and Drive
  • Get help on an Android phone by voice
  • Give your team a private chat app on your own server
  • Chat with internal documents
  • Switch between several models in one place
Web app
iPhone & iPad
Android
Linux
API

Google Gemini vs Open WebUI: questions

Is Google Gemini better than Open WebUI?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Google Gemini slightly higher overall in AI Chatbots & Assistants, but Open WebUI can be the better fit: Technical teams who want their own private chatbot portal.

Which is free, Google Gemini or Open WebUI?

Both can be used without paying: Google Gemini is free + paid and Open WebUI is open source. Paid plans add more usage or features.

Can I use Google Gemini and Open WebUI together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example ask questions with up-to-date Google Search results with Google Gemini, and give your team a private chat app on your own server with Open WebUI.

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