1.ChatGPT
Free + PaidEditor's pick
The general-purpose assistant that started the wave.
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AI Chatbots & Assistants
Best AI Chatbots
General-purpose conversational models for research, drafting, and everyday problem solving — ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot live in your browser, phone, or office suite.
6 tools on this shortlist, all of them free to start. Pricing is what each tool's own site lists, so check before you buy.
Full reviews and rankings: AI Chatbots & Assistants in the AI Tools Directory.
Top 6 AI chatbots
Ranked by our editors. Open a tool for features, pricing and alternatives.
2.Claude
Free + PaidLong-context assistant strong on writing and code.
AssistantsVisit3.Gemini
Free + PaidGoogle's multimodal assistant, wired into Search and Workspace.
AssistantsVisit4.Microsoft Copilot
Free + PaidAssistant built into Windows, Edge, and Office.
AssistantsVisit5.Grok
Free + PaidA general assistant with live access to posts on X.
AssistantsVisit6.DeepSeek
Free + PaidStrong reasoning models with a free chat app and cheap API.
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Side by side
Pricing, who each tool suits and whether you can start for free.
| Tool | Pricing | Best for | Free to start |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Free + PaidFree plan · Plus $20/mo · Team & Enterprise | Anyone who wants one assistant that handles most tasks. | Yes |
| Claude | Free + PaidFree plan · Pro $20/mo · Team | Writers and developers working with long, complex material. | Yes |
| Gemini | Free + PaidFree plan · Google AI Pro from $19.99/mo | People and teams already living inside Google Workspace. | Yes |
| Microsoft Copilot | Free + PaidFree · Copilot Pro $20/mo | Windows users who want an assistant already on the machine. | Yes |
| Grok | Free + PaidFree plan · SuperGrok and X Premium plans available | Heavy X users who want an assistant that follows the news. | Yes |
| DeepSeek | Free + PaidFree app · API priced per token | Budget-conscious builders and anyone who wants strong free reasoning. | Yes |
How to choose an AI chatbot
Start on a free plan
6 of 6 tools here can be started without paying (ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini). Test your real work on a free plan before upgrading.
Compare the features that matter
Several tools here compete on reasoning and multimodal; check how each handles them on your own files.
Match the tool to who you are
ChatGPT is best for anyone who wants one assistant that handles most tasks; Claude is best for writers and developers working with long, complex material; Gemini is best for people and teams already living inside Google Workspace.
Head-to-head comparisons
Two AI chatbots side by side.
Stacks that use these tools
Ready-made tool sets for one job, in workflow order.
AI Chatbots: common questions
What is the best AI chatbot?
ChatGPT tops our shortlist: The general-purpose assistant that started the wave. Claude and Gemini are close behind. The right pick depends on your budget and workflow.
What is the best free AI chatbot?
ChatGPT is the top pick you can start on without paying (Free plan · Plus $20/mo · Team & Enterprise). Claude, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot can also be started for free. Free limits change often, so check each tool's site.
Which AI chatbot is best for beginners?
Start with ChatGPT: you can try it for free, and it is best for anyone who wants one assistant that handles most tasks.
How much do AI chatbots cost?
6 of the 6 tools here can be started for free. ChatGPT: Free plan · Plus $20/mo · Team & Enterprise. Claude: Free plan · Pro $20/mo · Team. Gemini: Free plan · Google AI Pro from $19.99/mo. Prices change often, so check the official site before you buy.
How did you pick these tools?
Our editors shortlist tools that do this job well, are actively maintained and are clear about pricing. No listing is paid for, and the order is editorial, not sponsored.
No listing on this page is paid for. Prices and free plans change often; each tool page links to the official site. Want full reviews? See AI Chatbots & Assistants in the AI Tools Directory. Browse all AI bundles