Artificial intelligence has burst into everyday life with such speed it can be hard to remember what life was like before we turned to AI tools to generate images or provide detailed answers to thorny questions. It seems that artificial intelligence is everywhere, from AI chatbots on ecommerce sites to AI assistants fixing grammar errors in our written documents.
For a lot of people, generative AI is nearly synonymous with a single AI productivity tool: ChatGPT. Developed by OpenAI and now supported by billions of investment dollars from Microsoft, ChatGPT is, as of 2024, the most used generative AI tool in the world. But ChatGPT is hardly the only AI chatbot on the market. Many advanced AI models can perform the same functions as ChatGPT, and they’re worth investigating. Here’s a rundown of some of the best ChatGPT alternatives currently available.
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Why should you consider a ChatGPT alternative?
Why would someone need an alternative to ChatGPT? There are multiple reasons, ranging from the financial to the ethical. Here are some key factors why you might want to consider ChatGPT alternatives:
Specific use cases
ChatGPT is a general-purpose large language model (LLM), but it’s not built to excel in any one specific task. You may find that other tools have more specialized capabilities. For instance, you may find a specialized AI chat tool for ecommerce customer service or an image generation tool for architectural modeling. These AI models can provide more accurate and relevant responses in specialized areas.
Cost
There’s a free version of ChatGPT that will suit many people’s needs; OpenAI currently offers free access to GPT-4o mini, which is a modified version of its top-tier GPT-4 model. (Previously, the free version capped out at GPT-3.5.) However, if you require additional features like AI image generation or unlimited usage, you may need to subscribe to OpenAI’s paid plan, which costs $20 per month. Other alternatives might offer similar features at a lower cost or even for free.
Privacy
OpenAI says it does not sell user data to third parties. However, the company does not fully explain how data is used internally. If you have concerns about your data privacy, you may want to look for an AI assistant that is clear on how your data will and won’t be used. Expect to pay for a privacy-focused AI model.
Support for local languages
ChatGPT works brilliantly in English. However, you may find some large language models offer better support for a specific language or dialect. They also might be better at content creation for other world cultures.
Offline access
ChatGPT may not be available in certain regions due to regulatory restrictions. And if you don’t have internet access, you won’t be able to use it at all. In such situations, you can try using locally deployed alternatives like those built on open-source models. (While some of OpenAI’s earlier models like GPT-2 were made available as open source, its more advanced models, including GPT-3 and GPT-4, are proprietary.)
Time-sensitive answers
The current free version of ChatGPT, GPT-4o Mini, last received training data in October 2023. Some ChatGPT alternatives offer more current data training sets. If you’re looking for answers about time-sensitive issues, whether a news story or the weather, you may have better luck with a model such as Google Gemini, which updates in real time.
Top ChatGPT alternatives
- Google Gemini
- Perplexity AI
- Pi from Inflection AI
- Microsoft Copilot
- Jasper AI
- ChatSonic by Writesonic
- Notion AI
- Hemingway Editor
- Grammarly
Large language models are popping up all over the landscape. Some are pricey, others completely free. Many can generate written content in multiple languages. Some are great at generating images, others at writing code. If you’re looking to expand your horizons beyond ChatGPT, here are some alternatives:
Google Gemini
Gemini is Google’s flagship AI tool. Its advanced large language models function a lot like those that power ChatGPT. Gemini goes a step further in that it can enhance Google Search and Workspace tools such as Google Docs. Gemini provides real-time, context-aware responses and integrates seamlessly with Google’s ecosystem.
Use cases: Gemini is great for users who frequently use Google Workspace tools for content creation, data analysis, and collaborative writing. It is also suitable for enhancing search engine capabilities within Google.
Pricing: The basic version of Google Gemini is free to all. Google’s Gemini Pro is a paid service that’s bundled with Google Workspace; pricing varies based on the plan.
Perplexity AI
Want to combine the conversational nature of ChatGPT with the thoroughness of a traditional web search? Perplexity AI is a powerful large language model that offers up-to-date information and a user-friendly interface. Its AI features include web search capabilities, code generation, data analysis, and content creation tools.
Use cases: As an AI writing tool, Perplexity is ideal for crafting blog articles and social media posts. The tool also pulls up related videos, posts and published articles relevant to your query, as well as answers to related questions.
Pricing: Perplexity AI has a free plan with a daily limit. A paid pro version is also available for $20 per month.
Pi by Inflection AI
If you want an AI writer with a focus on natural language understanding—the ability to process slang and emotionally charged language—you may want to investigate the Pi tool from Inflection AI. Pi, branded as “the first emotionally intelligent AI,” is useful for tasks like planning a trip or naming a pet. It leans into this by offering audio responses in addition to text responses; users get eight voices to choose from.
Use cases: Pi can be a great tool for creative text formats, but it also works for more technical tasks such as writing computer code.
Pricing: Inflection AI’s Pi is currently free to use.
Microsoft Copilot
In early 2023, Microsoft sunsetted its legacy AI chatbot Cortana and replaced it with Copilot. Integrated into the Microsoft 365 productivity suite, Copilot offers AI features directly within popular apps such as Word and Excel. It can generate text and images, translate languages, and scour search engines for whatever you may need.
Use cases: If you’re a Microsoft adherent who mostly uses the software for business, Copilot could be a game changer. Its intuitive interface seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Office tools for drafting documents, analyzing data, and managing written content.
Pricing: Copilot comes bundled inside Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Jasper AI
Jasper AI is a content creation tool designed specifically for marketers and writers. Whether you’re writing a blog post, social media content, or ad copy, Jasper has features to help you fine-tune style and tone to match your organization’s unique brand voice.
Use cases: If you need to generate content for search engine optimization (SEO) or write marketing copy with a consistent brand voice, you can get a lot of mileage out of Jasper AI.
Pricing: Jasper AI pricing starts at $39 per month. It also offers seven-day free trials.
ChatSonic by Writesonic
ChatGPT’s free users do not have access to real-time data. ChatSonic aims to address that issue. It leverages the most current data to help you produce written content, summarize text, and research any subject. Writesonic also pledges to not use your data for training, a pledge that OpenAI does not match.
Use cases: ChatSonic is a great tool for enterprise organizations because it offers real-time web search plus a feature where you can use your own PDFs and images in your chats.
Pricing: The base version of ChatSonic is 40% cheaper than ChatGPT, coming in at $12 per month and scaling up from there. You can also use the less powerful Writesonic tool for free.
Notion AI
You may be familiar with Notion, a popular productivity and note-taking app. Notion AI comes built in the app, offering AI-powered writing suggestions, summarization, and brainstorming features. You can generate stories, autofill tables, and get answers in a Q&A format.
Use cases: Notion AI works best for those who already use the Notion app and enjoy its user interface. Try it for taking notes, managing projects, and improving overall productivity.
Pricing: Notion offers a free basic version; paid plans start at $10/ month.
Hemingway Editor
An AI writing tool that focuses on readability, Hemingway Editor highlights complex sentences, passive voice, and other factors that affect writing clarity. It then nudges you to shorten rambling prose, make points clearer, and generally clean up your writing to better engage readers.
Use cases: If you need help writing clear and concise text, Hemingway may suit your needs. It’s more specialized than ChatGPT and its output reads more like human prose.
Pricing: You can try Hemingway for free. Paid plans start at $8/month.
Grammarly
Grammarly is a popular AI writing tool that you can use for checking grammar, detecting plagiarism and improving your writing for readability and clarity. It’s available as a standalone app or as a Chrome extension that you can use right in your browser window.
Use cases: Grammarly focuses on improving the quality of written content and is useful for writers at all levels, from students to professional editors.
Pricing: Grammarly pricing starts at $12 per month, but you can access a lot of its features via a free version.
ChatGPT alternative FAQ
Is there a free alternative to ChatGPT?
Yes, there are many free AI tools you can use as alternatives to ChatGPT, including Google Gemini and Pi from Inflection AI.
Is there a better tool than ChatGPT?
The quality of AI tools is a matter of subjective opinion. Many tools offer free versions, so you can experiment with alternatives to see what suits your needs.
What should you look for when choosing an AI chatbot?
When choosing an AI chatbot, look for features that align with your specific needs, such as support for multiple programming languages, user-friendly interfaces, integration capabilities, data privacy, and customization options—like Jasper’s ability to write in a brand voice, or Perplexity’s ability to toggle web search on and off when producing responses.
