The best AI chatbots: ChatGPT isn't the only one worth trying

In February last year, Microsoft unveiled a new AI-improved Bing, now known as Copilot, which runs on GPT-4 Turbo, the newest version of OpenAI's language model systems. As of May 4 of last year, Copilot moved from limited to open preview, meaning everyone can access it for free.  

Also: What is Copilot (formerly Bing Chat)? Here's everything you need to know

When I use a chatbot, I typically reach for Copilot because it solves two major issues with ChatGPT: access to current events and linking back to the sources it retrieved for its answer for free. Copilot is also the only way to access OpenAI's most advanced LLM -- GPT-4 Turbo -- for free. 

Copilot is free to use and offers other features that make it an attractive alternative, including multi-modal inputs, image generation within the chatbot, and a standalone app. 

Copilot features: OpenAI's most advanced LLM, GPT-4 Turbo | Has access to the internet | Works like a search engine with information on current events | Free

ChatGPT is a conversational AI chatbot by OpenAI that can produce text based on any prompt you input, generating emails, essays, poems, grocery lists, letters, and much more.

In addition to writing for you, ChatGPT can chat about simple or complex topics such as "What are colors?" or "What is the meaning of life?" ChatGPT is also proficient in STEM and can write and debug code and solve complex math equations. 

Using ChatGPT is easier than ever since OpenAI stopped requiring users to log in. Now, you can start chatting with ChatGPT simply by visiting its website like you would with Google. 

Also: How to use ChatGPT

ChatGPT was released in November 2022, and because of its massive success, it became the blueprint for many other chatbots to enter the scene. Therefore, if you are interested in AI chatbots, you'll likely want to try the original tool that began the craze -- ChatGPT. 

Downsides of the chatbot include that it is sometimes at capacity due to its immense popularity, doesn't have access to the internet, and has a January 2022 knowledge cutoff. 

I still reach for ChatGPT because, despite its limitations, it is an incredibly capable chatbot. However, when I do, I ensure my queries do not rely on the most recent information to be accurate. For example, some good use cases to use ChatGPT for are brainstorming text or coding.

ChatGPT features: Uses OpenAI's GPT-3.5 or GPT-4 (if subscribed) | Can generate text, solve math problems, and code | Impressive conversation capabilities | Free to the public right now

Anthropic launched its first AI assistant, Claude, in February 2023. Now the tool has secured a spot as one of the best chatbots. Like the other leading competitors, Anthropic can conversationally answer prompts for anything you need assistance with, including coding, math, writing, research, and more. 

Also: 4 things Claude AI can do that ChatGPT can't

I think the biggest advantage of this chatbot is that it can accept document uploads to help read, analyze, and summarize files. To upload a file, click on the paper clip icon next to the text box and click on the document you want to upload. Then, conversationally ask for help you want with the document, including document summaries or clarifications on specific topics found within the document. 

Also: This free tool from Anthropic helps you create better prompts for your AI chatbot

Claude is in free open beta and, as a result, has both context window and daily message limits that can vary based on demand. If you want to use the chatbot regularly, upgrading to Claude Pro may be a better option, as it offers at least five times the usage limits compared to the free version for $20 a month. 

Claude features:  Powered by Claude 3 model family | Accepts document uploads | Trained with information up to early 2023 | Free

Perplexity AI is a free AI chatbot connected to the internet that provides sources and has an enjoyable UI. As soon as you visit the site, using the chatbot is straightforward. Type your prompt into the "ask anything" box to get started. The first time I visited this chatbot, I was able to get started within seconds.

On top of the text box, the chatbot states, "Where knowledge begins," and the title could not be more fitting. 

As soon as you click on the textbox, the tool has a series of suggested prompts mostly rooted in news. The chatbot also has suggested prompts underneath the box on evergreen topics. All you have to do is click on the suggestions to learn more about the topic and chat about it. Additionally, Perplexity provides related topic questions you can click on to keep the conversation going. 

Also: ChatGPT vs. Microsoft Copilot vs. Gemini: Which is the best AI chatbot?

Because of the extensive prompts that the tool gives users to try, this is a great chatbot for taking deep dives into topics that you wouldn't have necessarily thought of before, encouraging discovery and experimentation. I dived into some random topics, including the history of birthday cakes, and I enjoyed every second. 

Other perks include the fact that there is an app for both iOS and Android, allowing you to also tinker with the chatbot while you're on the go, footnotes are provided after every answer with sources you can visit, and the answers from the chatbot nearly always include photos and graphics.

Perplexity AI features: OpenAI GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 for subscribers | Has access to the internet and current events | Provides prompt suggestions to get chats started | Free 

Jasper is a tool exclusively meant for users looking to incorporate an AI chatbot into their workflow because there is no free plan and you can't otherwise access the chatbot. For example, when I tried using it myself, I was met with dead ends unless I subscribed. The least expensive option, the Creator plan, is geared towards freelancers and solo-preneurs and is $49 a month. However, the investment may be worth it if you rely on an AI chatbot to generate copy for your business. 

Also: ChatGPT vs. Copilot: Which AI chatbot is better for you?

With Jasper, you can input a prompt for what you want written, and it will write it for you, just like ChatGPT would. The major difference with Jasper is that it has extensive tools to produce better copy. Jasper can check for grammar and plagiarism and write in over 50 templates, including blog posts, Twitter threads, video scripts, and more. It also offers SEO insights and can even remember your brand voice. 

Whether you are an individual, part of a smaller team, or in a larger business looking to optimize your workflow, you can access a trial or demo before you take the plunge.

Jasper features: Uses different LLMs, including GPT-4 | Summarizes texts and generates paragraphs and product descriptions | Checks for plagiarism and grammar | Starts at $39 per month with an annual subscription

You.com (previously known as YouChat) is an AI assistant that functions similarly to a search engine. Like Google, you can enter any question or topic you'd like to learn information on, and immediately be met with real-time web results, in addition to a conversational response.  

Also: YouPro lets me access every popular premium AI chatbot for $20/month - but there's a catch

For example, when I asked, "Can you share some pictures of adorable dog breeds?" the chatbot provided six different web links, seven different pictures it pulled from the web, a conversational answer, and related news, as seen in the photo. 

The chatbot can also provide technical assistance, with answers to anything you input, including math, coding, translating, and writing prompts. A huge pro for this chatbot is that, because it lacks popularity, you can hop on any time and ask away.  

One of the biggest standout features is that with YouPro, its premium subscription, you can toggle between the most popular AI models on the market using the Custom Model Selector.

The AI models included in Custom Model Selector include OpenAI's GPT-4 and GPT-4 Turbo; Anthropic's Claude Instant, Claude 2, Claude 3 Opus, Clause 3 Sonnet, and Claude 3 Haiku; Google's Gemini Pro; and Zephyr (uncensored).  

That means that, within one chatbot, you can experience some of the most advanced models on the market, which is pretty convenient if you ask me.  

You.com features: GPT-4 with subscription | Lists sources for the text it generates | Unlike most other Chatbots, uses Google sources | Free

Chatsonic is a dependable AI chatbot. It functions much like ChatGPT, allowing users to input prompts for assistance on many tasks. However, it includes the ability to web search, generate images, and access PDF assistance, which ChatGPT lacks. 

The Writesonic platform offers tools that help generate stories, including Instant Article Writer, which creates an article from a single click; Article Rewriter, which rephrases existing content; and Article Writer 5, which generates articles using ranking competitors. 

Other tools that facilitate the creation of articles include SEO Checker and Optimizer, AI Editor, Content Rephraser, Paragraph Writer, and more. There is a free version, which gets you access to some of the features. However, the free version has a 50 generations per day limit. The monthly cost starts at $12 but can reach $250, depending on the number of words and users needed.

Chatsonic features: Powered by GPT-3.5 or GPT-4 depending on subscription | Aware of current events, whereas ChatGPT is trained up to 2021 | Extensive feature suite, including voice dictation and image generation | Starts at $12 per month

Gemini is Google's conversational AI chatbot that functions the most similarly to Copilot, sourcing its answers from the web, providing footnotes, and even generating images within its chatbot. Since its initial release in March 2023, the chatbot has undergone several upgrades, with the latest version being the most optimized it has ever been. 

Also: What is Google's Gemini AI tool (formerly Bard)? Everything you need to know

The highlight of this chatbot is that it is rooted in Google technology, search engines, and applications. Loyal Google users will feel familiar with the chatbot's UI and offerings. For example, unlike most of the chatbots on this list, Google does not use an LLM in the GPT series but instead uses a model made by Google. 

"Gemini is slowly becoming a full Google experience thanks to Extensions folding the wide range of Google applications into Gemini," said ZDNET writer Maria Diaz when reviewing the chatbot. "Gemini users can add extensions for Google Workspace, YouTube, Google Maps, Google Flights, and Google Hotels, giving them a more personalized and extensive experience."

If you subscribe to Google's new 'AI Premium Plan', you not only get access to the most advanced Google models in Gemini, such as Ultra 1.0, but you also get access to Gemini for Workspace, previously known as Duet AI, which infuses Google's AI assistance throughout its productivity apps, including Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet.

Gemini features: Powered by a finetuned version of Gemini Pro | Includes a "Google it" feature | Generates clear text and images quickly | Free 

If you want your child to use AI to lighten their workload, but still have some limits, Socratic is for you. With Socratic, children can type in any question about what they learn in school. The tool will then generate a conversational, human-like response with fun, unique graphics to help break down the concept. 

"It's a powerful studying tool that could help students double-check their homework, or get across the last hurdle if a question or formula just isn't making sense. And using the app is as easy as using Snapchat or talking to Siri," said former ZDNET contributor Jason Cipriani, when reviewing the app. 

Also: How Google Socratic can help you with your homework

The app, available on the App Store and the Google App Store, also has a feature that lets your kid scan their worksheet to get a specially curated answer. The app does have some limitations; for example, it will not just write an essay or story when prompted. However, this feature could be positive because it curbs your child's temptation to get a chatbot, like ChatGPT, to write their essay. 

Socratic features: From Google | Type in any question to generate a response | Includes fun graphics | Supports scanning worksheets to get a specially curated answer | Free

As seen by the list above, plenty of great chatbot options are on the market. However, if you are on the search for a chatbot that serves your use case specifically, you can always build an entirely customizable new one. HuggingChat is an open-source chatbot developed by Hugging Face that can be used as a regular chatbot or customized for your needs.  

Also: Want to build your own AI chatbot? Say hello to open-source HuggingChat

As ZDNET's David Gewirtz unpacked in his hands-on article, you may not want to depend on HuggingChat as your go-to primary chatbot. However, it is a good interface to build your own chatbot. 

As Gewirtz said: "If you want something that you control, you can use HuggingChat to build a chatbot where you have visibility into every aspect of its functioning. You can choose to make that chatbot available online to other users and provide transparency to all users."

Socratic features: Clean, Chat-GPT inspired interface | Entirely customizable | Great for developers or AI fanatics | Secure alternative | Free