ChatGPT Vs Gemini Vs Claude: Which Should I Use?
For most beginners, any of the three is fine, and all have a free version. Pick Gemini if you already use Gmail or an Android phone, Claude if you often need long letters explained, and ChatGPT if you want the one most friends and family use. You can try all three free.
Prices last checked: 16 October 2026 on each company's site. Nobody paid to appear on this page.
How Do They Compare?
| Feature | ChatGPT | Gemini | Claude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Made by | OpenAI | Anthropic | |
| Free version | Yes | Yes, with a Google account | Yes |
| Main paid plan | ChatGPT Plus | Google AI Pro | Claude Pro |
| USA price | $20 a month | $19.99 a month | $20 a month, or $17 a month paid yearly |
| UK price | Shown at checkout | £18.99 a month | Check the official site |
| Talk out loud | Yes, voice mode | Yes, Gemini Live | Yes, in the app |
| Phone app | iPhone and Android | iPhone and Android | iPhone and Android |
For more on ChatGPT's UK price, see how much AI chatbots cost.
What Is ChatGPT Best For?
ChatGPT is the best known of the three. It is a good all-rounder for questions, letters, recipes and ideas. Its voice mode lets you have a spoken conversation, and it can make pictures from a description.
Because so many people use it, friends and family are more likely to be able to help you with it. See our ChatGPT guide and how to use ChatGPT on your phone.
What Is Gemini Best For?
Gemini is Google's assistant. If you already use Gmail, Google Photos or an Android phone, Gemini fits in neatly, and you sign in with the Google account you already have. Gemini Live lets you talk to it out loud.
On many Android phones it is already built in. If it keeps popping up when you don't want it, see how to turn off Gemini. More in our Gemini guide.
What Is Claude Best For?
Claude is good at reading long documents and explaining them carefully, and its writing tends to sound natural. Paste in a long letter, a contract or a report and ask for a simple summary. See our Claude guide.
Which One Should I Pick?
- Just starting out? Any of them. Try the free version of one for a week.
- Use Google a lot? Gemini.
- Lots of long letters or documents? Claude.
- Want the one most friends and family use? ChatGPT.
- Already pay for Microsoft 365? You may prefer Microsoft Copilot, which is built into Word and Outlook.
You don't have to choose just one. Ask two of them the same question and compare the answers. If they disagree, that's a sign to check with a trusted source.
How Do I Try All Three?
- Open chatgpt.com, gemini.google.com and claude.ai in your web browser.
- Ask each one the same everyday question, such as "Write a short thank-you note to my neighbour for feeding the cat."
- Notice which answer you like best and which one is easiest to read.
- Keep using that one for a week before deciding.
All three can be confidently wrong. Check anything important about health, money or the law with a real expert, and never type passwords or bank details. Read is ChatGPT safe? for the four safety rules, which apply to all three.
Common Questions
Which is better, ChatGPT or Gemini?
Neither is better for everyone. Gemini suits people who already use Google products. ChatGPT is a good all-rounder that many friends and family already use. Both are free to try.
Is Claude free?
Yes. Claude has a free version. Claude Pro costs $20 a month in the USA, or $17 a month if you pay for a year.
Can I use more than one AI chatbot?
Yes. They are all free to start, and asking two of them the same question is a good way to catch mistakes.
Which AI chatbot is easiest for older people?
All three are easy: you type or speak in everyday words. Pick the one that matches the accounts you already use, such as Gemini if you have Gmail.
Are these chatbots safe?
Yes for everyday use, if you keep private details out and check important answers.
New to all this? Our free AI Starter Guide walks you through the basics, and you can print it.
Sources
Last checked 16 October 2026.
Read Next
What Is AI? Explained Simply
Everyday AI, chatbots and staying safe, in plain words.
Free AI Starter Guide
A printable 25-page guide to get started safely. Free PDF, no sign-up.
How To Use ChatGPT On Your Phone
Get the real app, sign in, type or talk, and stay safe.
Also useful: Claude: a beginner's guide
Get The Weekly exonexo Email
A short email every Thursday with new guides, one useful tip and the AI news that matters. Free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. See past issues.
Updated 24 October 2026