AI tools
Updated 19 August 2026
The useful question about AI assistants is not which is best in the abstract, but which specialist tool you can stop paying for — and, just as often, which one you definitely cannot. These guides answer both halves.
The tools, and what they cost
Entry paid tier, checked August 2026. Confirm current pricing with each vendor.
| Tool | From | Free option | Best when |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | ~$20/mo | Free tier with access to current models at reduced limits. | You want the most generally capable assistant with the widest ecosystem behind it. |
| Claude | ~$20/mo | Free tier with daily message limits. | Writing quality and long-document handling are the main jobs. |
| Gemini | ~$19.99/mo | Free tier available, with Google account integration. | You already use Google Workspace and want AI inside the tools you already work in. |
| Microsoft Copilot | ~$20/mo | Free tier available; the useful version is the paid Microsoft 365 add-on. | Your organisation lives in Office and Teams, and in-context AI beats a separate chat window. |
| Perplexity | ~$20/mo | Free tier with limited advanced searches per day. | Research with checkable sources is the main job, and citation matters to you. |
Guides in this category
- ChatGPT vs Claude The head-to-head most people are deciding between.
- ChatGPT vs Figma Where AI covers design work, and where it does not come close.
- Claude vs Canva Whether an assistant produces usable graphics.
- Claude vs Grammarly Whether an assistant replaces a writing checker.
- ChatGPT vs Surfer SEO Drafting versus content scoring.
- ChatGPT alternatives If the ecosystem is not the deciding factor.
Thinking of switching?
Each of these starts from the reason people leave, because the right replacement depends entirely on that.
- ChatGPT alternatives You need verifiable, sourced facts with no verification step of your own.
- Claude alternatives You need image generation, or you depend on a large third-party plugin ecosystem.
- Gemini alternatives Your organisation is not on Google Workspace and you want the most consistent output.
- Microsoft Copilot alternatives You are not on Microsoft 365, or you want the strongest general-purpose assistant.
Try them yourself
Pricing and free tiers change often — check the current plans directly before deciding.
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