Tool category
Top 5: The most popular AI models
The big all-round assistants – the starting point for almost any task, from text and research to code.
The big all-round models like ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude are the best starting point for beginners: a single tool covers text, research, ideas and simple image tasks. All three have a usable free version, so you can try out what suits you at no cost. The differences lie less in capability than in the style of the answers and the detail features.
How do I choose the right tool?
- For trying things out, a free version is plenty – start there before you pay.
- If you need current web info with sources, look for built-in search.
- For long texts and documents, pick a model with a large context window.
- In the end, choose the tool whose answer style feels most comfortable to you.
Best free tools
Permanently usable free tier – try it at no cost.
- 1
ChatGPTOpenAI
Unlimited text chats with the current GPT model, web search, voice mode, file upload; images and deep research with limits
Writing texts, Brainstorming, Everyday questions, Coding help, Summaries, Images
Free (unlimited text)Free tierOpen - 2
Google GeminiGoogle
Gemini models, image generation, limited Deep Research, integration with Gmail, Docs, Maps & YouTube
Research, Email drafts, Images, Querying documents, Translation
Free (limits)Free tierOpen - 3
ClaudeAnthropic
Current Claude models with usage limit, file analysis, Artifacts (documents/apps), web search
Long-form writing, Document analysis, Coding, Creative writing, Summarising
Free (limit per 5 hrs)Free tierOpen - 4
Microsoft CopilotMicrosoft
GPT-based answers with web search, image generation, deeply integrated into Windows & Edge
Web research, Texts, Images, PC help, Summarising pages
FreeFree tierOpen - 5
PerplexityPerplexity AI
AI search engine with cited sources, follow-up questions, library for research threads
Fact research, News, Product comparisons, Finding sources
Free (3 Pro searches/day)Free tierOpen - 6
DeepSeekDeepSeek
Strong open-weight models (chat & reasoning) without hard limits, excellent at logic and code
Maths & logic, Coding, Texts, Low-cost API base
FreeFree tierOpen
Best premium tools
Monthly prices as entry and maximum plan (approximate).
- 1
ChatGPT Plus / ProOpenAI
Higher limits, strongest models & reasoning, agent tasks, projects, Codex; Pro in three tiers (100/200/500 $) almost unlimited
Demanding texts, Deep Research, Video clips, Automated tasks, Data analysis
From 20 $Max 500 $/moOpen - 2
Google AI Pro / UltraGoogle
Gemini Pro models, Veo video generation, Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM), 5 TB storage; Ultra with the highest limits
Research, Videos, Workspace assistance, Note podcasts, Images
From 21,99 €Max 219,99 €/moOpen - 3
Claude Pro / MaxAnthropic
Much higher usage, strongest Claude models, Claude Code (terminal agent), projects & integrations
Complex analyses, Software projects, Long documents, Agent workflows
From 20 $Max 200 $/moOpen - 4
Perplexity Pro / MaxPerplexity AI
Unlimited Pro searches, deep research, Labs (reports & apps), model choice, Perplexity Create
Deep research, Market analyses, Report creation, Agentic browsing
From 20 $Max 200 $/moOpen - 5
Microsoft 365 Premium / M365 CopilotMicrosoft
Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook & OneNote – Premium for personal use, Microsoft 365 Copilot as the business add-on
Office documents, Emails, Meeting recaps, Spreadsheet analysis, Presentations
From 22 €Max approx. 27 €/user/moOpen
Matching guides & automations
Create an Instagram Reel from an idea
From concept through script, voice and editing to a finished, subtitled Reel.
Build a working app without coding skills
From idea through UI design and code to a published web app with database.
Validate a business idea and launch your online presence
From market research through branding to a finished website with first content.
Invent a digital product and make it ready to sell
From product idea through content and cover to a sales page – e.g. an e-book or template set.
Use AI offline on your phone (local LLM)
Run a small AI model directly on your smartphone – no internet, no account, no subscription. Your inputs never leave the device.
Get AI agents on your smartphone
Enable the agent mode of ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude on your phone – so the AI carries out multi-step tasks on its own instead of just answering.