Compare AI chat alternatives side by side
Free tiers, starting prices, and where each tool still wins. Pick one you use today to open the full comparison.
How to choose an AI assistant
Start from the job you do most days — not from the brand you already know.
Writing
Open the Claude page first — quality on long, detailed drafts still leads for most people.
Gmail & Docs
Gemini is the only one here that reads that workspace natively; everyone else means copy-paste.
Plugins
Start with ChatGPT if you need the ecosystem everyone already uses — then decide whether the free-tier caps and Pro jump are worth it.
Coding
Claude or ChatGPT for chat-based debugging. In the repo or editor: Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, or Copilot.
Sensitive work
Check training defaults and where the vendor is based before you paste anything — that filter removes options faster than feature lists do.
Research & sources
Need cited answers for current events or product comparisons? Perplexity is built for that — not for long-form writing or multi-step projects.
Who each tool is for
Real strengths — pick from the job, not the brand.
- ChatGPT
- Strong at both writing and code, plus GPTs, plugins, and the ecosystem most people already know
- Claude
- Excellent writing and coding, sharp at review — and more willing to push back when something's wrong
- Gemini
- Fast everyday answers, and the only one here that lives inside Gmail, Docs, and Drive
- Rekdan
- Ragnarök is strong on code; Flash and Apollo cover everyday work — built for smooth work with files and text
Free tier and starting price
Entry price and free access, side by side.
| Tool | Free tier | From |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | GPT-5.3 Instant, roughly 10 messages per 5 hours, ad-supported (US) | Free$8/mo |
| Claude | Claude Sonnet 4.5 by default, includes file uploads and image analysis, no Opus or Claude Code | Free$20/mo |
| Gemini | Gemini 3.6 Flash plus limited Gemini 3.1 Pro access, image generation, voice, Deep Research | Free~$5/mo |
| Rekdan | Flash and Apollo — writing, code help, and smooth file work | Free$9/mo |
Browse by tool
Open a full alternatives page for the tool you use now.
ChatGPT alternatives
Still the default most people reach for first — strong at both writing and code, with years of GPTs and plugins behind it, plus voice and image when you want a polished all-in-one chat.
Claude alternatives
Excellent for writing and coding when quality matters — follows long, detailed instructions well, and often pushes back when something's off. Consistently near the top for careful drafts and review.
Gemini alternatives
Fast for everyday answers, with an edge nothing else on this list matches: it reads Gmail, Docs, and Drive natively. Best when you already live in Google Workspace.
FAQ
Common questions
- What's the best free AI chat?
- Rekdan Free covers writing, code help, and files in one place. Claude Free is excellent for careful writing and review. Gemini Free is fast and strong if you live in Google apps. ChatGPT Free works well for everyday code and writing.
- ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini — which should I use?
- ChatGPT and Claude are both strong for writing and code — ChatGPT if you want GPTs and plugins, Claude if you want sharper review and a model that will push back more often. Gemini wins on speed and Google Workspace. Many people keep more than one; pick the default from the job you do most days.
- What's the best AI for writing?
- Claude is the usual pick when long, careful drafts matter most. ChatGPT is close behind and stronger if you rely on GPTs or plugins. Rekdan is a solid everyday option for writing alongside code and files in the same chat.
- What's the best AI for coding?
- For chat-based coding, ChatGPT and Claude are both excellent. Rekdan's deeper Pro model is built for hard coding work. If the work lives in your editor or repo, Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, or Copilot usually beat a plain web chat.
- How much do AI chat apps cost?
- Most AI chats have a free tier, then paid plans from a starting price: ChatGPT from $8/mo (Go), Claude from $20/mo (Pro), Gemini from about $5–8/mo (Google AI Plus), and Rekdan from $9/mo. Higher tiers across the market go further when you need more usage or the top models.
- Do I need more than one AI chat?
- Often yes. ChatGPT and Claude both handle code well — many people keep both. Add Gemini if you live in Gmail and Docs, Perplexity when you need cited research, and Rekdan when you want writing, code, and files in one workspace. Match the tool to the job.
- What is Rekdan good for?
- Rekdan is built for writing, code, and working with files in one place. Paid plans from $9/mo when you need more room — including a deeper coding model on Pro.
Ready to try Rekdan?
Writing, code, and files in one place. Plans from $9/mo when you need more room.