Comparison

ChatGPT vs Gemini vs Copilot vs Claude: Which Free AI Should You Use?

By the AI Made Plain team · Updated November 2026 · 9 min read

All four big AI chatbots have a free version, and all four are good enough for everyday tasks. The real question is which one fits the apps you already use. Here is the short answer, then the details.

The four at a glance

Free plans change often. We check these details regularly; always look at each company's pricing page for the latest.

ChatGPT: the popular all-rounder

ChatGPT is the one most people have heard of, and the free version is strong. Engadget reports that since August 2026 free users can send unlimited text messages. Extra features like image creation, file uploads and data analysis are included but limited on the free plan.

• Good at: writing and rewriting, explaining things, brainstorming, planning.
• Watch out for: reports say the free version now shows ads in some countries.
• Paid plans: a cheaper "Go" plan and ChatGPT Plus at about $20 a month.

New to it? Start with our ChatGPT for beginners guide.

Gemini: best if you use Google

Gemini is built into the Google world. The free app covers everyday tasks, and Google uses usage limits that refresh every 5 hours, up to a weekly limit. On Android phones it is often already installed.

• Good at: quick answers, Google Search knowledge, working with your Google apps.
• Watch out for: long, heavy sessions can hit the free limit.
• Paid plans: start at $7.99 a month (Google AI Plus), with more storage included.

Copilot: best for Windows users

Microsoft Copilot is free at copilot.microsoft.com and built into Windows and the Edge browser. Microsoft describes the free version as ideal for general questions and people trying AI for the first time.

• Good at: quick questions with web results, simple writing help, images.
• Watch out for: the free app does not work inside Word, Excel or PowerPoint. That needs a Microsoft 365 subscription.
• Tip: sign in with a free Microsoft account. You get more than as a guest.

Claude: best for writing and long documents

Claude, made by Anthropic, is known for clear, careful writing. The free plan includes chat on web, desktop and mobile, web search, file creation and memory, according to a November 2026 review of Anthropic's pricing page. The free version has no ads.

• Good at: long emails and reports, summarizing documents, explaining step by step.
• Watch out for: heavy users hit the 5-hour usage limit faster than on the others.
• Paid plan: Claude Pro at about $20 a month.

Which one should you pick?

Do you need to pay?

For most people, no. The free versions handle emails, questions, plans and ideas. Consider paying only when you hit the limits every day, or you need a specific paid feature. Whatever you use, the same rules apply: do not share private data, and check important answers.