ChatGPT Plus is undoubtedly the best AI chatbot for most tasks, especially with its recent updates. But what if you don't want to pay for the premium version or ChatGPT is unavailable? Let's look at some free alternatives.
Why is ChatGPT Plus the best choice?
Before we look at the other choices, it's worth outlining why upgrading to ChatGPT Plus may be worth it for you. Here are some of the benefits:
uses the best model, ChatGPT-4
gives the most insightful answers, especially when prompted well
can handle longer prompts better than some other tools
responds quickly
has the option to turn off chat history and training
multimodal — it can produce text, images and voice
various extra features, e.g., it can read documents and images, connect to the internet, create tailored GPT bots, etc.
If you use AI chatbots a lot, it is worth trying out ChatGPT Plus ($20 per month, plus VAT in the UK) — you can always cancel after one month.
If you're still using ChatGPT 3.5 (the free version), there are better free choices out there!
What are the alternatives and how good are they?
Here's an overview of some of the best, free alternatives to ChatGPT Plus. I've ordered them based on research and my experience using them for learning design.
Try them out for yourself, as their performance will differ depending on your needs.
Bing Chat
Pros:
Uses the same model as ChatGPT plus, ChatGPT-4, which is better than Claude, Bard and ChatGPT 3.5 (the free version of ChatGPT)
Can read images and pdfs
Has access to the internet and cites its sources
Cons:
Poor user interface
Only available on Bing and Chrome
How to use it:
Go to bing.com and select 'Chat' from the top menu. Then choose Creative, Balanced or Precise depending on your task. Then enter your prompt.
Claude
Pros:
Supposedly the second best model after ChatGPT-4
Can read pdfs and long text, and write long prompts
Better interface and user experience than Bing Chat
Trained on a set of principles (or 'Constitution'), supposedly making it safer and more helpful
Cons:
Less insightful answers than ChatGPT-4*
Doesn't have access to the internet (trained up to early 2023)
How to use it:
Go to claude.ai, register/login, start a new chat and then start prompting.
*For me, Claude comes a very narrow second to Bing Chat. I've found that Claude sometimes gives better answers than Bing Chat and has the advantage of a better interface. So, I tend to use Bing Chat for one-off queries and Claude for longer conversations — when ChatGPT Plus isn't available.
Bard
Pros:
Has access to the internet
Has various useful functions, such as 'double check response', which highlights sections where similar content exists or contradicts the text.
Good user experience
Reads images
Integrates with Google apps
Cons:
Less insightful and accurate answers than Bing Chat and Claude
How to use it:
Go to bard.google.com, sign in/register, start a new chat and then start prompting.
Bard has some good features that may be particularly useful for you, e.g., for research or academic writing, especially if you use Google apps. Bard is a close third for me, as I find Bing Chat and Claude give more insightful and accurate answers.
Chat GPT 3.5 (free version)
Pros:
Easy to use, especially if you're used to ChatGPT
Cons:
Answers aren't as good as Bing Chat
Only trained up to September 2021
How to use it:
Go to chat.openai.com sign in/register, start a new chat and then start prompting.
Pi
Pros:
Very clean interface — just start chatting
Has a choice of six realistic voices, so it can respond to you aloud
Simple personalisation (optional)
No login required
Can search the internet, but it's a few days behind
Cons:
Answers aren't as good as the other chatbots above and it makes errors
How to use it:
Go to pi.ai and start chatting.
You can coverse with Pi verbally by using your phone mic (select the mic icon on your phone's keyboard) and switching on its voice so it responds to you aloud. It might not give you the most insightful or lengthy answers but can be useful for reflection or problem solving.
What about data security?
None of these free chatbots give you full control over your data, which will be stored and used for model training. So, it's best to avoid putting confidential, sensitive or personal data in your prompts. You may also wish to review the privacy policy before using an AI tool.
Want to use AI chatbots more effectively?
Check out my comprehensive, free prompting guide for prompting tips and techniques.
Did I miss anything?
This isn't an exhaustive list, so there may be alternatives that are suitable for you. If you think there's a chatbot that should be on the list, then please get in touch via LinkedIn.
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