ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini: Which to Use for What
ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini compared by task: writing, analysis, coding, research, images, integrations and privacy, plus a simple way to test which suits you.
Best Free AI Tools: Honest Picks by Task
The best free AI tools organised by task: writing, research, images, transcription, coding and presentations, with what free plans include and privacy tips.
Key takeaways
- Start with one general assistant; add specialist tools only for tasks it can’t handle well.
- Free plans usually limit usage, model access or features, but they’re enough to learn and test.
- Check privacy settings and never paste confidential data into a free tool.
On this page
There are thousands of AI tools, and most people only need a few. This guide is organised by what you want to do, so you can pick a sensible starting point without chasing every new launch.
Start with a general assistant
A general-purpose AI assistant can write, summarise, brainstorm, explain and analyse. The major assistants, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot, all offer free plans with usage limits. Try two or three on your real tasks and keep the one you prefer; our comparison of ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini explains the differences.
Picks by task
| Task | What to look for | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Writing and editing | A general assistant | Give context and examples; see our prompt engineering guide |
| Research with sources | Assistants or search tools that cite sources | Always open and check the cited pages |
| Images | Image generators with free credits | Learn prompt structure; see how to write image prompts |
| Transcription | Speech-to-text tools and meeting assistants | Get consent before recording people |
| Coding | Assistants with coding support, editor plugins | Review every line before running it |
| Presentations | Slide tools with AI drafting | Treat drafts as a starting point |
| Spreadsheets | Assistants that explain formulas | See AI for spreadsheets |
What free plans usually limit
- Number of messages or generations per day
- Access to the most capable models
- File uploads, long documents or advanced features
- Commercial usage rights in some image tools
Privacy basics
- Check whether your conversations may be used to train models, and turn that off if you can.
- Don’t paste passwords, personal data, client information or confidential documents; see our guide to summarising PDFs with AI safely.
- Consider running a model locally for sensitive work.
How to evaluate any AI tool
- Test it on three real tasks you do every week.
- Check accuracy: verify facts and figures.
- Compare the time saved against the time spent checking.
- Read the privacy policy and terms of use.
- Only upgrade when a free plan’s limits genuinely block you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free AI tool?
For most people, a general assistant covers the majority of tasks. The “best” one depends on your work, so test a few.
Are free AI tools safe to use?
Generally, for non-sensitive tasks. Review privacy settings and avoid sharing confidential information.
Can I use free AI images commercially?
It depends on the tool’s terms. Check the licence before using images in commercial work.
Sources
Every article is edited by a human and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
Keep reading
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