ChatGPT Alternatives: Exploring Your Options

ChatGPT, a generative conversational artificial intelligence (AI) platform, has continued to gain popularity since its launch in November 2022. At that time ChatGPT had 100 million weekly active users according to Reuters. As of August 2024, Reuters reported the number of weekly active users had doubled to 200 million [1].

Studies on users of ChatGPT and other generative conversational AI models cite the following as motivations for use: efficiency, enhanced learning and creativity, communication, social support in decision-making, and automation of routine tasks. In one 2024 study assessing the motivation of ChatGPT users, researchers found that users believe that the use of ChatGPT and similar tools is rewarding and has the potential to greatly impact education, social interactions, knowledge, and creative work. Further, many users actually anticipate a cost to not using them [2]. 

Since the November 2022 launch of ChatGPT, companies like Microsoft, Anthropic, and Google have released AI models. These companies, along with a legion of smaller ones, have developed ChatGPT alternatives with different features that may perform better than ChatGPT in certain instances. Find out more about some of the popular options available as you explore ChatGPT alternatives and their uses.

Who uses ChatGPT alternatives and why?

Some consider ChatGPT to be a jack-of-all-trades, general-purpose chatbot that does well at generating conversational text based on your prompting. If, though, you are looking for an AI tool that is strong in one particular area, you might seek a ChatGPT alternative. 

These alternative models can offer you specific features such as enhanced research abilities, specialized content creation, focused coding help, and seamless integration with the tools you are already using. Users from various backgrounds might opt for a ChatGPT alternative.

• Developers: These programs can be helpful for those seeking open-source technology or help generating code.

• Researchers: Generative AI tools other than ChatGPT may be particularly useful for researches in need of up-to-date information with high degrees of accuracy.

• Individuals: General users may benefit from a ChatGPT alternative if searching for free or low-cost options or integrations with an existing ecosystem. 

• Writers and other creatives: ChatGPT alternative options can help in brainstorming, searching for inspiration, and mastering writing mechanics or style.

• Business and other professionals: These tools can help streamline processes, improve customer support, and create specialized content—such as marketing materials, social media posts, or work communication documents.

Key factors to consider when choosing a ChatGPT alternative

When considering a ChatGPT alternative, it might be helpful to think about what it is you are looking for that ChatGPT can’t help you with. Consider the following factors when you are evaluating alternative AI models:

• Purpose and function: Make a list of the daily tasks and challenges you want help with and work to find a model that specializes in your needs. Whether you are looking to automate communication, streamline research, enhance creativity, personalize customer interactions, generate content, or gain a second set of “eyes,” a ChatGPT alternative specializing in one or more of these areas likely exists.

• Performance and accuracy: As you evaluate ChatGPT alternatives, consider how quickly they respond, and research whether they can handle multiple languages and are scalable to meet higher demands if necessary. Response quality can vary among AI tools, so consider how accurate and coherent the tool you are looking at is in answering questions. You will also want to determine the model's ability to produce relevant and tailored output to your needs. 

• Customization options: Many tools offer built-in solutions for specific tasks, and some even allow you to fine-tune the model yourself.

• Cost and accessibility: Fast-changing technologies and almost continuous updates can affect an AI tool’s ease of use. Tools that offer onboarding guides, interactive tutorials, strong customer support, an active user community, and a straightforward design can make for a smoother introduction. Some AI models even allow you to customize your dashboard, which can save you time by allowing you to not have to search for the features you regularly use.

• Ethics: Because the ethical issues surrounding the use of AI are plentiful, look for tools created by companies that are transparent regarding their ethical considerations. Do they describe how they work to control bias and comply with data regulations that work to provide security and protect privacy?

Popular alternatives to ChatGPT

Though ChatGPT is a well-known name in the AI industry, it is only one of many options. Whether you want more seamless integration with the tools you currently use, more customizable options, or a more human-like experience, you can find what you seek in a ChatGPT alternative.

1. Claude

If a more human-like experience is a priority for you, consider Claude. Anthropic designed this tool as a good ChatGPT alternative for writing, analyzing, summarizing, complex reasoning, and generating more human-like texts overall. It offers a project library that allows you to share your work and ideas, and generated content appears in a separate window, making it easy to read, add to, and edit. Anthropic aims to create safer, more reliable, and honest AI systems, which is an important consideration if you are concerned with the ethics surrounding AI usage. 

Considerations: Because it is not connected to the internet, Claude can’t provide you with real-time data or information. Additionally, it can’t create images or media other than text. Claude’s low rate limits for messages may not make it the best choice if you are a heavy user.

2. Google Gemini

Users of Google’s workspace may prefer Gemini. Its seamless integration with the Google ecosystem offers access to real-time web data via Google’s search engine, as well as the ability to generate content, code, and images, design creative presentations, and analyze data all from within the platform. 

Considerations: Compared with other AI tools, you might find Google Gemini’s performance a bit slow. Some users have also reported more frequent hallucinations (nonsensical or inaccurate outputs) and frustrations with the platform’s tightly controlled restrictions on the discussion of certain topics and the creation of images. 

3. Jasper.ai

This is a good option if you are a marketing or business professional looking for an AI tool to generate content for various marketing channels, including social media and email. Jasper.ai provides several templates that make creating content quick and easy. The platform draws from at least a dozen other models and can reportedly capture your brand’s style and voice more precisely than other options. 

Considerations: Be on the lookout for inaccurate or repetitive content, especially if your prompting is not precise. If you are hoping for real-time SEO or competitor data, this may not be your best choice. Finally, Jasper.ai can have a steeper learning curve, and offers a pricier option since it has no available free tier available.

4. Microsoft Copilot

As you might expect, Microsoft Copilot integrates well with Microsoft products like Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook. The platform's useful features include image and content generation, document and conversation summarization, custom chatbot creation, and advanced data analysis.

Considerations: As of December 2024, Copilot is only available to Microsoft 365 subscribers. Chats expire after a day or so, preventing you from referencing older conversations and Copilot’s ability to identify errors within queries may not be as strong as with other AI models. 

5. Perplexity

Perplexity has made a name for itself as a ChatGPT alternative for research because of its fact-based, research-driven answers that are easily verifiable given the cited sources the model provides. Its ability to integrate with many other AI models and its access to vast amounts of information contribute to its reputation regarding reliability. It allows you to focus your search to include anything from academic papers to Reddit and collate your search into a shareable webpage. The free version of Perplexity is a ChatGPT alternative without login requirements. 

Considerations: You may find that content generated by Perplexity is not as creative or conversational as that of other tools. It also may not be the best option if you are looking for a tool to create content. Finally, as with other conversational AI tools, hallucinations do appear, making it important that you check the accuracy of the AI-created content. 

Niche alternatives for specific needs

Although many ChatGPT alternatives offer a range of abilities that equal (or even exceed) those of ChatGPT, you may occasionally need a more focused ChatGPT alternative. From emotional support to coding assistance, an AI platform to satisfy your needs likely exists. Some popular niche alternatives include:

• AnonChatGPT: This ChatGPT alternative, with no login requirements, provides a simple and free option for obtaining reliable service. It is a good option if you have privacy concerns related to AI use. 

• character.ai: This chatbot service lets you create AI companions that you can have natural conversations with. The characters may be simulations of real-life celebrities or fictional characters. You can also create your own AI assistant, which is personalized just for you. The purpose of character.ai is to provide you with informative output rather than entertainment. You can use it to help with brainstorming ideas or engaging in creative conversations. 

• Elicit: Described as a research assistant, Elicit can automate research tasks, quickly creating summaries, extracting data, and synthesizing your findings. It is particularly helpful if your research involves experiments and concrete results. Elicit also makes it easy for you to share your research. 

• Learnt.ai: Specifically created for education professionals, Learnt.ai can help you write lesson plans, create assessments, and integrate learning objectives into your teaching

• Meta AI: Meta AI is a customizable platform known for its versatile chatbot and human-like responses. Its integration with Meta’s social media platforms, like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, makes it a good option if you create content on these apps. It is also known for its image creation capabilities and voice mode, which allows you to talk with recognizable voices and translate your speech and voice into selected languages.

• Otter.ai: This meeting assistant tool transcribes in-person and virtual meetings while also answering questions and generating meeting summaries. 

• Pi.ai: Marketed as a personal assistant, this AI model produces natural-sounding, empathetic responses. If you are looking for emotional support and engaging conversations, you might consider Pi.ai.

Future trends in conversational AI

The conversational AI market rose to $11.58 billion in 2024. Research suggests it will continue growing as a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.7 percent from 2025 through 2030 to reach an estimated worth of $41.39 billion in 2030 [3]. Moving forward, you can expect AI developers to focus on data privacy and security. Continued improvement in offerings for efficient, automated, and contactless online and self-service options might also be a focus for AI use across industries. Finally, improving user experiences and making information retrieval easier will likely remain a priority within the AI industry as well.

Learn more about ChatGPT and its alternatives with Coursera

Conversational AI is a fast-growing and exciting industry. ChatGPT and its alternatives can help you increase productivity, enhance creativity and learning, address social needs, and even provide fun and amusement. Explore more about conversational generative AI with Coursera.

For an overview of generative AI and how it works, consider Generative AI for Everyone from DeepLearning.AI. For more in-depth learning at a beginner level, you might consider IBM’s AI Foundations for Everyone Specialization.