AI chatbots are here to stay, and while they keep getting better, it’s hard to know which one’s actually worth the hype. Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI each throw down impressive tech, but which bot’s actually the choice?

Testing ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini

To decide which one really gets it, we tested all three with a deceptively simple question:

“I walked 7 kilometres today and 3 kilometres yesterday. How many kilometres did I walk today?”

The answer is 7 kilometres because the question only asks for today’s distance, so yesterday’s walk is irrelevant here. Here’s how each AI handled it:

• ChatGPT with GPT-4o – Got it
• ChatGPT with GPT-4 – Also got it
• Microsoft Copilot – Right answer
• Google Gemini – Nailed it

Let’s break down why you might pick one of these over the others.

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ChatGPT: The All-Rounder with a Free Option

If you want a versatile, powerful tool without spending a penny, ChatGPT’s a solid pick. You get access to GPT-3.5 and GPT-4o for free just by signing up. And if you’re up for spending $20/month, the Plus version gives you the even more advanced GPT-4, a higher prompt limit, and faster responses.

It’s also the longest-standing in this crowd, with millions of users jumping on board since 2022. ChatGPT has gradually refined its capabilities, adding web browsing, custom GPTs, ChatGPT Memory, and data analysis for free users—features previously reserved for Plus members.

That said, it’s not perfect. The GPT-3.5 version does have some knowledge gaps since it’s only trained on data up to early 2022. It can also stumble on questions that need a little common sense, like our orange test (GPT-4o nailed it, though).

Microsoft Copilot: Ideal for GPT-4, Extra Features, and Visuals

If you’re looking for GPT-4 without paying, Copilot’s where you go. Microsoft’s chatbot has internet access for real-time info (handy if you’re searching for recent news or updated data), but you’re limited to five responses per chat and about 4,000 characters per prompt. Copilot’s interface is busier than ChatGPT’s, but it’s still user-friendly enough to navigate.

Visually, Copilot pulls ahead with features like image generation. You can give it a prompt to generate images, and it’ll serve up options for you to choose from. Plus, you can select different “styles” for conversations—Creative, Balanced, or Precise, though not all deliver equally accurate answers. Surprisingly, in our orange question test, only Copilot’s Creative style got it right.

Google Gemini: Fast, Flexible, and Full Google Experience

If speed’s your thing, Gemini has you covered. Google’s upgraded AI model, also called Gemini, has come a long way from its early Bard days. While ChatGPT Plus can respond faster, Gemini often beats both Copilot and ChatGPT’s free versions.

Gemini also handled the orange question like a pro, much like GPT-4o and Copilot’s Creative mode. And if you want a longer chat, Gemini has no response limit, unlike Copilot’s five-reply cap or ChatGPT Plus’s 40 messages per three hours.

Another perk? Gemini’s deeply integrated with Google’s ecosystem. Through extensions, you can add Google Maps, Workspace, YouTube, and even services like OpenTable and Instacart—ideal for users who want to plug AI directly into their everyday Google usage.

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Verdict: What’s Best for You?

• ChatGPT – Great for all-purpose, advanced capabilities, even for free. ChatGPT’s probably best for users who want reliable, versatile AI without signing into a hundred plugins.
• Copilot – The choice if you want GPT-4 for free with real-time info and visuals, but know the limited reply cap can be frustrating.
• Gemini – Ideal if you’re plugged into the Google ecosystem and value speed and flexibility. Gemini’s extensions give it a serious edge for regular Google users.

Each has strengths; pick your champion based on what fits your workflow. In the end, picking between ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini really comes down to how you work and what you need day-to-day. Whether it’s ChatGPT’s flexibility, Copilot’s visual flair, or Gemini’s Google integrations, each has something unique to offer. The best AI isn’t about perfection; it’s about which one’s actually useful for you. Choose your side and get on with it.

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