Wondering which AI assistant is best? A better question to ask is which is best for you. Here’s the low-down on ChatGPT vs. Copilot vs. Gemini.
With so many options available, it can be tricky to figure out which AI assistant is best for your needs. We’ve made it simple for you.
Is having an AI assistant worth it?
While some technology has become almost essential these days (ahem, mobile phones), you don’t technically need an AI assistant (yet!). However, whether you’re a student, stay-at-home mom, software engineer or plumber, there are ways AI can make your life easier. Some of the ways you can use it:
- Troubleshooting code
- Sounding more professional in documents, essays or emails – especially if you’re not writing in your home language
- Checking spelling and grammar in documents
- Brainstorming ideas
- Summarising long documents
- Understanding legal docs, like Ts and Cs
- Turning repetitive tasks into processes
- Comparing different products or services
- Planning meals.
ChatGPT vs. Copilot vs. Gemini
Want in on the AI assistant wagon? Here are the ins and outs of three of the most common ones.
ChatGPT
Owned by: OpenAI Best for: Beginners / general use
ChatGPT is probably the most beginner-friendly because it’s one of the most…well…chatty of the bunch, and it loves a bulleted list. Playing with the free version is a good way to get used to using an AI assistant. Get it to help you draft emails, proofread documents, suggest party themes, etc.
ChatGPT can handle long documents (e.g. meeting transcripts) and complicated requests, and even do some image generation, but the free version is quite restricted compared to the paid version.
For a more capable AI assistant, paid subscriptions unlock access to the latest versions of the model, better internet search, much stronger image generation, better memory across chats (if you enable the setting), coding, and better thinking partner capability.
Tip: Set up your preferences in the settings menu if you find ChatGPT’s default tone annoying.
Copilot
Owned by: Microsoft Best for: Microsoft users
The standard version works really well for creative brainstorming, drafting documents and emails, and creating workflows. But where Copilot really comes into its own is in the Microsoft ecosystem.
If your company has given you a Copilot license, you can use it to create formulae in Excel, design PowerPoint presentations, make rules for Outlook, take notes in meetings and – best of all – get all your different Microsoft products working together.
Tip: Do the training. Use it to its full ability, Copilot is a powerful tool that can save you a lot of time and hassle.
Gemini
Owned by: Google Best for: Google Workspace users / Internet research
Similar to how Copilot can be integrated into Microsoft, the paid version of Gemini can be integrated into Google’s ecosystem. If you’re not ready to pay for an AI assistant, the free version of Gemini is a good option for internet search.
Tip: Tell AI to provide links for any information it gives you and check that the links are legit.
AI tip for beginners
Never just accept what your AI assistant tells you at face value – especially if it sounds outrageous or too good to be true. AIs can sometimes make stuff up that sounds plausible and then confidently present the fiction as fact. In AI circles, it’s called “hallucination”.
Finally, don’t give up after one try – AI is a tool and the more you practise with it, the better you’ll get!
