ChatGPT gets most of the attention when people talk about AI chatbots, but it’s not the only option out there. Depending on what you need, it might not even be the best choice for you. Some alternatives to ChatGPT are better for specific tasks, cost less, or work better with the apps you already use.
If you’re looking for something cheaper, if you want it to work better with the tools you already have, or if you just like a different way to do things, there are good options worth thinking about. Here are five that stand out to us in 2025.
1. Overchat AI
Overchat AI takes the top spot because it allows you to ask many AI models in one place, including ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Instead of paying separate subscriptions for different AI tools, you get everything for just $4.99 per week.
Overchat AI is particularly useful because you can switch between different AI models depending on what you’re working on. Do you need help with coding? You can use Claude. Want to search for current information? Switch to a model that’s better at web search. Are you working on creative writing? Choose the model that best handles that.
The interface is simple and doesn’t try to overwhelm you with a ton of features you’ll never use. You can chat with the AI models just like you would with ChatGPT, but you have more options when one model isn’t giving you the results you want. For students and professionals who use AI regularly, it makes more sense to have access to multiple models at this price than to pay $20+ per month for individual subscriptions. You can choose the right tool for each task without spending too much money.
2. Claude
Claude from Anthropic is known for being more professional and thoughtful than other AI chatbots, especially for coding. In fact, recent surveys show that businesses almost always use Claude for their coding tasks, and rarely use ChatGPT.
What makes Claude stand out is its high accuracy coupled with its focus on being helpful without being pushy or overly enthusiastic. The AI is designed with strong safety guardrails, so you’re less likely to get weird or inappropriate responses. This makes it very reliable for professional use.
Claude also has a nifty feature called Projects, where you can add specific information about your work that the AI will remember throughout your conversations. This is especially helpful for ongoing projects where you don’t need to explain the same context every time. The free version lets you do basic things, but you’ll run into limits if you use it a lot. The paid version, which costs $20 a month, is competitive with ChatGPT Plus.
3. Google Gemini
If you use Gmail, Google Docs, or Google Drive, then Gemini is a great option. It works directly with Google’s apps, so you can ask it to help with emails, analyze documents, or find information in your files without switching between different tools.
This integration with Google tools is something that ChatGPT can’t match easily. If you already pay for Google Workspace or use Google’s apps often, having an AI that understands your workflow is really helpful. Google is also planning to add Gemini directly into Chrome and Android, which could make it even more useful in the future.
The free version is good for simple tasks, and the paid version, which costs $19.99 per month (with two months free at the start), has more advanced features.
The drawback is that Gemini still feels less polished than ChatGPT in some ways, and it doesn’t have as many customization options. But for people who use Google, the ease of use is often more important than these limits.
4. Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot uses the same technology as ChatGPT (since Microsoft invested in OpenAI), but it’s built into Microsoft’s apps and services. If you use Windows, Edge, or Office apps like Word and Excel, Copilot provides a more integrated experience. The best thing about Copilot is how it works with Microsoft Edge. It sits in the sidebar and can answer questions about whatever webpage you’re currently viewing. You can also use it with other Office apps, like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
People who already use Microsoft’s ecosystem will find this integration convenient. Instead of copying and pasting between ChatGPT and your work apps, you can get AI help right where you’re already working.
The free version has basic capabilities, and Copilot Pro, which costs $20 per month, unlocks more features across Microsoft’s apps. If you’re already paying for Microsoft 365, adding Copilot can be a good choice to improve your productivity.
5. Perplexity
Perplexity is different. It focuses on research and web search.
Other AI chatbots can search the web, but Perplexity is designed specifically to find and cite information from current sources.
Perplexity is valuable because of how it handles sources. Instead of just giving you an answer, it shows you exactly where the information came from and lets you dig deeper into the original sources. You can also choose to search only academic papers, news sites, or social media.
For students, researchers, or anyone who needs to find current information and cite sources, Perplexity is often better than general-purpose chatbots. It’s designed to be clear about where information comes from. The free version is quite capable, and Perplexity Pro, which costs $20 a month, gives you access to more advanced models and additional searches. If you mostly use AI for research and not for talking to people, Perplexity is worth thinking about.
Which Alternative Should You Choose?
The best alternative to ChatGPT depends on what you need it for. If you want access to multiple AI models without having to pay for multiple subscriptions, Overchat AI is the best option. Most of these services offer free versions or trials, so you can test them out before committing to a paid plan. The world of AI chatbots is always changing, but these options each have their own strengths. Depending on what you need, they are all worth considering.
