Pick by the job, not the hype
- Everyday all-rounder, voice chat, image generation in the same place: ChatGPT.
- Long documents, careful writing, and coding help with large files: Claude.
- Heavy Google users (Gmail, Docs, Drive, YouTube, Android): Gemini.
- Heavy Microsoft users (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams): Microsoft Copilot.
- Research with clickable sources on every answer: Perplexity.
Try the same task in two assistants
The fastest way to choose is to run one real task from your work in two assistants and compare. Use the same prompt, same files, and judge the output you would actually use. Most people end up with one main assistant and a second one for specific jobs.
A good comparison task
Here are my notes from today’s meeting. Turn them into (1) a 5-bullet summary for my manager and (2) a list of action items with owners and deadlines. [paste notes]
Free vs paid
Every major assistant has a free tier that is enough to learn and to handle light daily use. Paid plans usually add higher usage limits, the most capable models, longer context, and extra features like Projects, custom assistants and advanced data analysis. Upgrade only when you keep hitting limits on work that matters to you.
Settings worth checking on day one
- Memory / personalisation: decide whether the assistant should remember facts about you across chats.
- Data controls: check whether your chats may be used to improve models, and switch it off if you prefer.
- Custom instructions: tell it once how you like answers (language, length, tone).