AI Model Comparison: ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude & Perplexity
There’s an AI tool for everything these days (or at least that’s how it feels). From planning content calendars to conducting competitor analysis and answering customer questions, AI models have quickly become trusted digital teammates in the modern working world.
But with so many options, it’s easy to feel the AI overload. What separates the good from the garbage? How do you choose between tools when they all seem so similar? Spoiler alert! The answers are in this blog.
ChatGPT (OpenAI)
If you’ve tried AI, you’ve tried this model. ChatGPT is where (modern) artificial intelligence made its mark. This is the generative AI golden child, and OpenAI has been making updates to keep this tool at the forefront of the pack. Does that mean it’s THE BEST? For some tasks, yes, but the competition is fierce.
Best for: Brainstorming, content writing, marketing strategy, ideation
OpenAI’s ChatGPT (especially the Pro version powered by GPT-4o) is a strong all-purpose model that balances speed, creativity and reasoning. It’s particularly good at writing social captions, headlines, blogs, emails and even ad copy. With tools like memory, custom instructions and plugin compatibility, ChatGPT is as much a research assistant as it is a writing partner.
Standout Features:
- Conversational and context-aware responses
- Custom GPTs with specialized skills (like TRIO’s AI Marketing Assistant)
- Available across desktop and mobile (and even in Microsoft tools like Word)
Best Use:
This is your go-to when you need to generate creative marketing ideas, draft compelling content or refine your messaging fast.
Gemini (Google)
Not one to be outdone, Google introduced Gemini (formerly Bard) in March 2023. This AI model has become a trusted research tool for writers, researchers and the general public. If you’ve Googled anything since May 2024, you’ve interacted with Gemini through those handy AI overviews.
Best for: Real-time search integration, fact-checking, Google Workspace users
Gemini is Google’s flagship AI and feels more like a “super search engine.” It’s deeply integrated with real-time search and uses the power of Google’s index to surface fast, up-to-date answers. Gemini is ideal for researching topics, fact-checking information and generating overviews based on what’s live on the internet.
Standout Features:
- Live access to Google Search results
- Natively integrated with Gmail, Docs, Sheets and other Workspace tools
- Good at summarizing or rephrasing web content
Best Use:
When accuracy and recency matter, like looking up current statistics, events or news-related content.
Claude (Anthropic)
Anthropic’s Claude has quickly become a favorite among those who prioritize clarity, creativity and consistent tone. While it’s built for deep reading and comprehension, Claude is also gaining recognition for how human it sounds and how thoughtful its responses can feel.
Best for: Reading and interpreting long documents, contracts, transcripts
Claude is known for its ability to handle extremely long documents—think thousands of pages at once—and summarize, analyze or extract key insights. It’s useful for reviewing meeting transcripts, legal documents, research or any other dense material that needs to be boiled down quickly. Claude also stands out in creative writing. Claude’s tone is often described as more natural, conversational and emotionally intelligent than other models.
Standout Features:
- Reads huge documents with ease (100K+ token context window)
- Strong at summarizing and understanding nuance
- Tends to be less “hallucinatory” than other models
Best Use:
When you need to upload a big file, pull out insights, or make sense of long reports without reading the whole thing or when your writing needs a softer, more human touch.
Perplexity (Perplexity AI, Inc.)
Perplexity is a rising star in AI search. This tool combines the speed of a search engine with the convenience of conversational answers. It’s designed for people who want trustworthy information quickly, especially on the go.
Best for: Fast Q&A-style results, minimal research, mobile-first use
How does it work? Perplexity is less of a “chatbot” and more of an AI-powered search engine. Think of it as a hybrid between Google and a traditional chatbot. It’s fast, mobile-friendly and stands out for its commitment to providing clear, cited answers.
Standout Features:
- Cites every source in-line
- Quick, reliable Q&A responses
- Summarizes from trusted websites in seconds
- Already integrated into newer iPhones and Apple devices
Best Use:
When you want a fast, mobile-friendly answer with sources…and don’t need much conversation.
Want help using AI in your business?
Whether you’re curious about AI tools, overwhelmed by options, or wondering what’s worth investing in, we’re here to guide you. Ask us about our AI Marketing Assessment to find out how you can use these tools strategically to grow your brand.
Want to work with real, living marketing professionals? We can help there, too! Contact our full-service agency to learn more about our solutions and how TRIO leverages AI to create smarter, more impactful marketing for you.
