ChatGPT Alternatives: Top 15 Picks for 2025
Imagine the day of your life: You’re deep in the middle of a project, firing off questions at ChatGPT like it’s your personal AI sidekick.
And then… bam!—you hit a paywall, get an unhelpful response, or maybe you just want to shake things up and try something new.
We’ve all been there.
No matter if you’re a writer hunting for fresh AI inspiration, a student trying to get better answers, or just someone who likes testing out cool tech, you’re probably wondering—What’s the best ChatGPT alternative in 2025?
Well, good news, my friend!
The AI space is booming, and there are tons of smart, creative, and downright impressive alternatives out there—some free, some paid, but all worth checking out.
Curious? Of course, you are!
But first, let’s talk about why you might need an alternative.
Matter-of-factly, ChatGPT is great, but it’s not perfect (shocking, I know). Depending on what you need, you might find yourself hunting for a better fit. Here’s why:
So, now that we know why sticking to just one AI isn’t always the best move, let’s talk options. And trust me, there are plenty.
So, how do you know which one (ChatGPT alternative I mean) is actually worth your time (and possibly your money)? That’s exactly what we’re here to figure out.
I’ve tested for almost 30 hours the top contenders and broken them down by what they actually do best—so you don’t have to waste hours clicking through free trials:
First up, Merlin—my favorite, and here’s why…
| Where can you find it? | https://merlin-ai.uk/ |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Bloggers, marketers, entrepreneurs, and business owners who create content regularly. |
| What does it actually do? | Writes blog posts, generates images, creates tweets, suggests keywords, and powers website chatbots. |
| What’s awesome about it? | - Saves hours on content creation - Generates creative and SEO-friendly ideas - Helps automate customer responses - Super easy to use—no tech skills required |
| What’s not so great? | - AI content still needs slight tweaking - Limited customization for chatbot responses (for now!) |
| What makes it stand out? | Unlike basic AI tools, Merlin, as an alternative to ChatGPT, covers all aspects of content creation—from SEO to social media to customer engagement. |
| How much does it cost? | Pricing depends on the plan, but there’s a free trial to test it out first. |
I run a small online business. Content is everything—blog posts, tweets, emails, and SEO strategies. But let’s be real: content creation is time-consuming. That’s why I decided to try Merlin, an AI assistant that promised to make my life easier.
And guess what? It delivered.
Let’s talk about a typical day in my life: I need to write a blog post, create social media updates, find keyword ideas, and respond to sales inquiries. Juggling all this while managing my business?
Not fun.
One day, I stumbled upon Merlin and thought, “Why not?” A few clicks later, I was inside the platform, ready to test its magic.
I started with a blog post. I typed in a simple prompt:
“Best 35+ ChatGPT Prompts You Need to Try Right Now”
Within seconds, Merlin generated a well-structured article—complete with an introduction, subheadings, and actionable insights. Of course, I tweaked it a bit (AI isn’t perfect),add links and other stuff, but instead of spending three hours writing from scratch, I had a solid draft in 10 minutes.
Next, I needed to create some tweets promoting my blog. Instead of brainstorming captions for an hour, I just pasted the blog URL into Merlin’s Tweet Generator. Boom! I got a list of catchy tweets with hashtags and emojis.
Here’s one it generated:
“ChatGPT can do WAY more than you think. These 35+ secret prompts will change how you use AI forever. Ready to level up?”
A few clicks later, I had my Twitter and LinkedIn posts scheduled. Total time spent? 5 minutes.
Moving on, a tiny confesison: SEO is a beast, and I’m no SEO guru. Unfortunately.
But Merlin’s Keyword Ideas tool made it easy. I entered “chatbot automation” as a seed keyword, and Merlin gave me a cluster of related keywords plus blog title ideas.
One suggestion caught my eye:
“Chatbot Automation: Save Time and Scale Up in 2025”
I wouldn’t have thought of that! This saved me hours of research and brainstorming.
And after that, even more—my website gets inquiries from potential customers daily. Usually, I answer them myself, but it takes up too much time. So, I set up Merlin’s AI chatbot on my site.
Now, when someone asks, “What are your pricing plans, and what’s included in each?”, “Do you offer onboarding or tutorials for new users?”, or “Is there an API, and is it included in the subscription?”, Merlin responds instantly with clear, helpful answers. My response time improved, and I no longer had to check my inbox every 10 minutes.
By the end of the week, I realized I was getting more done in less time:
My verdict: Merlin is the best ChatGPT alternative. But let’s check out the other contenders—just in case.
| Where can you find it? | https://claude.ai/ |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Marketers, developers, writers, and teams who need an AI-powered assistant with a focus on privacy and collaboration. |
| What does it actually do? | Helps with writing, coding, organizing tasks, and creating structured content like calendars and documents. |
| What’s awesome about it? | - Strong privacy and security features - Smart collaboration tools - Versatile use cases (writing, coding, planning) - The Artifacts feature for seamless document iteration |
| What’s not so great? | - Free plan has limited access to advanced models - Higher pricing for teams and enterprises |
| What makes it stand out? | Its privacy-first design, deep collaboration features, and ability to generate structured, actionable content instantly. |
| How much does it cost? | - Free: Basic access to Claude - Pro: $18/month (billed annually) or $20/month (billed monthly) - Team: $25/user/month (billed annually) or $30/user/month (billed monthly, min. 5 users) - Enterprise: Custom pricing, with advanced features like SSO and audit logs |
The other day I had a mess on my hands—marketing deadlines, blog posts to write, and an overflowing to-do list.
So, I decided to give Claude a shot.
First, I needed a content calendar. I typed, “Claude, make a content calendar for my marketing campaign and cold outreach automation.” Within seconds, I had a structured plan.
No fiddling with templates, no endless brainstorming—just a clear, organized roadmap.
Next, I had some messy code slowing down my website. I pasted it into Claude and asked, “Identify code optimizations and performance improvements to meet Core Vital requirements.”
And….boom! Claude cleaned up my code, making it more efficient.
What I really liked?
The Artifacts feature. It let me draft documents and iterate on them right inside the chat. Instead of juggling different tools, I had everything in one place. Plus, I could bring my team in to collaborate. No extra logins or switching platforms—just seamless teamwork.
Claude felt different. It wasn’t just about giving me answers; it helped me work smarter. And with its privacy-first approach, I felt secure using it for business projects.
| Where can you find it? | https://gemini.google.com/ |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Business professionals, researchers, and teams who need a multimodal AI that works across different data formats. |
| What does it actually do? | Processes text, images, audio, and even large documents. Helps with summarization, analysis, and content generation. |
| What’s awesome about it? | - Works across multiple formats (text, images, audio) - Deep integration with Google apps - Large context window (up to 2 million tokens) - Smart analysis and visualization tools |
| What’s not so great? | - Free version is limited - Advanced models can get pricey |
| What makes it stand out? | Its ability to natively handle multiple data types and integrate deeply with Google’s ecosystem. |
| How much does it cost? | - Free: Basic access to Gemini - Google One AI Premium: $20/month for access in Gmail, Docs, and more - Enterprise plans: Custom pricing with advanced features |
I was drowning in a massive contract the other day. Instead of skimming through 100+ pages, I uploaded the document and asked, “Summarize the key points and flag potential risks for my no-code development agency.”
Within moments, Gemini pulled out the critical details. No more sifting through legal jargon—it just made sense.
Then came the real test for this better ChatGPT alternative. I had a dataset full of messy sales data from my HubSpot and wanted insights. “Analyze this data from 3 sales people and find main blockers in customer behavior from the last 6 month in deals $1,500+ LTV,” I prompted.
Surprise-surprise! Gemini handled it effortlessly, identifying hidden patterns and even generating visual insights.
What really impressed me? Its ability to switch between different types of data. I uploaded a complex graph and asked for a breakdown. Instead of just describing it, Gemini interpreted the numbers and gave actionable takeaways in a form of a table.
And because I use Google Workspace daily, having Gemini integrated across Gmail and Docs was a game-changer. Auto-generated email drafts (not the best ones, but it simplifies my tasks a lot), smart content suggestions—it all worked smoothly without needing extra apps.
If you’re looking for an AI that seamlessly understands text, images, and audio while working within Google’s ecosystem, Gemini is the way to go.
| Where can you find it? | https://www.perplexity.ai/ |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Students, professionals, and anyone who needs reliable, up-to-date information without digging through multiple sources. |
| What does it actually do? | Provides direct, conversational answers from real-time internet searches with verified sources. |
| What’s awesome about it? | - Summarizes information from multiple sources instantly - Provides citations for verification - Real-time data updates - Saves time by eliminating unnecessary link browsing |
| What’s not so great? | - Limited customization options for deeper analysis - Heavy reliance on internet sources |
| What makes it stand out? | It combines AI-driven search with real-time, verifiable sources for the most accurate and efficient information retrieval. |
| How much does it cost? | - Free: Basic AI search functionality with sourced results - Premium plans: Pricing details vary based on advanced features and access, but starts from $20 per month |
New story: I was on a research deadline and needed accurate, up-to-date information about comparison between SaaS and game development markets—really fast. Traditional search engines led me down a rabbit hole of links.
Then, I found Perplexity.
I typed, “What are the latest market size statistics for SaaS and game development?” Instead of scrolling through multiple articles, this alternative AI to ChatGPT gave me a precise, well-sourced summary.
Better yet, every fact came with citations from academic papers, news sources, and research blogs. No more guesswork—just solid, verified information.
Next, I put it to the test for personal use. I needed a quick guide on meal prepping. Instead of vague articles about scrambled eggs, Perplexity provided a structured plan with step-by-step instructions and links to deeper resources.
It felt like a personal assistant curating the best information just for me.
The real game-changer? Real-time data. I asked about stock market trends, and Perplexity pulled in the latest numbers instantly. It wasn’t just summarizing old content—it was giving me fresh insights, straight from the source.
For research, work, or everyday curiosity, Perplexity makes finding answers effortless. No more clicking through endless links—it does the heavy lifting for you.
| Where can you find it? | https://www.notion.com/product/ai |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Teams, writers, researchers, and professionals who need AI-powered assistance for organizing, writing, and analyzing information. |
| What does it actually do? | Helps with writing, summarizing, searching, analyzing PDFs, and generating visuals—all within Notion. |
| What’s awesome about it? | - Integrated directly into Notion (no switching between tools) - AI-powered search across multiple platforms - Summarizes, rewrites, and enhances documents - Generates flowcharts and diagrams - Supports multiple languages |
| What’s not so great? | - Requires a Notion workspace to use - Limited free-tier features |
| What makes it stand out? | A seamless AI-powered workspace assistant that improves writing, research, and productivity all in one place. |
| How much does it cost? | - Limited free trial available - $8/member/month (annually) or $10/member/month (monthly) for full AI access |
I used Notion andI was drowning in documents, meeting notes, and project updates. Switching between apps for research, writing, and organizing was slowing me down.
Then, I found Notion AI (well, then they developed and delivered it). I decided to give it a test.
First, I needed a summary of a dense PDF. Instead of manually skimming through 50 pages of sales pitches, I uploaded it to Notion AI and asked, “Summarize the key insights from these documents.” Within seconds, I had a concise breakdown, ready to share with my team.
Then, I had a messy draft for a proposal. I asked, “Rewrite this in a more professional tone, keep it super-practical, professional, a bit fun and eye-catchy.” Notion AI polished my writing while keeping my ideas intact.
No need to copy-paste between different tools—it all happened right inside Notion.
The best part? I could search across my workspace, Slack, and Google Drive in one go. Need to find that one important note from a month ago? Notion AI fetched it instantly.
For visual thinkers, it even generates diagrams and flowcharts to structure ideas clearly (still need some fixes here though). And if you work in different languages, the translation feature is a game-changer.
From organizing notes to analyzing data, Notion AI became my all-in-one productivity powerhouse. It’s like having a personal assistant built directly into my workflow.
| Where can you find it? | https://character.ai/ |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Writers, learners, creatives, and anyone who wants an AI that feels engaging and personal. |
| What does it actually do? | Allows users to interact with and customize AI characters for brainstorming, learning, and entertainment. |
| What’s awesome about it? | - Customizable AI characters for any purpose - Engaging, personality-driven conversations - Great for creative brainstorming and learning - Feels like chatting with a real person |
| What’s not so great? | - Not ideal for complex research tasks - Responses can sometimes be unpredictable |
| What makes it stand out? | It’s not just a chatbot—it’s an interactive AI that adapts to your personality and needs. |
| How much does it cost? | - Free version available - Premium plan offer additional features for $9.99 like better memory and customization |
Frankly speaking, sometimes, you just want an AI that feels more human.
That’s where Character AI shines. It’s not just another chatbot—it’s an interactive AI that adapts to your personality and needs.
I first used Character AI when I wanted a brainstorming buddy. I created a custom AI assistant, tailored to my preferences. I asked, “Help me outline a content plan as a super-highly-experienced marketer.”
The AI responded in character, throwing out wild and creative ideas. It felt like I was bouncing ideas off a real collaborator.
Then, I tried something different. I set up a historical mentor AI. I asked, “Explain the SMTP servcers like you were Leonardo da Vinci.” The AI played along, weaving historical facts, instructions, and clarifications with an engaging personality.
Learning had never been this fun!
The coolest part? You can build your own AI characters:
You can customize and fine-tune your AI to fit any role.
No matter if I needed an engaging conversation or a creative boost, Character AI delivered. It made AI feel more personal, more interactive—like talking to an old friend who always has something interesting to say.
| Where can you find it? | https://github.com/features/copilot |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Developers, software engineers, and coders looking to speed up their development process. |
| What does it actually do? | Generates code, offers real-time suggestions, assists with debugging, and helps refactor code inside supported IDEs. |
| What’s awesome about it? | - Generates code snippets from comments and descriptions - Works with multiple programming languages - Helps refactor and optimize existing code - Supports multi-file editing for efficient updates - Integrates with popular IDEs like VS Code, JetBrains, and Neovim |
| What’s not so great? | - Sometimes generates incorrect or inefficient code - Needs internet access for full functionality |
| What makes it stand out? | Seamlessly integrates into development workflows, providing instant AI-powered coding assistance. |
| How much does it cost? | - Free: Up to 2,000 code completions and 50 chat requests per month - Pro: $10/month (unlimited completions and chat) - Business: $19/user/month - Enterprise: $39/user/month with advanced features |
Writing code can be time-consuming, especially when tackling complex projects (and don’t know how to code). That’s where GitHub Copilot comes in. It’s an AI-powered assistant that helps developers write, debug, and optimize code directly inside their favorite IDEs.
I first tried GitHub Copilot when working on a Python project (my first pet project, failed, yet it was fascinating!). I was stuck on an API integration from ChatGPT, so I typed a comment: “Fetch data from an API and format it as JSON.”
Within seconds, this particular AI alternative to ChatGPT generated a working function. I tested it, made minor tweaks (quite a few!), and moved on. It saved me at least 90 minutes of research and coding.
Later, I needed to refactor some old JavaScript code (pretended to be a web developer). Instead of manually reviewing each function, I asked, “Optimize this code for better performance.” Copilot suggested cleaner, more efficient logic, helping me improve my project with minimal effort. And even better than Claude did, so test both.
What I love most? Multi-file editing. When I needed to update several related files, I just described the changes, and Copilot applied updates across multiple files instantly. It felt like having an AI-powered junior developer right in my editor (the problem that I’m a junior developer myself).
From auto-generating unit tests to catching potential bugs before a review, GitHub Copilot is a must-have for any developer looking to speed up their workflow.
| Where can you find it? | https://huggingface.co/chat/ |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Tech enthusiasts, developers, and anyone who values open-source AI. |
| What does it actually do? | Generates text, answers questions, writes code, and evolves with user contributions. |
| What’s awesome about it? | - 100% open-source and community-driven - ChatGPT alternative free-of-charge, with no login required - Can generate text, summarize content, and write code |
| What’s not so great? | - Less polished than ChatGPT - Prone to occasional hallucinations or incorrect data |
| What makes it stand out? | It’s an open AI chatbot that anyone can improve and contribute to. |
| How much does it cost? | Free: No payment required, fully open-source |
When I started working with AI, I needed an AI chatbot that was free, open-source, and flexible—just to cover all the options on the market. That’s when I found HuggingChat.
Unlike closed platforms, it lets users explore and even contribute to its development.
I started with a simple task: “Summarize the latest AI trends.” HuggingChat pulled information from various sources and gave me a well-structured summary (yet,a bit outdated). It wasn’t perfect, but it was insightful.
I tweaked my question and got a more refined response (still not perfect)).
Next, I tested it for coding. I asked, “Write a script for Google Sheets to fetch and add a meta title and meta description for each URL in the list.”" The chatbot provided a working script with explanations. It wasn’t as polished as GPT-4, but with minor adjustments, it worked.
But, what really stood out? The open-source aspect. I could see how it worked and even help improve it. It felt less like a mystery box and more like a community-driven project.
HuggingChat isn’t flawless—it sometimes provides incorrect data, and responses can be inconsistent. But if you want a free, open AI assistant that’s always evolving, it’s worth checking out.
| Where can you find it? | https://copilot.microsoft.com/ |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Professionals, business users, and teams who work with Microsoft 365 and need AI-powered assistance. |
| What does it actually do? | Assists with writing, data analysis, automation, and workflow optimization across Microsoft apps. |
| What’s awesome about it? | - Generates content inside Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams - Analyzes data and identifies trends - Can adjust Windows settings and automate tasks - Offers deep integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem |
| What’s not so great? | - Some features require a paid subscription - Works best within Microsoft products |
| What makes it stand out? | Seamless integration with Microsoft 365, making work faster and more efficient. |
| How much does it cost? | - Free: Basic features available in Windows, Edge, and Bing - Pro: $20/month for full access in Microsoft 365 apps - Business: $30/user/month for enterprise-level features - Custom Plans: For specialized Copilot versions like Sales and Service |
I love Google Workspace—end of story. But for a few projects, I had to use Microsoft Office (just to collaborate in a familiar environment). Here’s what happened.
I was juggling multiple tasks—emails, spreadsheets, and project reports—when I decided to try Microsoft Copilot. I needed a tool that could keep up with my workflow, and Copilot delivered.
First, I used it inside Word. I typed, “Draft a project proposal based on [these notes].” Within seconds, Copilot transformed my bullet points into a polished document. A few tweaks, and it was ready to send.
Then, I moved to Excel. I had messy sales data and asked, “Create a pivot table and highlight trends in traffic from Google Search Console for the last 16 months.” Copilot not only structured the data but also provided a quick summary of key insights. No more hours spent analyzing numbers!
For anyone managing workloads across multiple Microsoft apps, Copilot is a lifesaver. From drafting emails in Outlook to summarizing long reports, it makes everything faster and smarter.
| Where can you find it? | https://surferseo.com/ai/ |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | SEO professionals, content marketers, and bloggers who want to create optimized content quickly. |
| What does it actually do? | Generates, optimizes, and refines content to rank higher in search engines. |
| What’s awesome about it? | - Creates SEO-friendly content in minutes - Analyzes search trends and competition - Suggests outlines, keywords, and internal links - Supports multiple languages |
| What’s not so great? | - AI-generated content may need human editing - Advanced features require a paid plan |
| What makes it stand out? | It combines AI-powered writing with real-time SEO optimization for high-ranking content. |
| How much does it cost? | - Essential Plan: $79/month for 30 optimized articles - Scale Plan: $175/month for 100 articles - Enterprise: Custom pricing for larger teams and agencies |
I needed SEO-friendly content, fast. Really fast. Usually I use Merlin for it, but I decided to test something new, so I gave Surfer AI, as a ChatGPT alternative for writing, a try.
It promised ready-to-rank content in minutes—and it delivered.
I started with a simple keyword: “types of agents in AI.” Surfer AI instantly analyzed top-ranking articles and generated a structured outline. I tweaked a few headings and hit Generate. In less than 20 minutes, I had a complete, well-optimized article with internal links, FAQs, and suggested images. Still, objectively, Merlin can do it better.
Next, I tested its ability to refine content. I pasted an old blog post and asked, “Improve readability and boost SEO for the article about “How to Avoid AI Detection in Writing: 18 Proven Tips”.” Surfer AI adjusted the sentence structure, added relevant keywords, and suggested better meta descriptions. It felt like having an expert SEO writer on call 24/7.
What impressed me most? Its ability to analyze ranking factors in real-time. Unlike generic AI tools, Surfer AI fine-tuned content based on search trends. My articles ranked faster with minimal effort.
For marketers, bloggers, and agencies, Surfer AI is a game-changer. It automates research, writing, and optimization—without sacrificing quality.
| Where can you find it? | https://writesonic.com/chat |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Marketers, content creators, and business owners looking for AI-powered content and marketing automation. |
| What does it actually do? | Generates ad copy, blog posts, SEO insights, and integrates with marketing tools for streamlined workflows. |
| What’s awesome about it? | - Supports multiple AI models (GPT-4o, Claude, Gemini) - Provides real-time keyword research and SEO insights - Seamlessly integrates with Ahrefs, WordPress, and more - Automates content creation from idea to publication |
| What’s not so great? | - Some advanced features require a paid plan - Content may need minor tweaks for tone and accuracy |
| What makes it stand out? | It’s not just a chatbot—it’s an AI marketing assistant with real-time data and deep tool integrations. |
| How much does it cost? | - Free Plan: Basic AI chat features - Individual Plan: $16/month for full AI model access and marketing integrations - Enterprise: Custom pricing for teams and advanced automation |
Creating engaging content across multiple platforms can be a hassle. That’s when I tried Chatsonic—a tool that combines AI models like GPT-4o, Claude, and Gemini with marketing tools like Ahrefs and WordPress.
I started by asking, “Generate a Facebook ad for a local bakery’s holiday gift baskets.” In seconds, Chatsonic produced a compelling, CTA-driven ad copy. It even suggested audience targeting tips. No more writer’s block!
Then, I needed SEO-friendly blog content (to compare it with Merlin and Surfer). I asked Chatsonic to find low-competition keywords about organic gardening. It pulled in real-time search data, giving me a solid keyword list. I used those to generate a full blog post with optimized headings and structured internal links. It was ready to publish within minutes!
What really stood out? The seamless integrations. With a single command, I scheduled my blog post directly to WordPress and analyzed its SEO performance using Ahrefs—all inside Chatsonic.
For marketers and content creators, Chatsonic is a time-saver. From ad copy to content creation and campaign analysis, it’s an all-in-one marketing AI powerhouse.
| Where can you find it? | https://x.ai/grok |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Users who want real-time insights, social media trends, and AI-generated content. |
| What does it actually do? | Provides AI-powered summaries, creative image generation, real-time analysis, and web searches. |
| What’s awesome about it? | - Pulls live data from 𝕏 and the web for up-to-date responses - Generates AI images and memes with Aurora - Offers a “Grok button” for instant post analysis - Available directly inside the 𝕏 platform |
| What’s not so great? | - Features are best utilized within 𝕏 - Free users have limited access to advanced tools |
| What makes it stand out? | Unlike most chatbots, Grok is deeply integrated with 𝕏, offering real-time knowledge and interactive features. |
| How much does it cost? | - Free Plan: Basic access with limited features - Premium & Premium+: Higher usage limits and early access to new features |
When I needed an AI assistant that wasn’t just smart but also up-to-date, I turned to Grok. Unlike other chatbots, Grok pulls information directly from 𝕏, offering real-time insights, web search, and even meme generation.
I tested it first with a trending news topic: “Summarize today’s biggest tech headlines about Deep Seek.” In seconds, Grok scanned the latest 𝕏 posts and web sources, providing a concise, citation-backed summary.
No more outdated AI responses—everything was fresh.
Next, I tried its creative side. I asked, “Grok, draw me as a cyberpunk warrior.” Within moments, it used Aurora, its AI image generator, to create a stunning, futuristic avatar. The “Draw Me” feature was a fun way to bring AI creativity to life.
One of the best features? The Grok button on 𝕏. While scrolling my feed, I spotted a viral NBA moment. A quick tap on Grok Analysis gave me a detailed breakdown of its historical and cultural impact—something no ordinary chatbot could do.
For anyone who thrives on real-time content, Grok is a game-changer. It’s like having a chatbot, search engine, and meme creator all in one.
| Where can you find it? | https://reply.io/jason-ai/ |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Sales teams, startups, and businesses looking to automate lead generation and outreach. |
| What does it actually do? | Finds leads, engages via email and LinkedIn, handles replies, and books meetings automatically. |
| What’s awesome about it? | - Searches 1B+ contacts for high-intent leads - Personalizes emails and messages at scale - Engages via email, LinkedIn, and phone - Schedules meetings without back-and-forth |
| What’s not so great? | - Requires setup and fine-tuning for best results - Paid plans needed for full automation |
| What makes it stand out? | It acts as a fully automated AI sales rep, running outreach 24/7. |
| How much does it cost? | $500/month: Full AI SDR capabilities, replacing a human SDR at a fraction of the cost |
Sales outreach is time-consuming. I needed a tool that could find leads, engage prospects, and book meetings—without hiring a full sales team. Enter Jason AI SDR by Reply.io, an AI-powered sales rep that works around the clock.
I started by setting my ideal customer profile. Jason AI instantly pulled data from over 1 billion contacts and identified high-intent leads. No more manual searching—it knew exactly who to target.
Then, I tested its automated outreach. I asked Jason to create a cold email sequence for SaaS leads. Within minutes, it crafted personalized emails, optimized follow-ups, and even customized LinkedIn messages. I hit launch, and Jason started engaging leads automatically.
The best part? Jason handled replies. When a prospect responded with interest, Jason scheduled a meeting based on my availability—no back-and-forth needed. It even adapted responses based on context, making it feel human, not robotic.
For sales teams looking to scale without extra hiring, Jason AI is a no-brainer. It automates lead generation, outreach, and scheduling—all while running 24/7.
| Where can you find it? | https://pi.ai/ |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Anyone looking for a personal AI assistant—writers, students, professionals, or just casual users who enjoy chatting with AI. |
| What does it actually do? | Engages in natural conversations, helps organize thoughts, brainstorms ideas, answers questions, and remembers context. |
| What’s awesome about it? | - Feels like chatting with a real friend - Learns and adapts to your style - Great for brainstorming and productivity - Available across multiple platforms |
| What’s not so great? | - Still developing, so some answers feel basic - Limited professional applications compared to GPT-based tools |
| What makes it stand out? | Its friendly, conversational nature makes it feel more like a personal AI companion than a chatbot. |
| How much does it cost? | $0 – It’s a ChatGPT free alternative! |
Sometimes, you just need a smart, friendly AI to chat with—no matter if it’s for brainstorming, problem-solving, or just having a conversation. That’s where Pi AI shines. It’s not just another chatbot; it feels like a personal AI assistant that actually gets you.
I tested Pi AI to see if it could help organize my thoughts and improve my workflow. It was incredibly easy to start—no complex setup, just open the app and start talking. I asked Pi to help me outline a blog post, and it immediately structured my ideas in a clear, logical flow. When I got stuck, it even suggested fresh angles and engaging hooks.
Beyond work, Pi AI was just fun to talk to. It remembered details from past conversations and adapted to my style. When I needed a quick summary of a news event, Pi pulled in useful insights. It was like having a super-intelligent friend on demand.
For those looking for an AI that feels less robotic and more personal, Pi AI is a game-changer. Plus, it’s completely free—no hidden fees.
| Where can you find it? | https://www.meta.ai/ |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Anyone using Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, or Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses who wants an AI-powered assistant for quick answers, image editing, and creative ideas. |
| What does it actually do? | Answers questions, generates images, edits photos, helps with social media content, and even provides real-time knowledge. |
| What’s awesome about it? | - Fully integrated into Meta’s platforms - Supports voice commands and image-based queries - Great for group chats and real-time assistance - Recognizable AI voices for a more natural experience |
| What’s not so great? | - Limited to Meta’s apps and platforms - Only available in select languages and regions |
| What makes it stand out? | Seamless integration with Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, plus advanced voice and image features. |
| How much does it cost? | $0 – Free to use within Meta’s platforms |
Meta AI isn’t just another chatbot—it’s a full-fledged AI assistant that helps you learn, create, and connect in new ways. Whether you need quick answers, help editing a photo, or even a travel suggestion in a group chat—Meta AI is built to be useful wherever you are.
I tested Meta AI while planning a weekend getaway with friends. In our group chat, I tagged @Meta AI and asked for restaurant recommendations and must-see attractions. It instantly pulled up tailored suggestions with links and reviews, saving us tons of time. Later, I uploaded a picture of a landmark, and Meta AI identified it, giving historical facts and travel tips!
What really impressed me was its voice capability. I asked Meta AI to summarize an article while I was cooking, and it read out a short, clear summary. When I needed a quick social media caption, it suggested several creative options in seconds.
From image generation to real-time knowledge, Meta AI feels more integrated into daily life than other AI assistants. And the best part? It’s free to use within Meta’s ecosystem.
Alright, we’ve covered, I believe, all the best alternatives to ChatGPT—some mind-blowingly good, some just meh. But now comes the real question: which one’s right for you?
If you need an AI to crank out blog posts, there’s one for that. Want help coding? Got you covered. Just looking for a fun chatbot to talk to at 2 AM? Yep, there’s an AI for that too.
At the end of the day, the best AI is the one that actually makes your life easier. So go ahead, test a few, and find your perfect AI sidekick. Consider Merlin as you AI ally.
Who knows? You might just wonder how you ever lived without it.