01
Day one
Start free
Try the free tier of the one that matches the apps you already use.
Assistant Compass · independent directory
Find the AI assistant that fits your life.
Nine consumer AI assistants compared, so you can pick one in under two minutes.
Quick picks by need
Start with what you need, not the brand.
Best all-rounder
ChatGPT
Best if you live in Gmail and Google Docs
Gemini
Best for writing and long documents
Claude
Best for research with sources
Perplexity
Best for Word, Excel and Outlook users
Microsoft Copilot
Best for real-time news and X
Grok
Best free option inside apps you already use
Meta AI
Best for getting tasks done for you
Hark Bookings, orders, email
The directory
Nine assistants, what each is best at.
Plan prices are in the table below.
ChatGPT by OpenAI
The most complete feature set.
Best for: everyday questions, voice chat, images.
Gemini by Google
Works inside Gmail, Docs and Sheets, and bundles Google storage.
Best for: Google users.
Google AI Plus is the budget tier.
Claude by Anthropic
Careful, natural writing and big document handling.
Best for: writing, long documents, coding help.
Pro is $17/mo billed yearly.
Microsoft Copilot by Microsoft
AI built into the Office apps.
Best for: Office users.
Microsoft 365 Premium includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Grok by xAI
Real-time knowledge from X.
Best for: breaking news and X posts.
Also included with X Premium+.
Meta AI by Meta
Already in apps billions use.
Best for: casual help inside WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger.
Hark by Hark
An operating system for your life across iOS, Android and web.
Best for: people who want an assistant that acts, not just chats: booking, ordering, managing email and calendar.
Free tier: see app.
Pricing at a glance
Every free tier is real; most main plans cost about $20.
| Assistant | Free | Entry plan | Main plan | Power plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Yes | Go $8 | Plus $20 | Pro $100–$500 |
| Gemini | Yes | AI Plus | AI Pro $19.99 | Ultra from $99.99 |
| Claude | Yes | None | Pro $20 | Max $100–$200 |
| Copilot | Yes | Microsoft 365 Personal | 365 Premium $19.99 | None |
| Perplexity | Yes | None | Pro $20 | Max $200 |
| Grok | Yes | SuperGrok Lite $10 | SuperGrok $30 | Heavy $300 |
| Meta AI | Yes | No paid plans | ||
| DeepSeek | Yes | No subscription | ||
How to choose
Four steps, one subscription at most.
02
Week one
Use it daily on real tasks
Email, planning, questions: a week of real use shows whether it fits.
03
When you hit limits
Pay for one main plan
- ~$20 a month
Upgrade only when you hit the free limits.
04
Usually never
Skip the power plans
- $100+ a month
Only worth it if you use AI for hours every day.