Everyday AI

What are the best alternatives to ChatGPT, including free ones?

Claude and Gemini are the two real alternatives, and both are free to start. Claude is the pick for writing, long documents and code; Pro is $20 a month, $17 billed yearly. Gemini is the pick if you live in Gmail, Docs and Android, and its free app includes Deep Research and Gemini Live; in India Google AI Plus is Rs 399 a month. Microsoft Copilot is free and works inside Word and Excel with Microsoft 365. Perplexity answers with sources (free, Pro $17 a month billed yearly). Meta AI is free inside WhatsApp. Grok draws on posts on X. For Indian languages, try Sarvam's Indus, an Indian-built chat app. The rule: keep one as your main assistant and a second free one to check answers that matter.

Part of AI assistants on eChai Explore.

On the AI map, 29 October 2026 AI assistants Frontier models

Go deeper

8 resources.

🛠 Tool

Anthropic's plan page, read 10 November 2026: Free with memory, voice, Claude Docs and up to 5 projects; Pro $20 a month ($17 billed yearly) adding Research, Claude Code, Claude in Chrome and Claude for Microsoft 365; Max $100; Ultra $200. Prices exclude tax.

Plans & pricing | Claude

Anthropic Nov 2026

Claude on eChai Explore

Open claude.com →
🛠 Tool

xAI's assistant, free to try on the web and in the apps, with SuperGrok for higher limits; it reads what people are posting on X.

Grok

SpaceXSI (xAI) Nov 2026

Grok on eChai Explore

Open x.ai →

More in Choosing Your AI Assistant

I'm new to AI. Which assistant should I start with: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, Meta AI or another? 12 → Is the free version of ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini enough, or should I pay? 9 → What do these AI plans cost in India, and are the free Jio and Airtel offers still running? 10 → Should I use more than one AI assistant, and can I move what one knows about me to another? 7 → How do I choose between a fast model and a thinking model inside ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini? 7 → How do I get ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini to remember me, my work and how I like answers? 9 → Is voice mode worth using, and which AI phone app is best for talking to? 8 → Is the AI already inside WhatsApp or Microsoft Office good enough, or do I need a separate app? 7 → How do I use Gemini well, on my phone and in Google apps? 8 → What are the best AI tools right now, and which ones are free? 8 → What is Microsoft Copilot, and is it worth using at work? 6 → Is ChatGPT Plus worth paying for, compared with Go and the free plan? 7 → How do I use Claude well for work? 8 → Which AI app is best to use on an Android phone? 8 →
eChai Partner Brands The partnership →