The 11 Best AI Chatbots in 2025

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The best AI chatbots can tackle a wide range of tasks, from generating text and answering complex questions quickly to completely transforming the way your business works. There are currently more options than ever in 2025, with chatbot usage growing rapidly and the number of users expected to exceed 1.5 billion by 2028.

Having tested many AI tools myself over the past year, I’ve created these reviews to help you find your ideal chatbot solution by breaking down the key features of each. Whether you need help with professional or personal projects, there’ll be an option on this list to help you boost productivity though human-like conversational engagement. I’ve put the spotlight on some new, lesser-known tools as well as the big names, and I’ll cover some of the best free AI chatbots in this article, too.

The Best AI Chatbots

  1. Chatsonic – Best AI chatbot for text and image creation based on real-time web browsing
  2. ChatSpot by HubSpot (BETA) – Best CRM AI chatbot for sales and marketing
  3. Rytr Chat by Rytr – Best AI chatbot for fast and affordable content writing
  4. Agentforce by Salesforce (Previously Einstein Copilot) – Best AI chatbot for ecommerce
  5. Perplexity.ai – Best AI chatbot for answering complex research questions
  6. Jasper Chat – Best AI Chatbot for marketing content, answering questions, and completing tasks

I will also cover the five classic big-name tools that likely spring to mind when you think “AI chatbot,” including:

  • 7. ChatGPT – Released by OpenAI in November 2022, known for versatile conversations and generating human-like responses.
  • 8. Claude – Released in March 2023 by Anthropic, focused on ethical AI interactions and providing safe, reliable conversations.
  • 9. Socratic – First launched in 2013 before being acquired by Google in 2018, helps students with educational answers across various subjects.
  • 10. Gemini – Google’s late 2023 AI release excels in text and code generation, aiming for comprehensive assistance across tasks.
  • 11. Microsoft Copilot – Launched in November 2023, integrates with Microsoft Office to enhance productivity through AI-driven automation and assistance.

This page looks specifically at the best AI chatbots. For a broader look at the different types of AI tool on the market today and how they can enhance your life, work, and health, take a look at my ultimate guide to the best AI tools in 2025.

What are AI Chatbots and How Do They Work?

AI chatbots are programs designed to simulate conversation with humans by using large language models (LLMs). These chatbots “learn” language patterns by processing massive amounts of text data, allowing them to understand and generate natural language in a helpful and conversational way.

When you interact with a chatbot, it predicts the best response based on your input, pulling from its learned knowledge to deliver a relevant, often conversational reply. It’s like a highly advanced version of predictive text that can handle full conversations.

Chatbots can learn to improve their responses over time and can adapt to enhance the replies it gives to specific individual users as it gets to know better through conversations. It does this thanks to machine learning (ML), a subset of AI that uses algorithms to imitate how humans learn and build their knowledge from their experiences.

Increasingly, today’s chatbots are exhibiting more contextual understanding and awareness, meaning they can “remember” and maintain context over multiple interactions with the same person for coherent communications over a series of exchanges.

What’s the Difference Between an AI Chatbot, a Large Language Model, and an AI writer?

A large language model (LLM) is the core technology that powers an AI chatbot, while the chatbot is the application built on top of it. The LLM is responsible for understanding language and generating text, while the chatbot gives it a user-friendly interface and specific functions, like answering questions or providing customer support. Think of the LLM as the engine and the chatbot as the car that takes you on the journey.

While both AI chatbots and AI writers rely on large language models, their purposes differ. AI chatbots are designed for conversation, helping users with tasks like answering questions or customer service. AI writers or AI content generators, on the other hand, focus on generating longer-form content, such as blog posts or emails. So, while a chatbot is great for quick, back-and-forth exchanges, an AI writer is more useful for producing detailed, structured text.

The Best AI Chatbot Apps Reviewed for 2025

Here I’ll dive into the details of the different chatbot products, helping you to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and how they can support different use cases.

Naturally, I’ll cover the well-known names like ChatGPT, Claude, Socratic, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot. I know many of you’ll be expecting to see them on the list, and for good reason.

However, I also wanted to offer you something new and different. I want to show that beyond these giants, there are many other powerful chatbot tools out there that deserve attention, some of which are specialized for niche or specific tasks. I’ve made sure to highlight some of these smaller yet fantastic AI Chatbot options to ensure you find the best solution, whether for professional tasks or personal use.

A final note before we start: remember, while these chatbot tools are powerful, it’s still important to fact-check their outputs when accuracy is essential. 

1. Chatsonic by Writesonic – Best AI Chatbot for Text and Image Creation Based on Real-Time Data

Writesonic Logo

Parent Brand or Company Writesonic
Starting Price $12/user/month
Free Version
Top 3 Features Real-time web search, AI image generation, Brand voice customization
AI Model GPT-3.5 or GPT-4, DALL-E, and Stable Diffusion
Understanding of Current Events 🟢
Cites Sources
Can Resume Prior Conversations
Ability to Browse Web
What’s New with Chatsonic? The last notable update from Writesonic was over a year ago. It introduced the Writesonic API V2, enabling programmatic access to Chatsonic and Photosonic features, including AI image generation, voice search, and Google-integrated factual results.

Why We Picked ChatSonic

I picked Chatsonic because it stands out with its real-time web search integration and powerful AI image generation based on conversational chatbot-style interactions and prompts. It’s a conversational AI tools that’s perfect for those needing up-to-date, visually rich content. It also offers impressive customization features for creating content in your unique brand voice.

ChatSonic Features

  • Real-Time Search Integration – Like many fans of this product, as you’ll see in the reviews, I love how Chatsonic pulls in real-time info straight from Google, so you will always get up-to-date, accurate output based on the most current data.
  • AI Image Generation – With Writesonic, you can generate high-quality AI images fast using DALL-E 3 and Stable Diffusion based on conversational, chatbot-style input
  • Brand Voice Customization – Chatsonic claims to be “Built for everyone [but] specialized for marketing.” If you’re using it for the latter and creating branded content, you’ll appreciate how Chatsonic can learn and adopt your brand’s voice, making sure all the content stays on-brand without you having to tweak everything later.

ChatSonic Pricing

Chatsonic offers a range of pricing plans that cater to different types of users, from freelancers to larger teams, with affordable options and strong feature sets.

Plan Free Individual Standard Professional Advanced
Monthly $0 $20/month $99/month $249/month $499/month
Yearly $0 $16/month $79/month $199/month $399/month
  • Free – A limited trial with 25 credits and basic features, including standard content templates, perfect for testing the platform.
  • Individual – Best for freelancers, includes unlimited Chatsonic generations, Google integration for real-time results, and standard Photosonic image generation.
  • Standard – Suited for solo marketers and small teams, adding advanced features like AI topic clusters, bulk article generation, and Photosonic.
  • Professional – Tailored for SEO specialists, this plan offers team collaboration, AI content gap analysis, and high-quality Photosonic image generation.
  • Advanced – Ideal for agencies, providing advanced SEO tools, priority support, and full access to Photosonic and Audiosonic, with personalized onboarding.

Who ChatSonic is Best For

ChatSonic is perfect for marketers but also any content creators looking to generate both text and images based on conversational interactions with a chatbot and who appreciate the most up-to-date data owing to real-time web integration.

However, if your main r only focus is image creation, tools like ArtSmart or similar AI image generators may better suit your needs.

Read our full Writesonic review.

Pros pros

  • Real-time Google search integration ensures up-to-date, fact-checked content
  • Supports advanced note-taking and collaboration, ideal for team workflows
  • Multimodal input options like voice dictation and image processing

Cons cons

  • Pricing escalates quickly for higher-tier features
  • AI image quality is inconsistent compared to more dedicated image tools

2. ChatSpot by HubSpot (BETA) – Best CRM AI Chatbot for Sales Teams

Parent Brand or Company HubSpot
Starting Price $15/user/month
Free Version
Top 3 Features CRM data entry, Custom report creation, Personalized sales emails
AI Model GPT-4
Understanding of Current Events 🟠
Cites Sources
Can Resume Prior Conversations
Ability to Browse Web
What’s New with HubSpot? As of August 2024, HubSpot introduced a new feature in Sales Hub called “Blocked Numbers List,” allowing managers and admins to block spam and fraudulent callers. This feature enhances security for sales teams, improving the overall quality of inbound calls.

Why We Picked ChatSpot

I chose ChatSpot because it’s an emerging tool in BETA, but already it shows huge potential to boost the productivity of sales teams. As part of HubSpot’s Breeze AI suite, it seamlessly integrates with the HubSpot CRM, one of the best CRM systems on the market, automating tasks and streamlining workflows. It’s still in development, but from what I’ve tested, it’s as solid and user-friendly as the rest of HubSpot’s platform, making it a promising option for businesses looking to boost efficiency with AI.

ChatSpot Features

    • CRM Data Entry – ChatSpot simplifies adding contacts and companies to HubSpot CRM through natural language input, which eliminates the need for manual data entry.
    • Custom Report Creation – One of the standout features is its ability to generate custom reports across marketing, sales, and customer service. This will be especially helpful for tracking online marketing campaign performance without having to build reports from scratch.
    • Personalized Sales Emails – ChatSpot can draft highly personalized sales emails, allowing you to focus on relationship-building while automating much of the email content creation process.

    ChatSpot Pricing

    HubSpot offers flexible pricing, starting with a free plan and moving up to premium tiers that provide more advanced features. The ChatSpot BETA feature is available across all tiers, making it accessible to businesses of any size.

    Plan Free Tools Sales Hub Starter Sales Hub Professional Sales Hub Enterprise
    Monthly $0 $20/user/month $100/user/month $150/user/month
    Annually $0 $15/user/month $90/user/month $150/user/month
    • Free Tools – This plan is great for startups or individuals looking for basic CRM functions. It includes the chatbot, email tracking, and customer management to help you get started.
    • Sales Hub Starter – Adds features like live chat, basic reporting, and meeting scheduling. The chatbot functionality is ideal for small businesses just starting with CRM, helping automate customer interactions.
    • Sales Hub Professional – Best suited for growing teams, offering automation, custom reporting, and chatbot integration for more streamlined lead generation and follow-up, making it worth the higher investment for scaling businesses.
    • Sales Hub Enterprise – Perfect for large teams with complex needs, this plan offers advanced reporting, predictive forecasting, and enhanced chatbot features, ideal for high-growth companies managing large customer bases.

    Who ChatSpot is Best For

    ChatSpot is perfect for small to mid-sized businesses looking to streamline their existing sales and marketing processes through CRM automation. However, if you need a chatbot focused more on creative content generation, Chatsonic might be a better option for your needs.

    Read our full HubSpot review.

    Pros pros

    • Seamlessly integrates with HubSpot CRM for streamlined task management
    • Custom report creation across sales, marketing, and customer service
    • Personalizes sales emails based on recipient data

    Cons cons

    • Limited to HubSpot users, lacks broader platform flexibility
    • Still in beta, with potential for occasional glitches

     

    3. Rytr Chat by Rytr – Best AI Chatbot for Fast Content Writing

    Rytr Logo

    Parent Brand or Company Rytr
    Starting Price $7.50/month
    Free Version
    Top 3 Features Personalized voice tones, Quick content creation, Smooth workflow integration
    AI Model GPT-4
    Understanding of Current Events 🟠
    Cites Sources
    Can Resume Prior Conversations
    Ability to Browse Web

    What’s New with Rytr? The most recent Rytr update introduces the MyVoice tool, allowing users to create personalized tones for more authentic writing. Additionally, character input/output limits have tripled, and the Chrome Extension has been upgraded for enhanced usability across platforms. I’m not sure how recent this was, as no clear release date was specified.

    Why We Picked Rytr

    Rytr has made a name for itself as one of the best free AI content generators that offers a highly affordable premium offering, perfect for anyone needing fast, high-quality content without huge investment. It’s a relatively straightforward, easy-to-use tool tailored for copywriters, marketers, and entrepreneurs. However, I feel its wide range of styles and its affordable pricing make it a great choice for individual creators working on personal or creative projects as well.

    Rytr Chat is a development of the original Rytr AI product that allows those who prefer to generate content through direct chatbot interactions to do exactly that.

    Rytr Features

    • Personalized Voice Tones – I love that Rytr lets you create custom tones of voice with its MyVoice feature, which makes your content sound like your or your brand, not just another generic AI.
    • Quick Content Creation – Rytr is perfect when you need content fast. Whether it’s blog posts or social media copy, you can get high-quality output in seconds
    • Smooth Workflow Integration – The Chrome extension is very handy, allowing you to use Rytr directly in your browser, so you can keep creating content without switching between platforms.

    Rytr Pricing

    Rytr offers three pricing tiers, with its free plan being fairly limited but ideal for trying out the basics. The paid options are affordable compared to other AI writing tools, particularly for freelancers or small businesses.

    Plan Free Unlimited Premium
    Monthly $0 $9/month $29/month
    Yearly $0 $7.50/month $24.16/month
    • Free – Offers limited functionality with 10k characters per month, useful for light users or those just starting.
    • Unlimited – This plan is great for individual creators looking for unlimited content generation at a budget-friendly price.
    • Premium – Designed for freelancers and small teams, providing additional features like multiple personalized tones and increased input/output limits.

    Who Rytr is Best For

    Rytr is perfect for freelancers and small businesses who want to generate content through chatbot-style interactions and need fast, budget-friendly content creation without sacrificing quality. However, if you’re focused on more advanced marketing writing with robust SEO tools, Chatsonic might be a better fit.

    Read our full Rytr review.

    Pros pros

    • Extremely fast content generation makes it ideal for quick tasks
    • Budget-friendly pricing, great for freelancers and small businesses
    • Custom tone feature helps align content with personal or brand voice

    Cons cons

    • Limited advanced SEO capabilities compared to other writing tools
    • Content quality may need more refinement for professional-level work

     

    4. Salesforce Agentforce (Previously Einstein Copilot) – Best AI Chatbot for Ecommerce

    Salesforce Logo

    Parent Brand or Company Salesforce
    Starting Price Custom pricing, starting at $2 per conversation
    Free Version
    Top 3 Features Data integration, Autonomous sales and service agents, Low-code agent customization
    AI Model Atlas Reasoning Engine, integrated with Data Cloud
    Understanding of Current Events 🟢
    Cites Sources
    Can Resume Prior Conversations
    Ability to Browse Web
    What’s New with Salesforce? Salesforce unveiled Agentforce on September 12, 2024, bringing autonomous agents that can scale operations, drive efficiency, and augment employees across service, sales, marketing, and commerce. Powered by the new Atlas Reasoning Engine, it is due for general release on October 25, 2024, and is built to provide accurate, autonomous decision-making.

    Why We Picked Agentforce

    I’ll be upfront that this is certainly a tool focused at businesses, and large ones at that, which need a robust system for managing sales operations and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Quite different form the ChatGPT-like chatbots on the list, but I wanted this list to give a range of options for different needs.

    I haven’t had the chance to test the Agentforce AI conversational assistant chatbot yet. The full transition from the Einstein Copilot (which I was familiar with) to Agentforce isn’t until later in October. However, this conversation AI-powered chatbot that looks set to revolutionize ecommerce. Its ability to autonomously manage tasks like personalized customer service and sales optimization makes it stand out as an ideal solution for scaling ecommerce operations efficiently.

    Essentially, it’s an “always-on” chatbot assistant that makes sure your staff and teams have the information they need to perform well on demand at all times.

    AgentForce Features

    • Data Integration – Agentforce leverages Salesforce’s Data Cloud to unify and harmonize customer data across systems, offering real-time, AI-powered insights. This seamless integration improves efficiency and accuracy, enabling ecommerce businesses to deliver personalized, data-driven customer experiences.
    • Autonomous Sales and Service Agents – Agentforce provides pre-built agents like the Sales Development Representative (SDR) and Service Agent, automating tasks such as answering inquiries and scheduling meetings. These agents work around the clock, enhancing ecommerce efficiency without requiring human intervention.
    • Low-Code Agent Customization – With the low-code Agent Builder, businesses can quickly customize agents to suit specific tasks, streamlining workflows in sales, service, and marketing. This makes it adaptable for ecommerce needs.

    AgentForce Pricing

    • Service and Sales Agents – These agents will be generally available starting on October 25, 2024. Pricing begins at $2 per conversation, with standard volume discounts available. This pricing is fairly competitive for enterprise-level AI solutions, though it could add up quickly for businesses with high-volume customer interactions, making it essential to consider scalability and usage needs.
    • Atlas Reasoning Engine – Launching in February 2025, this component adds advanced decision-making capabilities. Pricing will likely vary based on its integration with other Salesforce products and expected usage.

    Who AgentForce is Best For

    Agentforce is ideal for large enterprises looking to automate customer service, sales, and marketing with AI-powered agents that work across multiple channels. However, smaller businesses with limited customer interaction may find the per-conversation pricing too costly and could explore alternatives like ChatSpot by HubSpot.

    Pros pros

    • Fully customizable AI agents that can handle complex tasks autonomously
    • Seamless integration with Salesforce apps and external systems for holistic workflows
    • Pre-built agents reduce setup time and require no coding expertise

    Cons cons

    • Pricing per conversation could become expensive for high-volume users
    • Smaller businesses may find the advanced capabilities excessive for their needs

    5. Perplexity.ai – Best AI Chatbot for Answering Complex Research Questions

    perplexity logo

    Parent Brand or Company Perplexity.ai
    Starting Price Free
    Free Version
    Top 3 Features Real-time web search, Transparent source citation, Context-aware responses
    AI Model GPT-4, Claude-3, Proprietary models
    Understanding of Current Events 🟢
    Cites Sources
    Can Resume Prior Conversations
    Ability to Browse Web

    What’s New with Perplexity.ai? There hasn’t been an update since July 2024. The latest update introduced new and improved Perplexity Sonar models, including the llama-3.1-sonar models for both online and chat. These new models surpass previous iterations, and older models will be deprecated by August 12, 2024.

    Why We Piked Perplexity?

    I picked the Perplexity.ai chatbot because it excels at answering complex research questions with clear, well-cited sources. Its ability to pull real-time data and provide context-aware responses makes it a go-to tool for digging deep into complicated topics effortlessly.

    Perplexity Features

    • Copilot Search Assistance – Perplexity’s Copilot feature makes it easy to refine complex queries by asking follow-up questions, which helps get more accurate answers when tackling intricate research.
    • Real-Time Web Search – This feature lets you gather the latest, most up-to-date information from across the web, which is invaluable when researching current events or staying updated on fast-moving industries. This is similar to the web-browsing service offered by Writesonic
    • Transparent Source Citations – I love that Perplexity provides clear citations for each answer, so I can verify the information and dig deeper into credible sources when needed for more thorough research.

    Perplexity Pricing

    Perplexity.ai offers a free plan with limited features and a premium Pro plan, which is moderately priced compared to other providers. The Pro plan unlocks additional features such as advanced AI models and unlimited file uploads, providing good value for research professionals.

    Plan Free Pro Enterprise Pro
    Monthly $0 $20/month Custom pricing
    • Free – Unlimited quick searches and 5 Pro searches per day, perfect for casual users who need basic information.
    • Professional – Ideal for researchers, offering unlimited quick searches, 300+ Pro searches per day, and access to advanced AI models like GPT-4 and Claude-3.
    • Enterprise – Tailored for teams needing enhanced security, privacy, and SOC2 certification, along with unlimited Pro searches and comprehensive team management.

    Who Perplexity is Best For

    Perplexity.ai is perfect for researchers and professionals who need fast, reliable answers to complex questions with full source citations. However, if you’re looking for creative writing or content generation, tools like Chatsonic would be better suited.

    Pros pros

    • Provides in-depth, multi-source responses for complex research queries
    • Unique “Pro Search” feature offers comprehensive, well-rounded answers
    • Integrates with powerful AI models like GPT-4 and Sonar for highly accurate results

    Cons cons

    • Limited creative content generation options.
    • Pro plan required for advanced features like choosing AI model and file uploads

    6. Jasper Chat – Best AI Chatbot for Marketing Content, Answering Questions and Completing Tasks

    Jasper AI Logo

    Parent Brand or Company Jasper
    Starting Price $39/month
    Free Version 7-day trial
    Top 3 Features Contextual memory, Multi-language support, Human-like interaction
    AI Model Proprietary but also pulls in GPT-4, Gemini, Claude, and more
    Understanding of Current Events 🟠
    Cites Sources
    Can Resume Prior Conversations
    Ability to Browse Web

    What’s New with Jasper? On July 25, 2024, Jasper introduced the ability to save and reuse tasks within the Jasper Editor. Users can now create reproducible outputs by saving template fields and content for future use, streamlining workflow and increasing efficiency.

    Why We Picked Jasper Chat

    Jasper Chat is one of the most versatile of the chatbots on this list. The Jasper AI software is a popular and effective tool for supporting content marketing efforts, and its chatbot is well setup to support with blog or ad content tasks in multiple languages. It’s one of my top picks of the best AI writing tools on market today.

    However, beyond this its ability to generate human-like text, interact in a conversational, friendly manner, and engage on a wide range of topics makes it useful for helping with pretty much any question or task I could think of. I found it a great ChatGPT alternative when asking it to “explain X to me like I’m a child”, “rewrite this email so it sounds more professional”, or even something more random and fun like “create a song about x…”.

    While a marketing support tool at its core, Jasper certainly has wide-ranging applications.

    Jasper Chatbot prompts
    There’s a lot you can ask Jasper to do. This includes standard content tasks like rewording and rephrasing for different formats and use cases, but also more whimsical things like asking about pizza toppings or simply asking Jasper’s opinion on a topic that’s on your mind.

    Jasper Chat Features

    • Contextual Memory – Jasper Chat remembers previous conversations, making it easier to maintain consistent messaging throughout a project. This will be helpful when working on long-term content strategies where keeping track of previous inputs is crucial.
    • Multi-Language Support – With the ability to generate content in over 30 languages, Jasper Chat is ideal for global digital marketing campaigns. It’ll save you time if you need to create content for different regions without relying on separate translation tools.
    • Human-Like Interaction – What I really enjoy about Jasper Chat is how natural the conversations feel. It’s not just functional — it’s friendly, engaging, and surprisingly fun to interact with, which makes working with AI less robotic and more enjoyable. It seems to have a wide-ranging knowledge base that includes information on advanced or niche topics, meaning it was a helpful companion no matter what questions of tasks I threw at it.

    Jasper Chat Pricing

    Jasper Chat is on the higher end of the pricing scale compared to other AI tools, but its advanced content marketing features justify the price for businesses needing powerful AI assistance. It’s important to note that Jasper offers a 7-day free trial, allowing you to explore its features before committing.

    Plan Creator Pro Business
    Price/month (Billed Annually) $39/seat $59/seat Custom
    Price/month (Billed Monthly) $49/seat $69/seat Custom
    • Creator – Ideal for solo creators or small businesses. This plan includes one seat, Jasper Chat, and SEO mode, which is perfect for getting started with AI-driven content creation.
    • Pro – Adds collaboration tools for teams, including up to five seats, brand voices, and instant campaigns. Great for larger teams with multiple brands.
    • Business – Tailored for enterprises needing advanced customization, unlimited feature usage, and enterprise-grade security.

    Who Jasper Chat is Best For

    Jasper Chat is ideal for content marketers, creative teams, and businesses needing advanced AI content generation. Although I probably would only recommend investing in Jasper for professional or for marketing support, it also will be a great ChatGPT-like companion for anyone using it when it comes to supporting on even quite random or whimsical tasks or answering random questions in a thoughful, human, and well-informed manner.

    Read our full Jasper AI review.

    Pros pros

    • Exceptional for content marketing strategies and long-form content generation
    • Supports over 30 languages, ideal for global campaigns
    • Remembers conversation context for better project continuity

    Cons cons

    • Higher price compared to similar AI chatbots
    • Lacks web browsing for real-time information

    Comparing My Top Picks of the Best AI Chatbots 2025

    This table gives you a quick, at-a-glance comparison of my top picks of AI chatbot. It helps you see essential features like pricing, free versions, and key capabilities side-by-side, making it easier to find the perfect fit for your needs without reading lengthy reviews.

    Chatbot Provider Chatsonic ChatSpot (HubSpot) Rytr Chat Salesforce Agentforce Perplexity.ai Jasper Chat
    Starting Price $12/month $15/user/month $7.50/month Custom pricing Free $39/month
    Free Version 7-day trial
    AI Model GPT-3.5 or GPT-4, DALL-E, and Stable Diffusion GPT-4 GPT-4.0 Atlas Reasoning Engine GPT-4, Claude-3, Proprietary models Proprietary but also pulls in GPT-4, Gemini, Claude, and more
    Understanding of Current Events 🟢 🟠 🟠 🟢 🟢 🟠
    Cites Sources
    Can Resume Prior Conversations
    Ability to Browse Web
    Methodology

    How We Review And Test AI Tools

    We base our recommendations on first-hand testing. All the products we feature, have been tested based on the following criteria. For more information, visit our dedicated methodology page on how we test and review AI tools.

    • Accuracy & Prompt Interpretation: The accuracy of every AI tool varies and is largely dependent on the AI model used and the quality of the input. We test each tool to gauge its accuracy across the tasks and use cases it supports.
    • Performance & Model Architecture: We look at the sophistication of the AI model(s) the tool is based on, and we test how long it takes the AI tool to deliver results and weigh this time against the quality of the output. Quick results mean nothing if the output isn’t accurate, relevant, or what you expected.
    • Ethics & Safety: We explore any issues with bias, transparency, and privacy to ensure we recommend only the best artificial intelligence solutions that take these ethical concerns seriously.
    • Innovation & Updates: AI is a dynamic, fast-developing space; we look at how well the tools we review are keeping up in terms of how often the improve and update their product.
    • User Experience: We test every AI tool on all the supported platforms to gauge its user-friendliness and whether it works as advertised. We also explore any online documentation available.
    • Value for Money: We weigh the features, performance, and accuracy of the market’s best AI tools against their cost to determine their value for money. We also factor in the cost to scale with the platform.
    • Features & Customization: We test every feature on offer with the service over a two-week period. This includes testing their functionality across all the platforms the tool supports. We also look at the extent to which you can customize, edit, or refine the final output.
    • Security: From data privacy to ensuring the tools haven’t had a data breach, we take security seriously, checking their regulatory compliance and how vulnerable the AI models are to exploitation.

    How Did I Choose These AI Chatbots?

    When selecting the best AI chatbots for this list, I focused on tools that stand out in terms of adaptability, conversational quality, and the latest features. Since the AI landscape is evolving rapidly, I prioritized chatbots that are actively improving and offer something unique in their respective categories.

    Here’s what I evaluated:

    • AI Model and Accuracy: I looked at the underlying AI models, making sure each chatbot could deliver fluent, accurate, and context-aware responses. A strong and trustworthy AI model is crucial for handling complex queries.
    • Features Beyond Chat: Tools that offered extra capabilities, such as web browsing, voice or video integration, or content creation, ranked higher. These features enhance the user experience and make the chatbots versatile.
    • Ease of Use: The chatbot’s interface, conversational flow, and ease of integration with other platforms or apps were key. A smooth user experience is essential, especially for beginners.
    • Real-World Application: I focused on tools that can genuinely improve workflows, whether for research, marketing, coding, or customer support. Some aren’t traditional chatbots but offer chatbot-like capabilities, which made them worth including.

    This approach helped me curate a list that covers a broad range of needs while ensuring the tools are cutting-edge and user-friendly.

    The Biggest, Most Popular AI Chatbots of 2025

    Our list of the best AI chatbots continues with some of the biggest names in the business—tools you’ve likely heard of but might still be curious about. Here’s a closer look at what they offer, how they were received, and my own experience using them.

    7. ChatGPT

    Released by OpenAI in November 2022, ChatGPT is arguably the most well-known AI chatbot today. Built on the powerful GPT-4 model, it’s praised for its versatility in generating text for various tasks—from casual conversation to detailed research. While it excels at producing fluid and thoughtful answers, I’ve found that ChatGPT sometimes lacks up-to-date knowledge on recent events, making it less effective for time-sensitive queries.

    ChatGPT Pricing: While ChatGPT has a generous free offering, its premium plans cost between $20 and $30 per person per month, with custom enterprise pricing options also available.

    8. Claude

    Claude, developed by Anthropic, launched in March 2023 as a more ethical and safety-focused alternative to other AI chatbots. It’s designed to reduce harmful outputs while maintaining strong conversational capabilities. Claude works well for handling sensitive topics and long-form content. In my testing, Claude was great at understanding context, but its answers felt a bit conservative compared to ChatGPT—perhaps due to its stricter safety protocols.

    Claude Pricing: Similar to ChatGPT, Claude has a free plan and then premium options ranging between $20 and $25 per person per month, with a bespoke enterprise option.

    9. Socratic

    Originally released in 2013 and later acquired by Google in 2018, Socratic is a Google AI chatbot specifically designed for students. It’s excellent for answering homework questions and breaking down complex subjects into digestible bits. I’ve found Socratic particularly helpful for math and science, though it’s not the best for broader conversations outside of educational content. It’s a great tool, but more limited in its scope compared to other general-purpose chatbots.

    Socratic Pricing: Socratic pricing depends on whether you’re using it as a student or a teacher. If a student you can benefit from a free plan or a Standard plan at $14.99 per month. If you’re a teacher, you can choose from a range or plans catering to different class sizes, from a free plan to a Gold subscription at $75 a month.

    10. Gemini

    Google’s Gemini AI chatbot, launched in late 2023, is Google’s answer to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. It’s integrated with Google’s ecosystem, making it particularly strong in providing up-to-date information. I’ve been impressed with how well the Google AI chatbot handles text-based tasks, but it doesn’t quite excel in generating high-quality images. However, for anyone tied to the Google suite, it’s a powerful addition.

    Gemini Pricing: This is a tad complicated as it depends on the exact Gemini service and usage level. The basic Gemini AI chatbot assistant offers a free plan and an Advanced subscription at $19.99 a month, although you can use the Advances plan for free for one month.

    11. Microsoft Copilot

    Launched in November 2023, Microsoft Copilot is built into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem and is positioned as a productivity assistant. This Microsoft AI chatbot is perfect for streamlining office work, automating tasks like summarizing documents or generating reports. In my experience, it’s invaluable for corporate workflows, though its usefulness depends heavily on how embedded you are in the Microsoft ecosystem.

    Microsoft CoPilot Pricing: This will be a part of the Microsoft360 lisence you already pay for, but you can upgrade to Copilot pro for $20.00 user per month (one month is free).

    How Much Do AI Chatbots Cost?

    The cost of AI chatbots can vary widely depending on the features, capabilities, and customization options you need. Some platforms offer free versions with basic functionality, while others charge for more advanced capabilities, such as integrating with other systems or handling complex tasks.

    Below is a breakdown of typical pricing and what you might expect at each level.

    Plan Type Typical Cost What You Typically Get
    Free $0 Basic conversation, limited queries, no advanced features or integrations
    Basic Tier $10–$20/month More queries, limited customization, basic integrations, access to standard AI models
    Mid-Tier $30–$80/month Enhanced customization, advanced AI models, integrations with CRM or marketing tools
    High-Tier of Enterprise $100+/month or custom pricing Unlimited queries, dedicated support, custom integrations, enterprise-level security features

    Should I Use a Free AI Chatbot?

    Free AI chatbots can be appealing, but they often come with significant limitations. While they might be useful for light or casual use, free versions typically restrict how many queries you can make per day, lack advanced features, and may not offer the highest level of data privacy or security. A paid plan is likely a better option if you’re looking for a chatbot with robust functionality, security, and deeper integration.

    Criteria Free AI Chatbots Paid-for AI Chatbots
    Cost $0 Average cost ranges from $10 to $100+ per month, depending on features
    Usage limits Daily limits on queries and interactions Higher limits, often unlimited usage based on the plan
    Data Privacy and Security Basic security, limited privacy options Enhanced privacy controls, often with advanced encryption
    Features Basic conversation abilities Advanced features like integrations, custom workflows, etc
    Level of language understanding Basic understanding, prone to errors More accurate, nuanced responses with premium AI models
    Integrations Limited or none Wide integration with CRM, marketing, and other tools
    Product updates Slow updates, limited support Regular updates with priority support

    In my opinion, opting for an affordable premium tool is usually worth it, especially if you need better accuracy, security, and advanced features to get the most out of your chatbot experience.

    What Are the Best Free AI Chatbot Apps?

    If you’re looking for free AI chatbots, there are several great options that won’t cost you a dime but will come with some limitations. Here are a few of the best:

    • ChatGPT (Free Plan) – ChatGPT offers a solid free plan, giving you access to basic GPT-3.5 capabilities. However, there are daily usage limits, and you don’t get access to the more advanced GPT-4 unless you upgrade.
    • Perplexity AI – This is a fantastic free tool for answering complex research questions with real-time web search and source citations. The free plan offers 5 Pro searches per day, but you’ll need to upgrade for more in-depth capabilities.
    • Rytr – Rytr’s free-forever plan lets you generate up to 10,000 characters per month, ideal for quick content creation. It’s great for light use but can feel restrictive for heavier workflows.
    • ChatSonic (Free Plan) – With real-time web search and image generation included, ChatSonic’s free plan is fairly generous, but it limits how much you can use these features each day.

    These free versions are helpful for casual or occasional use, but they often limit the advanced functionality and depth you’d get with a paid plan.

      Trends and News for AI Chatbots

      AI chatbots are evolving rapidly, with a few key trends leading the way.

      • Conversational Co-pilots – AI chatbots are now acting as intelligent co-pilots for users, helping with everything from customer service tasks to personal productivity. This shift is creating more interactive, task-oriented AI assistants across platforms like Microsoft Copilot and GitHub Copilot.
      • Multimodal Capabilities – More chatbots are integrating multimodal inputs, allowing users to interact via text, voice, images, and video. This capability expands how users engage with chatbots, especially in sectors like retail and education.
      • Personalized AI Assistants – Customizable AI models are emerging, tailored to industry-specific needs. This trend makes chatbots more effective in sectors like finance and healthcare, where specialized responses and actions are crucial.

      AI Chatbots News Bulletin

      • November 25, 2024 – The San Francisco-based AI research and development company Anthropic open proposed a new standards for connecting AI chatbots to the data systems they use, which should help them produce more relevant, accurate, and all-round better responses to users’ queries. They did this by developing the Model Context Protocol (MCP) which they open sourced on the 25th November, 2024.
      • October 10, 2024 – Headspace unveils Ebb, a mental health AI chatbot designed to provide instant, personalized support through evidence-based motivational interviewing techniques, helping users make positive behavioral changes.
      • October 9, 2024 – Meta launches its AI chatbot on Facebook and Instagram in the UK, alongside the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses with integrated AI functionality.

      How to Choose the Best AI Chatbot

      When deciding on the best AI chatbot for your needs, it’s important to think about how you’ll use it and what features matter most for your specific tasks. Here are five key factors to keep in mind when selecting an AI chatbot:

      • AI Model and Accuracy – Look for a chatbot with an advanced language model that provides accurate, coherent, and context-aware responses. The model should be reliable enough to handle your queries effectively.
      • Customization Options – A great chatbot will allow you to customize conversations or integrate personal preferences, especially if you want to tailor responses for your business or personal use.
      • Integration Capabilities – If you need a chatbot for business purposes, check whether it integrates seamlessly with other tools you use, such as CRM systems, calendars, or social media platforms.
      • User Experience – The chatbot should offer a smooth and intuitive experience, both for you and anyone else interacting with it. A clear, easy-to-navigate interface is essential.
      • Pricing and Plans – Understand the pricing structure and whether the chatbot offers enough functionality at your budget. Many tools offer free tiers, but premium plans can unlock more advanced features.

      Conclusion: Choosing the Best AI Chatbot (which might not be ChatGPT)

      While ChatGPT and Claude may be your go-to chatbots for general use, you may be missing out on a superior experience by not checking out some of the more niche-specific chatbots out there than can help you in other ways.

      Chatsonic is ideal for me personally as it is made specifically for marketing and content professionals, linking to top tools like Ahres and WordPress. It’s extremely intelligent and is able to interpret context clues from your ideas to develop fully fleshed-out briefs or articles, cites sources, and can pull real-time data from the web.

      If you’re not into writing, Chatsonic’s in-depth content templates may be less relevant to your needs. In this case, ChatSpot or Agentforce could be worthy alternatives. ChatSpot, as an extension of HubSpot CRM, helps you manage client interactions more effectively. In contrast, Agentforce from Salesforce is a perfect addition to any ecommerce professional’s toolkit.

      Ultimately, the best AI chatbot for you will depend on your specific needs, so it’s worth evaluating what the market has to offer in your industry before making your decision.

      Final tip: I’d recommend clicking through on the button links above to the chatbots’ websites to learn more and try some of them out for free.

       

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      References

      Aidan Weeks
      Technology Expert & Writer
      Aidan Weeks
      Technology Expert & Writer

      Aidan Weeks, a Master's graduate in Mechanical Engineering, has thrived as a content writer for over three years. Specializing in tech, engineering, AI, and B2B sectors, Aidan adeptly crafts web copy, blog posts, manuals, product pages, and more, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. His transition from academia to full-time writing reflects his passion for bridging technical expertise with clear, informative content. Since joining Techopedia in February 2024, he has written extensively about AI, CRM, and project management, deepening his expertise in cutting-edge technology and business solutions.