If you’re tired of AI nonsense, you’re not alone. Artificial intelligence seems to be present in every work tool, app, title, and conversation today, whether your boss wants to implement it or not.
all Or totally disagree. Beyond the hype, there are real concerns about its impact on work and the way we think, and whether we should use it at work.
You are not alone in your confusion. All these fears are real. But it’s also true that when used intelligently, AI chatbots can help people plan, record, organize their thoughts, summarize information, and create images.
Chatbots are essentially text-based conversation tools. You write, they answer you.
This is similar to writing an email, explaining a concept, or sending a message to someone who can help you think about something. But this is not a friend or a colleague, it is a responsive artificial intelligence system.
The purpose of this guide is not to make you an advanced user, immerse you in terminology, or give you a deep understanding of all the advanced functions that an AI chatbot can perform. Rather, it is a clear starting point for beginners. What you need to know is how modern AI chatbots are different and which one is best for your first steps in AI.
What beginners need to know
Before choosing an AI chatbot, it’s helpful to know some simple definitions. These basics will make it easier for you to choose the right tool and give you better results when you start using it.
Chatbot: You’ll see terms like “AI assistant,” “model,” and “LLM” (large-scale language model). It is important to remember that a chatbot is a conversational interface and LLM is essentially the mechanism that runs the chatbot behind the scenes.
Free and paid: Most AI chatbots come with a solid free plan. If you pay, the bonus you unlock will vary depending on the chatbot. Generally speaking, though, you can expect faster response times, access to newer or more powerful models, better memory, and higher usage limits.
Hallucinations: This is an industry term used to describe how some AI chatbots come up with something. This is because models are often trained to provide answers even if they don’t know what they are. Obviously this is not ideal.
This means you should double-check what the chatbot is telling you. Especially if you use it for research.
memory: Some chatbots remember past conversations and user preferences. This means less duplication and a more personalized experience. If you plan to use AI regularly for things like writing, goal setting, and planning, memory can play an important role.
privacy: Do not include sensitive business information, customer data, or personal data in your chatbot. You should also read the tool’s privacy settings and employment policy.
Most chatbots also allow you to turn off the sharing settings. Chat rooms are sometimes used to make models smarter, but they can compromise privacy.
called: The message is what you write in the chatbot. You can communicate naturally as friends. However, clearer and more specific signals will produce better results.
This is especially true if you use chatbots in your business. For more information, see our guide to improving your AI applications.
The hunt has begun: Although each chatbot processes information differently, it’s best not to think of them as direct replacements for search engines like Google. Yes, many people use it this way.
However, AI chatbots should not be used for fact-based or time-sensitive applications as they can cause hallucinations and may not always be able to access relevant up-to-date information. If so, be sure to verify the information you receive from reliable sources.
Similarities: Most AI chatbots are equally good at simple tasks like proofreading and finding new ideas. So don’t pay too much attention to this. This difference becomes even more apparent if you write longer texts, such as reports, want to use an AI chatbot to perform more complex tasks, such as programming, or work in the Google or Microsoft ecosystem.
What chatbot beginners should consider
The best solution for most people: ChatGPT.
If you just want to try a chatbot, create one. Chatgpt is the easiest dating stage for beginners. It has a clean interface, tons of online tutorials, and good overall performance, making it suitable for writing, planning, asking questions, being creative, and anything else a newbie wants to try.
The free version is also very effective, but the Pro version is the first paid version and costs $20/£19 per month (approximately). This will give you more messages, more downloads, and more storage space.
Great for reflective writing: Cloud
Anthropic, the company behind the cloud, positions itself as an AI company focused on transparency and ethical development. Many people like the cloud and prefer it to ChatGPT. I find this to be a favorite among people who write regularly. Some writers also said they preferred his tone and clarity to others on the list.
Although you excel at tasks that require detailed content, analysis, structured documentation, and logic, you can do more than just write. The free version is good, but it has no memory. The Pro version costs $17/£18 per month.
Best for Google users: Google Gemini
If you use Gmail, Docs, Calendar, and Drive, Gemini is a very convenient option. It’s seamlessly integrated into Google Workspace, allowing you to access your files to perform a variety of tasks (with permission), including formatting, summarizing, and helping with planning. The free tier is great.
The first paid tier is called Google AI Pro. It costs $19.99/£18.99 per month and gets better the more you use it.
Ideal for Microsoft users: Microsoft Copilot
Ideal if you use Outlook, Word, Team or Excel all day. CoPilot is designed to integrate directly into the Microsoft suite, allowing you to analyze documents, summarize meetings, assist with spreadsheets, and more. CoPilot is free to run and was created by Microsoft.
The paid version is slightly different from the others as it comes bundled with Microsoft. However, prices start at $9.99/£9.99 per month.
Great for exploration: difficult
If your priority is not creative writing but finding accurate information, quotes, and research, then Perplexity is for you. Cite sources verbatim, compare perspectives, comment on long texts, and provide authoritative summaries.
You can get a great free version that doesn’t require any login. Perplexity Pro starts at $20/£16 per month (approx.) and offers the best experience and ease of use.
What type of chatbot do you need?
If you want the simplest answer, try ChatGPT. If you like writing, try Cloud. Use the free version first.
It is enough to understand each tool and how it works. When you upgrade, it’s usually because you need faster response, better memory, or access to more advanced models.
If you are familiar with Google or Microsoft tools, Gemini or Copilot will suit you better. If you prioritize solid research over creativity, it’s worth remembering this fallacy. Remember, you don’t have to choose just one.
