Comparing 17 AI Chats To Find Best ChatGPT Alternative (2025)

Here’s a practical, no-nonsense guide to the best ChatGPT Alternative choices in 2025. We tested these apps on multiple parameters, supported features, data privacy and security, speed, supported multi-media, pricing, and user friendliness.

We have used 20+ AI chats apps over last few months to arrive at a list that can help you decide the right chatgpt alternative for yourself.

Alternatives to ChatGPT we tried:

1. Okara - Best for privacy, multi-model choices (text and image), agents, and research tools.
2. Claude (Anthropic) — Best for thoughtful, long-form writing
3. Google Gemini — Best for high-level reasoning and coding inside Google’s ecosystem
4. Perplexity AI — Best AI tool for web search
5. Poe by Quora — Good for large variety of chatbots
6. Character.ai — Best for chatting with AI personas
7. DuckDuckGo Duck.ai — Privacy first, multi-model AI Chat.
8. Mistral Le Chat — Good for daily tasks, affordable pricing
9. Pi (Inflection AI) — Best chatbot for emotional and empathetic chats
10. LM Studio — Local, runs on your computer
11. Jan — Local, offline AI App for desktop
12. Writesonic (Chatsonic) — Best AI for SEO-friendly writing
13. Lindy — Best for running multiple AI agents across workflows
14. Meta AI — Best AI tool for social media content
15. SciSpace — Best for reading academic papers
16. You.com — Best for multi-model AI search combo
17. Jasper — Best for brand and marketing copy

17 ChatGPT Alternatives to Try

Top pick: Okara (Privacy-first multi-model chat)

Why it stands out: Okara is a privacy-focused AI chat that puts your data control first with end-to-end encryption and many more best practices for a truly private AI chat. You can flip on secure mode so chats are never used for AI model training. You also get 30+ text models, 7 image models, and a library of 100+ ready agents plus built-in tools like Reddit, X, YouTube, and web search.

• ProsPrivate by design with end-to-end encrypted chats30+ AI models and 7 AI image generators in one placeCommunity build AI agents and handy search tools baked inSimple pricing and easy onboarding
• ConsNo Mobile app as of now (coming soon).
• Pricing$15 per month.50% for new users, use "EARLYBIRD" at checkout to get the offer.

Anthropic Claude

Claude has a “writes like a human” feel and a very large context window, which helps with long documents. Claude is a leading model for AI coding and they have been shipping continuous updates to excel in that field.

• ProsExcellent writing quality and long-context reasoningClear model lineup and steady performanceBest coding model
• ConsFewer built-in tools than “all-in-one” suitesSome guardrails can be strict for edgy creative tasks
• PricingClaude Pro: $20 per month (or $17 with annual). claude.comAPI model pricing for Sonnet 4.5 remains $3 / $15 per million tokens (input/output).

Google Gemini (AI Pro and Ultra)

Google bundles Gemini into Google One plans with strong integrations across Gmail, Docs, and more. Ultra is the premium tier.

• ProsDeep tie-ins with Google appsNotebookLM and creative tools are getting better
• ConsPlan names changed in 2025 which confused many buyersUltra is expensive unless you really need it
• PricingAI Pro commonly listed at $19.99 per month in the US.AI Ultra: $249.99 per month with a limited-time first-three-months discount.

Perplexity

Perplexity is a “research-first” assistant with deep web answers, strong citations, and a new AI browser called Comet.

• ProsBest-in-class web search grounding and citationsComet AI browser now free for all usersPro tier includes premium models
• ConsYou may still open sources to verify contextVery heavy users can hit rate limits on lower tiers
• PricingPro: $20 per month; Enterprise Pro: $40 per seat.Comet browser is now free for everyone; “Comet Plus” add-on $5 per month or bundled in paid tiers.

Poe by Quora

Poe aggregates many top models under one roof with point-based usage.

• ProsOne subscription to try many modelsFlexible points make it easy to test different tasks
• ConsPoint math can feel opaque at firstHeavier usage on cutting-edge models pushes you to higher tiers
• PricingPlans start at $4.99 per month with larger tiers up to enterprise options.

Mistral Le Chat

Europe’s privacy-minded challenger. Le Chat Pro is affordable and quick for everyday tasks.

• ProsFast responses and a clean interfaceGood value for personal use and students
• ConsSmaller ecosystem of third-party toolsEnglish writing quality is solid but can vary by task
• PricingLe Chat Pro: about $14.99 per month; student discounts available.

Character.AI

If your focus is creative role-play or character chats, Character AI is still the leader in that niche.

• ProsHuge community of characters and voicesFun for brainstorming dialogue and story ideas
• ConsNot aimed at research or coding accuracyPremium mostly improves speed and access
• Pricingc.ai+: $9.99 per month; annual options advertised on site as well.

DuckDuckGo Duck.ai

A privacy-first way to access multiple models with conversations anonymized by DuckDuckGo. Good for casual use.

• ProsChats anonymized and not used to train the modelsEasy to try several models in one place
• ConsDaily limits on the free tierFewer advanced features than paid suites
• PricingFree with limits. A $9.99 per month subscription adds a VPN, advanced Duck.ai models, PII removal and identity theft restoration.

LM Studio (Local, runs on your computer)

If you care most about privacy and control, local tools are compelling. LM Studio lets you run open models on your own machine.

• ProsData stays on your deviceGreat for experimenting with open models
• ConsYou need capable hardware for larger modelsNo cloud collaboration out of the box
• PricingFree for personal and work use since July 2025.

Jan (Local desktop app)

Another polished local option with an easy setup and true offline mode.

• ProsRuns fully offline for private chatsSimple interface and active open-source development
• ConsPerformance depends on your hardwareFewer “one-click” cloud tools
• PricingFree open-source desktop app.

Writesonic (SEO-centric assistant)

If your main job is content and SEO, Writesonic is a specialized suite rather than a general chat. It now tracks AI search visibility too.

• ProsPowerful long-form writer with SEO featuresExtra tools for AI search tracking and audits
• ConsOverkill if you just want a chat assistantHigher tiers get pricey
• PricingPaid plans start around $39 to $49 per month with higher tiers for teams.

Pi by Inflection AI — Best chatbot for emotional and empathetic chats

Pi leans into calm, supportive conversation. It is great for thinking out loud, talking through choices, and getting gentle nudges without feeling judged. The tone is warm and steady, which makes it a good daily companion. It is not trying to be a research engine or a coding partner. It focuses on helpful dialogue that feels human and patient.

Pros

• Friendly, empathetic style that lowers friction for tough topics
• Works on web and mobile apps with a clean, simple UI pi.ai

Cons

• Not built for deep research, code, or heavy tool use
• Fewer workflow features than all-in-one suites

Pricing

• Widely reported as free to use at the moment. Availability can vary by region and time

Lindy — Best for running multiple AI agents across workflows

Lindy is about agents that actually do work, not just chat. You can build task flows, connect tools, and let agents handle steps like scheduling, data entry, or follow-ups. It comes with compliance notes that many teams ask about, plus a generous trial to see if the agent model fits your day-to-day ops.

Pros

• Build and run agents that automate real tasks across apps
• Compliance badges listed openly, including SOC 2 and HIPAA
• Generous free start with credits to test before buying Lindy+1

Cons

• Best value shows up in paid tiers and team deployment
• You will spend time tuning prompts and flows for reliability

Pricing

• Start for free with credits, then paid tiers on the pricing page

Meta AI

Meta AI is built into WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. It is handy for quick ideas, captions, and simple images without leaving your social apps. Meta is also expanding creative feeds like Vibes for AI video inspiration inside the Meta AI app. Keep in mind Meta uses interactions to personalize content and ads unless you change settings.

Pros

• Inside the apps you already use, so zero setup
• Fast for captions, ideas, and simple images
• New creative features rolling out across regions.

Cons

• Not a deep research or coding assistant
• Interactions with Meta AI may be used to personalize content and ads, with changes announced for December 16, 2025. Check your notifications and controls.

Pricing

• Free inside supported Meta apps and the Meta AI app. Feature availability varies by country.

SciSpace

SciSpace is tailored to scholarly work. You can search papers, ask paper-aware questions, summarize sections, and manage structured reviews. It is a practical choice for students, labs, and independent researchers who care about credible literature and repeatable reading workflows.

Pros

• Paper-grounded answers and summaries inside the research flow
• Team options for labs and departments
• Clear credit model for agent usage on paid tiers

Cons

• Focused on research tasks rather than general chat
• Heavier projects can consume credits quickly

Pricing

• Public pages list Researcher plans from about $8 per user per month, with Premium options also shown at about $20 per month depending on plan and region. Always confirm live pricing for your country.

You.com — Best for multi-model AI search combo

You blends private search with a growing set of agents and premium models. It suits people who want live web grounding plus the choice to switch models in one workspace. The plans page makes it clear how Pro and Max expand model access.

Pros

• Real-time answers with web context
• Access to premium models and custom agents on paid tiers
• Works on web, iOS, and Android

Cons

• Feature sets and limits differ by plan
• The interface has several toggles to learn at first

Pricing

• Pro $15 per month billed annually
• Max $175 per month billed annually
• Free plan available with limited premium queries.

Jasper

Jasper focuses on brand-safe marketing. It handles campaign briefs, multi-channel drafts, and collaboration, plus brand voice. If your work is content operations, Jasper keeps everything in one place with approvals and reusable templates.

Pros

• Brand voice and campaign workflows for teams
• Lots of templates for ads, blogs, and social
• Collaboration features beyond basic chat

Cons

• Overkill if you only need a simple chat assistant
• You pay for the marketing stack on top of chat

Pricing

• Pro is $69 per month monthly or $59 per month billed yearly
• Business is custom pricing.

FAQs: ChatGPT Alternative

What is the best ChatGPT Alternative for privacy?

If privacy is your top concern, pick Okara. Secure mode uses end to end encryption and your chats are not used for training in secure mode. You can still switch across 30 plus text models and 7 image models when needed.

Which ChatGPT Alternative has the most models in one place?

Okara and Poe both offer many models under one roof. Okara also adds ready made agents and research tools like Reddit, X, YouTube, and web search so you can work without hopping tabs.

Is there a free or low risk way to try a paid ChatGPT Alternative?

Yes. Okara is $1 for the first month and $15 per month after. A lot of AI chats offer trial plans and free credits for you to try them out.

Will these AI Chats use my chats to train models?

It depends on the tool and your settings. Okara has a secure mode where chats are end to end encrypted and not used for training. Some other tools provide opt outs or privacy controls. Always check the privacy page and plan details.

Do I need multiple tools or can one app do it all?

No single app does everything perfectly. A practical stack is: Okara for private multi model chat and research tools, Perplexity for citations on the web, and a creator app such as Canva or Runway for content. Add Gamma for slides if you pitch often.

What is the best budget setup for solo creators?

Start with Okara for $1 in month one, then $15 per month for 30+ AI models, 7 Image gen models, 100s of agents, and search tools.

Which AI Chat is best for reading academic papers?

SciSpace is tailored to research. It offers paper aware answers and helpful tools for reviews and manuscript prep.

Can I generate images using multiple image generations and keep outputs in one place?

Yes. Okara includes 7 image generation models. You can generate images using multiple AI models in one shot or edit your own images

Conclusion: How to choose your ChatGPT Alternative

There are many good options, but the best ChatGPT Alternative is the one that fits your work and privacy needs. If you want strong privacy with real choice of models, Okara is an easy first pick. Secure mode keeps chats end to end encrypted and out of training in secure mode, and you still get 30 plus text models, 7 image models, and a library of ready agents with useful research tools. If you live in Google apps, Gemini will feel natural. If you need web grounded answers with citations, Perplexity is hard to beat. Creators can speed up assets with Canva and Runway, pitch faster with Gamma, and keep brand voice aligned with Jasper or push SEO with Writesonic.

Your best move is a short trial plan. Start with Okara at $1 for the first month, add one content tool that matters most to your output. In a week you will know which stack saves hours and which features you never touch. Keep what works, drop the rest, and ship faster with a setup that respects your privacy and your budget.