Which AI Tool Should I Use?
There are more AI tools than ever, and they don't all work the same way.
You don't need to try every tool. The best place to start is with what you want to accomplish.
ChatGPT
A general-purpose AI assistant
- Ask questions and learn
- Brainstorm ideas
- Write and revise
- Organize information
- Plan projects and trips
- Work through problems
- Create and explore ideas
Good place to start if you want an AI assistant that can help with many different kinds of tasks.
Good choice if: You want a general-purpose AI assistant.
Microsoft Copilot
AI that works with the Microsoft world
- Writing and editing
- Summarizing information
- Working with documents
- Getting help with Microsoft-related tasks
- Finding information
A natural choice to explore if you already use Microsoft products.
Good choice if: You use Microsoft products regularly.
Google Gemini
AI that works within the Google ecosystem
- Questions and explanations
- Brainstorming
- Writing
- Learning
- Research and information
- Tasks connected to Google's services, depending on the version and permissions
Worth exploring if you already use Google products and services.
Good choice if: You live in the Google ecosystem.
Meta AI
AI from the world of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger
- Asking questions
- Brainstorming
- Creating and exploring ideas
- Getting help while using Meta's apps
Convenient if you already spend time in the Meta family of apps.
Good choice if: You use Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, or Messenger.
Claude
An AI assistant known for writing and analysis
- Writing and editing
- Summarizing information
- Analyzing documents
- Brainstorming
- Working through complicated ideas
Another option to explore when writing and detailed analysis are important.
Good choice if: Writing and detailed analysis are important to you.
This is an important question that many beginners don't think to ask.
AI tools don't all get information in exactly the same way.
- Information it learned during training
- Information retrieved from the web
- Information you provide in your conversation
- Files or documents you give it
- Other services you have connected or given permission to use
That's one reason it's important to understand which tool you're using and what information it has access to.
Absolutely.
An AI can give you an answer that sounds confident and still be incorrect.
- For important information, verify the answer using reliable sources.
- Don't share sensitive personal information simply because an AI asks for it.
- And don't let a confident-sounding answer replace your own judgment.
You don't need to know everything about AI.
You don't even need to use every AI tool.
Start with what you want to accomplish.
Then find the tool that fits the task.