ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, helped launch the current wave of generative AI tools and remains one of the most widely used assistants today. Its main rival, Gemini (formerly known as Bard), comes from Google and brings its own set of strengths to the table, sparking ongoing comparisons between the two.
With this growing competition in mind, we have put together a side-by-side look at what each platform offers, highlighting the strengths, weaknesses, and key differences that might help users decide which one better suits their needs.
ChatGPT x Gemini
This comparison focuses strictly on the free versions of each platform. While both ChatGPT and Gemini offer more advanced features through paid plans, that’s a topic for another time. For now, the aim is to see which tool delivers better value for everyday use—whether you’re asking questions, getting help with tasks, or using them across different devices.
Language Models
Both ChatGPT and Gemini are built on large language models (LLMs), which serve as the foundation for how each assistant understands and responds to prompts. In the free tier, ChatGPT runs on GPT-3.5, which was released in March 2022, while Gemini uses Google’s Gemini Pro 1.0, launched in December 2023.
A few key differences stand out. GPT-3.5 was trained on data available up to 2021, and it only works with one type of input at a time—you can send text or audio, but not both together. It also lacks real-time internet access, so it won’t be helpful for current events or anything that’s happened recently.
Gemini, on the other hand, is multimodal—it can handle a mix of text, images, and audio in a single prompt. It also pulls live data from the web, including YouTube videos, making it better suited for up-to-date information. According to internal testing by Google, Gemini Pro outperformed GPT-3.5 in several areas, including general knowledge, math, and programming tasks.
In this category, Gemini has the upper hand. While ChatGPT remains popular and widely used, its older model limits its ability to keep up with real-time information and handle more complex input formats.
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Content produced
Because Gemini taps into real-time search results and YouTube content, it’s better suited for looking up recent events. While it’s not flawless in this area, it does provide links to the sources it used, which adds a layer of transparency. Another useful feature—currently only available in English—is the ability to pull details from your personal Google account, like surfacing info buried in your Gmail inbox.
ChatGPT, by contrast, stands out when it comes to creative and complex writing. It tends to deliver stronger results when tasked with writing poems, scripts, polished emails, or even helping craft resumes and cover letters. Its responses are generally more thoughtful and better structured for content that requires tone, nuance, or a narrative flow.
Gemini does well with quick, factual responses, but it can fall short in depth or originality. Like its earlier version, Bard, it still occasionally invents details when it doesn’t know the answer—an issue that remains noticeable in some queries.
The better choice depends on what you need. For writing tasks that involve creativity or professionalism, ChatGPT is often more reliable. For up-to-date facts, headlines, or pulling information from your Google apps, Gemini has the edge.
Compatibility
Both ChatGPT and Gemini are accessible through web browsers on desktop and mobile, but their mobile app experiences differ slightly.
ChatGPT offers dedicated apps for both Android and iOS, giving users a consistent experience across devices. One standout feature is voice interaction—you can speak directly to the chatbot and choose from five different voices. While you can send voice messages to Gemini as well, it currently only replies with text.
Gemini’s app is available on Android, where it goes a step further by replacing Google Assistant. It can already handle basic tasks like setting alarms and, according to Google, more assistant features will be integrated over time. On iOS, however, Gemini doesn’t have its own app. Instead, it’s accessible through the standard Google app, with more limited capabilities compared to its Android counterpart.
So, if you’re on iOS, the ChatGPT app offers a fuller, smoother experience. On Android, Gemini takes on a more central role, especially as it evolves into Google’s main assistant.
Exclusive resources
These AI tools go beyond basic text replies—they each come with unique features that shape how you interact with them and how well they fit into your digital routine.
ChatGPT stands out for:
- Letting you set custom instructions that guide how it responds;
- Supporting voice conversations, complete with multiple voice options;
- Integration with other platforms, such as Microsoft’s Copilot, makes it easier to use in different environments.
Gemini brings a different set of strengths:
- Can pull information from your Google account (like Gmail or Calendar), though this only works in English for now;
- Replaces Google Assistant on Android, taking over tasks like setting reminders or checking the weather;
- Offers multimodal input (text, voice, images) even in the free version;
- Seamlessly connects with Google’s ecosystem, like Docs, Search, and YouTube.
What is the best option?
Which AI is better really comes down to how you plan to use it, but overall, Gemini edges out a win in this comparison.
Google’s assistant shines when it comes to real-time information, especially in its free version. It also delivers a richer experience on Android and ties in smoothly with other Google services, making it feel more like a digital assistant than just a chatbot.
ChatGPT still has strong points, especially if your focus is on writing tasks—whether it’s crafting emails, stories, or structured content. Plus, its app works the same on both Android and iOS, offering a more consistent mobile experience.
In short, if you’re looking for a tool that helps manage your day-to-day tasks and taps into your digital life, Gemini may be the better fit. If your needs are more about content creation or creative writing, ChatGPT remains a solid choice.
Still catching up after the Bard days? No worries—this shift to Gemini brings a more connected, helpful assistant experience that goes well beyond the basics.
