Overview
This review systematically compares ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Perplexity, and Grok AI chatbots across diverse real-world tests, assessing their accuracy, speed, integration, and usability to determine the best overall AI assistant for average consumers.
Problem Solving and Reasoning
- Grok gave the most confident and practical answer for fitting suitcases in a Honda Civic's boot, accurately stating "two."
- For ingredient identification via photo, only Grok correctly identified dried mushrooms and excluded them from a cake recipe.
- None of the AIs could generate a downloadable, editable tournament tracker document; all produced basic templates.
- All assistants answered a math question (π × speed of light) accurately, with minor rounding differences.
- For calculating weeks to save for a Switch 2, all correctly reasoned through the problem and delivered the right answer.
Language and Translation Skills
- All four produced adequate translations for simple sentences.
- ChatGPT and Perplexity excelled in translating a complex homonym-laden sentence; Gemini was sufficient, Grok failed to maintain meaning.
Product Research and Recommendations
- Gemini hallucinated a non-existent earphone model; Grok was the only one to recommend actual red earphones.
- For noise-canceling earbuds under $100, ChatGPT and Gemini performed well; Perplexity and Grok made significant errors.
- Most AIs acknowledged impossibility for finding suitable earphones under $10, except Perplexity, which misrepresented pricing.
Web and File Handling
- No assistant could extract details from pasted AliExpress links.
- All assistants accurately identified a newly released 500W charger from Ugreen.
- Each could summarize a tech product review file in three bullet points.
Critical Thinking and Analysis
- On survivorship bias (plane damage), all identified the correct insight: reinforce undamaged areas.
- ChatGPT and Perplexity correctly deduced car model details from a photo.
Generation Tasks (Writing, Image, and Video)
- All composed competent apology emails and Tokyo food itineraries; ChatGPT organized itineraries best.
- For video ideas, Gemini and Grok offered the most original and practical suggestions.
- Only ChatGPT and Gemini could generate tech review videos; Gemini’s output quality surpassed ChatGPT’s.
- Image generation and editing abilities varied; none produced fully satisfactory results, with issues in following precise requests.
Fact Checking
- All but Perplexity accurately denied false claims about Switch 2 sales.
- All correctly debunked a fake news article about a Tesla edition Samsung phone.
Integrations and Memory
- Gemini offers superior integration with Google Workspace, live maps, YouTube, and smart devices.
- ChatGPT has notable integrations (Dropbox, GitHub, plugins) and custom GPTs.
- Grok accesses live X (Twitter) content.
- Memory is generally limited and none maintained strong context for extended conversations.
User Experience and Miscellaneous
- Perplexity consistently cites sources; others rarely do.
- Grok is the fastest responder, followed by ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini (slowest).
- ChatGPT and Gemini provide the most natural voice responses.
- All have strengths and weaknesses in user interface quality.
Scoring Summary & Pricing
- ChatGPT: 29 points; most well-rounded and consistent performance.
- Grok: second place; notably fast and decent overall.
- Gemini: third place; strong in integration, slower responses.
- Perplexity: last place; inconsistent despite some impressive features.
- Pricing: All are ~$20/month except Grok ($30), favoring ChatGPT as best value.
Decisions
- ChatGPT is the best overall AI chatbot for most consumers.