Where to start with GenAI: seven free chatbots tested and ranked

Where to start with GenAI: seven free chatbots tested and ranked
ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, le Chat, Llama, Perplexity and Co-Pilot. All are free, most are good, just a few are great. (Image: Getty)
Ben Moore
This time last year, ChatGPT had smashed its way into the global consciousness like Jonah Lomu smashed his way through the opposing line in the late 90s.Today, the chatbot and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) ilk have become so prevalent that I had six different GenAI chatbots help me write that Jonah Lomu simile because I know nothing about rugby.If you haven’t started using a GenAI chatbot to help shortcut admin, there is no better time to start. To help you get started, I tested seven free-tier GenAI chatbots to see which per...

More The Life

My Net Worth: Cristean Monreal, RCP executive director
The Life

My Net Worth: Cristean Monreal, RCP executive director

“Architecture taught me how to solve problems.” 

BYD Shark 6 Premium review: popularity contrast
The Life

BYD Shark 6 Premium review: popularity contrast

The hybrid powertrain is essentially a range-extender.

GWM Tank 300 Ultra diesel review
The Life

GWM Tank 300 Ultra diesel review

The hybrid does have some headline figures.

David Linklater 01 Jun 2025
‘How to Be Well’ Review: In search of the glow
The Life Review

‘How to Be Well’ Review: In search of the glow

Many companies in the wellness industry tap into a desire for meaning and ritual.