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: Wade Jackson, Covert Theatre founder
The Life

My Net Worth: Wade Jackson, Covert Theatre founder

"My biggest failure is all the mini failures along the way."

Review: Logitech LIGHTSPEED G522 headset
The Life

Review: Logitech LIGHTSPEED G522 headset

Sometimes you need to sacrifice unnecessary add-ons for comfort and functionality.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz: 'more a Porsche business model'
The Life

Volkswagen ID. Buzz: 'more a Porsche business model'

The ID. Buzz is unique by design and super-styling appeal.

Where to take care of business in Fiji
The Life

Where to take care of business in Fiji

Sun, space, and seamless travel: Fiji’s pitch for NZ’s next big business meetings.

Riley Kennedy 28 Jun 2025