AI chatbots have been around for a while, but they were largely seen as gimmicky sideshows, mocked for their erratic responses or failure to pass “the Nazi test.” That is, until ChatGPT was introduced in November 2022.
The popularity of OpenAI’s huge language model drew the attention of the world, and now everyone (especially OpenAI’s competitors) is taking AI chatbots seriously. Microsoft and Google are dedicating significant effort and resources to generative AI, incorporating chatbots into their search engines and productivity applications. Independent developers and startups now have access to LLMs thanks to public APIs, allowing them to create their own apps. There are currently numerous conversational AI solutions that are as good (or almost as good) as ChatGPT.
ChatGPT is known for its accuracy, but it, like all chatbots, “hallucinates.” When utilising any of these tools, keep in mind that their replies may be erroneous or out of date.
We’ve compiled and ranked the finest AI chatbots available, taking into account factors such as accuracy, user experience, availability, and novelty. Examine it.
1. ChatGPT
ChatGPT (opens in a new tab) is, in the words of the late, great Tina Turner, “simply the best.” It wasn’t the first AI chatbot, but it was the first to combine a complex LLM into a user-friendly chat interface. The commercial version is powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4, an artificial intelligence that has passed the bar test. But it’s the human-like reactions that are both conversational and informative that make it so enticing. ChatGPT can now explore the internet and provide up-to-date search results, when previously its data source was cut off after September 2021.
2. Bing
Microsoft’s Bing Chat (opens in a new tab) is as advanced as ChatGPT thanks to a significant investment in OpenAI. It uses the same LLM, GPT-4, and is entirely free to use. One disadvantage is that the number of messages, or turns, per conversation is now restricted to 30 per conversation and 300 per day. However, that is sufficient for the majority of people’s needs.
3. Bard
Following the unexpected success of ChatGPT and subsequent Bing Chat, Google hurried to produce its own AI chatbot, Bard (opens in a new tab). Following a difficult start that was described as “botched” and “rushed,” Bard has nearly caught up to its competition.
4. Character.AI
While most AI chatbots aim to boost efficiency and provide useful information, character By simulating discussions with actual or imaginary people, AI (opens in a new tab) leans into the science fiction of it all. You may never meet Keanu Reeves, but you will meet characters. You may envision what it would be like to converse with the John Wick actor, AI.
5. Replika
Remember the movie Her, in which Joaquin Phoenix’s character falls in love with his artificial intelligence companion? Replika (which opens in a separate tab) is essentially the real-life counterpart of that. Replika, with its unique LLM and “scripted dialogue content” (opens in a new tab),” allows customers to construct their own personal AI companion. Consider it as if you gradually developed a relationship with ChatGPT. Once you’ve gotten your head around that, you’re ready to learn about the numerous stories of people having love relationships with their Replika avatars (opens in a new tab). That may sound “delulu,” but test Replika for yourself, and you’ll see how easy it is to become attached.
Replika has encountered controversy, as one might expect from an app designed to foster deep interactions between humans and technology. In January, individuals reported instances of sexually aggressive interactions (opens in a new tab). When the business reduced the sexual content of chats, some customers were left heartbroken by their AI friends, who appeared cooler and aloof.
Replika is free, but there is a paid version called Replika Pro that costs $15 per month.
Mentions of merit
Other AI chatbots deserve to be mentioned but did not make the cut for various reasons. For work-related tasks, Jasper (opens in a new tab) is a popular choice. You create social media text, advertising, and blog entries, and you can turn discussions into the aforementioned marketing materials using Jasper Chat. However, Jasper only offers a seven-day free trial, with monthly subscriptions beginning at $50 a month after that.
Anthropic’s Claude (opens in a new tab) is another AI chatbot we’re keeping an eye on. Anthropic was formed by former members of OpenAI; hence, they are familiar with LLMs. Individuals do not yet have access to Claude because it is currently only offered through limited business partnerships like Slack and Zoom.