AI tools are apps that use large language models and other AI models to answer questions, write and edit text, create images, write code and complete tasks for you. The most popular AI assistants in the US are ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. Each has a free plan, and the main paid plans cost about $20 a month. This guide explains what each AI tool is best for, how to get better results, how AI agents and coding assistants work and how to use AI safely, with links to our detailed guides on every topic.
What are AI tools?
AI tools fall into a few main groups:
- AI assistants (chatbots): ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini answer questions, write, summarize, analyze files and search the web.
- AI agents: tools such as OpenAI Dots and Meta Muse that work toward a goal over several steps, often on their own cloud computer, and ask for your approval.
- AI coding assistants: GitHub Copilot, Claude Code and Cursor help developers write, fix and review code.
- AI built into devices: Apple Intelligence with Siri AI on iPhone and Gemini Intelligence on Android.
- AI image tools: image generators and the detection tools that help you tell if an image is AI-generated.
Which AI assistant should you choose?
| ChatGPT | Claude | Gemini | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company | OpenAI | Anthropic | |
| Free plan | Yes (GPT-6 Luna) | Yes | Yes |
| Main paid plan (US) | Plus, $20/month | Pro, $20/month ($17 billed yearly) | Google AI Pro, $19.99/month |
| Best for | All-round use, images, voice, agents | Long writing, documents and code | Gmail, Docs, Drive and Android users |
For the full comparison of plans, limits and features, read our guide to ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini. Try two free plans with the same real tasks for a week, then pay only for the one you keep opening.
Not ready to pay? Our list of the best free AI tools shows what each free plan includes and which one to use for each task.
ChatGPT: the all-round AI assistant
ChatGPT is OpenAI’s assistant and the most widely used AI tool. Since October 2026, GPT-6 is the default model on every plan: paid plans get GPT-6 Sol and Free and Go users get GPT-6 Luna. The update also added Intelligent UI, which lets ChatGPT answer with charts, buttons and small interactive tools. Learn what changed in our guide to GPT-6 in ChatGPT.
ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium subscribers can also use Dots, OpenAI’s always-on agent, which we explain in OpenAI Dots explained.
Claude: the AI assistant for writing and documents
Claude is Anthropic’s assistant. People choose it for long documents, careful rewriting, structured reports and programming help. Claude Pro also includes Claude Code, Anthropic’s agentic coding tool, which runs in the terminal, in VS Code and JetBrains, in the desktop app and on the web. We compare it with other coding tools in GitHub Copilot vs Claude Code vs Cursor.
Gemini: the AI assistant for Google users
Gemini is built into Google’s apps, and the Google AI plans bundle it with Google One storage: Google AI Plus starts at $4.99 a month, and Google AI Pro costs $19.99 a month with 5 TB of storage. Google is also replacing Gems with skills, reusable instructions you can use in any chat. See the dates and steps in Google is replacing Gemini Gems with skills.
How do you get better results from AI tools?
The quality of an AI answer depends on the quality of your request. Give the assistant a role, a clear task, the context, the format you want and an example. Our guide on how to write better AI prompts shows this five-part framework with before-and-after examples, and it works in ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini.
The same approach works for everyday tasks such as social media. Our guide on using AI to write social media captions shows how to keep your own voice.
What are AI agents?
An AI agent is an AI tool that works toward a goal instead of answering one message at a time. It plans steps, uses apps and websites and checks in with you when it needs a decision. Two examples launched in the US in September 2026:
- OpenAI Dots: always-on agents inside ChatGPT for Pro and Business Premium subscribers. Read OpenAI Dots explained.
- Meta Muse: a mostly free agent on iPhone, iPad and Mac with connectors to apps such as Canva, Asana and Dropbox. Read Meta Muse on iPad.
Agents are powerful but can still make mistakes, so start with low-risk tasks and keep payments and account changes behind your own approval.
Which AI tools help with coding?
GitHub Copilot is the cheapest way to start, with a free plan and a $10 Pro plan. Claude Code is an agent that can change many files and run commands, included with Claude Pro from $20 a month. Cursor is a full AI code editor whose plans start at $8 a month with Grok models only. Our comparison of GitHub Copilot, Claude Code and Cursor explains which fits your work.
If you connect your own apps to an AI service, you will use an API key. Learn what an API key is and how to keep it safe before you paste one anywhere.
Which AI is built into your browser?
Chrome and Edge now include free AI assistants: Gemini in Chrome and Copilot Mode in Edge. Learn how to turn them on, and how Claude in Chrome differs, in our guide to AI in your browser.
Which AI is built into your phone?
On iPhone 15 Pro and newer, Apple Intelligence with Siri AI arrived in beta with iOS 27 in September 2026. On Android, Gemini Intelligence is rolling out to the latest Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones first. We compare features, supported phones and privacy in Apple Intelligence vs Gemini on Android.
How do you use AI tools safely?
- Turn off training on your chats and use temporary or incognito chats for sensitive questions. Our guide to AI chatbot privacy settings shows the exact switches in ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini.
- Never paste passwords, card numbers or API keys into a chatbot.
- Check images before you share them. Learn how to tell if an image is AI-generated with watermarks, Content Credentials and visual clues.
- Review AI apps before installing them. Our guide on checking an app’s privacy shows where to look.
- Check facts that matter. AI tools can make mistakes, so confirm prices, dates and numbers on official pages.
Which free web tools work well alongside AI?
AI tools often need images, links and a good connection. ShokokoTech’s free tools run in your browser:
- Image Toolkit: compress, resize and convert images, for example before you upload them to an AI tool or a website. See also how to compress images without losing quality.
- QR Code Generator: turn links and Wi-Fi details into QR codes.
- Internet Speed Test: check your connection when AI apps feel slow.
All our free tools and guides are listed on the free online tools page.
If ChatGPT is your first AI assistant, our guide on how to use ChatGPT walks you through it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free AI tool?
ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini all have useful free plans. ChatGPT is the most complete all-rounder, Claude is strong for writing and Gemini fits best with Google apps. Try two with the same tasks and keep the one you prefer.
Are AI tools safe to use?
They are safe for most everyday tasks if you switch off training on your chats, avoid pasting private data and check important facts.
Do I need to pay for an AI tool?
Not at first. Pay only when you regularly hit the free plan’s limits or need a specific feature, such as agents or longer documents.
Where should you start?
If you are new to AI tools, start with our ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini comparison, then read how to write better AI prompts and set up your privacy settings. Those three guides cover what most people need in their first week. For the latest changes, follow our AI News section.
Sources
- OpenAI: GPT-6 for everyone
- Anthropic: Claude pricing
- Google One: Google AI plans
- GitHub: Copilot plans
- Anthropic: Claude Code overview
- Apple Newsroom: Siri AI is here
This article is based on the official documentation and reporting listed in the sources above, checked on October 17, 2026. Features and prices change, so confirm details on the official pages before you buy. ShokokoTech does not accept payment for coverage. Read our editorial policy.
