7 Greatest Free AI Chatbots I’ve Tried (and Cherished!) for 2025

I’ve been following a number of the finest AI chatbots house ever since ChatGPT made a surprising debut in 2022. 

Whereas ChatGPT could have made chatbots mainstream, it’s not the one participant on the town. The truth is, I chat with a number of of them each day to deal with my private {and professional} duties. 

And I have to say, not all chatbots are easy operators. Some offer you precisely what you want, whereas others depart you shouting, “That’s not what I meant!” (Been there, belief me.) With so many choices popping up, it’s powerful to know which of them are actually price your time.

That’s why I’ve put collectively this information. As somebody who spends far an excessive amount of time exploring these instruments, I’ve rounded up one of the best AI chatbots of 2025–those that impressed me with their smarts, usefulness, and ease of use. And one of the best half? They’re free to start out experimenting. 

Whether or not you’re a enterprise proprietor making an attempt to get a bot to deal with buyer queries sooner, a scholar in search of assist simplifying complicated subjects, or an expert looking for a instrument to make your job simpler, there’s a chatbot on the market designed only for you.

What makes one of the best AI chatbot?

There are 240+ AI chatbots obtainable within the market-ranging from general-purpose instruments like ChatGPT to specialised enterprise chatbots. So, what units one of the best chatbots aside? From my analysis and hands-on testing, it boils down to a couple important qualities:

• Superior AI capabilities: I’ve discovered that one of the best chatbots are powered by cutting-edge giant language fashions (LLMs), permitting them to ship correct, context-aware, and fascinating responses. It’s this basis that makes conversations really feel much less robotic and extra human-like.
• Ease of use: Accessibility is a giant deal for me. An ideal chatbot ought to really feel intuitive proper from the beginning–easy sufficient for newbies to know however with sufficient depth to maintain superior customers engaged. These are non-negotiables in my guide.
• Adaptability and options: I want a chatbot that may deal with all of it–writing content material, managing workflows, or tackling domain-specific queries. Those I really like most additionally let me customise model, tone, and responses or workflows to suit precisely what I want, making them much more versatile.
• Privateness and transparency: Knowledge safety is at all times on my thoughts. The perfect chatbots I’ve used deal with person information responsibly and let me know and decide out of information sharing if wanted. It’s reassuring to know my info isn’t being misused.
• Scalability and flexibility: Scalability is vital for companies. I’ve examined chatbots that may handle excessive volumes of interactions whereas adapting to rising calls for. That sort of effectivity is a big plus, particularly for enterprise-level duties.

How did I put these AI chatbots to check?

My expertise with chatbots has proven me that evaluating AI chatbots is trickier than it appears. Their capabilities are huge, and their functions typically depend upon what we wish from them. What labored brilliantly for me won’t work for somebody with a unique ask. So, I stored it sensible and centered on what issues to most customers whereas acknowledging that no single check can cowl every part.

7 finest free AI chatbots I preferred

After extensively testing and analyzing quite a few AI chatbots for days, I noticed one of the best chatbots are people who transcend easy responses to turn into true problem-solving companions. Those that made this record impressed me with their potential to deal with numerous duties.

It contains general-purpose AI chatbots and platforms that assist construct AI bots for enterprise use. Whereas they don’t seem to be good and match all the factors I got down to verify them towards, every of those AI assistants brings a particular edge, providing a stability of innovation, adaptability, and real-world practicality.

* This information was pulled from G2 in 2024. The product record is ranked alphabetically. Some critiques could have been edited for readability.

I’ve been utilizing ChatGPT for the reason that day it debuted, and for my part, it’s one of the best free AI chatbot on the market–each based mostly by myself checks and what G2 critiques say. This OG chatbot revolutionized how we work together with AI, and what I really like most is how extremely straightforward it’s to entry and use.

When you register, it’s so simple as typing what you need to know or selecting one of many prompts offered. And similar to that, your dialog begins.

Simple UI of ChatGPT

Over time, I’ve used ChatGPT for all types of duties—writing weblog posts, brainstorming concepts, analyzing information for my content material, producing social media pictures, planning a home celebration, and even dabbling in coding to tweak my web site. And actually, it’s achieved an incredible job on all of them.

ChatGPT’s response to considered one of my prompts

Whereas the responses look very generic on the first try, including extra particulars to the follow-up prompts typically brings us the specified outcomes. 

The free model runs on GPT-3.5 but in addition gives entry to multimodal LLMs like GPT-4o mini and GPT-4o, which provides you a style of superior AI with out paying a dime. It ought to be famous the GPTs rank constantly within the prime positions within the LLM leaderboard. I actually preferred how I might bounce between two conversations. It felt just like the bot genuinely “remembered” the place we left off, making interactions seamless and pure. 

The reminiscence function on ChatGPT was additionally useful, permitting me to set customized directions for a way I needed the bot to reply. One function I liked is its potential to take inputs in numerous codecs, like pictures and CSVs, which opens up so many prospects for inventive and analytical work.

Choices to replace reminiscence and add customized directions on ChatGPT

In fact, there are some downsides. The free model can’t totally browse the Web, and I discovered the boundaries on utilizing superior fashions and picture technology to be extraordinarily annoying. Generally, it hallucinates and stubbornly insists it’s proper even when it’s not–belief me, it’s a little bit infuriating! Plus, entry to newer options like SearchGPT and voice mode is locked behind the paid Plus plan.

That stated, ChatGPT stays a robust and dependable instrument for quite a lot of duties, particularly contemplating it’s free. I imagine it has set a very excessive customary for any free AI chatbot available in the market. 

OpenAI could use your messages and chats to coach and enhance their mannequin when utilizing ChatGPT free and Plus plan.

What I preferred about ChatGPT:

• Good context consciousness to leap between subjects with out dropping the move of the dialog.
• The flexibility of dealing with assorted duties like content material writing, brainstorming, information evaluation, and coding with ease.

What I didn’t like about ChatGPT: 

• Superior fashions and instruments like SearchGPT and voice mode are restricted to the paid plans.
• Generally hallucinates and insists on being proper even when it’s clearly not.

Claude by Anthropic rapidly turned considered one of my favourite chatbots for its pure and human-like conversations. In comparison with different AI instruments, together with ChatGPT, Claude feels extra considerate and fascinating, avoiding the generic tone or, as it’s known as, “AI converse” that we frequently discover in different chatbots.

The UI of Claude

Accessing Claude is easy, similar to ChatGPT. The free model primarily runs on the Claude Haiku mannequin. Sometimes, it offers restricted entry to superior fashions like Claude 3.5 Sonnet or Opus.

You possibly can see from its response how Claude’s output is a lot better when it comes to writing model. 

Claude’s response to considered one of my prompts

One other function that I completely liked was Claude Artifacts, that are content material or instruments you create with Claude that may be shared with the group. I had a blast creating them. For instance, I’ve used it to design issues like mini-calculators and even small interactive instruments. The UI of artifacts is one other spotlight–I liked how I might swap between the completed product and the underlying code with only a click on. 

Claude’s Artifacts UI to see code and output side-by-side

Claude additionally let me set dialog types, making it really feel like I’m customizing the bot to match my workflow or tone. 

Choices to customise response model on Claude

However there are some frustrations. The free model downgrades fashions mid-conversation whenever you hit utilization limits, which might disrupt the move. Worse, you possibly can’t ship any messages whenever you hit the cap–you’re pressured to attend for a couple of hours to regain entry, which is fairly annoying. Additionally, Claude can not browse the net, so for any evaluation or enter on present occasions, you’ll want to repeat and paste the related textual content or content material into the chat. 

Nonetheless, Claude’s conversational move and context retention make it really feel much less like a chatbot and extra like a collaborative accomplice. Additionally, Anthorpic doesn’t use your inputs to coach its fashions except you give permission or if it is marked by their crew for security.

What I Favored About Claude:

• Pure, human-like responses.
• Claude Artifacts to create standalone content material, apps, and extra.

What I Didn’t Like About Claude:

• Downgrades fashions mid-conversation when utilization limits are hit.
• Free model caps can cease utilization fully for hours

Google’s Gemini (previously Bard) could have entered the AI chatbot sport a bit later than ChatGPT, dropping some first-mover benefit. Nonetheless, I imagine its newest model is a powerful competitor to ChatGPT and Claude, providing distinctive options that make it stand out.

Gemini’s interface

I completely liked the truth that it might entry real-time information through Google Search. I’m additionally an enormous fan of the “Double-check with Google” function. While you click on on it, the chatbot highlights sourced info in inexperienced and unsourced information in orange. With this, you possibly can actually know whether or not one thing could be hallucinated or inaccurate.  This makes it among the finest AI chatbot for analysis. 

Truth-checking function on Gemini

Free picture technology with Imagen was one other facet I preferred. Whereas Gemini does point out utilization limits, I do not suppose I ever hit them or noticed an error message. 

Producing photos with Imagen 3 mannequin on Gemini

Gemini can write, create content material, code, and do every part ChatGPT does. Nonetheless, a serious downside is the shortage of help for including information for conversations. I couldn’t add information, be it phrase or CSV, for evaluation as I might with ChatGPT or Claude, which felt restrictive.

Additionally, Gemini doesn’t supply a lot in the way in which of customization for tone, model, or responses besides through prompts. I discovered this restrictive since I needed some management over how the bot responded to me. The free model runs on Gemini Flash 1.5, one of many quickest AI fashions obtainable, however a paid plan is required to entry the superior Professional mannequin and options like file add.

General, it is a good ChatGPT various, albeit with some limitations.

What I Favored About Gemini:

• Good ChatGPT various.
• Actual-time information entry and the “double-check with Google” function for correct, sourced info.

What I Didn’t Like About Gemini:

• No file add help, limiting its versatility for sure duties.
• Restricted customization choices for tone, model, and responses past detailed prompts.

Now, Gleen AI shouldn’t be an AI chatbot, however it’s a platform that lets you create your individual chatbot particularly for buyer help. I discovered it to be extremely helpful for on-line companies of all sizes. 

AI settings on Gleen AI so as to add coaching information for customized AI chatbot

What actually impressed me was how straightforward it was to arrange and practice my chatbot. The interface is tremendous user-friendly, even for somebody who isn’t significantly tech-savvy.  I might pull in information from a number of sources, like web sites, and information from instruments like Slack, Discord, and Notion or from a Shopify retailer, and practice the mannequin with these information. I might additionally customise it with my very own guidelines, and add it to the web site. It felt like constructing a customized Retrieval-Augmented Era (RAG) mannequin, however a lot easier. 

Choices to customise the AI chatbot on Gleen AI

And the chatbot solutions are easy, with hyperlinks to the help documentation too. I might get information on the whole variety of AI chats, common response time, upvoted and downvoted queries, or these escalated to human brokers via their dashboard. I might simply see how this instrument can remodel buyer help by delivering fast, correct responses 24/7 for reptitive queries.

The free model solely permits just one chatbot and 50 AI conversations, which I felt was fairly restrictive for any on-line enterprise. And the paid model could be dear.

Moreover, Gleen AI’s effectiveness additionally closely depends upon the standard and breadth of the information you present–in case your documentation or data base isn’t well-organized, it might not carry out as anticipated. Some buyer help professionals additionally want extra options like in-depth dashboards and notifications to be improved. 

Lastly, this instrument is clearly designed for companies, so people or groups in search of a general-purpose chatbot could discover it too area of interest. 

What I preferred about Gleen AI:

• Straightforward to arrange and practice a buyer help chatbot.
• Person-friendly interface with an in depth dashboard for insights like response instances and dialog information.

What I didn’t like about Gleen AI:

• Effectiveness depends upon the standard and group of the information you present.
• Restricted free model.

Google Cloud Dialogflow, provided as a part of Google Cloud, was a brand new discovery for me whereas researching AI assistants. I discovered it much like Gleen AI as a platform to construct conversational AI bots for buyer help.

I’ve to confess, getting began with Dialogflow wasn’t precisely intuitive. Google makes use of very particular phrases like intents (what the bot ought to do for particular queries) and entities (key particulars inside a question) to coach the AI bot, and understanding these ideas took me a while.

The UI of Dialogflow

As soon as I received the cling of it, although, I might see the potential. I might entry plenty of pre-built templates for AI brokers to get began rapidly. I additionally preferred that Dialogflow helps each voice and textual content interactions in a number of languages. This flexibility is a good function, particularly for international companies.

Templates for AI bots on Dialogflow

Nonetheless, utilizing the platform wasn’t the smoothest expertise. The web site was noticeably sluggish at instances, which made the setup really feel extra tedious than it ought to have. Additionally, higher help documentation might have made my life simpler. After some extent, I couldn’t customise the pre-built templates.

Dialogflow caught when creating AI agent from template

Regardless of these challenges, Dialogflow is a robust platform to construct your AI bots when you get previous the preliminary studying curve. I might say it’s splendid for builders or technical groups that want extremely tailor-made bots able to dealing with complicated workflows.

Google gives a free trial of Dialogflow for Google Cloud customers to check earlier than committing

What I preferred about Google Cloud Dialogflow:

• Pre-built AI agent templates make getting began sooner.
• Handles each textual content and audio inputs and helps a number of languages.

What I didn’t like about Google Cloud Dialogflow:

• Poor help documentation and steep studying curve for non-technical customers. 
• Restricted customization on templates. 

Kore.ai is one other instrument to construct your individual digital brokers for help with its Automation AI platform.  I discovered it to be a pleasing shock when it comes to person expertise. Every thing felt intuitive and seamless proper from the beginning. 

As quickly as I signed up and entered the trial, I might start organising my chatbot with minimal friction. The platform guided me via every step, from naming the customized AI bot to including use circumstances, with clear directions, as you possibly can see beneath. 

Organising AI chatbot utilizing Kore.ai platform

If I skipped the steps, I might use the setup information offered on the dashboard to construct my chatbot. One function I preferred was the flexibility to model and customise the bot. I might tweak every part from the welcome display screen to the chat window design and buttons, and the platform provided a real-time preview of how the bot would look as I made modifications. This made the method not solely straightforward but in addition pleasurable, even for somebody with no technical background.

The setup information for AI chatbot on Kore.ai platform

To coach the bot, we have to add our documentation or present web site hyperlinks and in addition particulars on the circumstances for small speak, alerts, dialogs with clients, and extra that we’d like from the chatbot. 

Kore.ai offers free tokens for LLM, or we might instantly hook up with our personal LLM account utilizing software programming interface (API) keys so as to add generative AI capabilities. This automates many duties, like constructing dialog or move for coaching the bot. I discovered it fairly helpful. Kore.ai additionally has a market with available bots and integrations that we might use. 

I did encounter some challenges. Determining the mannequin coaching and configuration half was a little bit tough for me as a non-technical individual. I felt the necessity for a developer’s assist to get this achieved. The platform additionally lags at instances. 

What I Favored About Kore.ai:

• Intuitive setup course of with step-by-step steerage.
• Versatile choices for including generative AI capabilities.

What I Didn’t Like About Kore.ai:

• Superior mannequin coaching and configuration may be difficult for non-technical customers.
• Occasional platform lag disrupts the person expertise.

Out of all of the chatbots and instruments talked about right here, I have to say Microsoft Copilot stands out for its accessibility. I might begin chatting with out even signing in through the net hyperlink, a refreshing change in comparison with most different instruments.  

You may as well entry it through the Bing search engine or Microsoft Edge browser. I needed to register with a Microsoft account solely after I needed to create a picture or have a voice chat.

CoPilot makes use of OpenAI’s GPT-4 mannequin alongside Microsoft’s proprietary mannequin. And since its powered by OpenAI’s mannequin, I might do no matter I might do with GPT, like generate content material, code, and pictures, albeit with some limitations. 

Chatting with Copilot with out signing in

A standout function for me was how Copilot shared its sources to the data on our chats. Each time it answered a query, it included hyperlinks to the sources it pulled the data from. This transparency is invaluable, particularly when you want to confirm the accuracy of the response or dive deeper into the small print. 

Copilot citing supply hyperlinks when sharing info

I additionally had enjoyable creating pictures, and it appeared like one of many easy-to-use free AI picture mills.  One other plus that many customers observe is the mixing with different Microsoft merchandise you probably have Microsoft 365 subscription or Home windows. 

Creating pictures with Microsoft Copilot

By default, Microsoft makes use of your information for coaching functions except you actively disable it. To their credit score, a disclaimer about this seems initially of each new chat, so that you’re conscious of how your information could be used.

The largest draw back is the boundaries on conversations at no cost customers. I hardly had 4 conversations earlier than I received this message. 

Error message on Microsoft Copilot

Whereas it does reset after an hour, this interruption mid-chat was irritating.  Additionally, I couldn’t add any information to make use of in our dialog. For these causes, the free model is healthier fitted to informal conversations or gentle each day duties reasonably than any heavy or steady use.

What I preferred about Microsoft CoPilot:

• Accessible with out signing in and obtainable via Bing and Microsoft Edge.
• Cites sources for each reply, guaranteeing transparency and credibility.

What I didn’t like about Microsoft CoPilot:

• Restricted dialog limits at no cost customers.
• File add performance is unavailable within the free model, limiting its versatility for complicated duties

Whereas these seven AI chatbots stood out throughout my checks, they’re not the one finest ones price mentioning. Relying in your wants, different general-purpose AI chatbots like Perplexity,  Meta AI, constructed on Llama 3, and You.com are additionally nice to check out. 

If constructing your individual chatbot is the aim, different AI chatbot builders like Tidio, Moveworks, and Workhub Workbot are additionally good choices.

An AI chatbot is software program powered by synthetic intelligence that mimics human-like conversations. It makes use of pure language processing (NLP) and machine studying (ML) to know and reply to person queries.

Q. What’s a chatbot used for?

Chatbots are used for varied functions, together with buyer help, content material creation, brainstorming concepts, coding, tutoring, planning, and even automating workflows in companies.

Q. What’s the finest AI chatbot?

The perfect AI chatbot depends upon your wants. For general-purpose duties, ChatGPT and Gemini are nice choices. For inventive duties, Claude performs properly. Microsoft Copilot is well accessible. ChatGPT, Cluade, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are additionally free to make use of. 

For companies, Kore.ai, Gleen AI, and Dialogflow are prime contenders for constructing finest AI chatbots for web sites.

Q. What are one of the best ChatGPT options?

Among the finest ChatGPT options are Claude, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. Every of those options caters to completely different wants, whether or not it’s inventive brainstorming, sharing real-world information, or serving to with work duties.

Q. Microsoft CoPilot vs. ChatGPT: Which is healthier?

Microsoft CoPilot and ChatGPT each use OpenAI’s GPT-4 mannequin however cater to completely different wants. CoPilot is accessible with out signing in through Bing or Edge, however its free model has stricter dialog limits. 

ChatGPT, nonetheless, is one of the best AI chatbot for coding, content material creation, information evaluation, and picture technology. With extra flexibility in enter codecs and artistic use circumstances, ChatGPT is healthier fitted to private {and professional} duties, whereas CoPilot is the go-to for Microsoft ecosystem customers.

Q. Gemini vs. ChatGPT: Which one is one of the best AI chatbot?

Gemini units itself aside with real-time web entry through Google Search and fact-checking, making it splendid for these needing correct info. It is likely one of the finest AI chatbot for analysis. Its bigger context window permits for prolonged conversations, and the “double-check with Google” function ensures transparency.

ChatGPT, however, is extra versatile. Whereas it doesn’t browse the web within the free model, it helps a number of enter sorts and excels in inventive and analytical duties. It is usually among the finest AI chatbots for coding.  If supply accuracy is your precedence, go together with Gemini. For an all-around resolution, ChatGPT stays a dependable alternative.

Q. How do AI chatbots work?

AI-powered chatbots depend on giant language fashions (LLMs) like OpenAI’s GPT or Google’s Gemini. They course of and perceive textual content utilizing pure language processing (NLP) and reply based mostly on patterns and coaching information.

Q. Do AI chatbots retailer or use my information?

Some AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, could use your information to coach fashions except you choose out. Others, like Claude, don’t use inputs for coaching with out express permission. All the time assessment the chatbot’s privateness coverage.

Q. create an AI chatbot?

• Resolve what your chatbot will do–buyer help, content material creation, or lead technology.
• Use instruments like Dialogflow, Kore.ai, or Gleen AI for no-code options, or frameworks like Rasa or OpenAI APIs for extra customization.
• Outline intents (person objectives) and entities (key particulars), and map out dialog flows.
• Add coaching information like FAQs or paperwork and use NLP instruments to boost response accuracy.
• Take a look at in real-world eventualities and combine into web sites, apps, or messaging platforms. Use analytics to enhance responses and replace the chatbot recurrently.

Q. How a lot does an AI chatbot price?

Chatbot prices range extensively. Free plans can be found on instruments like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, however superior options or enterprise options can vary from $20/month to 1000’s yearly, relying on customization and scalability wants.

Q. How do I select the precise AI chatbot?

Determine your wants—whether or not general-purpose use, inventive duties, or enterprise functions. Evaluate instruments based mostly on options, pricing, ease of use, and free trial availability.

Chat your manner at no cost

After spending numerous hours testing, chatting, and infrequently laughing at AI quirks, I can confidently say that AI chatbots have come a good distance. Whether or not it’s ChatGPT for on a regular basis duties, Claude for pure and fascinating conversations, or Gleen AI for constructing business-focused bots, there’s one thing on the market for everybody.

As somebody who’s at all times in search of methods to avoid wasting time, and be extra productive, these AI chatbots have genuinely impressed me. Certain, they’re not good, and free variations typically include limits. However even with their quirks, they’ve turn into invaluable instruments for work and play.

In case you’re simply beginning out, begin with the free variations, check what works for you, and see how these AI chatbots can match into your each day life. And who is aware of? You may simply discover your new favourite digital companion. Joyful chatting!

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