Different tools, different strengths
ChatGPT isn't the only AI chatbot, and you don't need to pick one and never look at the others. Below is a plain, neutral description of a few common tools and what each one is generally known for. This isn't a ranking — pricing and features change often, so check each tool's official site for current details.
Anthropic's Claude
Claude is a chatbot from the company Anthropic, generally used for writing and analysis tasks — drafting documents, reviewing or summarizing longer text, and working through written reasoning step by step.
Google Gemini
Gemini is Google's chatbot, built with connections into Google's own tools (like Gmail, Docs, and Sheets), which can make it convenient if your business already runs on a Google account.
Microsoft Copilot
Copilot is Microsoft's AI assistant, built into Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Windows, which can make it convenient if your business already uses those tools day to day.
Perplexity
Perplexity is built around answering questions using live web search and showing you the sources it pulled from, which can make it easier to double-check an answer compared to a chatbot that doesn't show its sources.
Canva AI and image generators
Canva includes built-in AI design help (like generating a first-draft design or suggesting text) inside its regular design workspace — see the Canva section for hands-on basics. There are also AI image generators (standalone tools, or features inside tools like ChatGPT or Canva) that create pictures from a written description; useful for rough visual ideas, but always check you have the right to use any AI-generated image commercially, and see Safety & Responsible Use for more on AI images.
A real-world example
A small business owner uses ChatGPT for drafting social captions, switches to Perplexity when she wants a quick answer with sources she can check (like a current regulation), and uses Canva's built-in AI design suggestions when making a flyer — three different tools for three different moments, rather than one tool for everything.
Steps to take
- Pick one task you do often (writing, research, design, or scheduling).
- Try it in the AI tool you already use, then try the same task in one other tool from this list.
- Compare: which one gave you something more usable for that specific task?
- Check the official site of any new tool you try for its current free and paid details.
Other AI tools check
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