ChatGPT vs Claude

Both are strong general assistants with free plans. ChatGPT is the broader all-rounder, with built-in image creation and a wide set of features. Claude is a strong choice for careful writing and working through long documents, and creates files, charts and diagrams, but it does not generate photos or illustrations. Try both on the same real task before you pay for either.

Who makes them

ChatGPT is made by OpenAI. Claude is made by Anthropic. Both run on large language models, both work on the web and in mobile and desktop apps, and both have a free plan with paid plans for heavier use and for teams. For everyday writing and questions, either does the job.

Side by side

Where ChatGPT fits better

• You want images for posts and mock-ups from the same tool.
• You want the widest set of features in one app, including voice with video and Sites on some paid plans.
• You want a free plan with unlimited text chats.

Where Claude fits better

• You do a lot of careful writing and editing, and want drafts and visuals you can keep refining as artifacts.
• You want it to create files, documents and slides from your notes.
• You work in Microsoft 365 or Chrome: paid plans include Claude for Microsoft 365 and Claude in Chrome.
• Someone in the business codes: Claude Code is included in paid plans.

Where Kahu fitsKahu AssistKahu Assist is an AI agent that runs your website, marketing, bookings and follow-ups from one chat, and asks before anything goes live. You keep the yes; it does the typing.Connects to your site, WhatsApp, calendar and emailAsks before anything goes liveSet up from one 15-minute chatSee Kahu Assist →Fill Thursday’s empty slots and let the cafe know the new brunch hours.Kahu · 3 actions readyTwo Thursday gaps at 11:00 and 14:30. Drafted messages to 6 waitlisted customers.Updated the hours on your site and Google profile to Sat–Sun 8–2.One post about the new hours, using your Sunday counter photo.ChangeApprove all

Privacy settings to check

On personal plans, both companies let you choose whether your chats help train their models. In ChatGPT you can opt out in settings. Anthropic asks Claude users to choose during sign-up and lets you change it in privacy settings. On team plans, both say your content is not used for training by default. Whichever you pick, keep customer personal details out of personal accounts.

A fair test

1. 1Use the free plansBoth have one, so there is no need to pay to compare.
2. 2Run the same three tasksA tricky customer reply, a summary of a long document and a social post.
3. 3Score the editsCount how much you had to change. Fewer edits means a better fit for you.
4. 4Then pay for oneUpgrade the one you reached for first during the week.

Frequently asked questions