Is free AI enough? How to choose the right chatbot for you - and when to upgrade

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

ZDNET's key takeaways

• Free chatbot tiers are strong, so test before paying.
• Pick one AI based on your needs or ecosystem. Ignore the hype.
• Avoid annual plans because AI tools change too fast.

A friend of mine recently sent me an email. She asked, "I am just now dipping my toe in the AI world. I asked ChatGPT a bunch of questions, then found other chatbots I also like. I kind of love this AI thing. Seems like they all give a free taste and then want money. Fair enough, but I can't pay all of them. Can you help me decide?"

Yes. Yes, I can. As with almost all purchasing decisions, it depends on what you need, what you do, and how you do it.

Also: Which AI tools are actually ...