Compare Claude, Merlin AI, Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and ChatOn AI: Which App is the Best?
Claude is a smart, privacy-friendly AI assistant that gives you quick answers and helps with all kinds of tasks. It’s easy to use, looks great, and works well for both simple questions and bigger projects. | Merlin AI combines ChatGPT, Grok AI, DeepSeek, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity AI in one powerful app with 70+ AI tools. Enjoy 102 free daily queries and seamless cross-platform integration. | Gemini is Google’s next-generation AI assistant, offering creative tools, productivity features, and deep integration with Google services. | The official ChatGPT mobile app brings OpenAI's powerful AI assistant to your pocket with voice conversations, image generation, and seamless cross-device sync. | ChatOn AI is a comprehensive AI assistant powered by multiple advanced models including GPT-4o and Claude 3.7. It offers text generation, AI image creation, document analysis, and YouTube video summarization in one platform. | |
| Key Features A summary of the most important features offered by each app. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Our Rating Prod Apps's expert review score for each app, based on hands-on testing and research. | 8.5 Winner in this category | 8.3 | 8.2 | 8.1 | 6.8 |
| Total users Total active users across all major browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total ratings Total number of user ratings received across all supported browsers. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Average rating Average user rating across all browsers, calculated from available store ratings. | — ⭐ | — ⭐ | — ⭐ | — ⭐ | — ⭐ |
| Entry Level Price The minimum price required to start using the app. "Free" means a free tier is available. | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Android User rating and stats for the app on Android browser. |  Downloads | Downloads | Downloads | Downloads | Downloads |
| iOS User rating and stats for the app on iOS browser. |  | | | | |
| Features Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Features' aspect of each app. | 8.0 Claude has a lot of useful features:
It’s great for writing, research, or just getting things done. We liked how Claude could give both short and detailed answers. The file and image tools were handy, and we felt safe using it because of the privacy focus. The main downsides: chat limits can be annoying, and you need to pay for some extras. We also wish it remembered more between chats. Overall, Claude has most of what you need for work or personal use. We give features an 8.0. | 9.0 Merlin AI has everything you'd want in an AI assistant. It brings together seven different AI models - ChatGPT, Grok AI, DeepSeek, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity AI - all in one place. This means you don't need separate subscriptions for each one. We really liked the 70+ AI tools it comes with:
The best part is how easy it is to switch between different AI models - just one tap and you're using a different AI. Plus, everything syncs across your devices so you can start a conversation on your phone and continue it on your computer. | 7.8 Gemini is packed with things you can do:
If you pay for Pro or Ultra, you get even more, like video generation and deep research. But not everything works everywhere. Some features, like video-to-talk, didn’t show up on all our devices. And if you’re used to the old Google Assistant, you might miss a few things. Still, the basics work well and Gemini keeps getting better. Just check if the features you want are available for your phone. We think Gemini’s features are strong, but we’d like to see them work the same for everyone. | 9.5 ChatGPT has a lot of cool features that make it useful for pretty much anyone. It's not just a chat app - it can do a bunch of different things. What ChatGPT Does Best 1. Smart Chatting: This is where ChatGPT really shines. It's better at having natural conversations than any other AI app we've tried. You can ask it anything from "What's the weather like?" to "Help me plan a trip to Japan" and it just gets it. It remembers what you talked about earlier in the conversation, so it feels like talking to someone who's actually listening. You can have long conversations and it keeps track of everything. 2. Voice Chat: This feature is really cool. You just tap the microphone button and start talking. The app shows a little wave animation so you know it's listening. It's like talking on the phone, but with an AI. We tested this a lot and it works really well. It understands what you're saying most of the time, and responds quickly. Great for when you're driving or cooking and can't type. 3. Making Pictures: You can tell ChatGPT to make pictures for you. Just describe what you want to see, and it creates an image. This costs money though - it's only in the paid version. We tried asking it to make pictures of things like:
The results were pretty good. Not perfect, but definitely usable. 4. Works Everywhere: The best part is that your conversations follow you around. Start a chat on your phone, then open it on your computer and it's all there. Really handy when you switch between devices. 5. Photo Help: You can take a picture of something and ask ChatGPT what it is. We tried this with:
It's pretty good at figuring things out. The main downside is that the free version is pretty limited. You only get the older AI model, which isn't as smart as the paid version. A lot of users complained about this - they want the good stuff without paying. Winner in this category | 8.0 ChatOn AI has a really impressive set of features that goes way beyond just chatting with AI. We found it can handle text generation, image creation, document analysis, and lots more - basically everything you'd want from an AI assistant. Here's what we liked most:
But we did run into some issues. Recent updates seem to have caused performance problems - the app sometimes freezes up or needs to be restarted to work properly. Also, the image generation feature, while cool in theory, doesn't always give you what you ask for. The free version is pretty limited, which makes sense but might be frustrating if you want to test everything before paying. We give features an 8.0 - great variety and innovation, but the reliability could be better. |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 9.0 Claude is fast and works well. The app opens quickly, and we almost never had to wait for answers, even for tough questions. Everything ran smoothly, and we didn’t see any lag. Most people agree: Claude is quick and reliable. Sometimes it slows down if you upload big files or during busy times, and chat limits can break the flow. But for everyday use, Claude is solid. We give performance an 9.0. Winner in this category | 8.0 The app runs smoothly without lag or interruptions when chatting with multiple AI models. The search function works quickly and accurately, so you can easily find your conversations. We tested it on different devices and platforms, and it performed well everywhere. The chat responses are fast, even when switching between different AI models. The cross-device sync works reliably, so you can start a conversation on your phone and pick it up later on your computer. The integration with Gmail and LinkedIn works well without delays. We did notice some occasional loading times when processing complex requests or large documents, but overall the performance is consistent and reliable for everyday use. The best part is that basic features work offline, so you can access your conversations even without an internet connection. | 8.6 Gemini runs smoothly.
Some features aren’t on every device yet, but that’s not a speed issue. For what’s there, everything works as it should. | 8.0 The app runs smoothly most of the time. You can chat with the AI without any delays or problems, and it loads quickly. The voice chat works really well too. There's almost no delay between when you speak and when the AI responds. The voice recognition is accurate, and the conversation feels natural and smooth. However, we did run into some problems during busy times. The app can get slow or even stop working when lots of people are using it at once. This mostly affects free users since paid users get priority access. The sync feature works great - your conversations show up quickly on all your devices. Even with long chat histories, the app stays responsive and doesn't slow down. One area that could be better is the image generation. It can take a while to create images, especially for complicated requests. This makes sense given how much work it takes, but it can be frustrating if you're in a hurry. The app doesn't drain your battery too much, though using voice chat will use more power than just typing. Overall, it runs well and doesn't cause problems with your phone. | 5.5 ChatOn AI's performance is the biggest problem we found. Recent user feedback shows serious reliability issues that make the app frustrating to use, and these problems seem to have gotten worse after recent updates. What works well when it's running:
But there are major performance issues:
These performance problems have been going on for weeks, and some users say the app has become basically unusable. The developers don't seem to be responding quickly to fix these issues. While ChatOn AI has the potential to perform well based on its features and user base, the current reliability problems make it hard to use. We give performance a 5.5 - below average due to persistent stability issues. |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 8.5 Claude looks clean and simple. The app is easy to read and not cluttered, so you can focus on your chat. We liked the clear text, smooth animations, and how easy it was to add files or images. Lots of people like how Claude looks. Some might want more ways to customize it, but we thought it was both nice to look at and easy to use. We give design an 8.5. | 8.0 The app looks clean and modern. It's easy to find what you need without getting lost in menus. The chat interface is well-designed with clear differences between responses from different AI models. We liked how the app works the same way whether you're on Android, iOS, or desktop. It adapts nicely to different screen sizes. The dark and light theme options are a nice touch, and you can customize the interface to your liking. The mobile version works really well too - you can easily access your AI conversations on your phone without any issues. | 8.5 Gemini looks and feels like a Google app. It’s clean, modern, and easy to use. We liked how simple it was to find what we needed. The colors and icons make it friendly, and everything loads fast. We didn’t run into any design problems, and most people seem to like how it looks. We do wish there were more ways to customize things, but overall, it’s a nice app to use. | 9.0 The app looks clean and simple, which makes it easy to use right away. We really like how it focuses on the conversation instead of trying to look fancy. What we love most is how easy it is to tell who said what:
Simple, but it works really well. The voice chat interface is really nice too. When you're talking, you see a little wave animation that moves with your voice. It's a small thing, but it makes you feel like the app is actually listening. Getting around the app is straightforward. There's a simple menu button that gives you access to settings and your chat history without cluttering up the main screen. Some people said the app looks a bit plain compared to other AI apps. We get that - it's not flashy, but that's actually what makes it work so well. You can focus on talking to the AI without getting distracted by fancy graphics. Winner in this category | 7.5 ChatOn AI has a clean, modern look that does a good job organizing all its features. The interface is easy to navigate and looks professional, though there are a few areas that could be improved. What we liked about the design:
Some things could be better though. The interface can feel a bit crowded when you're using advanced features, and some users say the image generation interface could be more intuitive. The transitions between different AI models and features could be smoother too. Overall, the design is solid and functional, though not particularly groundbreaking compared to other AI apps. We give design a 7.5 - it works well and looks good, but could use some polish. |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 7.8 Claude’s free version is really good. You can do a lot without paying, and there are no hidden costs or ads. If you want more—like longer chats or extra features—you’ll need to pay, and it can get expensive. If you use Claude a lot, the paid plans are worth it. But if you just need it now and then, the free version is enough. Some people might find the price high, and chat limits in the free version can be a pain. We give value for money a 7.8. | 9.0 Merlin AI offers great value. You can use it for free without creating an account, and you get 102 queries per day across all the major AI models. This free access to ChatGPT, Grok AI, DeepSeek, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity AI in one app saves you from needing multiple expensive subscriptions. The premium plan adds useful features like voice chat, advanced AI tools, and team collaboration. The pricing is reasonable, making it a good choice for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to boost their productivity. When we compared it to individual subscriptions for these AI services, Merlin AI saves you money while offering more convenience. You really can't find another tool that gives you this much value for so little cost. Winner in this category | 8.3 Gemini gives you a lot for free:
The free version is generous, and the paid plans are fair for what you get. There are no hidden fees. | 6.0 ChatGPT has a free version that you can use without paying anything. It gives you basic chat features with the older AI model, which is fine for simple questions and casual conversations. But the $20/month price for the good features is pretty steep. The paid version gives you:
That's a lot of money for an app that many people think should be free. Some users in the reviews were really frustrated about this. They got used to the free features and then found out the good stuff costs money. The paid version is worth it if you use AI a lot for work, school, or creative projects. The better AI model gives much more detailed and helpful responses, and the image generation can be really useful. We think it's most valuable for people who need AI help regularly. If you just want to ask the occasional question, the free version is probably fine. But if you want to do serious work with AI, the paid features are actually worth the money. The voice features and syncing work on both free and paid versions, which is nice. But the way they limit the free version to push people toward paying feels a bit aggressive. | 6.0 ChatOn AI's value is complicated and really depends on your experience with the app. Some users get great value, while others feel ripped off due to performance issues and subscription problems. What makes it good value:
But there are some real problems:
The value really depends on whether you run into the performance issues. If everything works smoothly, the features justify the cost. But the combination of reliability problems and subscription issues really hurts the overall value. We give value for money a 6.0 - potentially good value when it works, but the problems make it hard to recommend confidently. |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 8.5 Claude is super easy to start with. We were chatting in seconds, and everything was where we expected. Adding files or switching devices was simple. We liked how easy it was to pick up a conversation or start something new. The only thing that got in the way was having to repeat ourselves sometimes, since Claude doesn’t remember past chats. Chat limits can also stop longer talks. Still, for most things, Claude is smooth and easy. We give ease of use an 8.5. | 9.0 Merlin AI is one of the easiest AI assistants we've tried. You can start using it right away without any complicated setup. The free tier gives you 102 queries per day, which is plenty to test everything out. Installing it is simple, and it works great on both Android and iOS. Switching between AI models is super easy - just tap to change from ChatGPT to Grok AI to Claude, and so on. The integration with Gmail and LinkedIn works smoothly. You don't need to configure anything complicated. The free tier lets you explore all the features without committing to anything, which makes it easy to learn at your own pace. We give it a 9 out of 10 because it's really user-friendly, though some of the more advanced features might take a bit of time to figure out. Winner in this category | 8.0 Gemini is easy to get started with.
Some features only work on certain phones or in some countries, which can be confusing. We also wish you could talk to Gemini without always opening the app. But for most things, it’s simple and quick. | 9.0 This might be the easiest AI app to use. It works right away - no complicated setup or learning curve. Downloading it is simple, and it works on both iPhones and Android phones. Once you open it, you can just start typing or tap the microphone to talk. That's it. The voice feature is really easy to use:
The chat interface looks like any other messaging app you've used - WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc. So it feels familiar right away. Your conversations are organized clearly, and you can easily find old chats. Even though it has lots of features, nothing feels overwhelming. The advanced stuff like making images is there if you want it, but it doesn't get in the way of basic chatting. The only confusing part is figuring out what's free and what costs money. The app could do a better job of showing you what you're missing out on with the free version. That's why we gave it a 9 out of 10. It's super easy to use, though some of the fancier features take a little time to figure out. Winner in this category | 7.0 ChatOn AI is generally pretty easy to use, especially for an app with so many features. It does a good job making advanced AI capabilities accessible to everyone, though recent performance issues have made it less reliable. What makes it easy to use:
But we ran into some problems during testing. Recent updates seem to have made the app less reliable - it often freezes up or needs to be restarted to work properly. This really hurts the ease of use since you can't count on it to work consistently. Some of the more advanced features like image generation and document analysis have interfaces that could use better tutorials or guides. The free vs premium feature split can also be confusing. When it's working properly, ChatOn is very easy to use. But the current reliability issues make it frustrating. We give ease of use a 7.0 - good when it works, but the performance problems really get in the way. |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 9.0 Claude takes privacy seriously. It only asks for what it needs, and there are no annoying ads or extra data collection. We felt good using it for private stuff, and the privacy policy is clear. You don’t have to give up personal info to use Claude, and it doesn’t keep your chats on your device. We’d like to know a bit more about what happens behind the scenes, and some people might want to see old chats, but overall, Claude is one of the safest AI apps we’ve tried. We give privacy a 9.0. Winner in this category | 7.0 For security and privacy, we give Merlin AI a 7 out of 10. The app uses standard encryption for your conversations and personal data, which is good. However, since it connects to multiple AI providers, your data might be shared with these third-party services. This is mentioned in their privacy policy, but it's something to be aware of. The app doesn't ask for unnecessary permissions, but remember that your conversations and any documents you upload are processed by external AI services. While the company is transparent about how they use data, we would have liked more control over what gets shared with which AI providers. They do a good job of being upfront about it, but some users might want more control over their data. | 8.2 Gemini uses Google’s usual privacy and security rules.
Like other Google apps, some data is collected to make things work better. If you care a lot about privacy, it’s worth reading the policy. We like that you can change some privacy settings, but this isn’t an offline or anonymous tool. | 7.0 We gave ChatGPT a 7 out of 10 for security and privacy. It uses standard security practices, which is good, but there are some things to be aware of. The good news is that OpenAI is pretty open about how they handle your data. You can easily find their privacy policy in the app, and they explain what they do with your information. However, there are some concerns. The app collects a lot of your personal data:
OpenAI says they use this to make their AI better, but that means they're storing and potentially using your private conversations. We noticed that some users were worried about the sync feature. Since your conversations are stored on OpenAI's servers (not just on your phone), they can access everything you've said. This is what makes the cross-device sync work, but it also means your chats aren't really private. The voice chat feature is convenient, but it also means your voice is being recorded and stored. You should know that your voice conversations could be used to train the AI. OpenAI does give you some control - you can delete your chat history and opt out of some data collection. But these options are kind of hidden and not easy to find. | 6.5 ChatOn AI's approach to security and privacy is a mixed bag, which is pretty typical for AI assistant apps. There are some good things, but also some concerns you should know about. The good stuff:
But there are some privacy concerns to be aware of:
The app could be more transparent about its privacy policy and how it handles data. You should be careful about what sensitive information you share, since your conversations and files get processed by third-party AI services. We give security and privacy a 6.5 - okay for an AI assistant, but be careful with sensitive information. |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | Claude by Anthropic is a great AI assistant that’s easy to recommend. We liked its quick answers, smart help, and strong privacy. The app looks good and is simple to use, whether you’re asking something small or working on a big project. There are a few downsides: chat limits and not remembering past conversations can be annoying, and some features cost extra. But overall, Claude is reliable and stands out for keeping your data safe. If you want an AI assistant that’s fast, easy, and respects your privacy, Claude is a top choice. We recommend it for anyone who wants help with daily tasks or bigger projects. | Merlin AI stands out as an exceptional all-in-one AI assistant that successfully combines multiple AI models with practical tools. The generous free tier makes it accessible to everyone, while the premium features offer significant value for power users. For anyone looking to consolidate their AI tools into one powerful platform, Merlin AI delivers an impressive and well-rounded experience. | We’ve used Gemini for a while and think it’s a smart, helpful assistant that keeps getting better. There are still a few things missing, but the basics are strong and new features show up often. If you want a free AI assistant that works well with Google apps and can help with lots of tasks, Gemini is a great pick. We’re excited to see how it improves in the future. | ChatGPT is still the best AI chat app out there. It's really good at conversations and has lots of useful features. The free version is okay for basic stuff, but if you want the good features, you'll need to pay for the premium version. | ChatOn AI is a solid all-in-one AI assistant that brings together multiple AI models in one app. It's got text generation, image creation, document analysis, and more - basically everything you'd want from an AI helper. Lots of users love it for its features and ease of use, but there are some concerns about recent performance problems and how accurate the image generation really is. The free version gives you a taste of what it can do, but you'll need to pay to unlock the good stuff. If you're looking for a multi-purpose AI assistant that can handle both text and images, ChatOn is worth checking out. Just keep in mind that your experience might vary depending on how the app is running when you use it. |
| Our Recommendation | |||||
