Compare Claude, Merlin AI, and Perplexity 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.
A smart search app that gives you direct answers with sources, instead of just showing you websites to visit. It is a good alternative to ChatGPT.
Key Features
  • Instant Answers – Get quick responses to any question or task
  • Extended Reasoning – Advanced models for step-by-step problem solving
  • Image & File Analysis – Attach files or photos for real-time analysis
  • Cross-Device Sync – Continue conversations across web and mobile
  • Privacy-Focused – Designed with user privacy in mind
  • Trusted by Millions – Over 5 million downloads and 92,000+ reviews
  • Multi-AI Integration: Access to ChatGPT, Grok AI, DeepSeek, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity AI in one app
  • AI Tools Suite: PDF summarizer, image generator, YouTube video summarizer, and language translation
  • Platform Integration: Works with Gmail, Google Search, and LinkedIn for enhanced productivity
  • Cross-Device Sync: Seamless experience across Android, desktop, and other platforms
  • Generous Free Plan: 102 queries per day with access to all major AI models
  • Voice Chat: Premium voice-powered chat capabilities for hands-free interaction
  • Smart Search: Ask questions and get answers with sources listed
  • Talk to It: Just speak your questions instead of typing
  • Keep Talking: Ask follow-up questions like a real conversation
  • Works Everywhere: Your searches sync across all your devices
  • Discover New Things: See what's trending and popular
  • Save Your Stuff: Keep track of what you've learned
Our Rating
8.5
8.3
8.2
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Entry Level PriceFreeFreeFree
Android
Google Play Store
Downloads
Google Play Store
Downloads
Google Play Store
Downloads
iOS
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Features
8.0

Claude has a lot of useful features:

  • Quick answers to questions
  • Step-by-step help for complex tasks
  • Upload and analyze images or files
  • Works on phone and computer, always in sync

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:

  • PDF summarizer
  • YouTube video summarizer
  • Image generator
  • Language translation
  • Email composition with Gmail integration

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.

9.0

Perplexity has all the features you'd want from an AI search tool, plus some nice extras that make it really useful.

What We Like Most:

  1. It Actually Gives You Sources
    This is the biggest thing that sets Perplexity apart. When you ask a question, it doesn't just give you an answer - it tells you where it got that information from. We tested this with all kinds of questions, from "What's the weather like?" to "How do quantum computers work?" and it always provided good sources.
  2. You Can Talk to It
    The voice feature works really well. We tried asking questions while walking, cooking, and even driving (hands-free, of course). It understood us clearly and gave good answers.
  3. Follow-up Questions Work Great
    You can ask follow-up questions and it remembers what you were talking about. It's like having a real conversation instead of starting over each time.
  4. Works on All Your Devices
    We tested it on phones, tablets, and computers. Everything syncs up perfectly - you can start a search on your phone and continue it on your laptop.
  5. The Discover Section is Cool
    It shows you trending topics and interesting questions other people are asking. We found ourselves spending time just browsing through this section.
  6. You Can Save Stuff
    There's a library where you can save interesting answers and discoveries. It's more than just search history - it's like a personal collection of things you've learned.
Performance
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.

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.

8.0

The app runs smoothly most of the time. We tested it on different devices and network conditions, and it usually responds within a few seconds. The voice recognition works well even with background noise.

Search results load quickly, and the app handles complex questions without crashing or freezing. The sync between devices works reliably, so you can switch between your phone and computer seamlessly.

We did notice some slowdowns during peak hours, and occasionally the app would take longer to respond to very complex questions. Some users have reported connection issues, but we didn't experience any major problems during our testing.

Overall, it performs well for an AI app. The occasional hiccups are minor and don't really affect the user experience.

Design
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.

8.0

The app looks clean and modern, which makes it easy to use. We really like how simple the interface is - there's no clutter or confusing buttons.

  • The search bar is right where you expect it to be
  • Answers are formatted nicely with clear sections
  • Sources are listed in a way that's easy to read and click on
  • Works well on different screen sizes
  • Dark mode option is nice for reading at night

There have been some recent updates that confused users at first, but the design team seems to be listening to feedback and making improvements. Overall, it's a good-looking app that's easy on the eyes.

Value for Money
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.

8.0

The free version is surprisingly good. You get most of the core features without paying anything, which is rare these days. We tested the free version extensively and found it works great for everyday use.

Free Version:Most core features included, unlimited searches
Pro Version:$20/month with unlimited searches and file uploads

What we really like is that the free version doesn't feel like a limited trial. You can use it indefinitely without feeling like you're missing out on essential features. That's refreshing compared to other apps that constantly push you to upgrade.

For most people, the free version is all you need. Only upgrade if you find yourself hitting the limits or need the advanced features.

Ease of Use
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.

9.0

This might be the easiest AI tool we've ever used. You literally just open it and start asking questions - no setup, no learning curve, no complicated menus.

We tested it with people who aren't very tech-savvy, and they figured it out immediately. The voice feature is especially intuitive - you just tap the microphone and start talking.

The app responds quickly, and the conversation flow feels natural. You can ask follow-up questions without having to repeat yourself, which makes it feel like talking to a real person.

Everything is where you'd expect it to be:

  • Search bar is prominent
  • Settings are easy to find
  • Navigation makes sense
  • No instructions or tutorials needed

That's why we gave it a 9 out of 10. It's so simple that anyone can use it, but it still has enough features to be useful for power users.

Security & Privacy
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.

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.

7.0

Security and privacy get a 7 out of 10 from us. The app uses standard security practices like encryption, which is good. The privacy policy is clear about what data they collect and how they use it.

You have some control over your data:

  • Delete your search history
  • Manage your account settings
  • Control what data is shared

However, some users have concerns about how much data is being collected for AI training. The privacy controls could be more detailed and easier to access. We'd like to see more options for users who want to limit data collection.

Overall, it seems safe to use, but we'd recommend reading the privacy policy if you're concerned about data collection.

Conclusion

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 been using Perplexity for a while now and honestly, it's become our go-to when we need quick, reliable answers. It's super easy to use and the fact that it shows you where it got its information from is really helpful. The free version is great for most people, but if you use it a lot, the Pro version is worth considering.

If you want a search tool that actually gives you good answers instead of just links, definitely give Perplexity a try.

Our Recommendation