Compare Claude, Merlin AI, Perplexity AI, and ChatOn AI: Which App is the Best?

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:

• Multiple AI Models: You get access to GPT-4o, Claude 3.7, DeepSeek-R1, and others, so you can pick the one that works best for your needs
• AI Image Generation: You can create custom pictures and artwork right in the app, which is pretty cool
• Photo Effects: Transform your photos with fun styles like Japanese Cartoon, Plushy, and Cyberpunk looks
• Document Analysis: Upload documents and get summaries, translations, and answers to questions about the content
• YouTube Help: Paste a YouTube link and get summaries or ask questions about the video
• 100+ Ready Prompts: Lots of pre-written prompts to help you get started quickly
• Writing Help: Get assistance with emails, social media posts, speeches, and creative writing
• Code Generation: Write and debug programming code with AI help

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.

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.

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.

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:

• Fast Responses: When it's working, the AI responds quickly
• Multiple Models: The app handles different AI models without conflicts
• Image Processing: Photo effects and image generation work efficiently when they work
• Document Handling: File uploads and analysis work fine under normal conditions

But there are major performance issues:

• Frequent Crashes: The app often freezes up and needs to be restarted
• Response Problems: Users get stuck on "thinking" status and never get responses
• Update Issues: Problems seem to have increased after recent app updates
• Inconsistent Reliability: The app works differently from one session to the next
• Affects Everyone: Both free and paid users are experiencing these problems

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.

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.

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.

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:

• Clean Layout: The chat interface is straightforward and easy to use, with clear separation between different AI models and features
• Good Organization: Important features are easy to find, and the 100+ ready prompts are prominently displayed
• Works on Different Screens: The app adapts well to different phone sizes and orientations
• Nice Colors: The black theme looks professional and is easy on the eyes
• Logical Grouping: Tools are organized in a way that makes sense - image generation, document analysis, etc.

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.

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.

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.

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:

• Lots of Features: You get text generation, image creation, document analysis, and more in one app
• Multiple AI Models: Access to GPT-4o, Claude 3.7, and other advanced models in one place
• Free Trial: You can test basic features before paying
• Regular Updates: The app gets new features and improvements regularly

But there are some real problems:

• Subscription Issues: Many users report trouble unsubscribing and unexpected charges
• Performance Problems: Recent updates have made the app less reliable, which hurts the value of paid features
• Limited Free Version: The free tier is pretty basic, so you have to pay to really test it
• Inconsistent Image Generation: The AI image feature, which is a key selling point, doesn't always work well
• Confusing Pricing: While prices are shown ($4.99-$59.99), the subscription model can be confusing

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.

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:

• Familiar Chat Interface: The chat-based design makes it easy to talk to AI without a steep learning curve
• Ready-Made Prompts: The 100+ pre-written prompts help you get started quickly and discover new features
• Easy to Find Features: Important tools like image generation and document analysis are easy to access
• Simple Model Switching: You can easily switch between different AI models to find the best one for your needs
• Quick Setup: Getting started takes almost no time at all

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.

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.

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.

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:

• Reputable Company: It's made by AIBY Inc., a real company based in Miami, Florida, which gives some accountability
• Clear Support: You can contact them at support@aiby.com with questions or concerns
• Transparent Pricing: The costs are clearly shown, ranging from $4.99 to $59.99
• Age Appropriate: It's rated "Teen" which means it has content filtering

But there are some privacy concerns to be aware of:

• Data Processing: Since it's an AI assistant, it has to process your conversations, documents, and images to work - this means your info goes to AI models
• Multiple AI Providers: Your data gets processed by different AI companies (GPT-4o, Claude 3.7, etc.), each with their own privacy policies
• Document Analysis: When you upload documents for analysis, that content gets processed
• Image Generation: Your prompts and uploaded images are used to create content

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.