Compare Google Gemini, Perplexity AI, and Grok: Which App is the Best?
Gemini is Google’s next-generation AI assistant, offering creative tools, productivity features, and deep integration with Google services. | 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. | Grok is xAI's AI assistant that combines real-time information access with a witty personality, offering text generation, image creation, and seamless X platform integration. | |||||
| Key Features A summary of the most important features offered by each app. |
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| Our Rating Prod Apps's expert review score for each app, based on hands-on testing and research. | 8.2 Winner in this category | 8.2 Winner in this category | 7.3 | ||||
| Total users Total active users across all major browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Total ratings Total number of user ratings received across all supported browsers. | 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 | ||||
| Android User rating and stats for the app on Android browser. |  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. | 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. | 9.0 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:
Winner in this category | 8.0 Grok's feature set is impressive and comprehensive. The real-time information access is what really sets it apart - you can ask about current events and get up-to-the-minute answers that other AI assistants simply can't provide. The multimodal capabilities are particularly strong, with image generation that produces striking visuals and the ability to analyze uploaded images providing valuable insights. The integration with X platform is seamless and adds significant value for users already invested in that ecosystem. Grok's personality features, including its witty responses and rebellious tone, make interactions more engaging than typical AI assistants. Key Features:
However, we noticed that some advanced features are locked behind the X Premium+ subscription, which may limit accessibility for casual users. | ||||
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 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. Winner in this category | 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. | 8.0 The extension performs seamlessly, allowing you to interact with Grok without any lag or interruptions. The app handles text generation efficiently, and the image generation feature produces results quickly while maintaining good quality. The integration with X platform works smoothly, with minimal latency when accessing real-time information. Performance Highlights:
We did notice occasional performance variations, particularly during peak usage times, but these were infrequent and didn't significantly impact the user experience. The app maintains good stability across different devices and network conditions. The multimodal features, including image analysis and generation, perform consistently well, though some users have reported occasional delays with complex requests. Overall, the performance meets expectations for a modern AI assistant application. | ||||
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 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. Winner in this category | 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.
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. | 7.0 The design is clean and functional, following modern mobile app conventions. The interface is intuitive with a familiar chat-based layout that users will find immediately recognizable. The dark theme with X's signature styling creates a cohesive brand experience that feels premium and polished. The app's visual hierarchy is well-structured, making it easy to distinguish between different types of content - text responses, generated images, and interface elements. Design Highlights:
However, we found that the design could benefit from more customization options and that the interface occasionally feels somewhat basic compared to more feature-rich competitors. The minimalist approach works well for the core functionality but may leave power users wanting more advanced interface options. | ||||
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 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. Winner in this category | 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.
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. | 6.0 Grok's value proposition is somewhat mixed. The requirement for X Premium+ subscription ($16/month) creates a significant barrier to entry, especially when compared to free alternatives like ChatGPT or other AI assistants. However, for users already invested in the X ecosystem, Grok provides unique value through its real-time information access and distinctive personality. Value Breakdown:
The premium features, including advanced image generation and priority access, do offer tangible benefits, but the cost may be prohibitive for casual users. We found that the value is most apparent for power users who can leverage the real-time information capabilities and advanced features regularly. For occasional users or those primarily interested in basic AI assistance, the subscription requirement may not justify the cost compared to free alternatives. | ||||
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 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 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:
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. Winner in this category | 8.0 Grok is remarkably easy to use, especially for users already familiar with chat-based AI interfaces. The onboarding process is straightforward, and the app's core functionality is immediately accessible. The chat interface is intuitive, with clear input areas and well-organized response layouts. We particularly loved how the app handles different types of interactions - text conversations, image generation, and image analysis - all through a unified interface that doesn't overwhelm users. The integration with X platform is seamless, making it easy for existing X users to access Grok. What Makes It Easy:
However, we did notice that some advanced features might not be immediately discoverable for new users, and the subscription requirement could be clearer during the initial setup process. | ||||
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 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. Winner in this category | 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:
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. | 7.0 Grok's security and privacy practices are generally solid, with xAI implementing standard industry practices for data protection. The app requires appropriate permissions and follows modern security protocols for user authentication and data transmission. However, we noted some concerns about data sharing practices, particularly regarding the integration with X platform and potential data usage for training purposes. Security & Privacy Features:
Users should be aware that conversations and interactions may be used to improve the AI model, which is common practice but worth noting for privacy-conscious users. The app does provide basic privacy controls, but we found the privacy policy could be more transparent about specific data usage and retention policies. Overall, the security measures appear adequate for typical use cases, though users with high privacy requirements may want to review the detailed privacy terms. | ||||
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | 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. | 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. | Grok stands out as a unique AI assistant with its real-time information access and distinctive personality. While the requirement for X Premium+ subscription may be a barrier for some users, those who invest in the platform will find a powerful AI tool that combines humor, intelligence, and current awareness in an engaging package. | ||||
| Our Recommendation | |||||||
