Compare Merlin AI, Perplexity AI, DeepSeek AI, and Chatbot AI: Which App is the Best?

DeepSeek AI has a solid set of features that make it a great alternative to paid AI assistants. It does more than just answer questions - it's like having a smart friend who can help with pretty much anything.

Here's what we really liked:

1. The AI is really smart

This thing is powered by a massive AI model with over 600 billion parameters. That's a lot of brainpower! It can handle complex questions, coding problems, and analytical tasks really well.

2. It shows its work

Unlike most AI assistants, DeepSeek actually shows you how it thinks through problems. This is especially helpful when you're learning something new or debugging code. It breaks everything down step by step.

3. It's completely free

No catch, no hidden fees, no premium tiers. You get unlimited access to this powerful AI without paying anything. That's pretty rare these days.

4. It works everywhere

Whether you're on Android or iOS, the experience is the same. No need to worry about compatibility issues.

The main downsides:

• No voice features
• No image generation
• No file uploads

But for basic AI chat and coding help, it's really solid.

We give features an 8.5 - it does the core stuff really well, but could use some extra bells and whistles.

Chatbot AI offers a range of features that leverage multiple advanced AI models. In addition to its main function of providing AI chat assistance, it provides much more, making it a versatile tool for various AI needs.

The app's multi-model approach stands out as its strongest asset, providing access to GPT-4, GPT-4o, Google Gemini, Claude, and DeepSeek all within a single interface. This gives users the flexibility to choose the best AI for their specific needs.

Top Features of Chatbot AI

1. Multi-Model AI Access:

Chatbot AI excels at providing access to multiple AI models in one place. You can easily switch between GPT-4, GPT-4o, Google Gemini, Claude, and DeepSeek depending on your specific needs. Whether you're writing creative content, seeking technical assistance, or just having casual conversations, you can choose the best model for the job.

2. Text Generation Capabilities:

The app excels at creating various types of content, from creative stories and poems to professional emails and technical documents. In our tests, we found the text generation to be quite impressive, especially when using the more advanced models.

3. AI Image Generation:

Integration with DALL·E technology enables users to create images from text descriptions, adding a visual dimension to the AI experience. This feature works well, though it can be slow at times and requires a premium subscription.

4. Specialized AI Assistants:

The mental health support and fitness coaching features provide targeted assistance for specific life areas. These specialized features add unique value that you won't find in most other AI assistants.

5. Language Learning Tools:

The conversational practice and grammar assistance features are valuable for language learners. You can engage in practice conversations and receive helpful grammar tips.

6. Cross-Platform Synchronization:

Users can access their conversations and settings across mobile, web, and desktop devices. This makes it easy to continue conversations from wherever you are.

However, we identified several limitations that impact the overall feature rating:

• Many users reported that the free version is extremely restrictive, with some mentioning they could only send 3 messages before being prompted to upgrade
• Some users expressed concerns about the app's ability to handle complex queries effectively
• Reports of the AI not following prompts correctly or providing generic responses
• The mixed user reviews suggest that while the feature set is comprehensive, the actual implementation may not always meet user expectations

That's why we rate the features at 7.5 out of 10. The app offers an impressive range of capabilities and the multi-model approach is genuinely valuable, but the restrictive freemium model and inconsistent performance limit its overall effectiveness.

Performance is a bit hit or miss with DeepSeek AI. When it's working well, it's great. When it's not, it can be frustrating.

When everything is running smoothly, the app responds quickly and works without any lag. The AI processes your questions fast and gives good answers.

It works consistently across different devices, so you get the same experience whether you're on Android or iOS.

What works well:

• Fast responses: When servers are working, it's quick
• Reliable interface: The app itself doesn't crash much
• Cross-platform: Works the same on all devices

The problem is that the servers seem to get overloaded a lot. You'll often see "server busy" messages, and sometimes the app just doesn't work at all. The recent drop in ratings from 4.2 to 3.98 stars suggests this is an ongoing issue.

Common issues users report:

• Server busy messages
• Slow response times
• App not working at all
• Lagging interface

It's not the app's fault - it's more about server capacity and infrastructure. But it definitely affects how useful the app is.

We give performance a 6.5 - good when it works, but the reliability issues are a real problem.

The extension performs adequately for basic chat functionality, but there are several performance concerns that impact the overall user experience. Some users reported smooth operation while others experienced significant issues.

The basic messaging interface responds quickly to user input and displays messages promptly. The app generally maintains stability during normal usage without frequent crashes. Performance remains relatively consistent across different devices and platforms, and the app launches and loads the main interface reasonably quickly.

However, we identified several performance issues that impact the overall rating:

• Many users reported slow response times from the AI models, with some mentioning delays of several seconds or even minutes before receiving responses
• Some users experienced technical issues including app crashes, freezing, and connectivity problems
• The app's performance can vary significantly depending on the specific AI model being used and the complexity of the user's request
• The app's freemium limitations also impact perceived performance, as users are abruptly cut off from using the service after just a few messages
• Some users reported issues with the image generation feature, including slow processing times and occasional failures to generate images

That's why we rate performance at 6.5 out of 10. While the app provides generally stable basic functionality, the inconsistent response times, occasional technical issues, and the disruptive freemium limitations prevent it from delivering a consistently smooth user experience.

The design is clean and straightforward. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done without getting in your way.

We like how simple it is to use. The chat interface looks familiar - just like any messaging app you've used before. The text is easy to read, and the buttons are where you'd expect them to be.

It works well on both phones and tablets, and the layout adjusts nicely to different screen sizes. The app doesn't try to be flashy, which is actually kind of refreshing.

What we liked:

• Clean chat interface: Easy to read messages and clear conversation flow
• Simple layout: No confusing menus or hidden features
• Works on all devices: Looks good on both Android and iOS
• Easy to navigate: Everything is where you'd expect it to be

The downside? It's pretty basic looking. No cool animations or fancy themes. Some people might find it boring, but we think it's actually better this way - less distraction, more focus on the AI responses.

We give design a 7.5 - it's functional and clean, but could use a bit more personality.

The design is clean and modern, following current mobile design trends. We found the app's visual design to be functional and generally user-friendly, though it doesn't particularly stand out in terms of innovation or visual appeal.

What users love most is the straightforward chat interface and the clean layout. The main conversation screen is accessible and doesn't overwhelm users with too many options. The app maintains a cohesive design throughout different sections, and the interface adapts well to different screen sizes and orientations.

However, we identified several design-related issues that impact the user experience:

• Many users reported that the app's interface can feel generic and lacks the polished feel of more established AI applications
• Some users mentioned that the design doesn't effectively communicate the app's premium features or differentiate itself from other chatbot applications
• Several users expressed frustration with the design of the upgrade prompts and subscription interface, finding them to be overly aggressive or misleading
• The freemium model's limitations aren't clearly communicated in the design, leading to user confusion about what features are available in the free version
• While the app includes image generation capabilities, the visual presentation of generated images could be improved

That's why we rate the design at 6.5 out of 10. The app provides a functional and clean interface, but it lacks the visual polish and user experience refinement that would make it truly stand out in the competitive AI assistant market.

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.

Chatbot AI's value proposition is one of its most contentious aspects, with user opinions ranging from enthusiastic endorsement to strong criticism. While the app offers access to multiple advanced AI models, the pricing structure and freemium limitations significantly impact its overall value.

The ability to use GPT-4, GPT-4o, Google Gemini, Claude, and DeepSeek in one app provides significant value for users who need different AI capabilities. The app includes text generation, image creation, mental health support, and language learning features. Users can access the service across multiple devices, increasing the utility of their subscription. The free tier provides an ad-free experience, which is appreciated by users.

However, we identified several significant value concerns that heavily impact the rating:

• The most common complaint among users is the extremely restrictive free tier, with many reporting they could only send 3 messages before being prompted to upgrade
• The pricing structure, ranging from $4.99 to $69.99 per item, was found to be expensive compared to other AI services
• Some users specifically mentioned that they felt the app didn't deliver enough value to justify the subscription costs
• Several users reported feeling misled by the app's marketing and app store presence, with some mentioning they thought they were downloading a different AI service
• While the app offers multiple AI models, some users reported that the quality and consistency of responses didn't always meet their expectations

That's why we rate value for money at 5.5 out of 10. While the app offers access to valuable AI capabilities, the restrictive freemium model, high pricing, and mixed performance reviews significantly limit its overall value proposition. Users should carefully consider their specific needs and budget before committing to a subscription.

This might be the easiest AI assistant we've ever used. Seriously, you can start using it right away without any setup.

Download the app, open it, and start typing. That's it. No account needed, no complicated settings to figure out.

It works the same way on both Android and iOS, so if you switch phones, you won't have to relearn anything.

What makes it so easy:

• No setup required: Just download and start chatting
• Familiar interface: Looks and works like any chat app
• Simple input: Type your question and hit send
• Clear responses: Easy to read answers with good formatting

The only annoying thing is that sometimes you get "server busy" messages when the app is overloaded. And there's not much guidance for new users on how to get the best results.

But overall, it's really user-friendly. We give ease of use an 8.0 - it's super simple to use, though the occasional server issues can be frustrating.

Chatbot AI offers a generally straightforward user experience that most users should find accessible. The core chat functionality is intuitive and easy to understand, with a familiar messaging interface that requires minimal learning curve.

Installing it is a breeze, and you can easily add the app to both Android and iOS devices. Once installed, the chat interface works seamlessly right out of the box. The main conversation screen is clean and easy to use, with clear input fields and message display.

Users can start chatting almost immediately after downloading the app, with minimal configuration required. The app follows standard mobile messaging conventions that users already understand, and the experience remains consistent across different devices and platforms.

However, we identified several usability issues that impact the overall ease of use. Many users reported frustration with the app's freemium limitations, particularly the abrupt cutoff after just a few messages. This creates a jarring user experience where users are suddenly blocked from using the app they just started exploring.

Additionally, some users mentioned that the app's interface doesn't clearly communicate what features are available in the free version versus the premium version. This lack of transparency can lead to confusion and disappointment when users discover they need to pay to access certain capabilities.

We also found that while the basic chat functionality is simple, some of the more advanced features like image generation and model selection could benefit from better onboarding and explanation. New users might not immediately understand how to access or use these features effectively.

Several users reported technical issues that affected usability, including slow response times and occasional crashes. While these issues don't make the app difficult to use when it's working properly, they can create a frustrating experience when they occur.

That's why we rate ease of use at 7.0 out of 10. The app provides a generally intuitive experience for basic chat functionality, but the restrictive freemium model and lack of clear feature communication create usability barriers that prevent it from being truly user-friendly.

In the Security & Privacy category, we give Chatbot AI a 6.0 out of 10. The app's security and privacy practices present a mixed picture that requires careful consideration.

The app uses user accounts which can provide some level of data protection and control. User data is synchronized across devices, suggesting some form of secure data storage. We found no reports of major security incidents or data leaks in user reviews.

However, we identified several significant privacy and security concerns:

• The app's freemium model and subscription system require users to provide payment information, which increases the potential attack surface for sensitive data
• The app's integration with multiple AI models means that user conversations are likely being processed by various third-party services, raising questions about data sharing and retention policies
• Many users expressed concerns about the app's data collection practices, particularly regarding conversation history and personal information shared during chats
• The app's requirement for an internet connection means that all conversations are transmitted over the network, potentially exposing sensitive information to interception
• Some users reported concerns about the app's aggressive upgrade prompts and subscription management, which could potentially lead to unauthorized charges or difficulty canceling subscriptions

That's why we rate security and privacy at 6.0 out of 10. While the app doesn't appear to have major security vulnerabilities, the lack of transparency about data handling practices and the potential for sensitive information exposure through AI model processing create significant privacy concerns that users should carefully consider.