Compare Microsoft Copilot, Merlin AI, ChatGPT, and Chatbot AI: Which App is the Best?

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.

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.

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. 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.

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 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 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.

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:

• The better AI model (GPT-4)
• Image generation features
• Priority access during busy times

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

• Everything you say in conversations
• Your voice recordings
• Your conversation history

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.

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.