Compare Microsoft Copilot, Merlin AI, Google Gemini, and Grok: Which App is the Best?

Gemini is packed with things you can do:

• Get help with homework
• Make images
• Plan trips
• Connects with Google services like Search and Maps

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.

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:

• Real-time information access
• Multimodal AI (text, image generation, image analysis)
• Witty and rebellious personality
• Seamless X platform integration
• Advanced reasoning capabilities

However, we noticed that some advanced features are locked behind the X Premium+ subscription, which may limit accessibility for casual users.

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.

Gemini runs smoothly.

• App opens fast
• Answers come quickly
• No crashes or slowdowns in our tests

Some features aren’t on every device yet, but that’s not a speed issue. For what’s there, everything works as it should.

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:

• Fast text generation responses
• Quick image generation with good quality
• Smooth X platform integration
• Stable across different devices
• Good network performance

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.

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 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:

• Clean, modern chat interface
• Dark theme with X branding
• Clear visual hierarchy
• Intuitive navigation

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.

Gemini gives you a lot for free:

• Main features work without paying
• Extras like video generation need Pro or Ultra
• Most people won’t need to upgrade right away

The free version is generous, and the paid plans are fair for what you get. There are no hidden fees.

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:

• Free Tier: Limited access to basic features
• Premium ($16/month): Full access to all features
• Best For: X ecosystem users and power users
• Alternative: Free AI assistants available

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.

Gemini is easy to get started with.

• Menus are clear
• Main features are easy to find
• No manual needed

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.

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:

• Familiar chat-based interface
• Straightforward onboarding
• Unified interaction system
• Seamless X platform integration

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.

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.

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:

• Standard industry security protocols
• Appropriate permission requirements
• Basic privacy controls
• Data encryption in transit

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.