Compare Perplexity AI, DeepSeek AI, Grok, and ChatOn AI: Which App is the Best?
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. | DeepSeek AI is a completely free AI assistant powered by a 600B+ parameter model, offering high-quality responses for coding, writing, and general questions without any subscription fees or usage limits. | 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. | ChatOn AI is a comprehensive AI assistant powered by multiple advanced models including GPT-4o and Claude 3.7. It offers text generation, AI image creation, document analysis, and YouTube video summarization in one platform. | |||||||||||||
| 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 | 7.8 | 7.3 | 6.8 | ||||||||||||
| Total users Total active users across all major browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||
| Total ratings Total number of user ratings received across all supported browsers. | 0 | 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 | Free | ||||||||||||
| Android User rating and stats for the app on Android browser. |  Downloads | 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. | 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 | 8.5 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:
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. | 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. | 8.0 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:
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. | ||||||||||||
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 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. Winner in this category | 6.5 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:
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:
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. | 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. Winner in this category | 5.5 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:
But there are major performance issues:
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. | ||||||||||||
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 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. Winner in this category | 7.5 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:
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. | 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. | 7.5 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:
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. | ||||||||||||
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 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. | 9.5 This is where DeepSeek AI really shines. It's completely free, and we mean completely free. No ads, no premium features, no hidden costs. What you get for free:
Compare this to ChatGPT Plus at $20/month or other paid AI services, and it's pretty amazing. You're getting similar quality for zero cost.
The only reason it's not a perfect 10 is that some people might want extra features like voice input, image generation, or plugins that you'd get with paid services. But for basic AI chat and coding help, you can't beat the value. We give value for money a 9.5 - it's basically free AI assistance that works really well. Winner in this category | 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. | 6.0 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:
But there are some real problems:
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. | ||||||||||||
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 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 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:
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. | 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. | 7.0 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:
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. | ||||||||||||
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 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. Winner in this category | 7.0 Privacy is a mixed bag with DeepSeek AI. On the plus side, you don't need an account to use it, which means they're not collecting your email or personal info. What we liked:
The downside? It's an AI assistant, so it has to process and store your conversations to work. They probably use your chats to improve their AI model, which is pretty standard for these apps. They don't sell your data to third parties, which is good. But you should know that your conversations are being processed and stored somewhere. It's more private than apps that require accounts and collect lots of personal info, but less private than apps that keep everything on your device. We give privacy a 7.0 - reasonable for an AI assistant, but not perfect. Winner in this category | 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. Winner in this category | 6.5 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:
But there are some privacy concerns to be aware of:
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. | ||||||||||||
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | 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. | DeepSeek AI stands out as a compelling free alternative to paid AI assistants, offering impressive capabilities powered by its advanced 600B+ parameter model. While it has some performance and accuracy limitations, the fact that it's completely free makes it an excellent choice for users who want powerful AI assistance without the cost. The app particularly shines for coding and technical tasks, with many users praising its ability to provide detailed, step-by-step solutions. For those willing to work around occasional server issues and minor accuracy concerns, DeepSeek AI delivers exceptional value. | 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. | ChatOn AI is a solid all-in-one AI assistant that brings together multiple AI models in one app. It's got text generation, image creation, document analysis, and more - basically everything you'd want from an AI helper. Lots of users love it for its features and ease of use, but there are some concerns about recent performance problems and how accurate the image generation really is. The free version gives you a taste of what it can do, but you'll need to pay to unlock the good stuff. If you're looking for a multi-purpose AI assistant that can handle both text and images, ChatOn is worth checking out. Just keep in mind that your experience might vary depending on how the app is running when you use it. | ||||||||||||
| Our Recommendation | ||||||||||||||||
