The shortlist
Start with the work you already do: asking questions, understanding files, drafting material or using connected apps. General assistants overlap, but their plans, tools and account permissions differ.
Documentation-based starting points, not hands-on benchmarks. Check each option's fit, setup and costs below. Compare them with the same worksheet.
Freemium
The general ChatGPT app supports conversations, file work and media tools. Check the exact plan and experience; an app subscription does not establish access to every Work, Codex or connected-app feature.
Capability source ↗— You require fully offline inference or assume every model and tool is unlimited on the Free plan.
Freemium
Claude and Cowork cover writing, files and workplace tasks. Office add-ins, connected services and agent actions have separate account requirements and permissions; Claude Code is a different offering.
Capability source ↗— You need offline inference or assume every former Cowork or suite feature is included in the Free plan.
Freemium
The Gemini app combines chat and connected-app work; Live can use camera or screen context on supported devices. Model, plan and device availability need checking separately.
Capability source ↗— You need offline-only processing or expect all models and connected actions on every account.
Try the same representative task with material you can safely share. Check whether the result preserves facts and produces something you can edit. Begin with the assistant you already have access to, then compare a second option only where the first misses a real requirement. These are documentation-based starting points, not tested winners.
Check the linked product sources, supported languages, regional availability, permissions and current costs for your actual setup.
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