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ChatGPT vs Claude: Which AI Assistant Should You Use?

A practical comparison of ChatGPT and Claude for writing, documents, coding, research and everyday use.

By AI Resource Hub Editorial TeamUpdated 2 min read
On this page
  1. At a glance
  2. Writing
  3. Long documents
  4. Coding
  5. Images, voice and extras
  6. Which should you choose?
  7. Related guides

How we compare tools: product facts (features, plans, platforms) come from each company's official website and documentation at the time of review. Sections marked Our view are editorial judgement. Plans and features change often, so check the official pricing pages before you buy.

ChatGPT (OpenAI) and Claude (Anthropic) are two of the most capable general-purpose AI assistants. Both handle writing, analysis and coding well. The differences are in their extra features, style and ecosystem.

At a glance

ChatGPTClaude
Made byOpenAIAnthropic
Free planYes, with limitsYes, with limits
Paid plansIndividual, business and enterpriseIndividual, team and enterprise
File uploadsYesYes
Web searchYesYes
Image generationYes, built inNo native image generation
Voice conversationYesYes (in apps)
Organising workProjects, custom GPTsProjects
AppsWeb, iOS, Android, Mac, WindowsWeb, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows

Writing

Both write well. Our view: Claude's default writing style often feels more natural and less formulaic, which many people prefer for long-form editing. ChatGPT is very flexible and handles a huge range of formats and tones. For important writing, try the same prompt in both and compare.

Long documents

Both accept uploaded PDFs and documents. Our view: Claude has a strong reputation for reading long documents carefully and answering detailed questions about them, which makes it popular for reports and contracts.

Coding

Both are widely used for programming. Claude is popular with developers, and Anthropic offers Claude Code for working directly in codebases. OpenAI offers coding features across ChatGPT and its developer tools. For serious development, the editor integration (see GitHub Copilot vs Cursor) matters as much as the assistant.

Images, voice and extras

ChatGPT includes image generation and a broad set of extra features, including custom GPTs. If you want one app that does text, images and voice, ChatGPT covers more ground.

Which should you choose?

Choose ChatGPT if you want the broadest all-in-one assistant, including images, and a large ecosystem of custom GPTs.

Choose Claude if you mainly work with long documents, careful writing or code and value a natural writing style.

Our view: many people use both. Start with the free plans, run your three most common tasks through each, and pay only for the one that saves you more time.

Frequently asked questions

Is Claude better than ChatGPT?

Neither is better for everything. Claude is often preferred for long documents and writing style; ChatGPT for its breadth of features including image generation.

Can I use ChatGPT and Claude for free?

Yes, both offer free plans with usage limits.

AI Resource Hub Editorial Team

Our editors research AI tools using official documentation and reliable reporting, and update guides when products change. Read our editorial policy to see how we work. Editorial policy.

Tools in this guide

Claude

Anthropic

AI assistant known for long documents, careful writing and coding help.

  • Analysis of long PDFs and documents
  • Projects for organising files and instructions
  • Artifacts for documents, code and interactive pages
Free plan
Read reviewOfficial site (opens in a new tab)

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