Use this guide to build a shortlist, then check the provider page before choosing a paid plan.
Quick decision guide
Use these notes to shortlist the plan that fits your actual workflow.
Decision note
Best free writing starting point
Claude Free is a strong first choice for writing, editing, and careful text review when you can work within free usage limits.
Decision note
Best free research starting point
Perplexity Free is the clearest free option when visible sources and web research are more important than broad assistant features.
Decision note
Best free coding starting point
Cursor Hobby / Free is the best match when your main need is coding help inside an editor, while ChatGPT Free can help with explanations and snippets.
Recommended plans to compare
Start with these plans, then compare details against your workflow.
Anthropic
Claude Free
Best for
- Trying Claude for writing
- Light editing and summarization
- Students and writers with occasional needs
Perplexity
Perplexity Free
Best for
- Free web research with citations
- Source discovery
- Students and readers checking current information
Cursor
Cursor Hobby / Free
Best for
- Trying AI coding in an editor
- Students learning development
- Light coding help without paying
OpenAI
ChatGPT Free
Best for
- General everyday AI use
- Trying ChatGPT before paying
- Light writing, learning, and brainstorming
Google AI
Gemini Free
Best for
- Trying Gemini
- Google users who want a free assistant
- Light everyday help
Plan comparison
Use the table for a quick side-by-side scan.
| Plan | Tier | Price | Best for | Strengths | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claude Free | Free | Free | Trying Claude for writing | Good writing tone; Useful for explaining and revising text | Usage limits are lower than paid plans; Not an IDE coding tool |
| Perplexity Free | Free | Free | Free web research with citations | Research-first interface; Visible citations | Advanced research and model options may be limited; Not a general productivity suite |
| Cursor Hobby / Free | Free | Free | Trying AI coding in an editor | Editor-native workflow; Coding-focused | Usage allowances are limited; Not useful for non-coders |
| ChatGPT Free | Free | Free | General everyday AI use | Broad general assistant; Good first stop for mixed tasks | Lower usage limits than paid tiers; Advanced models and tools may be limited |
| Gemini Free | Free | Free | Trying Gemini | No subscription required; Natural fit for Google users | Advanced Google AI features may require paid plans; Usage limits and features vary |