Which AI should I choose? A comprehensive guide to the most important AI tools
The question “which AI should I choose?” does not have a single answer.
Today, AI covers a wide range of tools with very different purposes: text writing, research, image creation, video, voice, customer service, social interaction, and even local offline models. The right choice therefore depends on what you specifically want to use AI for – and how much control, quality, and integration you need.
Text- and chat-based AI
Text AI is often the first encounter many people have with artificial intelligence. Here, it is about dialogue, idea development, research, summarization, and problem-solving.
ChatGPT
ChatGPT is one of the world’s most widely used AI assistants and is built on OpenAI’s GPT models. The free version covers most common needs, while paid versions provide access to more advanced models, image generation, and analysis. ChatGPT is particularly strong in text production, explanations, and creative sparring.
Google Gemini
Google Gemini (formerly Bard) is Google’s AI chat and is closely integrated with Google’s ecosystem. It is strong in search, factual answers, and working with documents, especially if you already use Google Workspace.
Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot is built on OpenAI technology and integrated directly into Microsoft 365. For Office users, Copilot is particularly effective for emails, Excel analysis, PowerPoint presentations, and document work.
Claude
Claude from Anthropic is known for its strong text comprehension, long context windows, and more “calm” conversational style. It is often used for analysis, longer texts, and complex reasoning.
Le Chat / Mistral
Le Chat is Mistral’s European AI chat. It is interesting for users who want an EU-based solution with a focus on openness and high performance.
Perplexity
Perplexity combines AI chat with active web search and source citations. It is particularly suitable for research where credibility and up-to-date sources are important.
DeepSeek
DeepSeek is a Chinese AI model that has gained attention for high technical performance and a focus on mathematics and coding.
Qwen (Alibaba)
Qwen is Alibaba’s AI platform and one of the most widely used Chinese language models. It is primarily used in enterprise and e-commerce environments.
xAI / Grok
Grok from xAI is integrated with X (formerly Twitter) and focuses on real-time data and public discourse.
Pi – Your Personal AI
Pi from Inflection AI is designed as a more personal and supportive conversational partner, focusing on reflection and dialogue.
ChatSonic
ChatSonic is an AI chat focused on marketing, content, and web integration.
Amazon Lex
Amazon Lex is primarily used to build chatbots and voice-based solutions in AWS environments.
Meta AI
Meta AI is Meta’s AI initiative, integrated into Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Images and graphics
DALL·E
DALL·E is OpenAI’s image generator, known for high quality and strong prompt understanding.
Midjourney
Midjourney is popular among designers and artists and is used via Discord.
Adobe Firefly
Adobe Firefly is integrated into the Adobe suite and is well suited for commercial graphics.
Canva Magic Studio
Canva Magic Studio makes AI design accessible to non-designers.
Ideogram
Ideogram specializes in image and text design, especially posters and graphic layouts.
Video AI
Lumen5
Lumen5 turns text into short videos, suitable for social media.
Synthesia
Synthesia is used for AI avatar videos, especially in e-learning and corporate communication.
Runway ML
Runway ML is an advanced tool for AI video, editing, and generative content.
Voice and music
ElevenLabs
ElevenLabs is among the leaders in realistic AI voice generation.
Suno
Suno can create complete songs from text prompts.
Udio
Udio is a competitor to Suno with a focus on music production.
Other: Social AIs, customer service, and local models
Replika and Character.ai
Replika and Character.ai are primarily used for entertainment and social AI experiences.
Customer service AI
Solutions such as IBM Watson, Tidio, and Intercom Fin are used in professional customer service.
Local and offline models
GPT4All, Ollama, and LM Studio make it possible to run AI locally.
AI assistants
Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa are embedded in everyday devices.
AI communities
HuggingChat is a community-based AI chat with open models.
How do you choose the right AI?
The choice of AI depends on purpose, data requirements, budget, and integration needs.
In practice, many choose multiple AI tools that complement each other. AI is not one product – it is a toolkit.
Questions and answers about choosing AI
Is there one AI that can do everything?
No, most AIs are specialized. Many therefore use several tools in parallel.
Are free AI tools sufficient?
For many individuals and small businesses, free versions are often sufficient, but paid versions unlock all possibilities.
What is the difference between American, European, and Chinese AI?
The differences primarily lie in data sources, regulation, language, and political context. In Europe, for example, it is an advantage if an AI is subject to GDPR.
Are local AI models secure?
Local models provide more control over data, but require technical understanding.
