Research Guides: Artificial Intelligence (AI): Generative AI Tools

Generative AI Tools Comparison

Feature	Copilot	Perplexity	ChatGPT	Gemini (Google)	Claude (Anthropic)
Base Technology	GPT-5, real-time, MS ecosystem	Expert model blend, live web	GPT-4o, o3/o4-mini, experimental GPT-5	Gemini 2.5 Ultra/Pro/Nano; Deep Think, Live	Claude Opus 4, Sonnet 4; extended memory
Information Accuracy	Context-aware, improved reasoning	Always cites sources, optimized answers	Vast knowledge, project continuity	Market-leading benchmarks, accurate research	Efficient reasoning, recalls context/work
Interaction Style	Creative/Precise, workflow focused	Structured, multi-turn	Branchable chat, voice, projects	Overlay, voice, Gems (custom bots), deep dialogue	Transparent, incognito, agentic, team focus S
Specialized Features	GPT-5 mode; file analysis, PPT, Design, PowerPoint	Article deep summary, planned multimodal	Advanced Voice Mode, model picker, file/project	Gems (custom experts), Deep Think, document upload, data analysis	Memory recall, project export, agentic plugins (PDF, web browser), coding
Limitations	Privacy concern with auto-install; session limits	No image gen yet, multimodal in dev	Occasional lengthy, reason quirks	Deep Think only to select users, some features paid	Memory limited to paid plans, file creation security
Price	$30/month for Microsoft 365 Copilot $20/month for Copilot Pro	Free plan available Professional plan: $20/month	Free plan available Plus: $20/month	Gemini Advanced $20/mo, business add-ons	Sonnet free, Opus $15/$75 per million tokens, Team/Enterprise $20-$30/mo
Best For	Secure/work productivity, MS suite	Academic, source-confirmed, deep search	Creative, logical, voice, file/project workflow	Data analysis, workflow, expert customization, research	Agents, coding, enterprise teamwork, context memory

Microsoft Copilot
Copilot is an advanced conversational AI model based on the GPT-4 architecture. It is designed to assist users with a wide range of tasks, from synthesizing information and offering support to completing productivity-related activities.
Access to GPT-4 available to Purdue faculty, staff and students
Purdue University faculty, staff and students have access to GPT-4 through Microsoft Copilot with Data Protection. Previously branded Bing Chat Enterprise (BCE), Copilot with Data Protection ensures that user and organizational data is protected.

Perplexity

Perplexity
How to Use

Perplexity
Perplexity AI is an innovative AI-powered search engine that combines the capabilities of large language models with real-time web searching to provide comprehensive, up-to-date answers to user queries.
Perplexity is available as a web app, mobile app, and Chrome extension.
Standard plan: free forever. Pro plan: $20 per month or $200 per year.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT
How to Use

ChatGPT
ChatGPT is an AI language model by OpenAI that generates human-like text based on input. It's used for conversations, answering questions, and tasks like writing or research across various fields.
ChatGPT is available on mobile or desktop.
Free version; ChatGPT Plus: $20 per month

Introducing GPT-4o
Prompt Engineering
This guide shares strategies and tactics for getting better results from large language models (sometimes referred to as GPT models) like GPT-4o.
What can you do with GPT-4?

Google Gemini

Google Gemini
How to Use

Google Gemini
Gemini is a large language model developed by Google AI. It is capable of generating human-quality text in response to a wide range of prompts and questions.

Claude (Anthropic)

Claude (Anthropic)
How to Use

Claude (Anthropic)
Claude, built by Anthropic, is best for enterprise-level tasks requiring high accuracy, reasoning, and advanced coding capabilities, especially in regulated industries due to its focus on safety and reliability.