I let ChatGPT, Gemini, and Alexa shop my kids' back-to-school supplies — only one got it right

When a mother with three children and distinct school supply lists sought assistance from AI, she employed ChatGPT, Gemini, and Alexa+ to shop for her kids. Though the task was straightforward—follow the teacher's list, stick to required quantities, choose reasonably priced products, and avoid optional items—each AI assistant produced vastly different results.

ChatGPT emerged as the most accurate, diligently following the list with no deviations. It selected neutral colors, adhered to brand preferences, and ensured reasonable pricing, resulting in a total of $92.55 for kindergarten, fourth, and sixth grade supplies. However, this accuracy came at the cost of speed, as ChatGPT took the longest to complete the task by thoroughly verifying each item.

Gemini proved to be careful but also more thoughtful, taking a slightly different approach. After generating the cart through Instacart, it paused to ask for approval on certain colors, unlike ChatGPT. This additional step added to the overall time needed but appealed to those who prefer more control over their shopping experience.

The end result was an approximate total of $60-$90 for supplies, which was $105 more if she had included an optional water bottle. Gemini also managed to secure better deals than Walmart, showcasing its ability to scan the internet for the best prices.

On the other hand, Alexa+ demonstrated lightning-fast performance but came with a significantly higher price tag, nearly three times more than ChatGPT and Gemini combined. The assistant added optional items like headphones and a computer mouse without hesitation, asking for color approval for numerous products. While this resulted in a cart totaling $251.48, it would have been even more expensive if Alexa+ hadn't been stopped from purchasing these extra items. This experience highlighted the importance of closely reviewing the order before finalizing it.