I downgraded to free Gemini and ChatGPT for a week, and only one subscription is worth keeping
The better free tool isn't actually the one I'd pay for
In October, both OpenAI and Google restructured their non-paying AI accounts, with OpenAI moving free users to its newer GPT-6 model, while Google reduced free Gemini to its smallest model. Comparing the free tiers of these services proved to be a mixed experience. ChatGPT upgraded to GPT-6 Luna for free users, offering fast and low-cost performance, and an unlimited text chat with a "Think" button for more complex queries.
However, its uploads and image generation have strict limits. Gemini, on the other hand, lost access to its regular Flash and Pro models, providing only the smallest Flash-Lite model, and employs a unique allowance system that depletes faster with image generation. Both services have their limitations regarding conversation context, with ChatGPT offering around 27K tokens (12 pages of text) and Gemini providing 32K.
Despite this, Gemini still includes Canvas and Deep Research on its free plan. The agentic tools are mostly behind paywalls, except for limited Codex and Work access through the desktop app for ChatGPT. In terms of chatbot performance, ChatGPT was found to be more reliable, particularly for current information, as it provided tappable citations and differentiated between known facts and estimations.
Gemini's default thinking level was initially deemed rough, requiring users to manually increase the level. While ChatGPT generally produced working interactive previews and image files, Gemini's Canvas offered exceptional features, such as extra interactivity and code view. However, Gemini's answers tended to be short and underwhelming, sometimes contradicting earlier information.
Additionally, the three-file upload limit on ChatGPT could be easily exhausted by screenshotting, while Gemini's auto-routing of questions to different models resulted in inconsistent response accuracy. Ultimately, the free ChatGPT proved to be the more capable and reliable option, making Gemini's free version seem downgraded. Despite this, Gemini's Canvas and Deep Research capabilities make the paid plan a worthwhile consideration.
Written by urgent.news from XDA Developers's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
