With the introduction of ChatGPT in November of 2022, AI chatbots have become part of the conversation in the world of education and technology. Generative AI such as chatbots run on a large language model (LLM) which helps the program craft human-like responses and respond to diverse queries effectively. For example, the LLM powering ChatGPT is a generative pre-trained transformer (GPT), which is rapidly evolving in the breadth of its capabilities with each new version that has launched. However, it’s important to recognize that these language models have their limitations, including potential biases, inaccuracies, and reliance on predetermined data sets.
To gain a quick overview of ChatGPT, and three of its competitors: Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Claude, refer to the table below. For a more in-depth analysis of each tool, continue scrolling down this page. During your exploration, learn more about how to write productive prompts to get the most of these tools.
| Subscription Model | Distinctions | Limitations | ||
| ChatGPT | Free |
Plus only features:
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| Paid- ChatGPT Plus | ||||
| Microsoft Copilot | Free
(access with Montclair.edu credentials) |
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| Claude | Free
Paid- Claude Pro |
Pro features:
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| Google Gemini | Free
Paid- Gemini Advanced |
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ChatGPT
ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) tool able to produce written work that sounds convincingly human-produced. The AI technology powering ChatGPT is a generative pre-trained transformer (GPT), which is rapidly evolving in the breadth of its capabilities with each new version. ChatGPT offers users access to multiple models; refer to OpenAI’s Models Overview for a comparison of each.
OpenAI offers free and subscription options for ChatGPT users. The free version is more restrictive regarding model selection, has token limits, and access to certain features (i.e. file uploads and image generation) is limited based on current demand. The subscription platform, ChatGPT Plus, utilizes OpenAI’s latest language models and provides users choice between models.
In addition, the creation of Custom GPTs (tailored chatbots trained on your specific knowledge and data) is exclusive to ChatGPT Plus, though all users can access Custom GPTs for free. Custom GPTs enhance the user experience and optimize accuracy of ChatGPT for specific tasks, and have proven to be useful pedagogical tools in teaching and learning. ChatGPT Plus subscribers can share their custom GPTs freely with others to engage with.
All ChatGPT users have the ability to utilize a library of third-party tools such as Expedia, Wolfram, Zapier, and Canva within a cha
Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot is both a stand-alone text generator in addition to an Office 365 workspace integration and utilizes the ChatGPT 4 large language model.
Like Google Gemini and ChatGPT Plus, Copilot is able to integrate search results from its engine to supplement the timestamped shortcomings of its dataset. Additionally, it offers the functionality to upload files, generate images, chat with voice, and users can toggle between output tone styles.
Copilot users also have the ability to build Agents, tailored chatbots trained on custom knowledge and data. Similar to ChatGPT’s Custom GPT tool, Agents can be configured and shared with others.
You can access the browser-based version of Microsoft Copilot with your Montclair credentials which provides enterprise data protection. The mobile Copilot application does not require users to log in, however an account is needed to access the “Talk” feature, which the browser-based version does not include. To use the standalone Copilot mobile app, you must log in with a personal Microsoft 365 account. Your Montclair NetID credentials will not permit access to the mobile app, only the web-based version. Your input will not have enterprise data protection when using the mobile app with personal credentials.
Claude
Claude is a Generative AI tool which leverages its own large language model backed by Anthropic and Amazon. It prioritizes safety, and has created a Constitutional AI model to help fine-tune its training. Additionally, Claude is fairly accurate when generating citations and is transparent about the sources it utilizes in its output without needing to be explicitly prompted to do so. Like its competitors, Claude has a freemium model with a baseline version available for free and premium features/models available for a monthly fee. Compare Claude’s models to decide which is right for you
Google Gemini
Google Gemini is Google’s large language model and AI text generator. Similar to Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini is both a stand-alone text generator as well as an integrated Google Workspace tool. Google Gemini is able to leverage its search engine to reference current information in its output and can generate images based on a prompt. Gemini offers the ability to make quick edits to output that include modifying the tone and length of responses generated along with the ability to toggle between multiple drafts of output. Overall, it is more conversational in nature than ChatGPT.
Similar to ChatGPT’s Custom GPTs and Microsoft’s Copilot Agents, Google offers Gemini Gems, customized chatbots which can be trained on your subject matter. Gem creation is available with a free Gemini account.
Gemini is currently unavailable for activation on Montclair Google accounts. You can access it by authenticating with your personal Google account in Gemini for your browser, or through the Google mobile app. Free users and subscribers have access to different Gemini models; learn more about available Gemini Models.