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Beginner’s guide · Step 2 of 5

Claude, Gemini & co the AI assistants to know

Two assistants lead the way for personal and professional use in 2026: Claude and Gemini. Here is what sets them apart, what their plans cost and how to choose the one that suits you.

Compare Claude and Gemini Try with a referral

The two must-knows

Two different philosophies: Claude focuses on the quality of reasoning and writing, Gemini on integration with the Google ecosystem.

Claude

Made by Anthropic (United States)

The rigorous assistant, excellent for writing, analysis and code.

Strengths

  • Natural, nuanced writing
  • Analysis of long documents (PDFs, contracts, reports)
  • Creates real files: documents, spreadsheets, presentations, mini-apps
  • Projects and skills to teach it your methods
  • A reference for programming with Claude Code

Models

Haiku · fast and affordable Sonnet · the everyday all-rounder Opus · the most capable, for complex tasks

Where to use it

claude.ai on the web, desktop and mobile apps, Chrome extension and inside Microsoft 365 (Excel, PowerPoint…).

Plans

Free
to explore
Pro
about $20/month
Max
from $100/month
Team / Enterprise
for businesses

Gemini

Made by Google (United States)

The assistant connected to the whole Google universe.

Strengths

  • Built into Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar and Android
  • Uses Google Search for up-to-date information
  • Creates images (Nano Banana) and videos (Veo)
  • Deep Research: sourced reports in minutes
  • Skills: your reusable methods (they replace Gems)

Models

Flash · fast, for everyday use Pro · deeper reasoning, complex tasks

Where to use it

gemini.google.com, mobile app, right inside Gmail, Docs and Drive, and on Android phones.

Plans

Free
to explore
Google AI Plus / Pro
about $5 to $20/month
Ultra
heavy use
Google Workspace
included for businesses

Indicative plans and prices as of October 2026, subject to change; the exact local price is shown at sign-up.

Claude or Gemini: the comparison

Criterion Claude Gemini
Best for Writing, analysing, thinking, coding Working in Gmail, Drive and Android
Free version Yes, with usage limits Yes, with usage limits
Entry subscription Claude Pro Google AI Pro
Web search Yes Yes (Google Search)
Images and video Analyses images, does not create photos Analyses and generates images and video
File creation Documents, spreadsheets, presentations, apps Docs, Sheets, Slides through Google
Customisation Projects, styles, skills Skills (replacing Gems), custom instructions
For businesses Claude Team / Enterprise Included in Google Workspace

Other assistants worth knowing

The landscape is broad. These are worth knowing, each for a specific reason.

ChatGPT

OpenAI

The best known to the general public. Very versatile: chat, images, voice, custom GPTs.

Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft

Built into Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams. The logical choice if your company runs on Microsoft 365.

Le Chat

Mistral AI (France)

The European alternative, built in Paris. Fast, with a “data in Europe” approach.

Perplexity

Perplexity AI

A search engine that answers by citing its sources. Ideal for checking a fact.

NotebookLM

Google

Works only from your documents. Generates summaries, quizzes and even audio “podcasts”.

How to choose?

Start from your habits, not from advertising.

Your day runs on Gmail, Drive and Android

Start with Gemini: it is already where you work.

You write, analyse or code a lot

Try Claude: that is where it makes the difference.

Your company uses Google Workspace

Gemini is included in your subscription at no extra cost.

Still undecided

Run “the 3-request test” below with the free versions.

The 3-request test

Ask both assistants exactly the same things, then keep the one whose answers you like best:

  1. 1 A task from your job: “Write an email chasing a client who has not paid their invoice, firm but polite.”
  2. 2 An explanation: “Explain simply how a fixed-rate mortgage works.”
  3. 3 A document: attach a PDF you know well and ask for a 5-point summary.

Try it with a little boost

As a user of these tools, I can pass on a few perks reserved for new customers.

Google AI Pro

Up to 4 months free

For advanced personal use of Gemini. Limited invitations, only for people who have never subscribed.

Ask for an invitation

Single-use invitations are sent privately, via the contact form.

Disclosure: some buttons in this section use my referral links. If you subscribe through them, I may receive something in return (a commission or usage credit), at no extra cost to you. Terms are set by Google and Anthropic and may change.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, Claude or Gemini?

Neither is better at everything. Claude is often preferred for writing quality, document analysis and code; Gemini for its integration with Google tools, current-events search and image creation. Many professionals use both.

Is the free version enough?

For exploring and a few requests a day, yes. You will upgrade if you often hit the usage limits, want the most powerful model or features like deep research.

Can I use several AIs at once?

Of course. Nothing forces you to choose: many people use Gemini in Gmail and Drive, and Claude for writing or analysis. Comparing two answers is even a good way to spot a mistake.

What about my business?

Choose a business plan: Google Workspace (Gemini included) or Claude Team / Enterprise. Your data is not used to train models, accounts are managed centrally and you get contractual commitments.

How do referrals work?

Use the link or ask for an invitation through the contact form. Perks (longer trial, free months, promo code) are reserved for new customers and set by the vendor. You never pay more by going through a referral.

FF

Fabrice Faucheux

Expert Google Workspace & Apps Script, Bretagne

Développeur freelance spécialisé dans l'optimisation des flux de travail professionnels, le développement d'add-ons sur-mesure (Google Sheets, Docs, Gmail) et l'intégration de modèles IA (Gemini).

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