Use a question you already have
Wondering whether to try ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude? Give two of them something you actually want help with.
It could be a message you’ve been putting off, a meal plan or an explanation of something you’re learning. You’ll have a much better feel for the apps when the answer matters to you.
Send the same request to both
Copy your question into each app. Read what comes back.
Which one sounds closer to you? Which explanation makes sense? Which answer gives you something you can use straight away?
Have another go
You don’t have to choose from the first replies. Tell each app what you want changed: “Less formal,” “I only have 20 minutes,” or “Show me an example.”
Notice which conversation feels easier to steer.
Keep the one you reach for
You can use one app for writing and another for looking things up. You can also stick with one if it does what you need.
There’s no need to make a scorecard. The useful question is whether it helped you finish the thing you opened it for.
Here’s one way to try it
Pick something from your day
Use a message you need to write, a question you have, or a plan you’re making.
Ask both apps
Copy the same request into each so they have the same starting point.
Follow up if you want
Ask each for a shorter version, a different tone or a clearer example.
Go with what helps
Which answer would you use? Which app was easier to talk to?
Something to type
Help me with [what I’m doing]. Here’s the situation: [details]. I’d like [a short message / a few ideas / a simple explanation]. Keep these details: [what matters]. If you need to know something else, ask me.
References and how this was put together
- Claude Help: Upload files (24 Oct 2026)
- Getting started and chatting with Claude (24 Oct 2026)
A note on this approach:
- The app you like for writing may be different from the one you like for learning.
Idea to try. A suggested approach, without a recorded Afaai test yet.
How we make the articles