Claude Code ā My daily dev tool
Claude Code by Anthropic is the one I use the most for development, by far. What sets it apart from the others: it integrates directly into the terminal and editor, it can read and modify files, navigate an entire codebase, and understand the global context of the project. Not just responding to a copy-pasted snippet in a chat window.
In practice, when I have an idea, I ask it to structure the project and challenge my choices. And to be clear: I challenge it too. š I sometimes disagree with its suggestions, and that's often where the conversation becomes interesting. It's a tool, not an oracle.
Perplexity ā My reference for research
Perplexity is my main tool when I need a reliable and verifiable answer. It's a response engine that systematically cites its sources ā you ask a question, it answers with excerpts from real web pages and direct links. No more hallucinations without references.
However, I use it almost exclusively on desktop. On smartphone, it's flooded with messages pushing the paid version. Understandable from their side, but frankly annoying when you just want to do a quick search. š
Gemini ā For those in the Google ecosystem
Gemini is Google's AI, and its main advantage is integration with Gmail, Docs, Drive, Sheets, and Google Search. I have a Google Pixel, and on that side, it does integrate very well with its own ecosystem. It's practical for analyzing documents or getting a quick summary without leaving the interface.
That said, in terms of responses, it sometimes falters. š¬ Not systematically, but regularly enough that I stay on guard. And if privacy is a priority for you, it's worth thinking twice before entrusting it with your documents ā I talk about this in my article on securing yourself on the Internet.
ChatGPT ā The natural entry point
ChatGPT by OpenAI is the most known and most versatile AI. Writing, code, analysis, translation, summary, creativity... it does a bit of everything, often very well. The free version (GPT-4o mini) remains capable for most common uses. It's also the easiest AI to get started with if you're a beginner.
Personally, I don't really buy into it. The main reason? OpenAI's partnership with the Pentagon, which triggered a big wave of uninstallations and boycotts. This is not a technical controversy ā it's a question of ethics and values. The idea that "consumer" AI could be used in a military context raises legitimate questions that each person must decide for themselves.
Also note: by default, your data may be used to improve the models ā check in the settings.
Quick comparison
My opinion at the time of writing this article ā subject to change.
| Criterion | Perplexity | Claude Code | Gemini | ChatGPT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sourced web search | ā Excellent | ā Limited | ā Good | ā ļø Hallucinates |
| Development / Code | ā ļø Basic | ā Excellent | ā ļø Correct | ā Good |
| Ecosystem integration | ā None | ā None | ā Google | ā None |
| Mobile usage | ā ļø Subscription | ā Correct | ā Pixel native | ā Good |
| Privacy | ā Correct | ā Correct | ā ļø Check | ā ļø Check |
| Free access | ā Limited | ā Limited | ā Yes | ā Limited |
| Ideal for beginners | ā ļø Oriented | ā CLI | ā Yes | ā Yes |
Which AI to choose based on your profile?
There is no universal answer. The right question is: what do you do most often?
- You look for reliable info with sources ā Perplexity (on desktop preferably)
- You code or develop projects ā Claude Code
- You work in Google Workspace or have a Pixel ā Gemini
- You want to do everything without hassle ā ChatGPT
- You want to protect your privacy ā Claude or Perplexity
And don't hesitate to combine several. Personally, I use Claude Code for dev, Perplexity on desktop when I need a sourced answer, and Gemini for anything related to my phone or Google Workspace.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free AI in 2026?
Claude offers a solid reasoning level even without a subscription. Perplexity is better for sourced searches. ChatGPT remains an accessible option, but with the reservations mentioned above.
Can you use multiple IAs at the same time?
Yes, and it's often the best strategy. Use Perplexity for research, Claude Code for dev, and ChatGPT for writing for example. Each tool has its domain of excellence.
Are IAs safe for personal data?
It depends on the provider and your settings. By default, most use your data to improve their models. Always check privacy settings. To go further: secure yourself on the Internet (FR).
ChatGPT or Claude: which one to choose?
For code, long reasoning, and creativity ā Claude. For dev integrated into the terminal ā Claude Code. For sourced searches as a complement ā Perplexity. ChatGPT remains a consumer option, but personally I do without it.
Conclusion
IAs are not interchangeable, and none is perfect. Each has been optimized for certain uses, with its own trade-offs ā technical, ethical, and practical. What makes the difference is choosing the right tool for the right task, rather than relying on a single one for everything.
My current combo: Claude Code for dev, Perplexity on desktop for sourced searches, and Gemini for anything related to my Pixel. ChatGPT, I'm leaving aside for now ā the reasons are mentioned above, and my opinion can change.
What I think of these tools today may not be true in six months. IAs advance quickly, models change, policies too. I'll update this article if needed.
And you, what do you use daily? Do you combine several or do you stay loyal to just one? Tell me on Discord or on social networks! š¬
Go further
Some of my articles, including this one, may have been AI-assisted to help me better structure or rephrase my ideas. Opinions remain my own.
Top comments (1)
As I hinted at in a comment recently, if you're heavily reliant on AI you'll need not just Claude, GPT, or Gemini, but at least all three. If you run repeated tests with identical context, you'll often find a lot in the first few passes. But the real gain comes from using fully independent models on the same problem, so that one model isn't designing, writing, and verifying everything on its own.
The one big catch is that Gemini 3.1 Pro is terrible and almost never available. When it does work, it usually times out again shortly after. This was at its worst a few months ago And don't even consider using anything below the Pro tier on Gemini; the lower models are ridiculously bad.
ChatGPT I also cancelled, on the grounds I'd rather not fund it based on their relations with the US government. As an alternative you could use DeepSeek, Qwen, GLM 5.1, or one of the two or three other open-source models that are genuinely capable now.