Best AI chatbots 2026 – comparison, prices and data protection

AI bots have revolutionized the way we work, learn, and search for information. Modern AI assistants can write, code, analyze data, translate languages, and act as personal experts in almost any field.

On this page, we compare the best AI chatbots of 2026 – features, prices, data privacy, and for whom each one is suitable.

What are AI chatbots used for?

  • Customer service and support
  • Information retrieval and research
  • Learning and education
  • Creative ideation and brainstorming
  • Coding assistance and technical support
  • Text writing and editing
  • Data analysis and reporting

Top 5 AI Chatbots 2026 – Features and Prices

1. ChatGPT (OpenAI)

The most versatile general tool on the market. ChatGPT is a pioneer of the AI revolution, evolving into an agent-like system – it doesn't just respond, but can plan and execute tasks for you.

  • Best use case: Content creation, coding, creative work, daily general assistant
  • Free version: GPT-4o with limitations, basic functionalities available
  • Plus (~€20/month): GPT-4o without limitations, DALL-E images, file analysis, memory feature, Custom GPTs
  • Team (~€25/user/month): For business teams, admin panel, does not use data for training
  • Enterprise (price by agreement): Full data security, SSO, GDPR compliance

2. Claude (Anthropic)

A favorite of creative writers and coders. Claude is known for its more human-like and nuanced language. Particularly strong in analyzing long documents and precise logical reasoning.

  • Best use case: Long texts, contract analysis, coding, creative writing
  • Free version: Claude 3.5 Sonnet with limitations
  • Pro (~€18/month): Broader usage, Projects feature, longer context memory
  • Team (~€25/user/month): Team usage, does not use data for training
  • Enterprise (by agreement): Full data security and GDPR compliance

3. Google Gemini

King of the Google ecosystem. Gemini integrates directly with Google Docs, Gmail, and Drive. Vast context memory allows analysis of even hours-long videos.

  • Best use case: Google Workspace users, research, multimodal analysis
  • Free version: Gemini 1.5 Flash, basic functionalities
  • Advanced (~€19/month, incl. Google One): Gemini 1.5 Pro, integration with Gmail and Docs
  • Google Workspace + Gemini (~€24/user/month): Enterprise version, data privacy, does not use data for training

4. Microsoft Copilot

Workplace powerhouse. Copilot is built directly into Windows and Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams). Designed specifically for business use.

  • Best use case: Microsoft 365 users, office work, meeting notes, Excel analysis
  • Free version: Copilot in Windows and Edge, limited
  • Copilot Pro (~€22/month): GPT-4o, Word/Excel/Outlook integration (requires M365 subscription)
  • Microsoft 365 Copilot (~€30/user/month): Enterprise version, Teams integration, full data security

5. Perplexity AI

Modern alternative to a search engine. Perplexity searches the web for real-time information and provides linked sources for each statement. Essential for researchers and students.

  • Best use case: Research, background research, up-to-date information, references
  • Free version: Real-time search, limited Pro usage
  • Pro (~€17/month): Unlimited search, file analysis, multiple AI models
  • Enterprise (by agreement): Data privacy, does not use data for training

Data Privacy and Security – What You Need to Know?

Data privacy is one of the most important factors when choosing an AI tool – especially for business use. Here are the key points:

Free versions – what happens to your data?

In most free versions of AI services, your conversations may be used to train the model. This means that:

  • The text you input may become part of the AI's training data
  • Sensitive information (customer data, trade secrets, personal data) should not be entered into free versions
  • From a GDPR perspective, free versions generally do not meet enterprise-level requirements

Paid enterprise versions – better data privacy

In enterprise versions, data is handled more securely:

  • ChatGPT Team/Enterprise: Does not use data for training, SOC 2 certified, GDPR compliance
  • Claude Team/Enterprise: Does not use data for training, data processing agreement available
  • Microsoft 365 Copilot: Data remains within the organization's Microsoft environment, compliant with EU data protection regulations, ISO 27001 certified
  • Google Workspace + Gemini: Data remains within the Google Workspace environment, GDPR compliance, does not use data for training
  • Perplexity Enterprise: Does not store searches, data processing agreement available

What is safest from a GDPR perspective?

From the perspective of the EU's GDPR regulation, the safest options for business use are Microsoft 365 Copilot and Google Workspace + Gemini, because data remains on servers located in the EU and under the organization's control. ChatGPT Enterprise and Claude Enterprise are also GDPR compliant, but require separate agreements.

Who is each suitable for?

👤 For individuals and students

For personal use, data privacy requirements are more lenient, so you can choose freely according to your needs:

  • ChatGPT Plus (~€20/month) – Best general choice. Most versatile, most features, largest user community.
  • Claude Pro (~€18/month) – Best for writing and long text analysis.
  • Gemini Advanced (~€19/month) – Best if you use Google services daily.
  • Perplexity Pro (~€17/month) – Best for research and references. Most affordable option.
  • Free versions – Sufficient for occasional use. Remember: do not enter sensitive information.

🏢 For businesses and organizations

For business use, data privacy is critical. Recommendations by organization type:

  • Microsoft 365 Copilot (~€30/user/month) – Best choice if the organization already uses Microsoft 365. Data remains under the organization's control, full GDPR compliance, Teams integration.
  • Google Workspace + Gemini (~€24/user/month) – Best for organizations operating in the Google ecosystem. GDPR compliant.
  • ChatGPT Team (~€25/user/month) – Good choice for creative work and content creation. Does not use data for training.
  • Claude Team (~€25/user/month) – Especially suitable for legal, consulting, and writing professionals.

⚠️ Important: Never enter customer information, trade secrets, or personal data into free AI versions for business use. Always use tools approved by your organization.

Comparison Table

Tool Free Paid (individual) Enterprise Version GDPR / Data Privacy
ChatGPT Yes (limited) Plus ~€20/month Team ~€25 / Enterprise Team/Enterprise: does not use data for training
Claude Yes (limited) Pro ~€18/month Team ~€25 / Enterprise Team/Enterprise: does not use data for training
Gemini Yes Advanced ~€19/month Workspace ~€24/user Workspace: GDPR, data remains within Google environment
Copilot Yes (Edge/Win) Pro ~€22/month M365 Copilot ~€30/user Strongest: data remains within organization's M365 environment
Perplexity Yes Pro ~€17/month Enterprise (agreement) Enterprise: does not store searches

What can AI bots really do?

1. Creative and structural writing

The bot understands different styles – you can ask it to write "as a professional lawyer" or "as a funny social media marketer". In practice: reports, emails, blog articles, and product descriptions are generated quickly.

2. Coding and technical support

AI can read and write dozens of programming languages, explain why code isn't working, and suggest fixes. Example: "Create a Python script that retrieves weather data from an API and saves it to Excel."

3. Multimodality – images, audio, and files

The latest models analyze images, PDF files, and audio recordings. You can provide a 50-page contract and ask it to find a specific clause in seconds.

4. Data analysis and logic

Upload sales data, and the AI will draw trend lines, calculate forecasts, and notice anomalies that the human eye might not immediately see.

Summary

AI bots do not replace human thought, but they remove "friction" from getting things done and save hours per week. Choosing the right tool depends on three things: use case, ecosystem, and data privacy requirements.

  • For personal use: ChatGPT Plus or Claude Pro – the most versatile and affordable combination
  • For Microsoft organizations: Microsoft 365 Copilot – best data security and integration
  • For Google organizations: Google Workspace + Gemini – seamless integration and GDPR
  • For research: Perplexity Pro – real-time information and references

Start by trying one tool for a week – you'll quickly realize how much time you save.