ChatGPT vs Claude
Published · Updated
Which is better, ChatGPT or Claude?
It depends on what you want done. Pick ChatGPT if you want the broadest agent on every device and already pay for, or are happy to pay for, ChatGPT Plus. Pick Claude if you want an agent that works in your own Chrome with clear permissions, and careful writing and research matter to you. Both are AI assistants with agent features. Prices as of November 2026: ChatGPT, agent features from $20/mo; Claude, from $17/mo.
On our rubric, ChatGPT scores higher, 8.5 to 8.2. Both handle 3 of our 6 everyday errands fully on their own, so the difference is in how they work and what they cost. Here's where each one wins.
ChatGPT8.5
Choose ChatGPT if you want the broadest agent on every device and already pay for, or are happy to pay for, ChatGPT Plus.
Visit ChatGPT
Claude8.2
Choose Claude if you want an agent that works in your own Chrome with clear permissions, and careful writing and research matter to you.
Visit ClaudeErrands, side by side
| Errand | ChatGPT | Claude |
|---|---|---|
| Book reservations, rides and travel | With your OK | With your OK |
| Shop and check out | With your OK | With your OK |
| Handle email and calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Fill forms and click through websites | Yes | Yes |
| Cancel subscriptions, chase refunds, lower bills | With your OK | With your OK |
| Research and compare | Yes | Yes |
Scores side by side
| Criterion | ChatGPT | Claude |
|---|---|---|
| Gets it done (30%) | 9.0 | 8.5 |
| Reach (15%) | 9.0 | 8.0 |
| Knows you (15%) | 8.5 | 8.0 |
| Safety & control (15%) | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| Value (15%) | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Trust (10%) | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 | 8.2 |
Where they work
| Clicks through websites for you | ||
|---|---|---|
| Works in the background or on a schedule | ||
| Remembers you | ||
| Works over text messages | ||
| Talks by voice | ||
| Phone app |
Price and fine print
| ChatGPT | Claude | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | AI assistant: ai assistant | AI assistant: ai assistant |
| Made by | OpenAI | Anthropic |
| Our rank | #1 of ai assistants with agent features | #3 of ai assistants with agent features |
| Price | Agent features from $20/mo (as of November 2026) | From $17/mo (as of November 2026) |
| Free plan | Yes, with limited ChatGPT Work in the desktop app (as of November 2026) | Yes, chat only; agent features need Pro (as of November 2026) |
| Refunds | Not stated | Not stated |
| Best for | Most people who want one agent that can do a bit of everything. | People who want a careful agent working in their own browser and files. |
ChatGPT: pros and cons
- Works through websites, forms and your connected apps in one place
- Scheduled tasks on Plus; Pro's dot keeps working after you close the tab
- Apps on web, Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android, with voice
- Hands control back to you for logins and payments
- Full agent features need Plus at $20; Free and Go only get limited desktop access
- The always-on dot needs Pro from $100 a month and launched without the UK, EU and Switzerland
- Usage limits apply, and OpenAI's published caps lag behind its plan changes
- Purchases still need you to step in, so shopping isn't hands-off
Claude: pros and cons
- Works in your own Chrome, with per-site permissions
- Asks before high-risk steps like purchases
- Cowork handles longer tasks with your files and apps
- Pro is $17 a month billed yearly
- No always-on agent you can text
- Agent work uses up the shared usage pool fastest, with weekly caps
- Browser agent works in Chrome and Chromium browsers only
- No agent features on the free plan
ChatGPT vs Claude: questions
Is ChatGPT better than Claude?
On our rubric, ChatGPT scores higher (8.5 vs 8.2). Claude is still the better pick if you want an agent that works in your own Chrome with clear permissions, and careful writing and research matter to you.
Which is cheaper, ChatGPT or Claude?
ChatGPT: agent features from $20/mo, free plan: yes (as of November 2026). Claude: from $17/mo, free plan: yes (as of November 2026).