Best AI for beginners
What is the best AI for beginners?
ChatGPT is the best AI for beginners: it's free, works on any phone or computer, and you can simply type or talk to it. Google Gemini is a natural choice if you already use Gmail or an Android phone, and Microsoft Copilot suits Windows users. Start with one everyday task and never share passwords or bank details.
Our shortlist
| # | Tool | Best for | Free plan? | Paid from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ChatGPT | Best overall | Yes | US$8/month (Go, may include ads) |
| 2 | Gemini | Best for Google and Android users | Yes | US$4.99/month (Google AI Plus, in 160+ countries) |
| 3 | Microsoft Copilot | Best for Windows users | Yes | US$9.99/month (Microsoft 365 Personal, includes Office apps, 1 TB storage and monthly AI credits) |
1. ChatGPT – best overall
Free, simple chat box and voice mode; official apps on iOS and Android.
Free plan: Free plan: everyday text chats with fair-use limits, plus limited uploads, image creation, voice and deep research. Full ChatGPT profile →
2. Gemini – best for google and android users
Free with a Google account; built into many Android phones.
Free plan: Free with a Google account, including Deep Research, Gemini Live and image generation, with lower usage limits. Full Gemini profile →
3. Microsoft Copilot – best for windows users
Free with a Microsoft account and built into Windows.
Free plan: Copilot chat is free with a Microsoft account; Copilot inside Word, Excel and Outlook needs a Microsoft 365 plan. Full Microsoft Copilot profile →
Try it now: step-by-step guides
Each guide has a copy-and-paste prompt you can use with any of the tools above.
Have your first conversation with AI
Rough guide only: an hour of feeling lost
📚 Study & learningGet any topic explained simply
Rough guide only: 1 hour
💼 Work & careerWrite a tricky work email
Rough guide only: 20–40 minutes
💷 MoneyCheck whether a message is a scam
Rough guide only: a few minutes – and possibly your savings
🍳 Cooking & foodPlan a week of meals on a budget
Rough guide only: 1–2 hours a week
📘 Get 20 ready-made prompts for beginners and more
20 copy-and-paste prompts for everyday life, as a free PDF – plus one friendly AI tip a week. Unsubscribe any time.
We'll only use your email to send you the pack and our tips. No spam.
Things to watch out for
- Only download official apps.
- AI can be wrong – check important facts.
- Don't paste passwords, bank details or other people's private information into any AI tool.
How we chose
These are editorial picks by Amara Lewis, based on what each tool's free and paid plans include, how easy it is for a beginner, and how well it suits this task. We have not run formal benchmark tests for this page, and no company paid to be listed. Read how we review.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay to use AI?
No – ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot all have free versions.
Is AI hard to use?
No. If you can send a text message, you can use an AI assistant.
What should I never tell an AI?
Passwords, PINs, bank or card details, and other people's private information.
Not sure where to start?
Take our 60-second quiz to get a personal AI starter kit for your life.