AI chatbots can help you write an email, plan a meal, or explain a letter you got in the mail. Here’s the short answer on the best free AI app: ChatGPT and Google Gemini are the two most popular, both have a free plan, and both work on iPhone and Android. Microsoft Copilot is a third option. The catch? Free plans have limits, and these tools can be wrong, so you should always double-check important answers.
Best free AI apps at a glance
I compared each app’s App Store and Google Play listing and, where available, the company’s plans page. Prices and features change often and are as of October 2026.
| App | Free plan | Paid options | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Unlimited text chats, with limits on uploads, images, voice, and research | Go, Plus, and Pro plans in the app | 4.83 on App Store (11.2M); 4.77 on Google Play (64M) |
| Google Gemini | Free with a Google Account, including image creation and Deep Research | Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra plans | 4.72 on App Store (2.3M); 4.54 on Google Play (48.6M) |
| Microsoft Copilot | Free to download | Microsoft 365 plans listed in the app | 4.70 on App Store (1.35M) |
ChatGPT: the most popular
ChatGPT is made by OpenAI. On its pricing page, OpenAI says the free version is available to everyone and includes unlimited text chats, subject to abuse guardrails, with limited uploads, image creation, voice chats, and deep research. Paid plans (Go, Plus, and Pro) add more access. OpenAI says the Go plan may include ads.
- Pros: Very popular, simple chat, works on both phones, and a free version that works for everyday questions.
- Cons: Limits on the free plan, and the App Store lists several paid plans and credit packs, so be careful before you tap a purchase button.
- Privacy (App Store label): Data linked to you includes health and fitness, location, contact info, user content, search history, identifiers, usage data, and diagnostics. OpenAI’s plan page says you can opt out of having your content used to train its models.
Download it from the App Store or Google Play.
Google Gemini: best if you live in Google apps
Gemini is made by Google. According to Google’s plans page, the no-cost plan comes with a Google Account and includes the Gemini app features such as image generation and editing, Deep Research, Gemini Live, and Canvas. Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra are paid plans that raise usage limits and add storage. Google says usage limits depend on the complexity of your prompt, the features you use, and the length of the conversation.
- Pros: Free to start, works with your Google Account, and no in-app purchases on Google Play.
- Cons: The App Store label lists the longest data list of the three, including purchases, location, contacts, search and browsing history, and sensitive info, as linked to you.
- Price: Free; paid Google AI plans are optional.
Download it from the App Store or Google Play.
Microsoft Copilot: a third option
Copilot is made by Microsoft Corporation. I could only confirm its App Store details for this guide: it’s free to download, and the listing shows Microsoft 365 subscriptions you can buy in the app. Check the app’s current plan before you rely on it.
- Pros: Free to download, strong rating on the App Store.
- Cons: The listing shows paid Microsoft 365 plans, and I couldn’t confirm the exact free-plan limits.
- Privacy (App Store label): Data used to track you: identifiers. It also lists location, contact info, contacts, user content, identifiers, usage data, and diagnostics as linked to you.
Download it from the App Store.
How to get started
- Open the App Store or Google Play and search for the app’s name.
- Check the developer: OpenAI for ChatGPT, Google LLC for Gemini, and Microsoft Corporation for Copilot.
- Tap Get or Install, then open the app.
- Sign in or create a free account. Read what it asks to access.
- Start with a simple, clear request, like “Explain this letter in plain English.”
- Skip the upgrade offers until you know you need them.
For more app picks, browse our everyday app guides and our AI app guides.
Frequently asked questions
Which free AI app is best?
For most people, ChatGPT or Gemini. Try both with the same question and keep the one that explains things the way you like.
Are free AI apps really free?
The basics are free, with limits. The apps push paid plans, so read the price before you tap. You can use the free version as long as you like.
Is it safe to use AI chatbots?
The apps here are on the official stores, but they collect data. Limit what you share and read the privacy label. Don’t use them to make high-stakes decisions without checking.
Can an AI app replace my doctor or lawyer?
No. It can help you prepare questions, but it can’t give you professional advice.
Bottom line
- Most popular: ChatGPT.
- Best if you use Google apps: Gemini.
- Worth a look: Microsoft Copilot, after you check its current free plan.
Try one for a week and pay for nothing until you hit a limit. Plans and limits change quickly, so check each listing before you subscribe.
