Generative AI has moved from novelty to necessity – helping us write emails, analyse data, generate images, and even plan our week. With options like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, and Perplexity AI, how do you choose the right one for your needs?
We break it down for you with the latest versions, features, costs (in SGD), and practical use-case recommendations.
What Is Generative AI?
Generative AI refers to tools that can produce content – from writing and coding to image generation and voice synthesis – based on human prompts. Powered by large language models (LLMs), these tools are now integrated into your favourite platforms like Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
Top Generative AI Services in 2025
1. ChatGPT by OpenAI
- Model: GPT-4o (released May 2024) – multimodal (text, image, voice)
- Free Tier: GPT-3.5
- Paid Plans: ChatGPT Plus: SGD $27/month (USD $20)
- ChatGPT Pro: SGD $270/month (USD $200) – includes early access and advanced voice features
- Best For: Writers, students, small business owners, and general-purpose use
Website: chat.openai.com
2. Claude by Anthropic
- Model: Claude 3.5 Sonnet / Claude 3 Opus
- Free Tier: Limited use
- Paid Plan: Claude Pro: SGD $27/month (USD $20), or SGD $23/month billed annually
- Best For: Deep reading, long-form writing, legal and policy analysis
Website: claude.ai
3. Google Gemini
- Model: Gemini 1.5 Pro (with Gemini 2.5 Ultra launching soon)
- Free Tier: Basic Gemini in Google Workspace
- Paid Plans: Gemini Advanced (Pro): SGD $27.99/month via Google One AI Premium Gemini Ultra
- Plan: SGD $340/month (USD $249.99) – includes DeepThink, video generation, and 30TB storage
- Best For: Google Docs, Gmail users, coders, creators
Website: gemini.google.com
4. Microsoft Copilot
- Model: GPT-4 integrated via Azure OpenAI
- Paid Plans: Copilot Pro: SGD $27/month (USD $20) – enhanced AI for individuals Microsoft 365 Copilot (Business): SGD $48/month (USD $36) – integrated with Word, Excel, Outlook (Enterprise plans required)
- Best For: Office power users, enterprises, Excel modellers
Website: microsoft.com/copilot
5. Perplexity AI
- Model Access: Uses GPT-4o, Claude 3, Mistral, and more
- Free Tier: Unlimited quick searches + limited Pro searches Paid Plan:
- Perplexity Pro: SGD $27/month (USD $20)
- Best For: Research, sourcing, long documents, real-time fact-checking
Website: perplexity.ai
Comparison Table: Features and Pricing (SGD)
| Service | Free Version | Paid Plan (SGD) | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Yes (GPT-3.5) | $27 (Plus), $270 (Pro) | Multimodal (text, image, voice) |
| Claude | Yes | $27/month | Long context window, human-like tone |
| Gemini | Yes | $27.99 (Pro), $340 (Ultra) | Deep Google integration, AI video generation |
| Microsoft Copilot | No (Requires 365) | $27 (Pro), $48 (365 Copilot) | Office productivity boost |
| Perplexity AI | Yes | $27/month | Real-time, cited answers from the web |
Best generative AI for Different Use Cases
| Use Case | Best Option | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Writing blog posts or social content | ChatGPT or Claude | Natural tone, long-form capabilities |
| Summarising PDFs or research docs | Claude or Perplexity | Handles long documents, provides sourced info |
| Google Docs / Gmail integration | Gemini | Native integration and contextual AI assistance |
| Microsoft Word / Excel productivity | Copilot | Built-in AI for Office tools |
| Research and fact-checking | Perplexity AI | Real-time web answers with citations |
| Voice or image generation | ChatGPT Plus | Built-in DALL·E and voice modes |
| Corporate-level security and features | Copilot (365) | Enterprise-grade compliance and integration |
Final Thoughts: What Should You Choose?
- Best All-Rounder: ChatGPT Plus – Reliable, creative, and evolving quickly
- Best for Deep Reading & Writing: Claude Pro Best for
- Google Users: Gemini AI Premium
- Best for Microsoft Users: Copilot Pro or 365
- Best for Research Professionals: Perplexity Pro
Tip: Start with a free tier to test the interface and usefulness. If you find yourself using it daily, upgrading is usually well worth the SGD $27/month.
