Best free AI in 2026: what you can do without paying
A compared list of AI tools with a useful free version: ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Claude, Gemini Notebook and DeepL. What each includes for free and its limits, per their official sites.
Date checked: 16 October 2026. Features and plans change; always check the official site.
All these tools have a real free version. Here’s what each includes, according to its official site:
| Free includes | Limit or requirement | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Unlimited text chats; limited files, images, voice and study mode | Abuse guardrails | General use |
| Gemini | Chat and Nano Banana images (1K download) | Signed in; 13+ to generate images | Google users |
| Microsoft Copilot | Chat with web search; with an account, images and voice | Copilot in Word/Excel needs Microsoft 365 | Windows and Edge users |
| Claude | Chat, web search, file creation, memory and up to 5 projects | Limits per 5-hour session | Long texts |
| Gemini Notebook | Up to 50 sources per notebook | 500,000 words or 200 MB per source | Studying your notes |
| DeepL | 50,000 characters and 1 file a month | Files up to 5 MB | Translating with good tone |
What to use when
- Start with one: no need to sign up everywhere.
- Protect your data: don’t paste sensitive information, free or not.
- If it falls short: compare plans in our comparisons before paying.
To start from scratch: AI from scratch and ChatGPT free without signing up.
ChatGPT not working? See how to tell if ChatGPT is down and which alternatives to use meanwhile.
How much does it cost? Compare paid plans in Spain, with the date checked and a link to each official site, in our AI pricing table.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best free AI?
It depends on the task. For chatting and writing, ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot or Claude; for studying your documents, Gemini Notebook; for translating files, Google Translate or DeepL.
Do I need a card for the free version?
The free versions of these tools don’t require payment; paid plans are separate.
Main guide on this topic: ChatGPT vs Gemini vs Claude: which suits you (euro prices, October 2026)
Current AI promotions (free or discounted)
Keep reading
Sources
- Planes y precios de ChatGPT — OpenAI
- Generar y editar imágenes con las aplicaciones de Gemini — Google
- Diferencia entre Microsoft Copilot (gratis) y Copilot en Microsoft 365 — Microsoft
- Claude pricing — Anthropic
- Add or discover new sources for your notebook — Google
- Planes de DeepL Pro — DeepL
Change log
- : First published with the official plans and help pages checked on 16/10/2026.
Educational content, prepared with the help of AI tools, with sources cited. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Tools change fast: if you spot something out of date, write to us at contacto@cognenza.com. How we work.