Gemini

Gemini is Google's AI assistant. The free plan runs on Google's Flash-Lite model and already includes a lot: image generation and editing, Deep Research, Gemini Live voice conversations, Canvas, Gems (custom assistants), and limited access to Google Flow, Google's AI video studio.

The paid plans are bundled with Google storage. Google AI Plus ($4.99/month) moves you to the Flash model with twice the free usage, adds video generation and 200 Flow credits, and includes 400 GB of storage. Google AI Pro ($19.99/month) adds Gemini 4 Argon and Google's Pro model, four times the free usage, 1,000 Flow credits, Gemini in Gmail and Docs, and 5 TB of storage. Google AI Ultra starts at $99.99/month for heavy users.

The clearest practical difference from Claude and ChatGPT is the bundle. If you already pay Google for storage, AI Pro replaces that bill and adds an AI assistant, image and video generation, and Gemini inside the apps you already use. Current plan details are on Google's Gemini subscriptions page.

The integration with Google's own apps is Gemini's most distinctive practical advantage. On Google AI Pro, Gemini works inside Gmail, Docs, Vids, and other Google apps; Google AI Plus includes Gemini in Gmail, Vids, and more. In Gmail, that means drafting replies and summarising long threads; in Docs, drafting and rewriting sections of the document you are editing.

For businesses, Google sells Gemini through separate Business plans for Google Workspace, so check which plan your organisation is on before buying a personal subscription.

For individuals already paying for Google storage, AI Pro is the natural comparison point with ChatGPT Plus ($20/month): similar price, but with 5 TB of storage and Google app integration included.

The comparison between Gemini and ChatGPT comes down to ecosystem and bundle. Google AI Pro ($19.99/month) and ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) cost about the same. Gemini's plan includes 5 TB of Google storage, video generation, and Gemini inside Gmail and Docs. ChatGPT's includes GPT-6 advanced reasoning, a larger ecosystem of custom GPTs and Plugins, and expanded Codex use for coding.

For writing tasks — especially nuanced long-form writing — Claude is still our pick over both. If you live in Google's apps, Gemini is the more practical choice; if you use Microsoft Office or a mix of tools, ChatGPT is more versatile. The Gemini vs ChatGPT comparison goes into more detail.

Image generation and editing are included on the free plan. Video generation starts on Google AI Plus and is included in Google AI Pro, alongside Google Flow credits — 200 on Plus, 1,000 on Pro, and 10,000 or 25,000 on Ultra — for Google's AI creative studio, which gives access to the Gemini Omni Flash model.

That makes Google AI Pro one of the cheapest ways to get AI video generation without a separate subscription, especially now that OpenAI has discontinued Sora. For dedicated video work with editing tools, Runway goes further; our best AI video generators guide compares the options.

Do not pay for Google AI Pro if you do not use Google's apps and do not need the storage. Without those, you are paying the same as ChatGPT Plus for less ecosystem depth.

Avoid Gemini as your primary writing tool if you care deeply about prose quality. Claude produces more considered, less generic long-form content. For blog posts, reports, and content where voice and style matter, the difference is noticeable.

And do not judge Gemini by the free plan alone. Free runs on Flash-Lite; Google AI Pro adds Gemini 4 Argon and the Pro model. If you are evaluating Gemini against a paid ChatGPT or Claude subscription, compare it with Google AI Pro.