Free Generative AI Chat Tools

Important! Please read before using any AI tools for work

Entering sensitive data into generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools, such as chatbots, software, and plugins, can pose security and privacy risks. Such information, once entered into an AI tool, could be stored and potentially exposed.

The Information Technology and Analytics division advises the campus community to avoid entering personal, confidential, or proprietary data into Generative AI tools unless adequate data protection measures are in place. Sharing such information could result in unintended access by third parties.

Examples of sensitive or internal information include:

  • Personally Identifiable Information (PII): Full names, addresses, social security numbers
  • Student Academic Information: Grades, evaluations, or records affecting student privacy and academic integrity
  • Financial Details: Bank accounts, credit card numbers, transaction data
  • Health Records: Personal medical information, health records
  • Login Credentials: Usernames, passwords, PINs, security questions
  • Confidential Academic Work: Unpublished research, patents

Please see this article for more details: https://help.ithaca.edu/TDClient/34/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=1638

Overview of General AI Chat Tools

AI Tool 

Strengths 

Weaknesses 

ChatGPT 
  • Easy to use for all experience levels. 
  • Engages in detailed conversations, useful for brainstorming and tutoring. 
  • Versatile for writing help and answering questions. 
  • Can read images and perform internet searches. 
  • Supports file uploads in various formats, including PDFs, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and text files. 
  • Available on Android and iOS mobile apps. 
  • No account needed but is required to save chat history. 
  • Limited memory; may forget parts of complex conversations. 
  • General knowledge is current until 6/2024. 

 

Claude 
  • Understands context well, great for creative writing. 
  • Supports file uploads in various formats, including PDF, DOCX, CSV, TXT, HTML, ODT (OpenDocument Text). 
  • Available on mobile apps (Android and iOS). 
  • Saves chat history. 
  • Cannot perform internet searches. 
  • Can process images and documents but does not generate images  
  • Daily message limit; account required to use. 

Gemini 
  • Handles text and images, useful for multimedia projects. 
  • Strong data analysis capabilities, ideal for research. 
  • Saves chat history  
  • Can perform internet searches. 
  • Available on mobile apps (Android and iOS). 
  • Limited coding help, basic writing assistance. 
  • Requires internet connection. 
  • Account required to use. 

Copilot 
  • Good for email drafts, grammar, and style improvements.  
  • Can read and create images, perform internet searches.  
  • Supports file uploads in various formats, including PDFs, Word documents (DOCX), and Excel spreadsheets (XLSX). 
  • Available on mobile apps (Android and iOS). 
  • Limited monthly usage. 
  • Requires internet connection; privacy concerns possible but since you will be using your school account it has data protection enterprise. 
  • Suggestions might be inaccurate; fewer customization options. 

 

       Perplexity                               
  • Provides accurate answers to questions. 
  • Clear and concise responses for quick information. 
  • Can read and describe images, perform internet searches. 
  • Supports file uploads in various formats. 
  • Available on mobile apps (Android and iOS). 
  • No account needed but is required to save chat history. 
  • Cannot create images. 
  • Free version limits to 10 file uploads per day. 

 

   Meta         
  • Powerful text generation model for various contexts. 
  • Available on Meta platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Messenger) but also has chatbot system   
  • Can do internet searches on the chatbot system   
  • Can create images and show images from Realtime places like (can redirect to an Instagram account when asked or specific things) on the chatbot system.  
  • No account needed but is required to save chat history. 

 
  • Does not support file uploads (except images). 

Each of these AI tools has its strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different tasks. For the IC community:

  • ChatGPT is great for general conversations/ information and writing help.
  • Claude is good for creative writing and detailed discussions.
  • Gemini excels in multimedia projects and data analysis.
  • Copilot is perfect for coding and programming tasks.
  • Perplexity is useful for quick and accurate information.
  • Meta generates text for various purposes, such as content generation, chatbots, or language understanding tasks. 

Specialized AI Tools

1️⃣ Udio

Type: Text-to-Music Generator
Summary: Generates full songs based on text prompts (vocals + instruments), allowing genre, lyrics, and artist-style customization; remixable and extendable.
Use Cases: Custom songs for videos, podcasts, events, marketing, or personal occasions.
Limitations: Legal issues around potential use of copyrighted training data (currently under lawsuit).
Similar Tools: Suno AI, Stability Audio
Free Version / Pricing: Free tier (up to 600 songs/month); Paid plans: Standard $10/month, Pro $30/month.
URL: https://www.udio.com/

2️⃣ Goblin.Tools

Type: Task Management (Neurodivergent Support)
Summary: Simplifies overwhelming tasks via tools like task breakdown, tone analysis, rephrasing, time estimation, and recipe suggestions.
Use Cases: Task breakdown for chores or work, professional email rephrasing, time estimation, and simple daily planning.
Limitations: Simplistic task breakdowns may require user fine-tuning; limited nuance for complex problems.
Similar Tools: Any.do, Todoist
Free Version / Pricing: Free web version; Mobile apps $1.99 (one-time).
URL: https://goblin.tools/

3️⃣ Runway

Type: Generative Video & Editing Platform
Summary: Suite of AI-powered tools for filmmakers and content creators, including video-to-video, generative video, image generation, color grading, and advanced video editing.
Use Cases: Post-production, video creation, adding elements in film editing that would be costly to shoot.
Limitations: Free version restricted during high-traffic; older models available only in free plan.
Similar Tools: Reface AI, InVideo AI, CapCut
Free Version / Pricing: Free version available; Paid plans starting ~$12/month for full access.
URL: https://runwayml.com/

4️⃣ NotebookLM (Google)

Type: AI Research Assistant
Summary: Summarizes uploaded documents, generates AI-driven conversations based on content, and answers questions with direct citations.
Use Cases: Academic study guides, research summaries, FAQ creation, meeting preparation.
Limitations: Privacy concerns for sensitive document uploads.
Similar Tools: Genspark.ai, Upword, Nouswise
Free Version / Pricing: Free version; NotebookLM Plus $20/month for more capacity and features.
URL: https://notebooklm.google/

5️⃣ AIVA.ai

Type: AI Music Generator (File Upload Based)
Summary: Composes original soundtracks using genre presets or user-uploaded reference files; built-in digital audio workstation allows editing.
Use Cases: Temporary scores for films, background music for podcasts, personal projects.
Limitations: Limited free downloads; newer platforms offer more advanced sound generation.
Similar Tools: Udio, Suno, Loudly
Free Version / Pricing: Free version (3 downloads/month); Paid plans offer full ownership, more downloads, and monetization rights.
URL: https://aiva.ai/

6️⃣ CapCut (ByteDance)

Type: Video Editing & AI Content Creation
Summary: Beginner-friendly editor with TikTok integration, offering auto-editing, AI-generated content, text-to-speech, and music-syncing features.
Use Cases: Social media content, influencer videos, short-form video creation.
Limitations: Not as advanced as professional-grade video editors.
Similar Tools: Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve
Free Version / Pricing: Free version; CapCut Pro $7.99/month unlocks additional features.
URL: https://www.capcut.com/

7️⃣ Beatoven AI

Type: Text-to-Music Generator
Summary: Generates royalty-free music customized by genre, mood, tempo, and instrumentation for video creators and podcasters.
Use Cases: YouTube videos, podcasts, background music for media content.
Limitations: Free version restricts downloads; can sound repetitive for professional-grade needs.
Similar Tools: AIVA, Udio, Boomy
Free Version / Pricing: Free to create; Paid plans $6–20/month or $3/minute for downloads.
URL: https://www.beatoven.ai/

8️⃣ Pixel Dojo

Type: Generative Media Platform
Summary: AI-powered generator for text-to-image, image-to-video, and text-to-video media creation.
Use Cases: Creative content generation for presentations, media projects, or experiments.
Limitations: AI-generated content still visibly artificial.
Similar Tools: DALL·E, Gemini, ChatGPT
Free Version / Pricing: Free version available; Subscription version offered.
URL: https://pixeldojo.ai/

9️⃣ DiffusionBee

Type: Text-to-Image (Offline)
Summary: Mac-only standalone Stable Diffusion image generator operating entirely offline for privacy.
Use Cases: Concept art, visual teaching aids, storyboarding for comics or film.
Limitations: Mac-only (M1/M2 chips recommended); commercial use has copyright considerations.
Similar Tools: Midjourney
Free Version / Pricing: Completely free.
URL: https://diffusionbee.com/

🔟 Julius AI

Type: AI Data Analyst
Summary: Analyzes datasets through natural language prompts, providing data visualization, statistics, and summaries.
Use Cases: Data exploration, reporting, storytelling with data, academic research.
Limitations: Free tier limited to 15 messages/month; complex data may require expertise.
Similar Tools: Tableau, ThoughtSpot, Informatica
Free Version / Pricing: Free version; Paid plans available with student discounts.
URL: https://julius.ai/

1️⃣1️⃣ Character.AI

Type: Persona-Based Chatbots
Summary: Interact with or create chatbots simulating fictional or celebrity personalities; highly customizable for entertainment or research.
Use Cases: Persona roleplay, market research, user experience testing.
Limitations: Potential copyright violations with celebrity likeness use.
Similar Tools: ChatGPT (with personas), Jan
Free Version / Pricing: Free to use; account required to create characters.
URL: https://character.ai/

1️⃣2️⃣ Gamma

Type: AI Slide Deck Creator
Summary: Automatically generates full presentation decks based on user prompts; includes templates, analytics, and themes.
Use Cases: Project presentations, pitches, education materials.
Limitations: Some learning curve for users accustomed to PowerPoint.
Similar Tools: Google Slides, PowerPoint
Free Version / Pricing: Free version with credit limits; Paid plans from ~$10–20/month.
URL: https://gamma.app/

1️⃣3️⃣ MagicSchool.ai

Type: AI-Powered Education Platform
Summary: Provides 70+ tools for teachers, including lesson plan generators, assessments, IEP tools, quizzes, newsletters, and behavior plans.
Use Cases: Classroom preparation, behavior management, teacher workload reduction.
Limitations: AI bias possible; free plan has feature restrictions.
Similar Tools: Eduaide.AI, Brisk Teaching
Free Version / Pricing: Free basic plan; MagicSchool Plus $12.99/month or $99.96/year.
URL: https://www.magicschool.ai/

1️⃣4️⃣ Litmaps

Type: Literature Discovery Tool
Summary: Uses citation networks to uncover academic research papers quickly, visualize relationships, and track citations.
Use Cases: Literature reviews, staying current in research fields, citation mapping.
Limitations: Free version limited; no collaboration in Pro version; higher plans costly.
Similar Tools: Research Rabbit, Connected Papers
Free Version / Pricing: Free plan; Pro $10/month; Team plan available.
URL: https://www.litmaps.com/

1️⃣5️⃣ MyMap AI

Type: Text-to-Diagram Generator
Summary: Converts text descriptions into mind maps, flowcharts, comparison charts, and presentations.
Use Cases: Concept mapping, summarizing reading, workflow design, visual learning.
Limitations: Daily AI credit limits on free plan; some template rigidity.
Similar Tools: Lucidchart, Miro, Whimsical
Free Version / Pricing: Free plan (5 AI credits/day); Pro $20/month; Team $25/month.
URL: https://mymap.ai/

1️⃣6️⃣ Remove.bg (Canva)

Type: AI Background Removal
Summary: Instantly removes backgrounds from images for clean product images, stickers, or content creation.
Use Cases: Photo editing for presentations, social media, design.
Limitations: Limited free downloads; subscription required for heavy use.
Similar Tools: Adobe Photoshop
Free Version / Pricing: Free limited use; paid plans or pay-as-you-go for additional downloads.
URL: https://www.remove.bg/

1️⃣7️⃣ GoZigzag

Type: AI Business Planning Tool
Summary: Generates business plans, competitor analysis, lean canvases, customer interviews, and startup validation tools.
Use Cases: Startup planning, business pitches, market validation.
Limitations: Early-stage tool; advanced features behind upcoming paid plans.
Similar Tools: LivePlan, BizPlan
Free Version / Pricing: Free Hustler plan; additional paid Founder and Team plans upcoming.
URL: https://gozigzag.com/

1️⃣8️⃣ Merlin AI (Foyer)

Type: General AI Chatbot (Chrome Extension)
Summary: Chatbot providing article summarization, PDF uploads, coding help, Chrome integration, and document analysis.
Use Cases: Research assistance, summarizing web content, coding projects, document review.
Limitations: None significant noted.
Similar Tools: ChatGPT, Claude AI, Copilot
Free Version / Pricing: Free basic version; Paid Pro & Teams plans available.
URL: https://www.getmerlin.in/

1️⃣9️⃣ Teal

Type: AI Resume Builder
Summary: Analyzes job descriptions and generates optimized, ATS-compatible resumes with keyword suggestions and templates.
Use Cases: Resume creation for job seekers or career changers.
Limitations: Privacy risks with personal data uploads.
Similar Tools: Rezi, Enhancv, Resume.io
Free Version / Pricing: Free plan; Teal+ plans $9/week, $29/month, $179/year.
URL: https://www.tealhq.com/

2️⃣0️⃣ Jasper AI

Type: AI Content Generator
Summary: Generates marketing content, SEO-optimized blogs, ads, social media posts, and creative writing using pre-built templates.
Use Cases: Digital marketing, content creation, copywriting, creative writing.
Limitations: Paid plans are expensive for individuals/small businesses.
Similar Tools: Writesonic, Rytr
Free Version / Pricing: 5-day free trial; Paid plans $49–$125/month.
URL: https://www.jasper.ai/

2️⃣1️⃣ Wix AI Website Builder

Type: AI Website Builder
Summary: Generates entire websites including layout, text, and images based on simple user input.
Use Cases: Personal websites, small business sites, event landing pages.
Limitations: Less customization than manual web development; privacy considerations.
Similar Tools: Shopify, Squarespace, Hostinger
Free Version / Pricing: Free plan with Wix branding; Paid plans from $17/month.
URL: https://www.wix.com/

2️⃣2️⃣ Devin.ai

Type: NLP & AI Automation Platform
Summary: Offers customizable AI workflows, pre-built APIs for NLP tasks, and integrations for customer support, marketing, and content automation.
Use Cases: Content generation, customer service, automation workflows.
Limitations: Free tier limited in API calls and features.
Similar Tools: Google Cloud AI, IBM Watson, Zapier
Free Version / Pricing: Free tier; Paid plans available.
URL: https://devin.ai/

2️⃣3️⃣ Lalaland.ai

Type: AI Virtual Fashion Models
Summary: Generates diverse, size-inclusive virtual fashion models to create digital fashion shoots without physical photoshoots.
Use Cases: Fashion startups, e-commerce, fashion marketing campaigns.
Limitations: Copyright ownership of generated models limited on most plans; free trial highly restricted.
Similar Tools: Botika, Uwear, Pebblely
Free Version / Pricing: Free trial; Paid plans from business to enterprise ($900+).
URL: https://lalaland.ai/

2️⃣4️⃣ LibreChat

Type: Multi-Model AI Chat Interface
Summary: Open-source platform integrating multiple LLMs (GPT, Claude, Gemini), plugins, and team collaboration into one interface.
Use Cases: Advanced chat interface, research, development, teaching, coding help.
Limitations: Requires own API keys for model access.
Similar Tools: Chatbot UI, Jan, ChatHub
Free Version / Pricing: Free (self-host); Hosted SaaS plans from $9.99/month.
URL: https://librechat.ai/

 

 

 

 

 


 

 
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