Which AI Should You Use Right Now? A Practical Guide for 2024

AI is advancing so quickly that keeping up can feel like a full-time job. Every few months, companies release new models, tweak old ones, and introduce features that change how we interact with AI. If you’ve been wondering which AI is actually worth using today, this guide will break it down.

By the end, you’ll know exactly:

1. Which AI tools are leading the market right now
2. What features matter—and which ones are just hype
   
3. How to pick the right AI for your specific needs
4. What’s coming next, so you stay ahead of the curve
5. The AIs That Matter Right Now

There are plenty of AI tools out there, but if you’re looking for a general-purpose AI—one that helps with writing, research, problem-solving, and automation—there are three major players.

1. ChatGPT from OpenAI is the most feature-packed AI, with strong reasoning and coding skills.
2. Claude from Anthropic is a clever, intuitive AI that often gives the most human-like responses.
3. Gemini from Google is great for search, real-time web browsing, and visual tasks.

A few others are worth mentioning for specific users.

Grok from X.ai is included in an X (Twitter) subscription and is good if you’re active on the platform.
Microsoft Copilot is integrated into Windows and Office, but lacks transparency on which model it’s using at any given time.
DeepSeek is a free, open-source AI from China that is surprisingly strong in reasoning tasks.

So, how do you decide which one is best for you?

Are You Getting the Most Advanced AI Model?
Most AI providers push you towards weaker, cheaper models by default. If you’re not careful, you could be using a lower-powered AI without realising it.

The best models available right now are GPT-4o for ChatGPT, Claude 3.5 Sonnet for Claude, and Gemini 2.0 Flash until the full Gemini 2.0 arrives. These are the most advanced versions currently available, but it’s worth checking which model you’re using in the settings. Free versions often default to less capable versions unless you upgrade.

Do You Want Real-Time Voice and Vision AI?

Imagine an AI that can see what you see, hear what you say, and respond in real-time. That’s what Live Mode is all about. It’s one of the biggest leaps AI has made this year.

Right now, ChatGPT is the only AI offering a full Live Mode to paying users. It’s tucked away in the app, but once enabled, it allows voice conversations and even real-time visual analysis.

Google has already demonstrated a Live Mode for Gemini, so it won’t be long before others catch up.

Need AI for Deep Thinking and Problem-Solving?

If you want AI to tackle complex research, logical reasoning, or technical problem-solving, the new generation of reasoning models is your best bet.

These models don’t just spit out quick answers. They take time to “think,” resulting in more accurate, insightful responses.

The best reasoning models available today are OpenAI’s o1 series, DeepSeek’s v3 r1 model, and Google’s reasoning-enhanced Gemini models. These work best when given structured, detailed prompts with full context.

Do You Need AI That Can Browse the Web?

Not all AIs can access real-time information. If you want an AI that searches the web, fetches current data, or fact-checks itself, you’ll need to pick one with active web access.

ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek, and Microsoft Copilot can all browse the web in real-time. Claude cannot. If you’re writing reports, tracking trends, or fact-checking, a web-connected AI is essential.

Need an AI for Images and Video?

Most AIs can generate images, but only some have true multimodal capabilities where they directly control image generation rather than using separate tools.

Gemini currently leads in this space with its Imagen 3 model. It is also the only AI that can process video properly, while ChatGPT can see video in Live Mode but does not yet process it natively. Claude does not generate images or process video at all.

If you need AI for visuals, Gemini is the best option available today.

Want AI That Codes or Analyses Data?

AI is great at generating code, but only some can actually run code and analyse data.

ChatGPT is the strongest for coding and data analysis, particularly with its Code Interpreter. Claude is good for explaining data but lacks advanced statistical analysis. Gemini handles simple visualisations but isn’t as powerful as ChatGPT when it comes to deep analysis.

Which AI Should You Pick?

• For an all-in-one AI, ChatGPT offers the best mix of features, although it can be overwhelming to navigate.
• For smart, human-like insights, Claude 3.5 Sonnet is often the most intuitive and natural in its responses.
• For search and multimedia, Gemini is the strongest, with real-time web browsing and the best image and video generation.
• For deep problem-solving, OpenAI’s o1 models and DeepSeek are the strongest options.
• For a free but capable model, DeepSeek is a strong contender.

What’s Next? Don’t Just Read About AI—Start Using It

AI changes fast. Waiting for the perfect model means missing out on what’s already possible today. The best way to get ahead is to start using these tools strategically.

AI is no longer just a novelty—it’s a tool that can save you time, improve your work, and help you stay ahead. But knowing which AI to choose is only part of the equation. The real challenge is knowing how to use it effectively.

That’s where I come in.

If you want practical, tailored guidance on using AI in your business or work, I offer:

• AI Strategy Calls – If you’re unsure how to integrate AI into your workflow, this is where we map out exactly how to use it to achieve your goals.
• Custom AI Training – Whether for individuals or teams, learn how to apply AI tools in real-world scenarios that actually make a difference.
• AI Implementation Workshops – Hands-on, practical sessions to help you and your team set up AI workflows that save time and improve results.
  

The AI landscape is evolving fast, but those who learn how to use it well will have a massive advantage. The best way to stay ahead isn’t just reading about AI—it’s putting it to work for you.

Get in touch today to see how AI can be a game-changer for your business.