Putting Five AI Chatbots To The Ultimate Conversational Test
The Great AI Chatbot Experiment
Many popular AIs now feature a voice mode, allowing for live, natural conversations that are often more convenient and engaging than typing. You can speak with a chatbot and still get a text transcript afterward for your records. But which AI is the best conversationalist?
To find out, I put five major players to the test: ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, Meta AI, and Grok. Using their mobile apps, I initiated the same conversation with each one to see how they would handle the topic and to gauge their unique strengths and weaknesses.
The Test Subject My Anxious Cat Mr Giggles
For my experiment, I created a consistent, real-world scenario. I told each AI that my cat, Mr. Giggles, was acting nervous and anxious after a recent visit to the vet. This is a semi-true story, as he does get a little stressed after a checkup, making it a perfect topic to test the AIs' abilities. I judged them not just on their knowledge but also on their tone and personality—two crucial factors for a good conversation.
Here's how each AI performed.
ChatGPT The Sympathetic Advisor
To start a voice chat with ChatGPT, you first select a voice in the app settings—I chose 'Vale,' a British voice described as bright and inquisitive. After tapping the voice icon, I explained the situation with Mr. Giggles.
ChatGPT immediately offered a sympathetic and informative virtual shoulder. It was a great listener, asking clarifying questions about what might be affecting him and how his behavior had changed. When I asked for product recommendations, it suggested practical solutions like calming treats, diffusers, and a special collar. Overall, ChatGPT was eager to offer concrete help and encouraged my efforts to care for my cat.
To try it yourself, you can find the app on iOS or Android.
Microsoft Copilot The Reassuring Companion
Similar to ChatGPT, Copilot allows you to choose a voice from its settings. I again opted for a British accent, 'Wave,' before launching the voice chat. When I shared my concerns about my cat, Copilot was instantly reassuring, promising that we would figure it out together. It asked if I had noticed any specific triggers for his anxiety. After I mentioned the vet visit, it suggested pheromone diffusers and calming treats. The conversation provided both comfort and useful information with an understanding and sympathetic tone.
Copilot is available on iOS and Android.
Google Gemini The Straightforward Consultant
After selecting a voice in the Gemini app—I chose 'Capella' for its soothing tone—I started the conversation. I explained Mr. Giggles's anxiety, and Gemini asked if his environment had changed. It acknowledged that vet visits are stressful and suggested solutions like pheromone diffusers, calming collars, and even calming music or toys.
While the advice was helpful, Gemini didn't convey the same level of sympathy as ChatGPT or Copilot. Its responses were often brief and close-ended, and I felt like I had to drag the information out of it rather than having a natural, flowing conversation.
You can chat with Gemini via its iOS or Android app.
Meta AI The Efficient Conversationalist
Meta AI offers a fun twist by letting you choose from a variety of voices, including some that mimic celebrities like Kristen Bell, which I chose. Kicking off the conversation, I found Meta AI to be very responsive and skilled at back-and-forth dialogue. Each response was succinct yet detailed, and I particularly liked how the transcript appeared on the screen as it spoke. While it wasn't as overtly sympathetic as others, it was highly effective and conversational.
Download the app for your iPhone or Android to try it.
Grok The Information Overloader
Grok's app allows you to customize its personality; I set it to be 'sympathetic and understanding.' When I started the voice chat and described my cat's issue, Grok provided a lot of information and advice—almost too much at once. Instead of the brief, conversational comments of the other AIs, Grok delivered a large block of details in a single response. The information was extremely practical, but it felt less like a conversation and more like a Q&A session. On the plus side, a full transcript was available afterward.
Get the Grok app for iOS or Android.
The Verdict Who Is the Best AI Conversationalist
All five AIs performed well, helping me explore ways to soothe Mr. Giggles's anxiety. Each had its own strengths: some were more conversational, some more practical, and some more sympathetic. It's hard to declare a single winner, as each offered valuable suggestions. However, if I had to choose, I'd go with ChatGPT. It struck the perfect balance of being an understanding listener while also offering genuinely useful and actionable advice.
