Which AI Service is Better? What AI Tools Do I Use Daily?

Since late 2022, AI development has become quite mature, but many friends around me still don’t know which AI services to use or which ones are better. I’ve been playing with AI since GPT started, so here I’ll share based on my rough experience.

Domestic AI Services

If you find it inconvenient to use foreign AI tools and services, here are my recommendations for domestic AI.

1. DeepSeek Recommended

   • Has PC web version and mobile app support. If you want to use DS API, no problem - the price is very cheap, like a 10 yuan top-up can last you a long time.

   • The reason DeepSeek AI is good, according to one theory, is because DeepSeek trained using GPT output data. This viewpoint is subjective - different people have different opinions. In any case, DS’s AI quality is decent. Of course, for code programming, personally I don’t think it’s great.

     

2. Doubao Recommended

   • If you’re pursuing rich AI Agent functionality, like Gaode Maps, weather checking, etc., then you can consider Doubao. For example, Doubao recently launched AI podcast functionality. From actual testing, I think it’s not as good as NotebookLM, but it’s still decent.

   • Has PC web version and mobile app. The mobile app also supports vision similar to GPT, which is very cool - I recommend trying it.

     

3. Yuanbao Recommended for WeChat Ecosystem Users

   • I personally don't recommend Yuanbao, but if your AI requirements aren’t particularly high and you don’t want to install apps, then Yuanbao is okay.

   • WeChat has built-in Yuanbao AI - you can directly search for Yuanbao and add this friend, then use it normally. This is Yuanbao’s only advantage. Note that Yuanbao can also draw, share, and query online. I think if Yuanbao adds voice output next, it would be even better, plus support for voice calls.

     

Foreign AI Services

• ChatGPT Recommended
  • We must admit that GPT’s launch really brought AI to mainstream popularity, and GPT indeed has the capability. Current GPT cross-platform support across all devices is excellent. I usually use GPT web version and mobile app. When traveling, I use GPT’s vision feature to help me query historical sites.

    

• NotebookLM
  • I really like the AI podcast feature. I often add articles to generate podcasts to listen to. As mentioned above, it’s much better than Doubao and can currently be considered the strongest.

    

• GitHub Copilot Recommended
  • For daily coding, I’ve handed over a lot of repetitive copy-paste work to Copilot. Current AI is actually much better at code completion than before, especially with the use of NES technology. Note that for specific commonly used models in Copilot, I personally choose Claude, as I still think Claude is the strongest.
  • Although Copilot can be used for free, the free limitations are too restrictive, like model restrictions, so I personally recommend paid usage.
  • If you don’t have coding needs, you don’t need to choose this AI tool service.
• Claude
  • Claude also has PC web version and mobile app, but compared to GPT, the functionality isn’t as comprehensive. Personally, I think for ordinary non-coding users, prioritize ChatGPT. Claude is more powerful for coding.

I heard Gemini Pro is now also very strong at coding, but I haven’t experienced it in depth yet.

AI Services I Currently Use Frequently

1. ChatGPT
   • Paid, about 100 CNY, recommend going through Turkey region for cheaper pricing. US region costs $20/month tax-free.
2. GitHub Copilot
   • Paid, $10/month. Personally don’t think annual payment is necessary - AI develops too fast and can change anytime.
3. NotebookLM
   • Free. Will consider paying when AI podcasts get even better.
4. Claude
   • Paid, $20/month, US region, tax-free.

I currently use Yuanbao and Doubao occasionally.

Final Thoughts

• The above are my personal views and recommendations. If you have different opinions, go with yours.