ChatGPT or Claude for work?

Steps

1. 1

   Pick three real tasks from this week.

   Use work you actually do. For example a follow up email, a summary of a long thread and a short document like a process or a proposal section.

2. 2

   Open both tools side by side.

   Free versions are fine for this test. Sign in to ChatGPT in one tab and Claude in another.

3. 3

   Paste the exact same prompt into both.

   Same words, same input. If you change the prompt, the test isn't fair.

4. 4

   Score each answer on three things.

   How much did you have to edit? Did it get any facts wrong? Does it sound like you? Give each a score from 1 to 5.

5. 5

   Do one follow up in each.

   Ask both to "make it shorter and more casual". See which one listens better.

6. 6

   Add up the scores.

   The one with the higher total is your main tool for now. Write down which one won each task, because you might find one is better at emails and the other at long documents.

7. 7

   Run the test again in a few months.

   Both tools update often. What lost today can win next quarter.

The 15 minute test plan

• Minutes 0 to 2: open both tools and pick your three tasks.
• Minutes 2 to 7: task one, a follow up email. Paste the prompt below into both and score.
• Minutes 7 to 11: task two, summarize a long email thread or document. Score.
• Minutes 11 to 14: task three, a short document. Score.
• Minute 15: add up the totals and pick.

Prompts you can copy

Test 1: follow up email

Write a follow up email to [name] at [company] after a call today.
My notes: [paste your real notes].
Rules: under 80 words, plain words, one clear next step at the end as a question. Sign it [your name].

Test 2: summary

Summarize this in 5 bullets for a busy manager. Then list any dates, dollar amounts and open questions. If something is unclear in the text, say so instead of guessing.
[paste a long email thread or document]

Test 3: short document

Turn these notes into a one page process a new hire can follow.
Notes: [paste notes].
Format: title, who it is for, numbered steps of one or two sentences, and a "who to ask" line at the end. Plain words only.

What people often notice

These are common impressions, not test results. Your own test is what counts.

• Some people find Claude's writing a bit more natural and like it for long documents.
• Some people like ChatGPT for its range of extras, like image tools and a large set of features in the app.
• Both have phone apps with voice, both have Projects to keep files and instructions together, and both can search the web on some plans.
• Both make mistakes. Both need you to check facts.

Example

This is a made-up example. A distributor sales rep runs the test. Email task: ChatGPT 4, Claude 5, because Claude's version needed one edit and ChatGPT's needed three. Summary task: ChatGPT 5, Claude 4. Document task: tie. Totals are close, so the rep picks the one they find easier to use on their phone and keeps the other for a second opinion on big emails. That is a fine outcome.

Tips

• Use your real work, not a made-up test. The best tool for a poem is not always the best tool for a freight quote.
• Keep your prompts saved in a note so you can rerun the test later.
• See our best AI tools page and the prompt library for more prompts to test with.

FAQ

Do I need to pay for either one?

Not to start. Both have free versions that are fine for this test. Pay only if you hit the usage limits on the one you use most.

Can I use both?

Yes, and many people do. Use one as your main tool and paste the same prompt into the other when you want a second take on something important.

Which one is safer for company data?

That depends on your plan and your company's rules, not just the tool. Ask your boss or IT what is allowed before you paste customer data into either one.

What about Gemini and Copilot?

If your company already pays for Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 with AI included, start there because it works inside the apps you use. Run the same 15 minute test to compare.

Rather have it done for you? We build the system that handles your outreach, one time, and you own it. See how it works.

First posted October 28, 2026. Last updated October 28, 2026. Free to copy and use, CC BY 4.0.