Tool shootout #1: which free AI gets UK answers right?
ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot and Perplexity, scored on everyday UK money, consumer and news questions using independent tests from Which? and the EBU/BBC. One clear winner.
Welcome to the first Mind the Hype tool shootout, where the same job goes through rival AI tools and one comes out on top. The job this time is the one most people actually use a chatbot for: asking an everyday UK question about money, consumer rights or the news, and getting an answer you can safely act on.
The contenders are the free versions of ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot and Perplexity. Rather than go on vibes, we've pulled together the independent hands-on tests that put real questions to all four, including a Which? money test published in July 2026. AI Pro members get the scores side by side, a clear winner, a best-value pick, UK prices and a prompt that improves whichever one you use.