9 key differences between ChatGPT and Bing's AI Chatbot

You'll trigger a new response even if you repeat the exact text of your request. Regardless of which tool you use more often, you should be familiar with its unique features. Here are 9 notable differences between ChatGPT and Bing's bot version.

1. Purpose

Although both ChatGPT and Bing AI use GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) language models, they are different platforms. ChatGPT is a multi-purpose chatbot. It scans the vast but limited resources on which it is trained. This includes academic journals, business websites, publications, and Wikipedia.

Meanwhile, Bing's chatbot version is essentially an AI-powered search engine. The platform features more sophisticated indexing and scanning, plus a built-in AI chat feature. It works as a search engine and a chatbot.

2. Conversational language

ChatGPT and Bing both use the GPT model. This advanced natural language processing (NLP) system responds to human-like text queries.

Both ChatGPT and Bing AI can carry out conversations. But as you explore these tools, you'll notice that Bing AI has a slightly more complex model – its responses sound natural.

Take the conversation below from ChatGPT as an example. Although its language model, GPT-3.5, produces grammatically correct and factual sentences, it sounds stiff and unnatural.

On the other hand, Bing AI uses GPT-4, a language model version of ChatGPT. Its answer sounds normal and natural.

Currently, you can only access GPT-4 on ChatGPT by upgrading to a premium account.

3. Data accuracy

ChatGPT has an explicit disclaimer regarding data inaccuracy. This platform sometimes produces inaccurate information because it has limited knowledge about events after 2021. ChatGPT does not even know its own release date.

While Bing AI's advanced language model and integrated search engine produce more accurate, trustworthy data. Unlike ChatGPT, Microsoft does not train Bing on limited datasets. Instead, it uses its search engine to retrieve relevant, timely information about world events and general knowledge questions.

It's also important to note that Bing AI cites sources. Neither platform guarantees 100% accuracy, but knowing which sources to check carefully will be helpful for checking authenticity.

4. Mathematical precision

ChatGPT and Bing AI understand math. Bots can analyze equations, perform calculations based on data sets, and generate output through their language models. Both tools can solve basic math operations. The differences only arise when you explore advanced branches of mathematics, such as statistics, physics, and probability.

Of course, you cannot expect 100% accurate results. But Bing's dataset shows more accuracy and ease of understanding than ChatGPT.

For example, ChatGPT answered a simple probability question incorrectly.

Meanwhile, Bing AI gets it right.

5. Security solutions

Cybercriminals began abusing ChatGPT almost immediately. As a result, some people consider ChatGPT a cybersecurity threat that allows crooks to write spam emails, proliferate malware, and create phishing links.

OpenAI acknowledges these problems. The company revealed that ChatGPT can generate misleading or harmful content, although developers continuously improve the security aspect.

Bing's AI bot faces similar cybersecurity risks. It combats them by enforcing stricter limits, reducing the ability to slip through the cracks of the platform. The conversation will be terminated if you mention anything unusual.

6. Accessibility

ChatGPT has limited accessibility. It doesn't have a mobile or desktop app, so users should always visit the ChatGPT website.

In contrast, Bing AI offers cross-platform access. Its chat feature is available on Bing, Microsoft Edge, Bing's mobile app, and even Skype. Just add Bing to your Skype group chat for AI support.

Perhaps the only limitation of Bing AI is that you can't run it on third-party browsers, like Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Google Chrome. You will have to download Microsoft Edge. Although it seems simple, you may find it inconvenient if Edge is not your default browser.

7. Registration process

Signing up for ChatGPT is actually quite simple. Just create an OpenAI account, sign up for ChatGPT and wait for confirmation. Most people will get immediate access.

In contrast, a new Bing AI registration initially takes longer. Early adopters spent weeks after being on the waiting list before being approved, especially those outside the US.

Thankfully, Microsoft has eliminated the waiting list. Users have instant access after creating an email account and downloading Microsoft Edge.

8. Function

Bing's AI bot has an advanced language model and broader data set, enhancing its functionality compared to ChatGPT. It even uses its search engine before responding. You can expect to receive accurate, reliable feedback and more up-to-date information with this tool.

Unfortunately, Bing's tight security measures hinder flexibility. Chats will automatically end when you violate the rules, plus you must start a new thread every 15 messages.

If you want more control, try ChatGPT. It has a limited data set and only runs on GPT-3.5, but you will get better results on ChatGPT by creating creative questions.

9. Costs

ChatGPT is a free, powerful multipurpose chatbot. Users can execute multiple tasks with the GPT-3.5 language model. But if you need a more complex AI assistant, OpenAI offers ChatGPT Plus for $20/month.

It runs on GPT-4, providing priority access and faster response. ChatGPT Plus was initially limited to US users, but the developers began offering overseas access in February 2023.

Although affordable, there is no registration fee required. Instead of losing $240 per year on ChatGPT Plus, check out Bing AI first. It already runs on GPT-4, and since Microsoft plans to monetize Bing through advertising, the platform will likely remain free in the future.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 25 March 2024