ChatGPT vs Co-Pilot vs OpenSource provider – Which is best?

The question “Which is better – ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, Gemini, Peak Privacy, SwissGPT or others?” cannot be answered definitively. Rather, it is about which application users want to run with one of the AI tools mentioned and which values they pursue with regard to data protection, data economy, etc.

Basically, all providers have their advantages and disadvantages and users must first be clear about which criteria are most important to them.

How do AI assistants differ?

In general, there are the following distinguishing features between the AI assistants:

• Selection of language models
• Options for creating CustomGPTs
• Speed
• Image generation options
• Canvas function (interactive collaboration with AI system)
• Use of real-time data, such as Google search
• Connection options to other systems
• Use of voice input
• Collaboration options in teams
• Training courses
• Data protection
• Server locations
• On-premises hosting
• Availability of support
• Efforts towards data minimization
• Costs per user

Of course, other criteria are possible.

ChatGPT vs. Co-Pilot?

The AI assistants ChatGPT and Co-Pilot are increasingly being compared with each other. Both applications use the GPT-X language models from OpenAI.

ChatGPT is a general language model that can be used in a variety of contexts – be it for answering questions, creative writing, problem solving or conversation. Users can talk directly to ChatGPT to get information, develop ideas or create content. It is characterized by its versatility and offers support in a wide variety of subject areas.

Microsoft Copilot, on the other hand, is an integrated assistance system that is directly embedded in productivity-enhancing software such as the Office 365 Suite. It supports users in applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Outlook by using AI to complete tasks faster and more efficiently. Copilot can, for example, revise texts in Word, analyze complex tables in Excel or create presentations in PowerPoint. The strength of Copilot lies in the context-related support directly in the respective application, which aims to simplify and accelerate existing work processes.

In summary, ChatGPT is a versatile AI assistant that helps in flexible and conversational contexts, while Microsoft Copilot specializes in providing productivity-oriented support within Microsoft applications. Both tools improve the way users work, but in different ways: ChatGPT through open communication and broad knowledge, Microsoft Copilot through concrete support in everyday office tasks.

Another big difference is the option to create CustomGPTs. CustomGPTs are user-defined AI assistants that are not possible with the Co-Pilot, but are possible with ChatGPT or other AI assistants, such as Peak Privacy.

ChatGPT vs. OpenSource

ChatGPT, Peak Privacy and SwissGPT are all AI language models, but differ in important aspects such as origin, objective and approach to data protection. Here is a brief comparison:

ChatGPT by OpenAI and is widely used for a variety of tasks, including conversation, problem solving, creative writing and general information processing. It has the advantage that it has a broad knowledge base based on extensive training data. However, the data and interactions are processed by OpenAI, which raises data protection issues for some users. ChatGPT offers flexibility of use, but is developed by a large US-based company, which may raise privacy concerns for some.

Peak Privacy is an open source offering that specializes in AI models that focus on the protection of privacy. It is particularly used by those who want to retain control over their data and ensure that interactions remain confidential. The focus here is very much on security and data protection. Peak Privacy models can be run locally or in secure, data-protected environments, whereby data sovereignty remains completely with the user. This approach is particularly attractive for organizations and individuals who attach great importance to the security of sensitive information. A particular added value of Peak Privacy is the ability to create user-defined GPTs and even freely select the language model. Compared to Microsoft’s co-pilot, Peak Privacy is more cost-effective and also pursues the approach of data minimization.

SwissGPT is another open source offering that was developed specifically in Switzerland and is characterized by its special focus on data protection and European data protection guidelines. It is an AI solution that is specifically designed to meet the needs of larger companies and public authorities that have high requirements for the protection of customer data and compliance with local data protection regulations. SwissGPT does not offer all the functionalities of ChatGPT, but is strongly geared towards transparency and user control. SwissGPT is often used by companies that want to ensure that their data does not leave Switzerland and is subject to the highest security standards.

ChatGPT vs Co-Pilot and other alternatives – AI tool comparison

The following is a comprehensive comparison of the best-known AI assistants that are relevant for German-speaking countries. These include ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, Peak Privacy, SwissGPT and others.

My tip for the right AI assistant

My experience over the last few months has shown that CustomGPTs or constructors (Peak Privacy) in particular offer incredible potential when it comes to using user-defined assistants for repetitive tasks. For this reason, I continue to use ChatGPT or Peak Privacy a lot so that I can create my own custom GPTs.

You can read more about the implementation of CustomGPTs – including compliance with data protection – in my article on data protection-compliant CustomGPTs.

At the same time, I see SwissGPT being used more and more frequently by Swiss municipalities, authorities and large companies. SwissGPT puts general data protection first and offers the classic basic functions as well as ChatGPT.

How do I find the right Generative AI assistants for me?

My comparison provides a good overview of the most important functions and criteria of the well-known AI assistants, such as ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, SwissGPT, Peak Privacy and others. You also need to be clear about where your priorities lie in terms of functions, data protection or ethics and then choose the right tool to suit them.

Otherwise, I recommend you take the following tips to heart:

1. use rankings and comparison lists from sources you know

AI tool overviews or rankings are a good start to finding the right AI technology. However, the number of rankings and overview lists also continues to rise daily. I therefore recommend using an AI overview where we already know the author or where we know that the source matches our values and requirements.

2. uses trial licenses

Most AI tools offer trial subscriptions that are either completely free or can be canceled after 30 days. Use these types of subscriptions to avoid tying yourself to too many new tools from the outset. Even if they are often only small amounts, they quickly add up.

3. define your own processes and goals

Advertising and the internet often tempt people to use new AI tools and take out expensive subscriptions. However, it is crucial that we first clearly define our expectations of AI technology in order to derive specific requirements. The search for suitable AI technology should only begin once these requirements have been precisely defined.

Unless, of course, the aim is to identify AI technologies that not only increase the efficiency of current work processes, but also take on tasks that were previously not part of your activities in this form.

How do I ensure responsible use of AI technologies?

AI technologies are having an increasing impact on many aspects of our lives, from the world of work to personal decisions. Artificial intelligence can analyze large amounts of data and make decisions that have far-reaching consequences. It is therefore crucial that we ourselves and those around us use these technologies ethically in order to avoid discrimination, privacy violations and other negative effects on people and companies.

In short, you can achieve a mindful and responsible use of AI technologies such as ChatGPT if you take the following 5 tips to heart:

1. get to know the creator of AI technology

2. question every statement of Generative AI before you continue to use it

3. observe data protection and use secure solutions

4. separates tasks that are intended for artificial intelligence from those that are reserved for humans

5. share your experiences with your fellow human beings

You can find a comprehensive explanation of the individual tips in my blog post 5 tips for the mindful and responsible use of AI technologies.

Or take a look at my offer on AI with foresight.

Further useful tips

Would you like further support with your AI project? Then hopefully these offers are just right for you.

Nothing there?

Then write me a message with your wishes and questions and we will find an offer for you. Just send me a message via WhatsApp or email.

Or come directly to my WhatsApp group – where I regularly post use cases, news, best practices, events and much more about chatbots, ChatGPT and co.