ChatGPT and Google Gemini are the two most popular general AI assistants, and both offer free plans plus deals for college students. ChatGPT is known for Study mode and a flexible all-round assistant; Gemini connects with Google tools like Gmail, Docs and Gemini Notebook. Here's how they compare for students on study features, free plans and price.
| Feature | ChatGPT | Gemini |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Core chat with message and upload limits; Study mode | Gemini app with Deep Research and 15 GB storage |
| Low-cost plan | Go: $8/month in the US | Google AI Plus: $4.99/month |
| Main paid plan | Plus: $20/month | Google AI Pro: $19.99/month |
| Student offer | Student offer of four free Plus months ended Oct 31, 2026 | One free year of Google AI Pro for eligible US college students, redeem by Dec 31, 2026 (payment method required) |
| Study features | Study mode: guided, step-by-step learning | Connects with Gemini Notebook for source-based quizzes, flashcards and audio overviews |
| Works with | ChatGPT apps and web | Gmail, Docs and other Google apps (Google AI Pro) |
| Storage | Not a storage plan | 15 GB free; 400 GB with Plus; 5 TB with Pro |
Prices and features as of November 2026 — check the official site for current details
Prices and features as of November 2026 — check the official site for current details
Best for: a flexible study partner with a guided Study mode
ChatGPT can explain engineering concepts, walk through problem setups and help debug code. Study mode, available on the Free plan, guides you with questions and step-by-step help instead of handing over answers. Plans: Free, Go ($8/month in the US) and Plus ($20/month). Through October 31, 2026, eligible US college and graduate students could claim four free months of ChatGPT Plus after SheerID verification; that offer has now ended.
Why students use it:
Best for: students who use Google Docs, Gmail and Gemini Notebook
Gemini is Google's AI assistant, available on the web and in mobile apps. The free plan includes Deep Research and 15 GB of Google storage. Google AI Plus costs $4.99/month and adds higher usage limits and 400 GB of storage; Google AI Pro costs $19.99/month and adds 4x the Free plan's usage limits, Gemini in Gmail and Docs, more Gemini Notebook audio overviews and 5 TB of storage. Eligible US college students can get one year of Google AI Pro free if they redeem by December 31, 2026 (a valid payment method is required and it renews at $19.99/month unless canceled).
Why students use it:
Choose ChatGPT if you want a flexible study partner with a guided Study mode and you can start on its Free plan (the four-free-months Plus student offer ended October 31, 2026). Choose Gemini if you already live in Google Docs and Gmail, want to pair it with Gemini Notebook, or want the free year of Google AI Pro for eligible US students. Both have free plans, so many students try both. Set a reminder to cancel any free offer you don't want to pay for, and follow your course's AI policy.
Using AI to explain concepts or quiz yourself is often allowed, but submitting AI-written work usually isn't. Both tools can make confident mistakes, so check facts against your course materials, read your syllabus and disclose AI use when required.