Let's be honest, the AI platform comparison in 2025 is chaotic. Every week there's a new model, a new feature, a new claim of breaking the next benchmark. The hype is deafening. But as a pre-sales engineer who uses these tools in the trenches every day—for coding, research, and planning—I had to answer a much simpler, more practical question: Who actually deserves my money?
After running paid, max-tier subscriptions on all the major platforms for months, I’ve finally landed on a winner. My key takeaway might surprise you: the best AI isn't about who has the highest IQ, but who offers the best AI workflow and integrates into your real life
My Verdict on OpenAI's GPT-5: A Powerhouse with Problems
I was a huge OpenAI fan. For the longest time, GPT was my go-to AI assistant. Its main advantage wasn't just technical prowess; it was its unique personality. My learning style is very conversational, and GPT-4o just felt easier to talk to and learn from.
Then came the GPT-5 release. The launch was, to put it mildly, not great, and the media has covered that enough. I was hoping the performance would make up for it, but for me, this GPT-5 review is a step back. The personality is gone. The experience of coding with it feels bulky and cumbersome, actively slowing down my process. The built-in agents were a disappointment, and its multimodality still falls short of Gemini 2.5.
I’ll admit, it's not all bad. The public library of custom GPTs is a great idea you can find on the OpenAI website. And I’m keeping my subscription for two specific reasons. First, my son uses the study mode, which is excellent. Second, I have my family on a Workspace plan, and the data privacy guarantees are worth the money. But for my professional work, the magic is gone.
Anthropic's Claude: The Undisputed King for Coding
When it comes to the best AI for pure coding, Anthropic's Claude is the undisputed king. There, I said it. The quality of the code it produces is often the best of the bunch. But here’s the million-dollar question: is that extra X% of accuracy worth the friction in your workflow?
For me, the answer is no. Using Claude feels like working with a brilliant but siloed contractor. The extra steps add up. Google’s ecosystem, on the other hand, saves me more time overall because it's so deeply integrated.
After a couple of very expensive months, I had to make a call, and I cut ties with my maxed-out subscription.
Why Google's Gemini Won: It's All About the Ecosystem
If you had told me a year ago that Google would be my top choice, I would have been skeptical. Gemini used to have the same sterile personality that I now find in GPT-5. But that has completely changed. Communicating with Gemini now feels more natural than any other AI.
But the real differentiator is the workflow. It's not just a chatbot; it's a fully integrated platform.
The Workflow Advantage: A Real-World Example
Here's a look at a typical process that showcases the power of Google's ecosystem:
I start a new project right from the Gemini CLI.
I add it to a
GitHubrepo, which is already connected to Google services for automatic deployment.Then, I connect that repo to Jules, Google's "AI consultant." I can literally assign it tasks like adding features or debugging code. It works asynchronously, asks for approval, and I can get back to other work while it runs.
This seamless, integrated process is something no other platform currently offers.
Beyond Code: A Life-Changing Use Case
The power of this connected ecosystem delivered the most profound result I’ve ever seen from AI. Recently, a person close to me was dealing with a serious medical issue. On a mission to find help, I used Google’s Deep Research feature to upload all their medical data, added my own notes, and asked Gemini to perform deep research on novel treatments.
The result was breathtaking. It pulled back studies, facilities, and doctors that no one had been aware of, helping us find a path to life-saving care. This wasn't a party trick; it was a life-changing outcome.
Final Verdict: Why My Money is on Google AI Ultra
As it stands today, my $250 a month is going to Google for their AI Ultra package. The combination of a vastly improved "feel," a deeply integrated workflow, and powerful research capabilities makes it the undeniable winner for me.
But my advice to you is simple: don't just listen to me. The best AI is deeply personal. Your communication style and professional needs are unique. So, try all of them. Don't get swayed by hype. Ask yourself one question: What are my needs? And work backwards from there. Pick the tool that doesn't just answer your questions but seamlessly integrates into your life.
Kris Clark | Solutions Architect | Tech Enthusiast | DIY Builder