Comparing Generative AI Tools
Generative AI tools and Large Language Models (LLMs) are changing how we write, research, and analyze information. These tools support brainstorming, content creation, summarization, and even real-time fact-checking. This page will help you compare popular tools, understand their key features, and choose the right one for your needs.
What Are Grounded vs. Non-Grounded Tools?
Generative AI tools can be classified into two main categories: grounded and non-grounded, based on how they access data:
Non-Grounded Tools:
These tools generate responses based only on their pre-existing training data. They do not access live or external sources and are best for tasks involving creativity or general knowledge.
- Best for: Brainstorming, drafting, simplifying complex ideas.
- Examples: ChatGPT (Free), Claude (Free & Paid), NotebookLM (Free), Deepseek (Free)
Grounded Tools:
Also known as retrieval-augmented or web-connected tools, these models supplement their training data with real-time, external sources. This makes them ideal for producing up-to-date, fact-checked, and referenceable responses.
Best for: Research, fact-checking, analyzing current events.
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Examples: ChatGPT Plus (GPT-4) (Paid), Perplexity AI (Free & Paid), Microsoft Copilot (Free & Paid), Gemini (Free & Paid)
Quick Tip: Use grounded tools when you need accuracy and up-to-date information. Use non-grounded tools when you need creative output or exploratory writing.
How to Choose the Right Tool for Your Task
Match your task to the most effective tool using this guide:
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Brainstorming or Drafting Ideas: Use non-grounded tools like ChatGPT or Claude to generate ideas, outlines, or drafts. For help generating a research paper topic, visit: Generating Research Paper Topics with ChatGPT
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Finding Current Facts or Sources: Use grounded tools like Perplexity or Gemini for real-time data with citations.
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Summarizing Documents or Notes: Try NotebookLM or Scite AI Assistant to summarize uploads, organize notes, or create study guides.
Popular Generative AI Tools: Features & Pricing
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of popular tools:
| Tool | Key Features | Free Version | Paid Version & Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | GPT-3.5 (Free), GPT-4 w/ web browsing, file uploads (Plus) | ✅ | GPT-4: $20/month |
| Claude | Personalized styles, image input, export options | ✅ | Claude Pro: $20/month |
| Microsoft Copilot | Built on GPT-4, integrated with Office 365, web search, image generation | ✅ | Microsoft 365 plans apply |
| Perplexity AI | Real-time web results, contextual citations, integrates YouTube, Reddit | ✅ | Pro: $20/month |
| Gemini (Google) | Real-time data + web search, Google ecosystem integration | ✅ | Gemini Advanced: $20/month |
AI Disclaimer: Always verify information provided by AI tools, especially for academic work. Even grounded tools can cite low-quality sources or hallucinate content.
Helpful LLM-Based Tools for Research & Note Management
These tools go beyond chat and help you work more effectively with academic content:
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Elicit: Search 175+ million research papers using semantic similarity to find relevant studies, even without perfect keyword matches.
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Scite AI Assistant: Ask research questions in plain language and receive answers with real-time references.
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Inciteful: Visualize networks of related academic papers and discover citation paths.
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Explainpaper: Upload academic PDFs and get simplified explanations of complex sections.
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Petal: Use AI to summarize, highlight, and manage insights from your research.
Pro Tips for Using Generative AI Tools
- Start Free: Explore tools like ChatGPT or Claude before committing to a paid version.
- Combine Tools: Use non-grounded tools for brainstorming and grounded tools for fact-checking to get the best of both worlds.
- Match Tools to Tasks: Let your task guide your tool selection. Creative = non-grounded. Accurate = grounded.
Staying Current with AI Tools
AI tools evolve quickly. These resources can help you stay up to date:
Available Through BU
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New York Times - Artificial Intelligence
Free with your BU account — includes expert coverage on AI trends and impacts.
Top AI Newsletters & Industry Updates
- VentureBeat – Industry news and in-depth analysis.
- The Neuron – Daily digest of AI research and tools.
- AI Breakfast - Curated news by Alex Banks.
- Generative AI News – Monthly AI digest by Nicole Hennig (for librarians & educators).
- Why Try AI? – Real-world tips and tutorials by Daniel Nest.
- One Useful Thing - Ethan Mollick’s popular weekly newsletter on AI’s impact on work and education.
YouTube Channels
- The AI Daily Brief – Quick daily updates in 5 minutes or less.
- AI Explained – Deep dives into the latest AI models and research papers.
