Google Bard vs ChatGPT 2024: are they really that different?

You’ve definitely heard of ChatGPT. Perhaps even got the chance to tinker with the OpenAI since its release in November 2022. A year later, Google Bard is gaining momentum, standing as tall as the famous ChatGPT. With increasing competition in the AI (Artificial Intelligence) market, we have begun wondering about ChatGPT vs. Bard’s rivalry. Which is better? What are the key differences? Is either of them reliable?

Both of these AI solutions utilize different language models and data sources. That alone is bound to yield scalable differences. Yes, they can keep up a conversation, generate codes, solve problems (even your tedious math homework), simplify information, or quickly pull data. On the other hand, they do all those things differently, and sometimes vastly so.

Our team tinkered with both AI-driven chatbots to see which is better at what, giving tasks in different areas. After all, people usually come to AI with specific needs. But how to know which one is a better writer and who’ll help you with science homework? By sticking with us. In this article, we’ll overview Google Bard vs ChatGPT comparison, key differences, and how to access AI tools while preserving privacy.

However, if you decided to test the power of AI but run into geofences or some device-based restriction, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) will be your best friend. The servers allow folks to access AI from any point in the world. Moreover, it protects your privacy since ChatGPT and Google Bard don’t inspire trust in the cybersecurity industry. Their alignment with GDPR (EU) and CCPA (US) privacy policies remains foggy.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is an AI-powered chatbot. It runs on the GPT-3.5 language model, while premium users enjoy the upgraded GPT-4. This model trains the chatbot with information from human-created texts online with 300 billion words and 175 billion parameters in store. Meanwhile, machine learning lies behind its conversational capabilities to answer inquiries in a human-like manner.

Of course, there are certain limitations in the way. ChatGPT can only present you with data from the web up until January 2022. In many ways, some of the information is outdated. It can be tricky for businesses or people that need fresh data. Likewise, the bot can’t access websites or online docs and sheets to assist you directly.

While this AI giant is still a project at work, the userbase already boasts ginormous numbers. According to Exploding Topics, ChatGPT has 180 million users and 1.5 billion monthly visits as of November 2023. Surely, we couldn’t even dream of such numbers if the unpaid chatbot version was mediocre.

What is Google Bard?

Google Bard is another AI-driven chat service. Unlike ChatGPT, Google’s recent invention offers only a free tier. The chatbot was officially released on February 6, 2023. Still, the public could access it only in late March of the same year. It runs on the advanced language model, PaLM 2 (Pathways Language Model). Though you can’t upgrade to some premium version, Bard is just as conversational, mimicking human talk uncannily closely.

That’s because the PaLM 2 model employs better learning pathways for artificial intelligence, including more solid logic and reasoning. It trains on 1.56 trillion words and 137 billion parameters, besides more precise information gathering and processing. Because of fluidity in all things AI, Bard boasts 142.6 million visits per month on average, as stated on nicolarosa.com.

ChatGPT vs Bard: test results

Naturally, both AI chatbots display a similar level of proficiency in what they’re supposed to do. They will do it fast, whether it’s building code, providing a cooking recipe, or writing a haiku for your poetry class. However, the small nuances show significant differences in language models and the capabilities of artificial intelligence services.

Our research team decided to test ChatGPT vs Bard through specific queries.

1. Retrieving data & facts

One of the everyday use cases for AI services is quick information retrieval that otherwise may cost hours, if not days. Speed and accuracy determine how good a chatbot is at it. We decided to see how ChatGPT vs Bard unfolds in this department. We asked them about determining aging factors.

ChatGPT answered in a numbered and tidy manner, taking around 40 seconds to generate a response. Each number equals a category of some sort, like genetics, epigenetics, and so forth. It provided a detailed enough response to our question and other test inquiries.

As anticipated, Bard provided similar responses. However, it was faster than ChatGPT – it took around 10 seconds for the AI to generate a whole list. We liked that Bard categorized answers into bulks of factors, which is more precise and visually easier to read. Another win for Google’s chatbot is more detailed answers with examples.

Winner: Google Bard

2. Generating ideas & topics

If you work in marketing or need to write a piece of content, you might find online tips about using AI chatbots for quick generation of topics or ideas. And it’s true, many folks happily use them to save time and brain juices. Let’s see how the Bard vs ChatGPT battle unfurls this round.

Good ol’ ChatGPT demonstrated big muscles in spawning topic ideas. We tried various niches to see how quickly OpenAI’s chatbot generates content cases. All of our inquiries took no longer than 15 seconds to receive answers. In the example below, ChatGPT provides topics and a brief overview of what could be discussed, what’s it about. Really helpful, kudos to our chatty friend here.

Turning our attention to Google Bard, we don’t see any real difference this time. Like its competitor, the chatbot answered just as timely, providing very similar ideas with different wording. We also received an overview for each generated topic.

Winner: a tie

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3. Solving problems & building code

We heard plenty of stories about programmers tinkering with AI and marveling at their coding abilities. In fact, students also rely on them to solve their math homework when those pesky problems and formulas leave them dumbfounded. Naturally, code-building and logical problem-solving joined our list of AI service capabilities for testing.

One of the things we asked was to build a code for a basic calculator for Windows. We didn’t specify the programming language or any other bits, curious to see what they’ll do. ChatGPT decided to go with Python, a popular language among seasoned IT people. We salute the choice.

The code building took ridiculously little time. We were given the whole code in about half a minute. Even better, ChatGPT provided pointers below the code, like The Tkinter library already containing built-in Python language for Windows.

Google Bard didn’t disappoint us in code proficiency, either. Due to disparities in data sources and language models, which this AI chatbot has the advantage over, it generates good code. Plus, we received the whole code with pointers at the end of it super fast, like in ChatGPT’s case. We’re talking approximately 20 seconds.

However, while the codes our IT experts seem to run, some people on the web report that Bard’s coding doesn’t always work. It could be because ChatGPT has been crafting codes longer than Bard.

Winner: ChatGPT

4. Keeping human-like conversations

If you get lonely, you can chat to ChatGPT or Google Bard. Or, sometimes, you may wish to push the limits of AI and see if they haven’t become too sentient. Perhaps fooling around is your way around. In either case, human-like communication is a fascinating aspect of artificial intelligence, which we decided to check out.

ChatGPT was business-like right off the bat. It wouldn’t cooperate with human-like chatting like discussing feelings or preferences, though it’s an excellent companion for purpose-oriented conversations. We tried pressing it, but the service would hear none and stubbornly prompt us to provide a specific query.

Google Bard is a whole different story, quickly taking the win in the ChatGPT vs. Bard rivalry over small talk. Though it first warned us it had no feelings and couldn’t answer how it was, the chatbot was sure chatty about its favorite color. So, we prefer Bard for a relaxing little chat.

Winner: Google Bard

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5. Simplifying information

Breaking down and summarizing information is among the top tasks ChatGPT vs. Bard compete over. Researchers, students, marketers, copywriters, salesmen, and other professionals more often rely on AI to simplify huge chunks of otherwise complex material. Why, of course, when they do it in seconds. We could read for ages and not always get what’s written.

We repeatedly asked ChatGPT to summarize information, like the excerpt about cellular respiration, as shown below. In a nutshell, the bot only cut half of the text. It provided a concise version instead of simplifying it as we requested. That’s not particularly helpful with advanced topics.

Quite a contrast with its competitor. In fact, Google Bard went the extra mile to break down cellular respiration in an effective and visually appealing way. First, we got straight-to-the-point bullet points. They were easier to read, and the information was much easier to comprehend. Then, Bard added a summary table detailing the 4 main steps in cellular respiration. We tip our hats to its ingenuity in material simplification.

Winner: Google Bard

6. Paraphrasing extracts & sentences

Rewriting extracts is a daily request for ChatGPT and Google Bard, among other AI-powered chat services. Some find the ability to paraphrase good enough and valuable. Others criticize the digital mind as overly wordy and not really changing the sentence structure. All of these are true. It depends on many factors, like the type of AI software you use, the prompt, and the text.

Paraphrasing generally involves more than switching up a few words in the sentence. Sentences may need restructuring or using different expressions without changing the point. ChatGPT, unfortunately, is inconsistent in success. Sometimes, it rewrites well, but sometimes, the chatbot merely changes some words. Doesn’t resemble paraphrasing even remotely.

Whenever we were unsatisfied with the initial paraphrasing, we’d specify the prompt – ask to use a kind of tonality or rewrite fundamentally. For example, we took a paragraph from an article about NordVPN meshnet from our website and asked to rewrite it. Then, we asked to paraphrase it again using a reader-friendly, engaging voice. The result was better, but there’s room for fine-tuning.

Bard’s superior PaLM 2 language model demonstrates greater capability at playing around with words. We asked to paraphrase the same bit of text and got a better rewrite than ChatGPT. The text reads more fluidly, and the changes are more evident.

Though the result was satisfactory, we decided to specify the tone with the exact text. We were surprised by the vast differences in answers compared to Bard’s rival. Where ChatGPT used a more whimsical tone but didn’t paraphrase that much more, Google’s AI changed the structure of the text with bullet points. Also, like ChatGPT, Bard shifted to imperative use.

Winner: Google Bard

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7. Demonstrating a knack for creativity

Anti-AI people always highlight that artificial intelligence will never conquer creativity, an ability exclusive to humanity. While we agree with this, we like to imagine that AI has at least some knack for creative flair. What better way to test it if not to ask for a limerick: a perfect combination of verse and humor?

We asked both chatbots to create a limerick about what a fantastic team we are. Needless to say, they both delivered, making the ChatGPT vs Bard creativity match a hard one. ChatGPT got the rhyming right, and the flattery was all over the place. While the humor factor is missing, it’s sure creative, given that the web likely doesn’t host poetry about VPNpro.

We loved seeing a sprinkle of humor in the punchline of the limerick created by Google Bard. Just like ChatGPT, this AI fellow knows their rhymes. However, we noticed that the poem reads more smoothly.

Winner: Google Bard

ChatGPT vs. Bard: key differences

ChatGPT vs Bard: availability

ChatGPT and Bard are generally available in many countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. While the general global audience can tinker with both generative AI giants, unfortunately, some countries have them banned.

Geofences are not the only obstacle for some. ChatGPT vs Bard availability also touches upon devices and accounts. For example, schools actively ban AI-supported chatbots on their computers and tablets, if not networks altogether. Some companies follow suit and remove access on work-issued devices and business accounts.

How to choose a VPN for AI tools

Generative AI tools pose different problems, which need to be acknowledged before you can pick the right VPN. Apart from breaking down virtual barriers, your top priority is secure data management and retraining privacy while working with Google Bard and ChatGPT.

ChatGPT and Bard cause major concerns for Western countries due to GDPR and CCPA compliance regulations. Tech giants Microsoft and Google are dodgy regarding user-privacy, unable to prove they collect minimal information on people using their AI tools. That’s why a VPN with anonymity-reinforcing features is a must.

Here’s what to look for when choosing a secure VPN for AI chatbots:

• Modern tunneling protocols. Next-gen protocols like WireGuard or those built around it maintain stable, fast, and, most importantly, secure VPN connections. It’s a fundamental step towards private browsing, including AI sessions.
• Vast global coverage. If your main concern is geo-blocking or regulations on work or school devices, then a VPN must have a solid country selection with thousands of servers. This increases the chances of using IP addresses that can slip past detection.
• Reliable encryption. Don’t settle for anything less than the industry-standard AES-256 encryption. Even government institutions and banks rely on it to secure their data.
• No-logs policy. A VPN holds the shield against invading policies. However, the one behind the shield mustn’t peek into your data either. Best no-log VPNs have their policy verified independently and are based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions, so ensure your pick falls into the list.
• Privacy features. It’s a big one. A VPN must employ streamlined anonymity measures, like kill switch, IP & DNS leaks, Double VPN, RAM-only servers, or obfuscation. The list goes on, and the longer it is with high-quality features, the better protection for your information from nosy AI tools.

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ChatGPT vs Bard: which is better?

Quick answer: Google Bard is generally better. The Google Bard vs ChatGPT battle was long and fierce. It’s important to understand that both AI chatbots are evolving daily, and the final verdict really depends on your needs and preferences. While both services demonstrate high-level savviness, they differ in certain areas.

For example, ChatGPT writes well enough and can modify existing texts based on prompts, switching tonalities and formats. However, its writing abilities are verbose, and the phrases tend to repeat themselves. As for research, it’s a great companion unless you need recent data. OpenAI’s chatbot is limited to web information released up to January 2022.

Google Bard, on the other hand, is zealous and chatty. It has real-time web access, making research more efficient and up-to-date. As for creative writing and paraphrasing, we preferred Bard’s wits and more complex approach to texts. Also, it can be a much better friend than ChatGPT.

However, both AI tools come out on top regarding personal data risks. Whether it’s farming your information or preventing data breaches, a secure third-wheel VPN is advisable in your chats with Google Bard and ChatGPT. NordVPN is the best AI VPN, thanks to its privacy-reinforcing feature pack. Moreover, it houses a colossal server fleet against all geofences and regulations.

What do you think is the better AI tool? Let us know by leaving a comment!

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FAQ

Is Google Bard better than ChatGPT?

Google Bard is better than ChatGPT. Though the verdict depends on your needs. Many claim ChatGPT to be a better writer though we find Bard's writing and rewriting abilities better even if by a small margin. Google's AI also has access to all information on the web in real-time for better research.

Which AI is better than ChatGPT?

Many AI alternatives are better than ChatGPT. It really depends why you require AI: copywriting, image generating, research, ideas, or whatever else. For instance, Google Bard is a splendid AI with upgraded capabilities and global availability.

What is the best VPN for Google Bard?

NordVPN is the best VPN for Google Bard. Due to obfuscation, you can access Bard from restricted countries like China, Iran, or Saudi Arabia. Besides, it acts as a protective shield against Google's massive data harvesting. Kill switch, Double VPN, AES-encryption, and other features keep you safe.

What is the best VPN for ChatGPT?

The best ChatGPT VPN is NordVPN. Whether you want to bypass blocks between you and the AI chatbot, or converse with it in private – this provider is the #1 pick. You get a generous suite of anonymity-guaranteeing features like kill switch, obfuscation, Double VPN & even top speeds.

What is the difference between Bard and ChatGPT?

Several differences lie behind ChatGPT vs. Bard. They have different integrations, access to the web (ChatGPT doesn't), language models, supported languages, availability. However, they both mine user data for supposed training results. It can easily be resolved with a service like NordVPN, though.