Ask It SimplyThe quick answer
No account needed to start: ChatGPT (in supported countries), Gemini (some features) and Perplexity. Sign-in needed: Microsoft Copilot (since August 18, 2026) and, in our check, Claude. Coming up: Gemini Gems become skills in November 2026, and custom GPTs start retiring December 11, 2026 (Enterprise workspaces first).
ChatGPT
By OpenAI · chatgpt.com · as of
Account and sign-in
- You can try it without an account at chatgpt.com in supported countries (OpenAI says that includes Europe and the UK; access can still vary by location or network). Source
- Logged out, you get one conversation at a time, and chats aren't saved. Log in or create an account to keep them. Source
Recent and upcoming changes
- UpcomingCustom GPTs are being retired. New GPTs can't be created on personal accounts (Free, Go, Plus and Pro). Retirement is planned for December 11, 2026 for Enterprise workspaces, with other plans expected to follow. OpenAI recommends moving to Plugins. Source
Gemini
By Google · gemini.google.com · as of
Account and sign-in
- Some features work in the Gemini web app without signing in. To use more features or save your activity, sign in with a Google Account. Source
- With a personal Google Account you must be 13 or older (or the age that applies in your country). Source
Recent and upcoming changes
- UpcomingGems are moving to “skills.” Google says Gems go away on personal accounts starting in November 2026 and are migrated to skills automatically. Workspace business accounts follow in March 2027 and education accounts in June 2027. Source
Claude
By Anthropic · claude.ai · as of
Account and sign-in
- On the free plan, there's a usage limit that resets every five hours. Source
- You must be at least 18 and in a supported location. Source
- In our own check on October 22, 2026, claude.ai asked us to log in before chatting. Our own check
Recent and upcoming changes
- No major sign-in changes we could confirm from an official source right now.
Microsoft Copilot
By Microsoft · copilot.microsoft.com · as of
Account and sign-in
- You now must be signed in with a Microsoft account to use Copilot, and be at least 13 (older in some countries). Source
- Note: an older Microsoft Support page still says sign-in isn't required. We follow Microsoft's newer Copilot Terms of Use (effective August 18, 2026) instead. Source
Recent and upcoming changes
- RecentMicrosoft's updated Copilot terms, effective August 18, 2026, made signing in with a Microsoft account a requirement. Work and school (Entra) accounts follow separate terms. Source
Grok and Grok Bot
By xAI · grok.com · as of
Account and sign-in
- Grok is free to try on the web (grok.com) and in the iOS and Android apps. Sign in with your X or email account to pick up across devices. SuperGrok gives higher limits. Source
- Grok Bot, xAI's agent product, needs an eligible paid plan: a paid individual Cursor plan, Cursor Teams, or a SuperGrok, SuperGrok Plus or SuperGrok Heavy subscription linked to your Cursor account. You sign in with a Cursor account. Source
Recent and upcoming changes
- No major sign-in changes we could confirm from an official source right now.
Perplexity
By Perplexity · www.perplexity.ai · as of
Account and sign-in
- You can use Perplexity without signing in. To try Pro Search, upload files or save your sessions, you'll need to sign in. Source
Recent and upcoming changes
- No major sign-in changes we could confirm from an official source right now.
Things change fast. AI companies update plans and rules often, sometimes without notice, and what you see can differ by country. If something here looks out of date, email hello@askitsimply.com and we'll recheck it. We aren't paid by any of these companies.
Talk soon,
Dontè, Ask It Simply
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