Which AI apps are the real ones to start with?

The page lists free-tier options: ChatGPT (chatgpt.com) for writing/explaining/brainstorming; Gemini (gemini.google.com) for research and summaries; Copilot (copilot.microsoft.com) in Edge/Office; Claude (claude.ai) for long documents and careful tone.

How can I spot a fake AI app in an app store?

Red flags include charging before you have tried anything, names like "ChatGPT Pro" or "GPT-5" from anyone other than OpenAI, odd requests for contacts/photos/mic, almost no reviews or copy-paste-sounding reviews, and login pages that do not match the official domain.

What's a quick safety check before I sign up?

Type the company name into your browser instead of clicking ads; confirm the URL ends on the real domain (e.g. chatgpt.com, google.com, microsoft.com); use the free tier first; and do not enter passwords, SSNs, or bank details into any AI chat.

Only OpenAI makes ChatGPT—why does that matter?

Lookalike store listings that brand themselves as "ChatGPT Pro" or "GPT-5" are called out as fakes on this page; stick to official domains and the named apps above rather than paid lookalikes that ask for money up front.

Getting started with AI without downloading the wrong app

Q: What should I try first once I pick a real app?

Pick one tool and ask something simple and personal. If the answer is useful, you are in the right place; if not, try a different tool—there is no account lock-in needed to switch.

There are real AI tools — and a lot of lookalikes that waste your time or worse. Here is how to pick the right ones and avoid common traps.

The real apps (free tiers available)

App	URL	Best for
ChatGPT	chatgpt.com	Writing, explaining, brainstorming
Gemini	gemini.google.com	Research and summaries
Copilot	copilot.microsoft.com	Built into Edge and Office
Claude	claude.ai	Long documents and careful tone

Red flags of fake AI apps

Asks for payment before you have tried anything
Named "ChatGPT Pro" or "GPT-5" in an app store — only OpenAI makes ChatGPT
Requests access to your contacts, photos, or microphone for no clear reason
Has almost no reviews, or many reviews that sound copied-and-pasted
Sends you to a login page that does not match the official domain

Quick safety check

Type the company name directly into your browser rather than clicking ads
Check the URL ends in the real domain (e.g., chatgpt.com, google.com, microsoft.com)
Use the free tier first — do not upgrade until you know the tool helps you
Do not enter passwords, SSNs, or bank details into any AI chat

Want a printable version? Try our Scam Red-Flag Checklist.

What to try first

Pick one tool. Ask it something simple and personal, like:

"Rewrite this email so it sounds polite but firm: [paste your text]"

If the answer is useful, you are in the right place. If not, try a different tool — no account lock-in needed.