Best Free Merlin Alternatives
25 alternatives to Merlin with a free plan or free tier, ranked by how closely they match. The percentage is a match score, not a popularity score.
Replacing: Merlin — AI assistant in your browserInput: text, documents, code, web pages · Output: text, images, code
1
MaxAI is a browser extension and web app that adds an AI sidebar to whatever page you have open.
Browser extension and web app adding an AI sidebar to any page; Gmail, Slack, LinkedIn
Input: text, images, documents, code, web pages · Output: text, images, code
Free planFrom $12/moBrowser extensionTeams
82%Strong alternative · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
Score set by our editors after reviewing both products; the overlap below is what they weighed.
Shared goals 5 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
ChatbotsSummarizingTranslationVideo SummariesWriting
Also tagged for
Smart Replies
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
2
All the AI chatbots in one place
Talk to many different AI chatbots from a single place; free tier
Input: text, images, documents, code · Output: text, images, code
Free planFrom $19.99/mo
80%Strong alternative · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
Score set by our editors after reviewing both products; the overlap below is what they weighed.
Shared goals 4 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
ChatbotsCodingImage GenerationWriting
Also tagged for
Video GenerationAPI IntegrationLanguage ModelsCharacter Chat
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
3
AI in browser sidebar always ready
AI sidebar that stays open in your browser, with rewriting and summarizing tools; free tier
Input: text, images, documents, code, web pages · Output: text, images, video, code
Free planFrom $8.3/mo
80%Strong alternative · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
Score set by our editors after reviewing both products; the overlap below is what they weighed.
Shared goals 10 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
ChatbotsCodingImage GenerationMind MappingPDF WorkResearchSummarizingTranslationVideo SummariesWriting
Also tagged for
Grammar CheckingRewritingVideo GenerationEmail WritingSearchData AnalyticsHumanizing Text
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
4
HARPA AI is a Chrome Extension and NoCode RPA platform that automates web tasks to save time and money. It uses a hybrid AI engine built on ChatGPT and Machine Learning to perform tasks such as provid
Chrome extension and no-code automation platform for web tasks, with video summaries and scraping
Input: text, web pages · Output: text, data
Free planFrom $14.3/mo
80%Strong alternative
00
How the score adds up
Score set by our editors after reviewing both products; the overlap below is what they weighed.
Shared goals 3 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
ChatbotsSummarizingVideo Summaries
Also tagged for
Web ScrapingAI AgentsEmail Writing
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
5
Voila is an AI browser assistant powered by ChatGPT. It's designed to streamline user's online interactions, making them more intelligent and efficient. With Voila, users can ask any question, and the
Browser assistant for writing and email; free tier, from $8/month vs $29
Input: text, images, documents, web pages · Output: text, images
Free planFrom $8/mo
80%Strong alternative
00
How the score adds up
Score set by our editors after reviewing both products; the overlap below is what they weighed.
Shared goals 2 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
ChatbotsWriting
Also tagged for
Personal AssistantEmail Writing
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
6
Google's most capable AI model
Google's own AI model, with summarizing, writing and image generation; free tier and trial
Input: text, images, audio, documents, code · Output: text, images, audio, video, code
Free planFrom $4.99/mo
78%Strong alternative · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
Score set by our editors after reviewing both products; the overlap below is what they weighed.
Shared goals 10 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
ChatbotsCodingHomework HelpImage GenerationPDF WorkResearchSummarizingTranslationVideo SummariesWriting
Also tagged for
Image to ImageVideo GenerationVoice AssistantsLanguage ModelsAI AgentsPresentationsSearchSpreadsheetsMathData Analytics
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
7
Your AI assistant for everything
General-purpose assistant from OpenAI for writing, grammar and essays; free tier
Input: text, images, audio, documents, code · Output: text, images, audio, code
Free planFrom $8/mo
72%Partial replacement — covers the main need with gaps · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
Score set by our editors after reviewing both products; the overlap below is what they weighed.
Shared goals 9 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
ChatbotsCodingHomework HelpImage GenerationPDF WorkResearchSummarizingTranslationWriting
Also tagged for
Essay WritingGrammar CheckingRewritingImage to ImageVideo GenerationVoice AssistantsAI AgentsPresentationsSearchSpreadsheetsMathData Analytics
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
8
Sider Deep Research tackles the gap between quick AI answers and proper citations
Aims at the gap between quick answers and properly cited research; extension, free
Input: text · Output: text, documents
Free planMobile appBrowser extension
72%Partial replacement — covers the main need with gaps
00
How the score adds up
Score set by our editors after reviewing both products; the overlap below is what they weighed.
Shared goals 1 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
Research
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
9
You're bouncing between creative work and technical tasks
Model family for creative and technical work, with image tools and an API; free tier
Input: text, images, video, documents, code · Output: text, images, video, code
Free planFrom $9.99/moAPI
68%Partial replacement — covers the main need with gaps · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
Score set by our editors after reviewing both products; the overlap below is what they weighed.
Shared goals 8 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
ChatbotsCodingHomework HelpImage GenerationPDF WorkResearchSummarizingTranslation
Also tagged for
Image to ImageVideo GenerationAPI IntegrationWebsite BuildingLanguage ModelsOpen Source ModelsMath
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
10
Most of HotBot works without signing up
Chat assistant that mostly works with no sign-up; free tier
Input: text, images, audio, documents, code · Output: text, images, code
Free planFrom $7.95/mo
64%Partial replacement — covers the main need with gaps · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
Score set by our editors after reviewing both products; the overlap below is what they weighed.
Shared goals 1 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
Chatbots
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
11
Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered chat assistant utilizing advanced AI technologies, such as OpenAI models GPT-4 and DALLE 3. These technologies enable Copilot to deliver fast, sophisticated, and acc
Microsoft's chat assistant packaged for Android phones; free tier
Input: text, images, audio, documents, code · Output: text, images, audio, code
Free planFrom $9.99/mo
62%Partial replacement — covers the main need with gaps · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
Score set by our editors after reviewing both products; the overlap below is what they weighed.
Shared goals 9 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
ChatbotsCodingHomework HelpImage GenerationPDF WorkResearchSummarizingTranslationWriting
Also tagged for
RewritingVoice AssistantsSearch
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
12
AI assistant built to be helpful, harmless, and honest
Anthropic's assistant, built to be helpful, harmless and honest; free tier and API
Input: text, images, documents, code · Output: text, documents, data, code, slides
Free planFrom $20/moAPI
61%Partial replacement — covers the main need with gaps · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
Score set by our editors after reviewing both products; the overlap below is what they weighed.
Shared goals 8 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
ChatbotsCodingHomework HelpPDF WorkResearchSummarizingTranslationWriting
Also tagged for
Essay WritingRewritingLanguage ModelsAI AgentsDocument CreationPresentationsSpreadsheetsMathData Analytics
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
13
AI across Microsoft
Microsoft's assistant that runs across its apps; free tier
Input: text, images, audio, documents, code · Output: text, images, audio, code
Free plan
61%Partial replacement — covers the main need with gaps · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
Score set by our editors after reviewing both products; the overlap below is what they weighed.
Shared goals 9 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
ChatbotsCodingHomework HelpImage GenerationPDF WorkResearchSummarizingTranslationWriting
Also tagged for
RewritingVoice AssistantsSearch
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
14
All the best AI models in one workspace
Workspace gathering many AI models; free tier, from $11.99/month vs $29
Input: text, images, audio, documents, code · Output: text, images, audio, documents, code
Free planFrom $11.99/mo
61%Partial replacement — covers the main need with gaps
00
How the score adds up
Score set by our editors after reviewing both products; the overlap below is what they weighed.
Shared goals 1 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
Chatbots
Also tagged for
AI Agents
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
15
Whether you’re looking to be 5x faster with AI, eliminate routine tasks, generate quality images and art, write useful texts, or perform other important tasks, Cabina.AI provides you the resources to
All-in-one assistant for chat, images and PDFs aimed at routine-task automation; free tier
Input: text, images, audio, documents, code · Output: text, images, video, code
Free planFrom $4.99/mo
61%Partial replacement — covers the main need with gaps · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
Score set by our editors after reviewing both products; the overlap below is what they weighed.
Shared goals 3 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
ChatbotsImage GenerationPDF Work
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
16
This AI browser runs exclusively on Apple macOS 14 or later with M1 chips and newer models
AI browser built for Apple Silicon Macs on macOS 14 or later; free trial
Input: text, web pages · Output: text, slides
Free planFrom $100/mo
60%Partial replacement — covers the main need with gaps
00
How the score adds up
Score set by our editors after reviewing both products; the overlap below is what they weighed.
Shared goals 1 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
Chatbots
Also tagged for
Web Browsing
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
17
A support team lead watches her Slack channel fill up with customer questions about a new product feature
Input: text, images, code · Output: text, code
Free planFrom $17/moMobile appBrowser extensionTeams
59%Limited overlap · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
- Same core category55/55
- Covers Merlin's goals4/25
- Feature description similarity3/20
Capped below the editor-ranked picks above it.
Shared goals 2 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
ChatbotsSummarizing
Also tagged for
AI Agents
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
18
This conversational AI platform runs on the K2
Input: text, images, documents, code · Output: text, documents, code, slides
Free planMobile app
59%Limited overlap · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
- Same core category55/55
- Covers Merlin's goals14/25
- Feature description similarity2/20
Capped below the editor-ranked picks above it.
Shared goals 8 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
ChatbotsCodingHomework HelpPDF WorkResearchSummarizingTranslationWriting
Also tagged for
Website BuildingLanguage ModelsOpen Source ModelsAI AgentsPresentationsSpreadsheetsData Analytics
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
19
59%Limited overlap · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
- Same core category55/55
- Covers Merlin's goals3/25
- Feature description similarity2/20
Capped below the editor-ranked picks above it.
Shared goals 1 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
Chatbots
Also tagged for
Call CentersCustomer Support
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
20
AI assistant connected to your Google apps
Input: text, images, documents, code · Output: text, images, code
Free planFrom $20/mo
59%Limited overlap · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
- Same core category55/55
- Covers Merlin's goals3/25
- Feature description similarity3/20
Capped below the editor-ranked picks above it.
Shared goals 1 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
Chatbots
Also tagged for
Personal Assistant
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
21
59%Limited overlap · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
- Same core category55/55
- Covers Merlin's goals4/25
- Feature description similarity1/20
Capped below the editor-ranked picks above it.
Shared goals 2 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
ChatbotsCoding
Also tagged for
Website BuildingLanguage ModelsOpen Source ModelsAI AgentsPresentations
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
22
ChatPlayground AI is a comparison workspace where one prompt goes to several AI models at the same time and each answer appears in its own column.
Input: text · Output: text
Free planFrom $14/mo
59%Limited overlap · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
- Same core category55/55
- Covers Merlin's goals6/25
- Feature description similarity4/20
Capped below the editor-ranked picks above it.
Shared goals 3 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
ChatbotsCodingWriting
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
23
59%Limited overlap · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
- Same core category55/55
- Covers Merlin's goals3/25
- Feature description similarity2/20
Capped below the editor-ranked picks above it.
Shared goals 1 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
Chatbots
Also tagged for
CoachingMental Health
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
24
Gab AI is an artificial intelligence platform designed to provide an uncensored and unbiased user experience. This innovative tool is equipped with a myriad of distinct AI characters for user explorat
Input: text, images, documents, code · Output: text, images, video, documents, code
Free planFrom $16.67/mo
59%Limited overlap · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
- Same core category55/55
- Covers Merlin's goals3/25
- Feature description similarity4/20
Capped below the editor-ranked picks above it.
Shared goals 1 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
Chatbots
Also tagged for
Website BuildingAI Agents
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
25
59%Limited overlap · same core category as Merlin
00
How the score adds up
- Same core category55/55
- Covers Merlin's goals3/25
- Feature description similarity3/20
Capped below the editor-ranked picks above it.
Shared goals 1 of the 15 we tag Merlin for
Chatbots
Also tagged for
Customer SupportLead Generation
Goal tags are curated and capped, not a full feature audit — a missing tag is not a missing feature.
Can it really replace Merlin? Vote on each alternative — no account needed. Votes gently reorder the list; they never change the match score.
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At a glance: top Merlin alternatives
| Tool | Match | Input | Output | Pricing | Free plan | Rating | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MaxAI | 82% | text, images, documents, code, web pages | text, images, code | From $12/mo | Yes | — | AI Chatbot |
| Poe | 80% | text, images, documents, code | text, images, code | From $19.99/mo | Yes | — | AI Chatbot |
| Monica | 80% | text, images, documents, code, web pages | text, images, video, code | From $8.3/mo | Yes | — | AI Chatbot |
| Harpa | 80% | text, web pages | text, data | From $14.3/mo | Yes | — | AI Agent |
| Voila | 80% | text, images, documents, web pages | text, images | From $8/mo | Yes | — | AI Assistant |
| Gemini | 78% | text, images, audio, documents, code | text, images, audio, video, code | From $4.99/mo | Yes | ★ 4.3 | AI Chatbot |
Frequently asked
What is the best free Merlin alternative?
MaxAI (82% match) is the closest free alternative to Merlin: MaxAI is a browser extension and web app that adds an AI sidebar to whatever page you have open. Poe (80% match) and Monica (80% match) come next.
What is the best Merlin alternative for chatting with a chatbot?
Monica ranks first for chatting with a chatbot at 90% match. See the full list of Merlin alternatives for Chatbots.
What is the best Merlin alternative for writing code?
Claude Code ranks first for writing code at 79% match. See the full list of Merlin alternatives for Coding.
What is the best Merlin alternative for getting homework help?
StudyBuddy ranks first for getting homework help at 82% match. See the full list of Merlin alternatives for Homework Help.
How is the match percentage calculated?
It measures how much of Merlin's job a tool can take over: shared core category, how many of the same use cases it covers and how similar its feature set is. Popularity and ratings never change the percentage; they only break ties in the order. Lists are recomputed nightly and reviewed by editors for the most-visited tools.
How this list is ranked
The match score measures how much of Merlin's job each tool can take over: shared core category, how many of the same use cases it covers, and how similar its feature set is. Popularity and ratings do not change the score; they only break ties in the order.
Lists are recomputed nightly from the live catalog and reviewed by our editors for the most-visited tools. Sponsored placements are marked and sit outside the ranking.