DOAClaude vs Gemini: which one to choose?
We compare Claude and Gemini on price, devices, difficulty and who each one suits, using the data on their DOA pages.
Claude
Anthropic model, excellent for long documents, analysis and coding with a more careful tone.
Gemini
Google assistant integrated with Gmail, Docs, Drive and YouTube. Strong at search and Google-account context.
DOA verdict for writing
Claude wins, but only just
84.7 Claude · 83.7 Gemini / 100
Developers and document-heavy analysts. High writing and reasoning quality.
Why
- DOA score in writing · Claude: 88/100 vs 83/100
- Free version · Gemini: 86/100 vs 68/100
- Ease of use: tie
- Devices · Claude: 5 vs 4
Pick Gemini if…
Anyone already living in Gmail and Docs. Free and well connected to Google's ecosystem.
How we decide: this verdict uses a formula of its own for comparisons, different from the DOA score: DOA score in writing (60%), free version (20%), ease of use (10%) and devices (10%). Data from each tool page, reviewed on 13 October 2026. How we calculate the DOA score and the verdict
| Claude | Gemini | |
|---|---|---|
| Devices | Browser · Windows · Mac · Android · iPhone / iPad | Browser · Android · iPhone / iPad · Windows |
| Level | Easy | Easy |
| What it is for | Writing Coding Research Getting work done | Writing Research Getting work done Study Image |
| DOA score | 88/100 | 83/100 |
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On the overall DOA score, Claude gets 88/100 and Gemini 83/100. It is an indicative rating: try both on a real task before you pay.
Claude and Gemini side by side: plans, models and privacy
Only facts from their official sites, linking each source. If the site doesn't publish something, we say so.
Data checked on 9 October 2026.
| Item | Claude | Gemini |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Everyday use with limits that reset every 5 hours, no fixed message count. Pro gives at least 5x more usage per session.source: claude.com (opens in a new tab) | €0/month with a Google account. Usage limits reset every 5 hours up to a weekly cap.source: gemini.google (opens in a new tab) |
| Cheapest paid plan | Pro: US$20/month (US$17/month billed annually), excluding tax.source: claude.com (opens in a new tab) | Google AI Plus: €4.99/month (Spain price).source: gemini.google (opens in a new tab) |
| Top plan | Max: from US$100/month.source: claude.com (opens in a new tab) | Google AI Ultra: €99.99/month (5x AI Pro limits) or €219.99/month (20x).source: gemini.google (opens in a new tab) |
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| Documented features | Claude Code included in all paid plans. Pro gives at least 5x the free plan's usage per session. Claude Cowork is now simply Claude, on Pro and Max.source: claude.com (opens in a new tab) | Usage limits 2x higher than free with AI Plus and 4x with AI Pro. With AI Pro and Ultra, Gemini in Gmail, Docs and other Google apps.source: gemini.google (opens in a new tab) |
| Privacy: does it train on your chats? | The official table lists model training as “opt-out” on Free, Pro and Max: Anthropic uses your chats if you allow it in privacy settings. Incognito chats are not used.source: claude.com (opens in a new tab) · privacy.claude.com (opens in a new tab) | With “Keep Activity” on, Google uses your chats to improve its models, with human reviewers. If you turn it off or use temporary chats, they are not used for training (unless you send feedback).source: support.google.com (opens in a new tab) |
| Apps and platforms | Browser · Windows · Mac · Android · iPhone / iPadper the DOA tool page (updated 13 October 2026) | Browser · Android · iPhone / iPad · Windowsper the DOA tool page (updated 9 October 2026) |
| Best model in the DOA ranking | Claude Opus 5.5: 100.0/100 · position 1AI models | Gemini 3.1 Pro (preview): 74.2/100 · position 9AI models |
Key differences
- Free plan: both have limits that reset every 5 hours; Gemini adds a weekly cap.
- Entry paid plan: Google AI Plus, from €4.99/month (Spain price); Claude Pro, US$20/month or US$17/month billed annually, excluding tax.
- Top plan: Google AI Ultra, €99.99 or €219.99/month; Claude Max from US$100/month.
- Documented features: Claude includes Claude Code in all paid plans; Gemini works in Gmail, Docs and other Google apps with AI Pro and Ultra.
- Training: Claude lets you exclude your chats in settings and doesn't use incognito chats; Gemini doesn't use them if you turn off “Keep Activity” or use temporary chats.
The DOA model ranking averages two external sources. We show the best-scoring model among those our table places in a plan of each app.
Model quality: DOA model ranking (average of Arena and Epoch AI, no DOA opinion) →
Claude is a better fit for
- Developers and document-heavy analysts
- Professional writing and internal policies
Gemini is a better fit for
- Anyone already living in Gmail and Docs
- Students who need a solid free plan