Merlin vs ChatGPT: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Merlin and ChatGPT comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: ChatGPT is our overall AI Assistants pick. Pick Merlin if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Merlin
Assign AI coding tasks to Claude and Codex from Slack, Linear, and GitHub
Best for you if:
- • Small teams collaborating with coding agents in Slack, Linear, and GitHub
- • You want assign AI coding tasks to Claude and Codex from Slack, Linear, and GitHub
ChatGPT
Advanced AI models for web, iOS, Android, and desktop
Best for you if:
- • People who will stay on Luna for everyday chat, or pay $20 for Sol (or $100+ for Sol Pro)
- • You want free and Go now run a current-generation model, not a leftover model
- • You want unlimited everyday text on Free/Go (abuse guardrails). Think is there if the question is hard
| At a Glance | Merlin | ChatGPT |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | AI Assistants | AI Assistants |
Rating | - | 4.6/5G2 4.6 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | Requires separate Claude or Codex subscriptions billed additionally | Go does not unlock Sol. You are paying for limits, not the flagship model. |
Choose Merlin or ChatGPT?
Choose Merlin if
Assign AI coding tasks to Claude and Codex from Slack, Linear, and GitHub
- Small teams collaborating with coding agents in Slack, Linear, and GitHub
- You want assign AI coding tasks to Claude and Codex from Slack, Linear, and GitHub
Choose ChatGPT if
Advanced AI models for web, iOS, Android, and desktop
- People who will stay on Luna for everyday chat, or pay $20 for Sol (or $100+ for Sol Pro)
- You want free and Go now run a current-generation model, not a leftover model
- You want unlimited everyday text on Free/Go (abuse guardrails). Think is there if the question is hard
| Feature | Merlin | ChatGPT |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.6/5 2,958 reviews |
| Categories | AI AssistantsAI Agents | AI AssistantsProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Merlin
Assign AI coding tasks to Claude and Codex from Slack, Linear, and GitHub
Merlin's Free tier is generous for small teams but limited to 1,000 requests and 5 users.
Watch out
Requires separate Claude or Codex subscriptions billed additionally
Key features
ChatGPT
Advanced AI models for web, iOS, Android, and desktop
The model split is the real product now, not the $20 sticker.
Watch out
Go does not unlock Sol. You are paying for limits, not the flagship model.
Strengths
- +Free and Go now run a current-generation model, not a leftover model
- +Unlimited everyday text on Free/Go (abuse guardrails). Think is there if the question is hard
- +Plus folds Instant and Thinking into one model plus a slider, so you are not picking legacy names
- +Pro offers enough usage to unlock the flagship model without paying the highest tier
Weaknesses
- -Free and Go never get the advanced flagship model in standard chat. Think is still a standard model, not the flagship.
- -The current rivals are advanced models. Older models are leftover API SKUs
- -Standard and basic models are not in the regular chat picker. They live in Work, Codex, or the API
- -Go, Plus, and Pro have no annual billing
- -Older models leave Codex (ChatGPT login) soon; switch to the current models
Key features
Pricing: Merlin vs ChatGPT
| Plan | Merlin | ChatGPT |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0 month Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | 99 month Team | $8 month Go |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $20 month Plus |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $100 month Pro 5x |
| Tier 5 | N/A | $200 month Pro 20x |
| Tier 6 | N/A | $20 month Business |
| Tier 7 | N/A | custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Merlin pricing and ChatGPT pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Merlin
Want the highest-rated option?
ChatGPT is rated 4.6/5. Merlin has no ratings yet.
Go with: ChatGPT
Value user reviews?
Merlin: no ratings yet. ChatGPT: 2,958 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: ChatGPT
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are ai assistants tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
ChatGPT is rated 4.6/5; Merlin has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
ChatGPT
- Higher rating: 4.5/5 vs 0.0
- More user reviews (4)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Merlin
- Choose if you want assign AI coding tasks to Claude and Codex from Slack, Linear, and GitHub
The Bottom Line
ChatGPT is our overall AI Assistants pick.
What Users Say
ChatGPT Reviews
Utility player AI that falls behind Claude for article creation
Probably the best I've used at doing many tasks good to pretty well. It can do thought partnership, pivot to an image creation task, do deep research and attempt a joke to keep things light.
Great tool
Great tool to make your life easier and get things done faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merlin or ChatGPT better?
ChatGPT is rated 4.5/5 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Merlin and ChatGPT used for?
Merlin: Assign AI coding tasks to Claude and Codex from Slack, Linear, and GitHub. ChatGPT: Advanced AI models for web, iOS, Android, and desktop.
What does Merlin cost vs ChatGPT?
Merlin is freemium (free tier + paid plans). ChatGPT is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.