As AI-powered shopping tools continue to grow in popularity, three major platforms—ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Perplexity—were recently tested to determine which performs best when assisting users with real-world purchasing decisions. The task was straightforward: find the best laptop under 800 dollars. The results revealed that each AI assistant approaches shopping research differently, offering unique strengths for buyers.
ChatGPT’s Shopping Research mode functioned much like a guided personal assistant. Instead of immediately listing products, ChatGPT began by asking targeted multiple-choice questions to better understand the buyer’s priorities. These included preferences on screen size, battery performance, portability, processing power, gaming capability and touchscreen requirements. The system essentially created a personalized buying profile, ensuring that recommendations aligned closely with user needs. This structured approach mirrors the experience of consulting a knowledgeable salesperson who narrows options based on lifestyle and usage.
Once the preferences were selected, ChatGPT curated a shortlist of laptops that matched the criteria, offering detailed comparisons, pros and cons, and explanations of technical features in accessible language. This made its output highly user-friendly, especially for individuals unfamiliar with hardware specifications or looking for confidence before making a purchase. The assistant also provided links, alternative options and future-proofing considerations, giving users a well-rounded buying experience.
In contrast, Google Gemini focused on speed and breadth of information rather than guided personalization. When asked the same question, Gemini quickly presented a list of laptops under the price cap, pulling data from product listings, reviews and general market insights. While it delivered information rapidly, the lack of an initial needs assessment meant users had to manually determine which laptop aligned best with their priorities. Gemini excelled at summarizing product features and offering up-to-date pricing, but its recommendations required more user interpretation.
Perplexity’s new shopping feature took a hybrid approach. It provided quick product lists supported by citations, giving users confidence that the recommendations came from verified sources. The tool emphasized transparency, linking directly to reviews and retailer pages. However, Perplexity did not offer the same level of personalized questioning seen in ChatGPT, nor the expansive ecosystem integration that Gemini brings. Its strength lay in research accuracy and clarity, particularly for buyers who prefer validated information.
The comparison highlights that each AI offers a distinct style of assistance. ChatGPT stands out for personalized guidance, Gemini for fast and comprehensive listings and Perplexity for research-backed recommendations. The ideal choice depends on whether a user values personalization, efficiency or verification.
