# Grok vs Z.ai Chat

> Grok: xAI's AI assistant with live X and web search, image and voice tools
> Z.ai Chat: Free GLM-powered AI chatbot and agent from Zhipu AI for writing, coding and research

- Grok profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/grok
- Z.ai Chat profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/z-ai
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/grok-vs-z-ai
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Grok and Z.ai Chat are both AI Assistants tools. Grok scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.3 vs 8.0 out of 10). Both have a free plan or trial. Only Grok is available on iOS and Android.

### Choose Grok if

- You want a tool built for questions that need current information from X and the web.
- Searches both X posts and the web for current information.
- Free tier available without a subscription.

### Choose Z.ai Chat if

- You want a tool built for trying GLM models at no cost, drafting and summarizing text, coding questions, low-cost API experimentation.
- Free web chat with recent GLM models and no subscription needed.
- Low per-token API prices, such as $0.15 input and $0.50 output per 1M tokens for GLM-5.3-Flash.

## Pricing

| | Grok | Z.ai Chat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | Grok | Z.ai Chat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Live Search | Yes | Not listed |
| Chat and Reasoning | Yes | Not listed |
| File and Image Analysis | Yes | Not listed |
| Grok Imagine | Yes | Not listed |
| Voice Mode | Yes | Not listed |
| Conversation Import | Yes | Not listed |
| Shared Subscription | Yes | Not listed |
| xAI API | Yes | Not listed |
| GLM Chat | Not listed | Yes |
| Agent Capabilities | Not listed | Yes |
| Vision Understanding | Not listed | Yes |
| Coding Assistance | Not listed | Yes |
| GLM Coding Plan | Not listed | Yes |
| Web Search and Web Reader MCP | Not listed | Yes |
| Z.ai API Platform | Not listed | Yes |
| Open-Weights Models | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Grok | Z.ai Chat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | No | No |
| macOS | No | No |
| iOS | Yes | No |
| Android | Yes | No |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | No |

## Grok strengths

- Searches both X posts and the web for current information
- Free tier available without a subscription
- Image and video generation in the same app as chat
- Separate API with long context windows (up to 1M tokens on some models)
- Real-time voice mode in the mobile apps

## Grok limitations

- Free usage is capped, and xAI does not publish the exact limit
- Usage limits are given only as multiples of the Plus plan, not as fixed numbers
- Answers drawing on X posts can reflect unverified social content
- The App Store rates the app 16+ because of mature themes

## Z.ai Chat strengths

- Free web chat with recent GLM models and no subscription needed.
- Low per-token API prices, such as $0.15 input and $0.50 output per 1M tokens for GLM-5.3-Flash.
- Many GLM models are open-weights, so they can be self-hosted.
- The Coding Plan works with 20+ existing coding agent tools rather than locking users into one editor.
- Vision, search and reader tools are included in Coding Plan tiers.

## Z.ai Chat limitations

- No confirmed official native iOS or Android app for the chat.
- Coding Plan terms have changed several times (legacy plans replaced by credits on July 30, 2026), which makes usage harder to predict.
- Service is operated by a China-based company, which may be a concern for data-residency-sensitive users.
- Free chat usage limits are not publicly documented.

## FAQ

**Is Grok better than Z.ai Chat?**

It depends on your workflow. Grok is built for questions that need current information from X and the web. Z.ai Chat is built for trying GLM models at no cost, drafting and summarizing text, coding questions, low-cost API experimentation.

**What are the key feature differences between Grok and Z.ai Chat?**

Grok: xAI's AI assistant with live X and web search, image and voice tools. Z.ai Chat: Free GLM-powered AI chatbot and agent from Zhipu AI for writing, coding and research. Grok is rated 4.0/5 from 1 user review.

**Does Grok or Z.ai Chat have a free plan?**

Yes, both do. Grok is freemium and Z.ai Chat is freemium, and each has a free plan or trial.

**Which is cheaper, Grok or Z.ai Chat?**

Both can be used for free. Paid plans differ in limits and features, so compare the tiers in the pricing table above.