# Poe vs Z.ai Chat

> Poe: Chat with many AI models, image tools and custom bots through one account
> Z.ai Chat: Free GLM-powered AI chatbot and agent from Zhipu AI for writing, coding and research

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

## Verdict

Poe and Z.ai Chat are both AI Assistants tools. Both have a free plan or trial. Only Poe is available on Windows, macOS and iOS.

### Choose Poe if

- You want a tool built for comparing answers from several models.
- One account gives access to models from many AI companies, plus image and video models.
- Side-by-side comparison of model replies in a single conversation.

### 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

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

## Features

| Feature | Poe | Z.ai Chat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Multi-model chat | Yes | Not listed |
| Custom bot library | Yes | Not listed |
| Bot creation | Yes | Not listed |
| Creator monetization | Yes | Not listed |
| Poe API | Yes | Not listed |
| Image and video generation | Yes | Not listed |
| Multiple API keys | Yes | Not listed |
| Apps on several platforms | 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 | Poe | Z.ai Chat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | No |
| macOS | Yes | No |
| iOS | Yes | No |
| Android | Yes | No |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | No |

## Poe strengths

- One account gives access to models from many AI companies, plus image and video models
- Side-by-side comparison of model replies in a single conversation
- Large library of user-made bots, and tools to build and monetize your own
- OpenAI-compatible API that uses the same point balance
- Entry paid plan costs $4.99 per month, and a free tier is available

## Poe limitations

- Points are used at different rates by each model, so heavy use of top models can drain an allowance quickly
- Reported cuts to the free daily allowance and Premium monthly points in 2026
- Bot quality varies widely and bots can be hard to discover
- No published compliance certifications such as SOC 2 or HIPAA were found
- Provider-specific features like ChatGPT's GPTs or Claude's Projects are not available

## 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 Poe better than Z.ai Chat?**

It depends on your workflow. Poe is built for comparing answers from several models. 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 Poe and Z.ai Chat?**

Poe: Chat with many AI models, image tools and custom bots through one account. Z.ai Chat: Free GLM-powered AI chatbot and agent from Zhipu AI for writing, coding and research.

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

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

**Which is cheaper, Poe 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.