New tests reveal the surprising smartest free AI and it isn't ChatGPT or Claude despite recent trends
Published on May 10, 2026 at 1:57 AM (UTC-4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on May 22, 2026 at 4:28 AM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
Everyone seems to be switching between ChatGPT and Claude lately, but new testing suggests neither is actually the smartest free AI right now.
Despite the hype and constant comparisons, a fresh round of tests has thrown a curveball into the conversation.
It turns out the AI landscape is getting more competitive than ever, and the results aren’t as Claude and ChatGPT-leaning as you might expect.
In fact, the real winner might not even be the one most people are talking about.
New tests reveal the smartest free AI
According to recent tech testing highlighted by TechRadar, the AI that came out on top wasn’t ChatGPT or Claude at all, but Grok.
The report found that Grok performed particularly well in areas like maths and logical reasoning, showing stronger consistency and fewer errors compared to its rivals.
One detail that seemed important was its lower ‘backtracking’ rate, meaning it changed its answers less often mid-response, which is often a sign of more confident and stable reasoning.
That said, ChatGPT and Claude didn’t do too badly.
ChatGPT remains one of the most widely used AI tools in the world, while Claude has been gaining a loyal following thanks to its natural writing style and ability to handle long, detailed prompts.
Related
Why ChatGPT and Claude still dominate despite the tests
Even though Grok may have topped this specific test, there’s an important catch: ‘smartest’ depends entirely on what you’re asking the AI to do.
Different AI programs shine in different areas; Claude is often praised for its tone and clarity making it a go-to for writing and communication tasks.
Meanwhile, ChatGPT continues to stand out for its versatility, helping users with everything from coding to everyday questions.
And Grok seems to excel in logic-heavy scenarios, which is likely what pushed it into the top spot in this round of testing.
The bigger takeaway is that there may not be a single ‘best’ AI anymore.
Instead, we’re moving toward a world where different tools have different strengths, and picking the right one will depend on what you need in the moment.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
