All jobs /

Best AI to help with homework — for beginners

Tutors that explain, not just hand over answers. Here are 7 tools, easiest first. Our pick: ChatGPT.

ChatGPT

Has a free tier

Beginner score ●●●●● 5/5 — Just a chat box: type like you talk and it answers.

Free plan with unlimited text chats; uploads, images and voice are limited. Paid Plus is $20/mo; see chatgpt.com/pricing for Go and other plans. No card to start.

The first thing to typeHelp me write a polite email to my landlord about a leaking sink that still isn't fixed after two weeks. Keep it firm but friendly.
Try ChatGPT →

Claude

Has a free tier

Beginner score ●●●●● 5/5 — Calm, clear writing and very good at long documents.

Free plan with daily limits. Pro $20/mo ($17/mo billed yearly). No card to start.

The first thing to typeI'm attaching a document. Explain it to me like I'm a smart 12-year-old, then list the 3 things I need to act on.
Try Claude →

Google Gemini

Has a free tier

Beginner score ●●●●● 5/5 — Works with the Google account you already have.

Free plan with generous limits. Google AI Plus and AI Pro ($19.99/mo) raise them. No card to start.

The first thing to typePlan 5 easy weeknight dinners for a family of 4, under $80 total, and give me one shopping list sorted by store aisle.
Try Google Gemini →

Khanmigo

Paid only

Beginner score ●●●●● 5/5 — A patient tutor that guides kids to the answer instead of giving it.

$4/month or $44/year for learners and parents (US). Free for teachers. Needs a card.

The first thing to typeI don't understand fractions with different bottoms. Can you help me step by step without just giving me the answer?
Try Khanmigo →

Microsoft Copilot

Has a free tier

Beginner score ●●●●○ 4/5 — Free and familiar if you use Windows or Edge; fewer extras than others.

Free app. Microsoft 365 Premium ($19.99/mo) adds Copilot inside Word, Excel and PowerPoint. No card to start.

The first thing to typeRewrite this text so it sounds kind but clear, and keep it under 100 words: [paste your text]
Try Microsoft Copilot →

Perplexity

Has a free tier

Beginner score ●●●●○ 4/5 — Answers with links to its sources, so you can check them.

Free plan for basic searches. Pro about $17/mo billed yearly. No card to start.

The first thing to typeWhat's the difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA? Explain in plain English and show your sources.
Try Perplexity →

NotebookLM

Free

Beginner score ●●●●○ 4/5 — Only answers from files you give it, so it makes less stuff up.

Free with a Google account (Google now calls it Gemini Notebook; usage limits apply; paid tiers via Google AI plans). No card to start.

The first thing to typeSummarize these sources in 5 bullet points, then make a 10-question quiz to test me.
Try NotebookLM →

Quick tips

  • Start with the free plan. You can always upgrade later.
  • Be specific: say who it's for, the tone, and how long.
  • Don't paste private info (passwords, bank or medical details).
  • Check facts before you rely on them — AI can be confidently wrong.

Common questions

What is the best AI to help with homework for beginners?

Our top pick is ChatGPT (5/5 for beginners): Just a chat box: type like you talk and it answers.

Is there a free AI to help with homework?

Yes. These start free with no card: ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity, NotebookLM.

What should I type first?

Try this in ChatGPT: Help me write a polite email to my landlord about a leaking sink that still isn't fixed after two weeks. Keep it firm but friendly.

One tool + one prompt, every week

A short, friendly email. No jargon, no hype. Unsubscribe anytime.