Competition in generative artificial intelligence is expanding from basic information search to real shopping tasks. On November 27, TechRadar tested ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Perplexity by asking each to recommend laptops priced under 800 dollars and reported the comparison results.

OpenAI ChatGPT

ChatGPT’s Shopping Research feature works like a personalised shopping assistant. When prompted to find a laptop, it immediately asked detailed questions on screen size, battery life, portability and touch screen requirements. It also asked whether a touch screen or external GPU was needed or if the device would be used mainly for basic productivity.

A few minutes after the responses, ChatGPT produced a guide with recommended products, pros and cons and prices. All links directed to Best Buy, and deals from Amazon or other retailers were not included. Prices and stock status were not always fully up to date.

Google Gemini

Gemini accessed Google’s broader shopping ecosystem and offered an easier shopping environment. While ChatGPT acted like an assistant, Google relied on the scale and depth of its data and its integration with many retailers. Its core basis is the Shopping Graph, which includes more than 50 billion product listings and is known to be updated continuously across a wide range of retailers.

Unlike ChatGPT, Gemini did not ask follow‑up questions. It instead assumed reasonable defaults and presented options. It offered links to multiple retailers for each product and, in some cases, showed detailed price‑change histories. Depending on the query, a store‑call option appeared, allowing Gemini to call local shops to ask about stock, promotions and delivery timing.

Perplexity

Perplexity’s shopping AI is based on its existing AI search experience and is set as a separate tab option. When users entered a product, it presented results in card form showing price, rating and upgrade availability.

Perplexity combined the familiar interface of online stores with context‑aware AI to deliver an intuitive browsing experience. It also supported one‑step payment within the platform through an Instant Buy button linked to partner sellers. Some recommended products exceeded the requested price range, indicating that curation accuracy needs improvement.

In conclusion, each AI tool offered distinct strengths in the shopping process. ChatGPT provided personalised guidance, Gemini relied on extensive data, and Perplexity delivered an intuitive buying experience. TechRadar said each AI can assist with shopping but does not fully replace manual searches, adding that the final decision still rests with consumers.