What is Claude?
Claude is an AI assistant built by Anthropic for writing, analysis, coding and research. It runs on the web, desktop and mobile, with web search, file creation, code execution, memory and artifacts on the free plan, and adds Claude Code, projects and higher limits on paid plans for individuals and teams.
Many people use an AI assistant for one-off questions, but real work involves long documents, code and follow-up across days. It supports that with projects that group files and chats, memory that carries context forward, and artifacts that produce documents and apps you can reuse. Paid plans add Claude Code for software work and extensions for the browser and Microsoft 365, so one assistant spans writing and development.
Main Features
- Chat for writing, summarizing, analysis and brainstorming with long documents.
- Web search, file creation and code execution are included on the free plan.
- Memory and projects keep context and files together across conversations.
- Artifacts turn outputs into reusable documents, code and small apps.
- Claude Code helps with software development on paid plans.
- Browser and Microsoft 365 extensions on paid plans.
- Apps for web, desktop and mobile.
- Team and Enterprise plans add SSO, central billing and no training on content by default.
How to Get Started with Claude
- Sign up at claude.ai or download the desktop or mobile app.
- Ask a question or upload a document to analyze.
- Create a project to keep related chats and files together, or upgrade for Claude Code and higher limits.
Claude Pricing
The Free plan includes web search, file creation, memory and up to 5 projects; Pro is $20 per month ($17 billed annually), Max starts at $100 per month, and Team starts at $20 per seat per month billed annually.
Who Should Use It?
- Writers and marketers drafting and editing long content
- Developers using Claude Code for programming tasks
- Analysts and researchers working with long documents
- Students getting explanations and study help
- Teams that need an assistant with SSO and admin controls
Claude Alternatives
- ChatGPT: OpenAI's assistant with a large plugin and GPT ecosystem
- Google Gemini 2.0: tighter with Google Workspace and Android
- Perplexity AI: better for cited web search answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Claude free?
Yes. The free plan includes chat on web, desktop and mobile with web search, file creation, code execution, memory and up to five projects. Pro costs $20 per month for higher limits and Claude Code.
Does Claude have a mobile app?
Yes, the app is available on iOS and Android as well as desktop apps and the web, and your chats and projects sync across devices. Paid plans also add browser and Microsoft 365 extensions for working inside other apps.
Does Anthropic train on my Claude conversations?
Team and Enterprise plans do not train on your content by default. On individual plans, privacy settings let you control whether your chats are used to improve models.