HuggingChat vs. Bing Chat: Which Is the Better ChatGPT Alternative?
AI labs and tech companies have been playing catch-up since OpenAI released ChatGPT. Its massive success set off the AI race.
Two of the most talked about alternatives to ChatGPT are HuggingChat and Bing Chat. Some claim they’ll eventually dominate the market. Instead of accepting baseless speculations, let’s test how HuggingChat and Bing Chat fare against ChatGPT in nine different areas.
1. Language Model Sophistication
The overall performance of an AI chatbot depends on its language model. Less sophisticated ones are prone to inaccuracies.
Let’s compare the models used on ChatGPT, Bing Chat, and Hugging Chat by having them produce essays. The process tests if they can formulate coherent analyses from pulled data.
HuggingChat uses OpenAssistant, a model based on Large Language Model Meta AI (LLaMA).
Although grammatically correct, the output sounds stiff. It follows a messy outline, the sentences are awkward, plus the chatbot stops writing at about 200+ words. Others can easily produce 500+ words nonstop.
BingChat runs on GPT-4. It produces well-structured articles that flow smoothly and sound natural.
The free version of ChatGPT still runs on GPT-3.5. It mimics human-like writing, but expect some areas to sound awkward.
2. Security Restrictions
Bing follows more rigid restrictions than its counterparts. It combats exploitation attempts by shutting down potentially unethical prompts right from the get-go. You can’t force it to respond.
Take the below conversation as an example. Bing Chat rejects roleplaying requests because users might trick it into imitating disreputable characters.
We tried the same prompt with HuggingChat. After getting into the character, it changes the tone and phrasing of its output. Its new persona answers initially banned questions.
The prompt also works on ChatGPT. While it bypasses some guidelines, the platform still rejects outright exploitation attempts. For instance, you can’t ask it to code malware.
3. Functionality
AI chatbots perform similar functions. They compose essays, answer general knowledge questions, and translate languages, among other tasks.
But don’t expect the same level of functionality. The quality of their outputs depends on their existing datasets, model sophistication, and restrictions.
HuggingChat has fewer restrictions than ChatGPT and Bing Chat. Unfortunately, its less sophisticated language model and datasets also impede functionality. Take translations as an example. Despite the platform’s attempts, its translation of the below text is way off—it should read “the cat is healthy.”
Bing Chat correctly translates the text.
Bing Chat’s connection to the internet and advanced language model allows it to perform various tasks. However, it has several restrictions. The chatbot won’t even discuss the chemical reactions between bleach and detergent, which, while this could have a dangerous use, might also be asked by someone studying chemistry.
Meanwhile, the below photos show thatChatGPT can act as a translatorand chemical reaction vessel. It’s very versatile.
4. Accuracy
HuggingChat is notorious forAI hallucinations. Its flawed language model and limited datasets create inconsistent, inaccurate answers.
Take the below conversation as an example. It can’t access reports after 2021 but confidently responds to general knowledge questions about 2022. The correct answer should be Beijing, China.
Bing Chat provides real-time data. It runs search queries and pulls relevant, up-to-date information from verified sources.
ChatGPT demonstrates better accuracy than HuggingChat, although it also has limited access to post-2021 events.
5. Language and Phrasing
HuggingChat can hold conversations, compose grammatically correct essays, and mimic casual phrasing. But it occasionally commits typos and errors. They typically arise when you feed it complex instructions consecutively.
Bing Chat’s advanced GPT-4 model mimics human-like phrasing well. It has a casual, conversational tone, composes error-free outputs, and presents relevant information.
ChatGPT is better than HuggingChat but inferior to Bing Chat. Although grammatically correct, its outputs sound stiff and robotic.
6. Numeracy and Mathematical Precision
Despite HuggingChat’s limited datasets, it can answer math questions correctly. Just note that it might not show its solution.
When asked the same problem several times, HuggingChat produces different answers.
Bing Chat has access to real-time data—it can accurately and precisely answer math problems.
It even shows its complete solution.
ChatGPT can’t solve statistics problems. But its precise language model generates the exact results even if you repeat the question multiple times.
7. Transparency
HuggingChat is an open-source ChatGPT alternative. Users can freely access HuggingChat’sModel CardandDataset Library. It even shows how to apply the same AI system to applications.
Meanwhile, Bing Chat’s rigid restrictions prevent it from discussing its general processes.
ChatGPT is transparent about its back-end processes. It just doesn’t provide an open-source library like HuggingChat.
8. Accessibility
you’re able to only access Hugging Chat and ChatGPT through their websites. They run on various browsers, e.g., Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Brave.
Avoid ChatGPT smartphone apps like the plague. OpenAI hasn’t released an official mobile version—any app that claims to be ChatGPT is fake.
Meanwhile, Bing Chat offers cross-platform accessibility. Apart from accessing the Chat feature on its website, you can use it through its:
Bing Chat’s biggest limitation is that its web version only runs on Edge. You might find it inconvenient if all your logins, extensions, and bookmarks are on another browser.
9. Input Processing Speed
HuggingChat, ChatGPT, and Bing Chat can analyze and produce hundreds of words within seconds, but they process inputs differently. The gaps don’t hinder simple prompts. However, you’ll likely notice them when executing lengthy, complex multi-step tasks.
HuggingChat is prone to crashes. Expect malfunctions during peak hours, especially when running complex prompts. But since HuggingFace has fewer resources than Microsoft and OpenAI, it understandably has lower-capacity servers.
Meanwhile, Bing Chat offers far more reliability than HuggingChat. It rarely freezes. The responses are only slower than ChatGPT’s because Bing pulls real-time data online.
The more recent versions of ChatGPT have also become quite reliable. They’re faster and less susceptible to server overloads. You can considersigning up for ChatGPT Plusto use a quicker, more accurate GPT-4 model.
Are HuggingChat or Bing Chat Better Than ChatGPT?
HuggingChat currently pales in comparison to ChatGPT and Bing Chat. It makes typos, carries limited data on events after 2021, and misunderstands complex instructions. All these shortcomings also trigger hallucinations. Hopefully, HugggingFace exposes its chatbot to more quality models and datasets; otherwise, transparency would be its only selling point.
As for ChatGPT and Bing Chat, consider testing these two platforms yourself. Weigh their pros and cons. ChatGPT is versatile but doesn’t provide real-time information, while Bing Chat is connected to the internet and follows rigid restrictions.
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