Compare GPT Reader and ChatGPT Sidebar: Which Extension is the Best?

Transform any text into natural-sounding speech with this free ChatGPT-powered text-to-speech tool. We've tested its capabilities on short articles and lengthy PDFs.
ChatGPT Sidebar enhances your browser with AI features like real-time data, group chat, image analysis, file interaction, AI image generation, writing, and reading assistance.
Key Features
  • Text-to-Speech Conversion: Natural-sounding AI voices powered by ChatGPT
  • Document Support: Handles PDFs, Google Docs, and web content
  • Audio Download: Option to save generated audio for offline listening
  • Playback Controls: Adjustable speed, pause, and rewind functionality
  • Multi-format Support: Works with pasted text, documents, and website content
  • Web Access: Access real-time data without GPT cut-off dates.
  • Group Chat: Engage multiple AI models simultaneously for diverse insights.
  • GPT-4o Vision: Analyze images, graphs, and charts with ease.
  • File Interaction: Chat with PDFs and other files directly.
  • AI Image Generation: Create images from text prompts using advanced models.
  • Writing Assistance: Get real-time help with grammar, tone, and rewording.
  • Reading Assistance: Summarize articles and translate text quickly.
Our Rating
9.0
8.9
Total users
8,308
1,000,000
Total ratings
69
26,378
Average rating
4.5 ⭐
4.9 ⭐
Entry Level PriceFreeFree
Chrome
Chrome Web Store logo
4.8
4.63
55 ratings
7.0K+Users
Chrome Web Store logo
4.9
4.84
26.4K+ ratings
1.0M+Users
Edge
-
-
Firefox
Mozilla Firefox Add-ons Store logo
4.3
3.83
14 ratings
1.3K+Users
-
Safari
-
-
Features
9.2

The functional scope of GPT Reader is designed for a wide range of users and demonstrated many useful functions in the test. The voice quality is surprisingly good and offers a natural-sounding output. We particularly liked the comprehensive format support, which seamlessly processes everything from PDFs to web content. The control of the playback is also well implemented, making it easy to adjust the speed directly and individually. However, the function for downloading audio files stood out the most in the test. In theory, entire books can be converted and then downloaded as audio books. However, this was the only area where we had to make deductions, as the free ChatGPT version had limitations when processing longer texts or documents.
We tried to convert a 300-page PDF and were able to process 22% of it, which corresponded to around 2 hours of audio. After this 22%, the free quota of requests on ChatGPT was reached, and the request was canceled.

9.5

The ChatGPT sidebar offers many useful AI functions that help with a wide range of everyday tasks, but can also help in the business sector.

sidebar

Users can access real-time data with Web Access, which is a huge advantage over other models. The multi-model group chat function enables users to communicate with several AI models at the same time and thus gain different insights. In addition, the tool supports interaction with images and files, allowing users to analyze images and chat directly with PDFs. These worked flawlessly in the test.

Performance
8.3

The performance tests showed a mixed picture. For shorter texts and paragraphs, GPT Reader processes content quickly and delivers a smooth rendering. The application is fast and reliable for typical use cases such as articles or short documents. Here we tested self-written summaries for learning purposes. However, we encountered significant limitations with larger files, as it is not possible to complete processing due to the limited number of requests. The option of pausing and then resuming would help here. In addition, the process takes a very long time for larger files; the extension needed around 40 minutes for around 75 pages of a PDF. The limitations of the ChatGPT API particularly affect the processing of longer documents such as entire books. This is currently only possible with a premium version of ChatGPT.

8.0

In testing, the performance of the ChatGPT Sidebar was good. You hardly notice any lag, which ensures a smooth and efficient browsing experience. Only the function of loading marked content directly into the sidebar via a pop-up, asking questions, or summarizing the content had a few problems. Sometimes it was not possible to click on the pop-up after highlighting.

Design
9.0

The design of GPT Reader is clean and professional, with an intuitive layout that makes navigation effortless. The fact that there is even a dark as well as a light mode shows that the different user preferences have been taken into account. The controls are logically arranged and easily accessible. Even though the extension is designed for functionality, the design is not forgotten.

9.0

The ChatGPT sidebar is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Even the basic user should have no problems navigating through all the functions. The interface looks modern and aesthetically pleasing. Several customizable settings allow the tool to be adapted individually, but there could be a few more functions here.

Value for Money
8.9

Currently, GPT Reader offers a very good price-performance ratio, as all functions are available completely free of charge. We found no hidden costs or unexpected limitations in the free version.
The features should be sufficient for most users; the only thing to note is the limited number of requests per hour that ChatGPT allows. If you need to convert entire books into one, you will need a premium version of ChatGPT.
It should also be mentioned that the extension already indicates that the download function may be offered in a paid version in the future, which could influence this rating in the future.

future premium function

At the moment, however, it is a very good offer in the text-to-speech sector.

8.3

The ChatGPT Sidebar offers a free version with basic features and a limited number of queries.
However, if you want to use functions such as Web Access, you need the premium version. The premium features might be a bit expensive for the basic user, but for anyone who needs the advanced features, they are still fine. Compared to alternatives, the price is competitive and offers good value for money.

Ease of Use
8.7

In terms of user-friendliness, GPT Reader scores very well. Users of all technical levels should have little problem simply converting text to audio. The user interface is self-explanatory, and all functions are displayed immediately.
The only negative point is that a separate ChatGPT registration is still required, and an error message appears if the ChatGPT requests are exceeded, which can lead to confusion.

9.0

The ChatGPT sidebar offers an uncomplicated setup process, with the basics presented in the tutorial immediately after installation. Every user should have no problem using all the functions here, as they are also very clearly presented. Should questions or problems nevertheless need to be resolved, many users have commented in their reviews on how responsive the support team is.

Security & Privacy
9.7

In our security analysis, GPT Reader showed a strong commitment to protecting user privacy. The extension only collects data from user-reported bugs and feedback. We appreciated the transparent privacy policy, where the user can read specific points.

9.7

Security and data protection are a top priority in the ChatGPT Sidebar. No personal data is collected in the extension. The user settings are saved locally so that the data remains private. The tool's transparent data protection guidelines and regular security updates set the extension apart from the competition.

Conclusion

GPT Reader is a promising text-to-speech extension based on ChatGPT voices. The easy-to-understand voices, combined with the fact that it is completely free, set it apart from conventional TTS tools.

The extension can process various document formats. Both PDFs and copied web articles can be converted, but it has its limitations with longer texts. For example, a 300-page PDF was only partially converted in the text due to ChatGPT's limitations, which still resulted in about 2 hours of audio.

The tool is very user-friendly and supports multiple languages. This extension is a must for anyone who wants to listen to texts.

The ChatGPT Sidebar is the perfect tool to improve productivity by integrating AI into daily browsing. The many features make it a valuable asset for personal and professional use. While it stands out for its functionality and ease of use, the premium price might be too high for regular users. Overall, however, it is a highly recommended tool for anyone who wants to use AI for their daily tasks.

Our Recommendation

In our comparison between GPT Reader and ChatGPT Sidebar, GPT Reader came out on top, scoring 9.

ChatGPT Sidebar is the most widely used, with over 1 million users and 26k+ reviews, but GPT Reader outperformed it in our review. User reviews reflect our findings.

Notably, ChatGPT Sidebar has the highest user rating in the Chrome Web Store at 4.89, which supports its strong performance in our review.

In the end, the differences between these extensions are minimal, so your choice may come down to personal preference or specific features.


  • Looking for the richest feature set? ChatGPT Sidebar stands out with a rating of 9.5. On the other hand, GPT Reader lags behind in this area with a rating of 9.2.
  • Need top performance? GPT Reader stands out with a rating of 8.3. On the other hand, ChatGPT Sidebar lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.
  • Both look and feel great: GPT Reader and ChatGPT Sidebar. In the Design category, GPT Reader has scored an excellent 9. The design is both attractive and highly functional, making it stand out.
  • Want to get the most for your money? GPT Reader stands out with a rating of 8.9. On the other hand, ChatGPT Sidebar lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.3.
  • If you hate complicated tools, ChatGPT Sidebar stands out with a rating of 9. On the other hand, GPT Reader lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.7.
  • For privacy, it's a tie: GPT Reader and ChatGPT Sidebar. In the Security & Privacy category, GPT Reader has scored an outstanding 9.7. It provides top-tier security and privacy features, ensuring user data is exceptionally well protected.

If you want a quick recommendation, GPT Reader is our top pick. But as always, the best choice depends on what matters most to you.