Compare Merlin AI, AI Blaze, and ChatGPT Sidebar: Which Extension is the Best?

	Merlin AI	AI Blaze	ChatGPT Sidebar
	Merlin AI is a browser extension and web app that unifies top AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Mistral) for research, summarizing, writing, coding, diagramming, translation, and more—directly in yo AI ChatGPT	AI Blaze is a Chrome extension that enhances productivity with AI-powered templates, snippets, and dynamic commands, ensuring consistent messaging across platforms. AI ChatGPT	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. AI ChatGPT
Key Features	Unified AI Models: Access ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Mistral, and more from one account—no need for separate logins. Research & Summarize: Summarize web pages, YouTube videos, PDFs, and documents instantly. Content Creation: Write emails, social media posts, blogs, and outreach messages with AI assistance. Projects: Build custom AI chatbots using your own files, links, or knowledge ba Crafts: Instantly generate code snippets, diagrams, and mindmaps Live Search: Get up-to-date answers by searching the web in real time. Multi-language Support: Translate content into 25+ languages. Keyboard Shortcuts: Quickly summon Merlin with Ctrl/Cmd+M anywhere in your browser.	AI Assistant: Instantly access AI help on any webpage with the sidebar feature for writing, editing, and more Custom Templates: Create and save personalized templates with dynamic fields for quick access Text Expansion: Type shortcuts to instantly expand into full messages, saving countless keystrokes Brand Voice Customization: Train the AI to write in your unique style and tone Dynamic Commands: Include variables like dates, form fields, and conditional logic in your snippets Team Collaboration: Share and edit snippets with teammates for consistent messaging Multiple AI Models: Choose between GPT-4o mini, GPT-4o, and Claude Sonnet depending on your needs Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works across Chrome, Windows, and macOS	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	8.4	9.0	8.9
Total users	1,000,000	40,000	1,000,000
Total ratings	8,797	128	26,327
Average rating	4.8 ⭐	5.0 ⭐	4.9 ⭐
Entry Level Price	Free	Free	Free
Chrome	4.8 8.8K+ ratings 1.0M+Users	5.0 128 ratings 40.0K+Users	4.9 26.3K+ ratings 1.0M+Users
Edge	-	-	-
Firefox	-	-	-
Safari	-	-	-
Features	8.0 Merlin AI offers a variety of features including summarizing, writing, coding, diagramming and more. It supports multiple AI models such as GPT-4, Claude and Gemini and allows users to create custom AI chatbots and knowledge bases. The platform also integrates with the web and files in real time. However, some features, such as PDF summarization, are not as robust as those of specialized tools. It also lacks what we consider to be the important function of direct communication between AI and the current website. In addition, the function of direct communication between AI and the current website, which we consider important, is missing.	8.8 The AI writing aid worked very well in the test with emails, customer responses, and short formats. We particularly liked the dynamic templates, which adapt according to user input. The extension can therefore be adapted for both commercial use, such as quickly replying to emails, and for everyday private use. From summaries to social media texts, this helped enormously in the test. In particular, learners such as students should have a special added value here, for example, through summaries that can be created quickly. Overall, AI Blaze already offers the possibility for almost endless possibilities; at most, there could be even more templates, as users may otherwise not exploit the full potential due to ignorance.	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. 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	7.5 Merlin is generally fast and responsive, but it can slow down browsers, especially on older hardware. There are occasional bugs and crashes, though the team releases frequent updates and improvements.	8.9 In our test, AI Blaze worked reliably on most websites and in various applications. The only thing that was immediately noticeable at the beginning was that the functions do not work in the Chrome Store, so websites may prevent access for the extension, but this did not otherwise occur in the test. The text expansion works immediately, and the AI-controlled functions generally respond quickly, depending on the model selected. When using the most advanced AI models for complex tasks, there were occasional short delays, but these were minimal.	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	9.1 The design has a modern look and feel, with handy keyboard shortcuts and sidebar integration that make navigation easier. That said, the user interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming, especially for new users, and there are inconsistencies between the extension, web, and mobile versions.	8.8 The clear, intuitive user interface should also make AI Blaze possible for private users who are not so tech-savvy. The integration into the sidebar is very well done and offers a seamless integration into the design of the browser. There is little that can be customized visually, but this should hardly be necessary. Overall, the design focuses on functionality while maintaining an appealing appearance.	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	8.2 The free plan is generous for light users, offering a substantial daily quota and access to a wide range of basic features. The Pro plan is competitively priced, especially when compared to the cost of subscribing to multiple separate AI tools, and unlocks unlimited access to all models and advanced features. However, the absence of a free trial for premium features means users must commit before experiencing the full capabilities of Merlin AI. Additionally, some users report that the query system—where different models and features consume varying amounts of daily queries—can be confusing or feel restrictive, particularly for those trying to understand how far their usage will go on each plan.	9.0 In this area, a clear distinction must be made between private and commercial users. For the private user, AI Blaze already offers enough functionality for most people in the free plan. Here we also appreciate the Academic Edition, which offers students and teachers extended, free access. The Pro plan could be too high for private users at $20/month with annual billing. For businesses, however, AI Blaze's Pro plan offers exceptional value compared to similar productivity tools. The time savings alone can justify the investment for most users. For those who want to work in teams, AI Blaze offers the Business plan for $24/user/month. This includes additional comprehensive functions for collaboration and improved communication processes. Compared to alternatives, AI Blaze offers a competitive feature set at a reasonable price for businesses. The ROI is clear after just a few days of regular use, especially for those who frequently write similar messages.	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	8.5 Getting started with Merlin AI is straightforward—installation is quick, and the onboarding process is simple enough for most users to begin using core features right away. However, the platform’s extensive feature set can be overwhelming at first, leading to a noticeable learning curve as users explore everything it offers. Some users have expressed confusion about how the daily query limits work, how different models are selected or switched, and which features are available on each plan. Occasional bugs and log-in issues can also disrupt the workflow, requiring users to troubleshoot or reach out to support. Overall, while Merlin AI is accessible, mastering its full capabilities may take some time and patience, especially for those new to AI tools.	9.0 For basic functions such as using templates and simple shortcuts, AI Blaze is extremely straightforward. New users can start using the ready-made templates within minutes, and they are well-explained. If you don't want to use the predefined shortcuts, you can create your own commands immediately, which makes it easier to remember the shortcuts in everyday life. We found the shortcuts intuitive and time-saving once you have memorized them. The search function makes it easy to find the right snippet quickly, even as the library grows. The advanced functions do require a certain amount of learning, but the basic functions are easily accessible straight away.	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	9.3 Merlin does not sell user data to third parties and only uses data for core functionality. The privacy policy is transparent, but some users remain concerned about the amount of data collected and the permissions required.	9.7 AI Blaze takes security very seriously and holds a SOC 2 certification, which confirms that a company has implemented appropriate controls and procedures for IT systems, data protection, and data security. The company's privacy policies are transparent from the user's perspective in terms of how data is handled, and no user data is sold to third parties. The Business and Enterprise plans offer additional security features such as SAML SSO integration and audit logs. Choosing between different AI models gives users more control over their data. The company is transparent about its use of cookies and analytics and provides clear options for managing settings. There is also the option to allow the extension only to use marked areas for answers, normally, the AI uses the entire website content to have a better data basis.	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	Merlin AI is a powerful and versatile tool that can really boost the productivity of a wide range of users. The integration of multiple AI models and functions into a single extension is ideal for this p However, Merlin is not completely perfect. We encountered occasional bugs, inconsistencies in the user interface and some performance issues. Pricing can also be confusing, and some features are locked behind a paywall.. Overall, Merlin AI is a good choice for anyone looking for an all-in-one AI assistant for the browser - especially if you value having multiple AI models and tools in one place.	AI Blaze shows that it is an impressive productivity tool that delivers on its promise of saving time and optimizing communication. The user interface is intuitive and well-designed, making it accessible even for those without experience with AI tools. You can tell that companies in particular are also a target group. The ability to customize templates and train the AI to match your brand's voice is particularly valuable here. While the free version is somewhat limited, the affordable pricing of the paid plans makes it accessible to businesses of all sizes. The time savings alone justify the investment for teams that frequently send similar messages or create repetitive content. Individuals, however, may find it too expensive.	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 Merlin AI, AI Blaze, and ChatGPT Sidebar, AI Blaze came out on top, scoring 9. Merlin AI and ChatGPT Sidebar are the most widely used, each with a large user base. User reviews for AI Blaze and ChatGPT Sidebar reflect our findings, while we rate Merlin AI lower than users do. Notably, AI Blaze has the highest user rating in the Chrome Web Store at 4.98, which supports its strong performance in our review. There are some noticeable differences between these extensions, so it's worth considering your priorities and the details below. Looking for the richest feature set? ChatGPT Sidebar stands out with a rating of 9.5. On the other hand, Merlin AI lags behind in this area with a rating of 8. Need top performance? AI Blaze stands out with a rating of 8.9. On the other hand, Merlin AI lags behind in this area with a rating of 7.5. Design lovers, take note: Merlin AI stands out with a rating of 9.1. On the other hand, AI Blaze lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.8. Want to get the most for your money? AI Blaze stands out with a rating of 9. On the other hand, Merlin AI lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.2. Ease of use? It's a tie: AI Blaze and ChatGPT Sidebar. In the Ease of Use category, AI Blaze has scored a fantastic 9. It is very easy to use, with an intuitive interface that facilitates a smooth user experience. For privacy, it's a tie: AI Blaze and ChatGPT Sidebar. In the Security & Privacy category, AI Blaze 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, AI Blaze is our top pick. But as always, the best choice depends on what matters most to you.