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What is the difference between Elta and ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is a general-purpose assistant used for writing, research, coding and analysis. Elta is built for technical work in context. It sits in a browser side panel, sees what you share, talks it through by voice, and tells you the units and assumptions behind each calculation.
| Elta by Exergy Lab | ChatGPT | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Technical work and calculations, in context | General-purpose assistance |
| Where you use it | A browser side panel, beside the page you are on | Its own website and apps |
| Voice | Voice-first; interrupt and ask follow-ups | Voice conversation in its apps |
| What it sees | What you choose to share: screen, window, tab or image | What you upload or paste; options vary by app |
| Units and assumptions | Says them out loud as it works | Depends on your prompt |
| Price | Free, Plus $19/month, Pro $99/month | Free and paid plans; see openai.com for current prices |
What does ChatGPT do best?
ChatGPT covers far more ground. It is strong at drafting and editing text, explaining concepts at any level, writing and running code, and working across subjects, and it has a large ecosystem of apps and integrations. If your task is not technical work in front of you, it is probably the better tool.
What does Elta do best?
Elta is built to work with you on technical tasks as they happen. It works where you are already working, uses what you choose to share, and lets you interrupt by voice. It tells you its units and assumptions as it goes, and it asks before it takes any bigger step on your behalf.
Which should an engineer use?
Use ChatGPT for general drafting and research, and Elta when you want a partner on a calculation, spreadsheet or lab report in front of you. They are not mutually exclusive, and plenty of people keep both open, switching depending on whether the task is broad or hands-on.
Other products change often. This page is a good-faith summary written on the date above; check the vendor's own site for current features and prices.
Frequently asked questions
Can ChatGPT do engineering calculations?
Yes, and it can also slip, especially with units and unstated assumptions. Whichever tool you use, ask it to show its units, its assumptions and its working.
Is Elta built on a different AI model?
Elta is its own product with its own design. This page compares what each product does for you, not which underlying models they use.
Does Elta replace ChatGPT?
No. Elta is more focused by design. It concentrates on technical work in context, while ChatGPT is a general-purpose assistant.
Can I use both at once?
Yes. Elta runs in a browser side panel, so it sits comfortably beside any other tool you have open.
What can Elta see?
Only what you choose to share: a screen, a window, a tab or an image. You can stop sharing or end a session whenever you like.
Is Elta free to try?
Yes. The Free plan includes Elta and the Voice Agent with 100,000 tokens a day, and no credit card is needed. Upgrade to Plus or Pro whenever you want more room.