General AI chatbots
智谱清言 (ChatGLM): review, pricing, data and alternatives
智谱清言 (ChatGLM) lets users ask questions in a conversation and write text or code. It also analyzes documents, creates presentations, and generates images and videos through its chatbot interface. A free tier exists. Access and transparency score: 38/100, #20 of 20 in its category.
| Access | 15/30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Openness | 0/30 | |
| Trust | 23/40 |
What is 智谱清言 (ChatGLM)?
智谱清言 (ChatGLM) lets users ask questions in a conversation and write text or code. It also analyzes documents, creates presentations, and generates images and videos through its chatbot interface.
According to its documentation, 智谱清言 (ChatGLM) lets you:
- answer questions in a conversation
- write text and code
- analyze documents
- create presentations
- generate images and videos
We file it under General AI chatbots, the category of tools to chat with a general-purpose AI, and it also overlaps with aI image generators and aI presentation makers. The category lists 20 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is 北京智谱华章科技股份有限公司, based in China. The service launched in 2023, which gives it some track record.
Who is it for?
It is mostly useful to these profiles: students, content writers, developers, and data analysts. The need it covers is simple to state: chat with a general-purpose AI.
智谱清言 (ChatGLM) is a good candidate if:
- you want to try before paying
- you also work from your phone
The best test is a concrete case from your daily work: if the tool does not beat your current method within a week, move on to an alternative.
How much does 智谱清言 (ChatGLM) cost?
Pricing model: freemium (limited free use, then paid). A free plan is offered, usually limited in volume or features.
The entry price is not shown publicly: you have to contact the publisher or create an account to see it.
To estimate what the same work would cost done directly with an AI model, use our API price calculator. Prices change often: always check the official site before subscribing.
Data and privacy
The publisher does not clearly state where data is hosted. Assume your content may leave your region.
For professional use, check that a data processing agreement (DPA) is offered, and do not send customers' personal data or confidential documents without one.
No export feature is documented: keep a copy of your content elsewhere.
Three habits apply to every AI tool:
- turn off the use of your content for training if the option exists
- use a work account separate from your personal account
- review everything the tool produces before publishing or sending it
Platforms, languages and API
智谱清言 (ChatGLM) runs on: web browser, Windows, iPhone and iPad, and Android.
Interface languages: Chinese and English.
API availability is not documented.
How we scored it
Our 38/100 score does not judge output quality: it measures what can be publicly verified about access to the tool, its openness and how far the publisher can be trusted.
| Criterion | Points | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 15/30 | free tier, published price, French interface |
| Openness | 0/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 23/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
智谱清言 (ChatGLM) against other tools in the general AI chatbots category:
Verdict
智谱清言 (ChatGLM) publishes little verifiable information: look at the better-scored alternatives first.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
- Established since 2023
- Available on many platforms
Limitations
- Price not published
- Data hosting not disclosed
- Data export not documented
Avoid if…
- You handle sensitive personal data without a processing agreement
- You need to easily retrieve your full history
Alternatives
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is 智谱清言 (ChatGLM) free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits.
Where is 智谱清言 (ChatGLM) data stored?
The publisher does not clearly say so in its public documentation.
Does 智谱清言 (ChatGLM) have an API?
It is not documented.
What are the alternatives to 智谱清言 (ChatGLM)?
In the same category: Gemini, ChatGPT, LibreChat, and Claude.
智谱清言 (ChatGLM) or Gemini: which one to choose?
Our score is 38/100 for 智谱清言 (ChatGLM) and 85/100 for Gemini. Try both on the same task before paying.
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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score