Choose your AI
Start with the app you already know. Use this table to check the setup and cost.
Choose an app
| Client | Setup needed | Subscription needed? | Learning curve | Models available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Sign in; add the SolarSENS app. Install the desktop app if needed. | Free chat available. Custom MCP access needs an eligible plan and workspace permission. | Low for chat; more to learn in Work or Codex. | OpenAI models; Codex can use configured providers. |
| Claude | Sign in; add the SolarSENS connector. Install Desktop for local work. | Free chat and file creation available. Cowork and Claude Code require a paid plan or their supported billing route. | Low for chat; more to learn in Cowork or Code. | Claude models. |
| OpenCode | Install; connect a model provider and SolarSENS. | No required app subscription. Model usage may cost extra. | Medium. | OpenAI, Claude, DeepSeek, and other configured providers. |
| DeepSeek Harness (not yet tested) | Install; add a provider key in Settings → Models; configure tools. | Open-source app; model API usage is billed separately. | Medium; still in preview. | DeepSeek plus configured OpenAI, Anthropic, and other providers. |
| Open WebUI (not yet tested) | Use a hosted instance or install a server; connect models and tools. | No required self-hosted app subscription. Hosting and model usage may cost extra. | Low for an existing chat; high to set up the server. | Local models and connected API providers. |
Want an agent that works in a terminal and can do the setup for you? See Connect Claude Code.
Learning curve is our estimate for a new user. A free chat account does not necessarily include a SolarSENS connection. DeepSeek Harness and Open WebUI have not been checked with SolarSENS sign-in.
Platforms
Desktop support and browser access are separate. “Web” can mean a browser connected to a server you run. Mobile apps are outside this comparison.
| Client | Web | Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT |  Web |  Windows ·  macOS |
| Claude | Web | Windows · macOS ·  Linux beta |
| OpenCode | Web interface | Windows · macOS · Linux |
| DeepSeek Harness | Local web interface | Windows 64-bit · macOS Apple silicon |
| Open WebUI | Browser on Windows, macOS, or Linux | Browser interface; server installation required |
Capabilities
Office files means Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Features depend on your plan and enabled tools.
| Capability | ChatGPT | Claude | OpenCode | DeepSeek Harness | Open WebUI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office files | Built in¹ | Built in¹ | Add tools | Bundled skills² | Add tools |
| PDFs & reports | Built in¹ | Built in¹ | Add tools | PDF tools² | Add tools |
| Run Python | Built in¹ | Built in¹ | Install Python | Bundled Python² | Enable code execution |
| Image generation | Built in | Add an image tool³ | Add an image tool | Add an image plugin | Connect an image provider |
| Skills | Plugins → Skills | Customize → Skills | Skill folders | Plugins | Workspace → Skills |
| Local files | Upload or allow a folder | Upload or use Cowork | Project folder | Workspace folder | Upload or Open Terminal |
¹ Enable code and file tools. Access varies by plan and mode; no Microsoft 365 licence is included.
² DeepSeek Harness needs the required file tools. Custom installations can need extra setup.
³ Claude can make charts and diagrams. Photos and illustrations need an external image tool.
Skills guide the model. File creation also needs tools; see each app's guide for settings.
Next: Ask an agent to help you connect.
Sources
Checked 13 October 2026. Features depend on the app version, plan, and settings.
- ChatGPT: MCP access, Work and desktop, file creation, skills, Python, and images.
- Claude: platforms, file creation, skills, and image capabilities.
- OpenCode: platforms, models, skills, and local and external tools.
- DeepSeek Harness: official app, models, Office skills, PDF tools, and a community image plugin.
- Open WebUI: installation and models, skills, file workflows, Python, and images.