New YouGov BrandIndex data finds ChatGPT is the most preferred AI tool among U.S. generative AI users, while Gemini posts the biggest increase in Preference
New York, NY, August 6, 2026—ChatGPT leads U.S. AI brand Preference among recent generative AI users, according to YouGov’s new U.S. AI brand rankings. The rankings examine which tools Americans prefer using, which brands have built momentum in 2026, and how perceptions differ across measures including accuracy and the impact AI tools have on how people work, think or feel.
Key findings include:
- ChatGPT leads AI brand Preference: Among U.S. adults who have used generative AI in the past 30 days, 33.7% say ChatGPT is the AI tool they prefer using most. Gemini ranks second at 18.2%, followed by Microsoft Copilot (8.2%), Apple’s Siri (7.7%) and Anthropic’s Claude (6.1%).
- Gemini posts the biggest Preference gain: Gemini’s Preference score increased 6.8 percentage points between February and July 2026, the largest gain among eligible AI brands. Copilot rose by 3.0 points and Claude gained 0.8 points.
- ChatGPT remains well ahead despite a decline: ChatGPT’s Preference score was 5.9 points lower in July than in February, but it continues to lead the category by a wide margin.
- AI preferences differ by type of worker: ChatGPT’s Preference score is 10.9 points higher among knowledge workers than frontline and operational workers. Claude is preferred by 7.1% of knowledge workers compared with 1.9% of frontline and operational workers.
- Voice assistants show stronger Preference among frontline workers: Siri is preferred by 10.3% of frontline and operational workers compared with 4.8% of knowledge workers. Alexa records a similar pattern, at 6.0% and 3.9%, respectively.
- ChatGPT and Gemini also lead on perceptions of accuracy: ChatGPT records an Accuracy Net score of 30.3, followed by Gemini at 25.3 and Claude at 14.4.
- ChatGPT also leads on perceived personal impact: ChatGPT records a Personal Impact Net score of 35.3, measuring whether people see the tool as having a positive or negative effect on how they work, think or feel. Gemini follows at 25.9 and Copilot at 18.4.
“ChatGPT remains the clear leader among U.S. generative AI users, but these rankings show just how quickly the competitive landscape is evolving,” said Tom Fisher, Chief Commercial Officer, YouGov. “Gemini has built significant momentum in a relatively short period of time, while Claude performs strongly on perceptions of accuracy despite lower awareness. Different types of AI tools are also resonating with different audiences. For brands competing in this space, it is increasingly important to look beyond awareness and usage to understand which tools consumers actually prefer. The brands that earn trust for accurate information and are seen as having a positive impact on the lives of consumers will earn market share over time.”
Methodology
The analysis is based on YouGov BrandIndex data collected in the U.S. from February 1 to July 31, 2026. The primary ranking measures Preference among U.S. adults who have used generative AI in the past 30 days. The movers analysis compares July 2026 with February 2026. Accuracy and Personal Impact are Net scores calculated by subtracting the share of negative responses from the share of positive responses. YouGov BrandIndex tracks 18 AI brands in the U.S.; the published rankings focus on consumer-facing, general-purpose AI assistant tools.
The worker comparison uses two audience groupings. Knowledge workers include: Nurse, Physician or Surgeon, Dentist, Other Health-related professional, Network Manager, Software Developer or Computer Programmer, Systems Administrator, Other IT professional, Accountant, Commercial or Investment banker, Financial or business analyst, Investment or financial advisor, Retail or personal banker / loan officer, Other Finance professional, Compensation or benefits professional, Recruiter, Trainer or professional development, Other HR Professional, Sales person / Account Executive, Sales support / Account Manager, Other Sales or Sales support role, Architect, Artist, graphic artist, visual design specialist, Attorney or Lawyer, Engineer, Executive Assistant / Administrative Assistant, Management Consultant, Market researcher, Scientific researcher, Teacher or Professor, Writer or journalist, Commissioned officer, Veterinarian, Marketing and related disciplines (PR / Brand / Insight etc.), Media Agency Professional (e.g. buyer/planner), and Insurance Agent.
Frontline and operational workers include: Caregiver, Call center professional, Sales associate / sales clerk / cashier, Clerk, Cook / chef, Driver (e.g., truck, bus, taxi), Food service waitstaff, Security guard, Trade specialist (e.g., Carpenter, Plumber, Electrician, Pipefitter), Non-commissioned officer, Enlisted, Police officer, corrections officer, or other law enforcement, Hairdresser, and Craftsman.
See the full U.S. AI Brand rankings here.
About YouGov
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