In short
How they differ.
Worked out from the makers' own pages, read Oct 20, 2026. Prices change; check before you pay.
- Both have a free plan.
- Both run on the same kinds of device (web, phone app).
Side by side
The details.
| Google AI Mode | Qwen | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Google · United States | Alibaba · China |
| What it says it is | “AI Mode is Google’s most powerful AI search experience.” | “With a single command, it can generate a full research report” |
| Free plan | YesNo price for AI Mode itself on the pages read. Gemini 4 Argon in AI Mode is limited to "Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers 18 and above", with daily usage limits. | YesSCMP (2026-08-11): "The Qwen chatbot remains free to use." |
| Plans | Free: freeGoogle AI Plus: $4.99 a monthGoogle AI Pro: $19.99 a monthGoogle AI Ultra: $99.99 a month | Qwen chatbot: freeQwenWork (office assistant): not in US$ |
| Runs on | web, Android, iOS | mobile app, web |
| Latest update | More ways to connect with the web from Search, Oct 15, 2026 | — |
| Its terms | “Google uses people's interactions with Search and these AI experiences”What it does with your data · Google Search Help: AI Mode | — |
| Disputes | None on file | None on file |
| Sources | Prices, Oct 20, 2026 · Description · company-reported | Prices, Aug 11, 2026 · Description · news-reported |
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