Rafomac News, Tech & Trends That MatterBuilt-in browsers in AI tools have become serious game changers, but how does the newly launched Claude CoWork browser measure against ChatGPT Work’s established feature? The answer isn’t clear-cut, but the differences are worth a close look.
Different Access Points Set Them Apart
Although Claude CoWork and ChatGPT Work both offer built-in browsers on their desktop apps, how you access these browsers couldn’t be more different. ChatGPT Work lets you pull up the browser anytime from a side panel—even when starting a fresh chat—making it quick to dive into web surfing. Claude CoWork, on the other hand, requires you to first initiate a task—anything as simple as saying “hi” works—before unlocking the browser. For users wanting instant access, ChatGPT Work clearly wins in convenience.
Speed Tests Reveal Claude’s Edge
When it comes to opening websites, Claude consistently loads faster. For instance, in a test searching Amazon for hiking backpacks designed for small dogs under $100, Claude completed the task in about a minute, beating ChatGPT Work’s 1 minute 22 seconds. Interestingly, ChatGPT Work’s performance depends heavily on which AI model is selected. While its default model took nearly 7 minutes in initial tests, switching to a faster option called Terra brought it closer to Claude’s pace—though Claude still maintained better speed overall.
Task Handling: Claude Goes the Extra Mile
More practical tests highlight impressive intelligence in Claude’s browser. When asked to fill out a form with given info, Claude completed it seamlessly in about 30 seconds. ChatGPT Work struggled here, often requiring human input for final steps or outright refusing to submit the form. The most telling test was asking both to order a pair of back-ordered shoes but to avoid pre-orders. ChatGPT Work quickly gave up, citing availability delays. Claude, in contrast, suggested alternative options including buying from a UK store with immediate shipping or waiting for a later shipment—combining thoroughness with speed.
Browsing Features: ChatGPT Has the Upper Hand
Despite Claude’s advantages in speed and deeper task completion, ChatGPT Work edges it in overall browsing experience. ChatGPT Work supports multiple tabs, shows browsing history, and has autofill plus a password manager. Claude lacks visible history and autofill, making navigation feel more manual and less polished. Additionally, typing in ChatGPT means handy autocomplete suggestions for URLs and search terms, while Claude demands full inputs. Even text clarity favors ChatGPT, which appears sharper and more readable than Claude’s slightly fuzzy display. Simple shortcuts like zooming with keyboard commands work only in ChatGPT.
When Speed Meets Usability
Both browsers serve as capable AI companions and functional web browsers, but each leans toward different priorities. Claude impresses with fast web tasks and a problem-solving approach, while ChatGPT Work delivers a more user-friendly and familiar browsing feel. The choice depends on what matters more: quick, intelligent responses or a smoother, feature-rich browser.
For those wanting to see these browsers in action and tap into their browsing power, exploring tutorials dedicated to ChatGPT’s browser features can provide extra insights that carry over to Claude CoWork as well.
