Which Claude?
Claude isn't just a chatbot — it's a family of tools. Here's what each one does and when to use it.
At a Glance
Five tools, one AI brain. Here's the quick comparison.
| Tool | What it does | Best for | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claude Chat | Conversational AI | Questions, writing, brainstorming | Web, Desktop, iOS, Android |
| Claude Code | Builds with your files | Creating apps, websites, tools | Web, Desktop, Terminal |
| Cowork | Autonomous desktop agent | Research, writing, data, working across your apps | Desktop App (Mac & Windows) |
| Dispatch | Mobile-to-desktop tasks | Starting work on-the-go | iOS + Mac |
| Computer Use | Controls your screen | Automating desktop apps | Desktop App (Mac & Windows, research preview) |
Claude Chat
The one most people know. Ask questions, get answers — like a conversation with a very knowledgeable friend.
What it does
Claude Chat is the conversational AI at claude.ai. You type a question, Claude answers. It can help with writing, brainstorming, explaining concepts, summarizing documents, and more.
- Available on the free tier (limited usage) or any paid plan
- No access to files on your computer
- Works on web, desktop app, and mobile
Use this when... you need a quick answer, want help writing something, or need to brainstorm ideas. Think of it as your smart assistant for everyday questions.
Claude Code
The builder. Describe what you want, and Claude creates real files on your computer — apps, websites, tools, and more.
What it does
Claude Code works with files on your computer. You describe a project in plain English, and it creates everything you need — HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more. It asks permission before every change, and you review and guide the process.
- Available in the Desktop App (Code tab), on claude.com, or in the terminal
- Requires a Pro subscription ($20/month) or higher
- Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux
Heads up — Code is the most technical of the bunch. If you want to build software (a website, an app, a tool), this is the right place. If you want Claude to do work for you across the apps you already use — research, writing, data, email — start with Cowork instead.
Use this when... you want to build something — a website, an app, a dashboard, a tool. If your goal is to create software, not just get work done, Claude Code is where you start.
Cowork
An autonomous agent that works alongside you on your computer — researching, writing, analyzing data, and getting things done across the apps you already use.
What it does
Cowork is a tab in the Claude Desktop App that can work autonomously on non-coding tasks. Give it a research topic, a writing assignment, customer follow-ups to draft, or a data summary, and it works independently — connecting to your existing apps and services to get things done.
- Works with Google Docs, Gmail, Notion, Slack, spreadsheets, and dozens more
- Can run tasks in the background while you do other work
- No terminal, no code — describe the task in plain English
- Requires the Claude Desktop App (Mac or Windows) and a Pro/Max plan
Best fit for most small business owners and operators. If you'd rather Claude help you get your work done than learn to build software, Cowork is the place to start. See our Cowork guide for examples and setup.
Use this when... you need help with non-coding work — researching a topic, drafting documents or emails, organizing customer data, summarizing a folder of files, or running a task across several apps at once. Think of it as a quietly capable assistant that already knows how to use your tools.
Dispatch
Start a task from your phone, and Claude runs it on your Mac at home. Like texting your computer a to-do list.
What it does
Dispatch lets you assign tasks to Claude from your iPhone while you're away from your computer. You pair your phone with your Mac using a QR code, and then you can send tasks that Claude executes on your desktop — like asking it to research something, organize files, or prepare a document.
- Pair your iPhone with your Mac via QR code in the Claude app
- Send tasks from anywhere — Claude runs them on your computer
- Results are ready when you get back to your desk
Availability note: Dispatch requires an iPhone paired with a Mac running the Claude Desktop App. Not available on Windows or Android yet.
Practical example
You're on the train and remember you need to research competitors for a meeting tomorrow. Open Claude on your phone, type "Research the top 5 competitors in our market and put a summary in a Google Doc." By the time you get home, the doc is ready on your Mac.
Use this when... you think of something while you're away from your computer and want Claude to get a head start before you're back at your desk.
Computer Use
Claude can see your screen and control your mouse and keyboard — automating tasks in apps that don't have direct integrations.
What it does
Computer Use gives Claude the ability to see what's on your screen and interact with any application — clicking buttons, typing text, and navigating menus just like a person would. It's a fallback for when there's no direct integration: if Claude can't connect to an app through an API, it can still use the app by looking at it and clicking around.
- Works with any desktop application — no special integration needed
- Claude sees screenshots of your screen and decides what to click
- Available in the Claude Desktop App on Mac and Windows
Research preview: Computer Use works, but it's slower and less reliable than direct integrations. Think of it as the "last resort" when nothing else can connect to the app you need. Available on Mac and Windows for Pro and Max subscribers.
Use this when... you need Claude to interact with an app that doesn't have a direct integration — filling out forms, navigating legacy software, or automating repetitive clicking tasks.
Which One Should I Use?
It depends on what you're trying to do. Here are four common scenarios.
"I want Claude to do work across my apps"
Use Cowork. Research, drafting, customer follow-ups, summaries, data tasks — give it a job and let it work. Best fit for most small business owners.
See the Cowork guide →"I need a quick answer or help writing"
Use Claude Chat. It's the fastest way to get help with questions, writing, and brainstorming — no setup required.
Open Claude →"I want to build an app, website, or tool"
Use Claude Code. Describe what you want, and it creates the files. More technical — best when your goal is building software.
Get started →"I'm away from my computer but need to start a task"
Use Dispatch. Send a task from your phone and Claude runs it on your Mac — the result is waiting when you get home.
iPhone + MacYou don't have to pick just one
Most people use several Claude tools depending on the situation. You might use Chat for a quick question, Code to build a project, and Cowork to research something — all in the same day. Start with whichever one matches your most pressing need, and explore the others as you get comfortable.