Google AI Studio or the Gemini app: which should I use, and is AI Studio free?

What I'm trying to do

Google has the Gemini app and also Google AI Studio, and both seem to let me chat with Gemini. What's the actual difference?

Is AI Studio free to use, and is there a catch? I just want to know which one to use for normal stuff, and which one if I start building something.

Pick by what you're making.

• Google AI Studio: Google's AI plans page describes it as a place to prototype, experiment and build with its Gemini models. The free Gemini Developer API tier includes Google AI Studio access, with input and output tokens at no cost and limited access to certain models.


• The Gemini app: Google describes it as a personal, proactive and powerful AI assistant. Google AI Plus, Pro and Ultra each raise your usage above the free level.

Reply with what you're making (everyday chat and writing, or something you'll build on) and which one you tried.