In the ever-expanding world of AI chatbots, new tools are launched every day — but only a few manage to truly capture user attention. Chat.z.ai is one of those standout platforms. If you’ve been keeping up with recent trends in AI companions and chat platforms, chances are you’ve come across Z.ai and its conversational interface Chat.z.ai.
Z.ai is part of a broader AI ecosystem focused on delivering advanced, real-time, and emotionally intelligent interactions. Its mission is to enable users to experience natural, free-flowing conversations — without unnecessary limitations. Chat.z.ai acts as the user-friendly layer of this ecosystem, allowing people to engage with AI characters across a wide range of contexts — from casual chats and emotional connections to romantic or fantasy roleplay.
As platforms like Character AI, Janitor AI, and CrushOn AI rise in popularity, Chat.z.ai is carving out its own space — especially among users seeking uncensored, expressive, and deeply personalized conversations.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The key features of Chat.z.ai
- When and how the platform was launched
- Common use-cases where it truly shines
- And a comparison with similar AI chat platforms in the space
If you’re looking for a chatbot experience that feels real, responsive, and open-ended — this article will guide you through everything you need to know about Chat.z.ai.
What is Chat.z.ai?
Chat.z.ai is a next-generation AI chatbot platform developed by Zhipu AI, the company behind the broader Z.ai ecosystem. Designed to enable natural, fluid, and emotionally intelligent conversations, Chat.z.ai serves as a multilingual AI companion that supports both English and Chinese users.
At its core, Chat.z.ai is powered by the GLM (Generative Language Model) — Zhipu AI’s proprietary large language model, built to rival models like GPT and LLaMA. This foundation allows Chat.z.ai to handle complex conversations, understand context, and generate responses that feel more realistic and personalized than traditional AI bots.
The platform allows users to interact with various AI personas or create their own custom characters. Whether you’re looking for emotional support, casual conversation, or engaging roleplay, Chat.z.ai adapts to your preferences using advanced natural language understanding.
In essence, Chat.z.ai is not just a chatbot — it’s a window into Zhipu AI’s vision of emotionally-aware, real-time AI communication.
When Was Chat.z.ai Launched?
Zhipu AI, the company behind Chat.z.ai and the broader Z.ai ecosystem, was established in 2019 in China. Since its inception, the company has focused on building large-scale language models and pushing the boundaries of generative AI.
The foundation of Chat.z.ai lies in Zhipu AI’s proprietary GLM (Generative Language Model) series, which has evolved significantly over time:
- GLM-130B: One of their earlier large-scale models, known for strong performance across multiple languages.
- GLM-4: A major leap forward, offering better reasoning, longer context handling, and more natural dialogue flow.
- GLM-4.5: The most recent version (as of mid-2025), which powers many of Zhipu AI’s real-time chat products, including Chat.z.ai.
While Zhipu AI had been developing AI models and tools for several years, the public launch of Chat.z.ai as an interactive chatbot platform happened in 2025. With this release, Zhipu AI aimed to make its advanced AI capabilities accessible to everyday users around the world, not just developers or enterprise customers.
Key Features of Chat.z.ai
Chat.z.ai offers a diverse set of features that make it stand out in the AI chatbot ecosystem. Whether you’re using it for conversation, productivity, or creative tasks, the platform brings advanced capabilities powered by Zhipu AI’s GLM models.
Here are some of its key features:
1. AI Chat Assistant (Like ChatGPT)
At its core, Chat.z.ai functions as a powerful AI assistant — much like ChatGPT. It can answer questions, hold natural conversations, help with writing, translate languages, and even simulate emotional or fictional dialogues through custom AI personas.
2. AI Slides (Automated PPT Generation)
One standout feature is AI Slides, where users can input a topic and generate structured presentation slides (PowerPoint-style) automatically. This makes it highly useful for students, professionals, and content creators.
3. Multimodal Support
The platform supports multimodal interactions — meaning it can process not only text but also images and possibly audio inputs (depending on future updates). This aligns with the broader trend in AI toward combining visual and textual understanding.
4. Free and Login-Based Access
Chat.z.ai offers both free access and enhanced functionality through login-based accounts. Guests can try many features, while registered users get longer sessions, better continuity, and additional tools like AI Slides and long-form memory.
5. Bilingual Interface: English & Chinese
The interface is available in both English and Chinese, making it accessible to a wide global audience, especially in East Asia where Zhipu AI is based.
6. Long-Context Reasoning
Thanks to the power of GLM-4.5, Chat.z.ai can handle long-context conversations, retaining memory across messages and offering more coherent responses — ideal for storytelling, brainstorming, and in-depth discussions.
GLM-4.5 Model: Z.ai’s Supercharged Brain
At the heart of Chat.z.ai lies GLM-4.5, the latest and most advanced version of Zhipu AI’s proprietary large language model series. This model is the foundation for everything from real-time chat to document creation and AI-powered reasoning on the platform.
1. Performance Benchmarks
GLM-4.5 has shown competitive results in several standard AI benchmarks, often matching or even outperforming popular models like Claude, Grok, and GPT-3.5 in specific areas. According to internal evaluations, GLM-4.5 excels in long-form understanding, multilingual capabilities, and reasoning depth.
2. GLM-4.5 vs Claude/Grok
While Claude by Anthropic focuses heavily on safe and ethical reasoning, and Grok (by xAI) emphasizes real-time and internet-connected answers, GLM-4.5 strikes a balance between accuracy, depth, and freedom of expression — especially in Chinese and English contexts. In tasks requiring contextual memory, logical reasoning, and creative writing, GLM-4.5 holds its own against these models.
3. Coding, Math & Logic Proficiency
GLM-4.5 is equipped with enhanced capabilities in:
- Programming (Python, JavaScript, etc.)
- Math problem solving
- Step-by-step logical reasoning
This makes it suitable not just for casual chats, but also for students, developers, and researchers looking for reliable AI assistance.
4. Token Pricing & API Access
Zhipu AI provides API access to the GLM-4.5 model through its developer portal, allowing integration into third-party apps and tools. Token pricing is generally more affordable than some Western LLM providers, especially for Chinese developers. This competitive pricing structure makes GLM-4.5 a practical choice for startups and enterprises building AI products in the region.
AI Slides: Chat.z.ai’s Killer Tool
One of the standout features of Chat.z.ai is AI Slides — a powerful tool that sets it apart from typical chatbots. Designed for speed and simplicity, AI Slides allows users to instantly generate presentation slides by simply entering a text prompt.
What Is AI Slides?
AI Slides is an automated presentation generation feature within Chat.z.ai. Instead of manually creating a PowerPoint or Google Slides deck, users can just describe a topic in a few words or sentences, and the AI generates a full slide deck with structured content.
How Does It Work?
The process is remarkably simple:
Prompt → Slide Draft → Exportable PPT
- User enters a topic, like “History of AI” or “Marketing Strategies for 2025.”
- Chat.z.ai processes the prompt and breaks it into a multi-slide structure with titles, bullet points, and summaries.
- The slides can be previewed and exported, often in PPTX or similar formats, depending on the platform’s export capabilities.
Real-World Use Cases
AI Slides is especially useful for:
- Students: Instantly generate classroom presentations or project outlines.
- Professionals: Create client pitches, product overviews, or meeting decks in seconds.
- Teachers: Build educational content quickly, with minimal manual effort.
Limitations
While AI Slides is highly convenient, it does have some limitations:
- Design is basic: The focus is on content, not visual flair. Users may need to edit the slides afterward for branding or style.
- Language support: Works best in English and Chinese — performance in other languages may be inconsistent.
- No media embedding: Slides are usually text-based; images or charts need to be added manually.
How to Use Chat.z.ai
Whether you’re a first-time user or just curious about how Chat.z.ai works, this step-by-step walkthrough will help you get started quickly and make the most of its powerful features — especially chat interactions and AI Slides.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official site: chat.z.ai
You can use the platform as a guest (no login required), but for full access to features like long memory, AI Slides, and customization, it’s recommended to create a free account.
Step 2: Choose Your AI Model
After landing on the homepage, you’ll often see options for:
- General Chat Assistant
- AI Slides Generator
- Or custom AI characters created by the community
Select the mode depending on your goal — for normal conversation, go with the chat assistant; for presentation tasks, choose AI Slides.
Step 3: Enter a Prompt
Here are a few sample prompts you can try:
- For chatting:
“Help me prepare for a job interview in tech.”
“Explain the history of World War II in simple terms.” - For AI Slides:
“Create a presentation on digital marketing trends in 2025.”
“Make slides about the water cycle for 8th-grade students.”
Chat.z.ai will respond with either a detailed message or a structured presentation, depending on the mode selected.
Step 4: Exporting AI Slides (PPT)
If you’re using the AI Slides tool:
- Enter your topic prompt.
- The AI will generate multiple slides with headings and content.
- Look for the “Download” or “Export to PPT” button.
- Save the file to your device and edit it further in PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides as needed.
Chat.z.ai vs ChatGPT vs Claude vs Grok: Feature Comparison
With so many AI chat platforms available today, it can be difficult to choose the right one. Here’s a quick comparison of Chat.z.ai with other leading AI models: ChatGPT (by OpenAI), Claude (by Anthropic), and Grok (by xAI).
Feature | Chat.z.ai | ChatGPT | Claude | Grok |
---|---|---|---|---|
Free Access | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
PPT Slides (AI Slides) | Yes | No | No | No |
Coding Support | Medium | High | High | Medium |
Multilingual | Yes (EN + CN) | Yes (many langs) | Medium | Low |
Open-source | Yes (GLM model) | No | No | No |
Key Takeaways:
- Chat.z.ai is the only platform among these that offers automated PPT generation (AI Slides).
- It supports multilingual conversations, especially strong in English and Chinese.
- It uses an open-source foundation (GLM-4.5), giving developers more transparency and integration options.
- For coding-heavy tasks, ChatGPT and Claude may still offer superior accuracy and documentation support.
Is Chat.z.ai Safe to Use? (Privacy & Data Practices)
When using any AI chatbot, data privacy is a major concern. Chat.z.ai addresses this through several key policies and design decisions that focus on user control and security.
1. Compliant with Chinese Data Laws
Chat.z.ai is developed by Zhipu AI, a China-based company, and operates under Chinese cybersecurity and data protection regulations. These laws enforce strict handling of user data within Chinese borders, especially when it comes to AI models and cloud storage.
While this ensures strong regulatory oversight, international users may want to review how Chinese data laws align with their own privacy expectations.
2. No Signup Required for Basic Use
A major advantage of Chat.z.ai is that it allows anonymous access. Users can interact with the chatbot or generate slides without creating an account. This reduces the amount of personal information collected and provides a safer experience for casual or first-time users.
3. Enterprise Data Isolation
For corporate and institutional users, Zhipu AI offers enterprise-grade data isolation. This ensures that any information submitted during usage (such as documents, queries, or code) is kept separate from public models and not used to train future versions of GLM.
This makes Chat.z.ai suitable not just for individuals, but also for businesses concerned about data confidentiality and compliance.
Pros & Cons of Chat.z.ai
Like any AI platform, Chat.z.ai comes with its strengths and trade-offs. Here’s a balanced overview of what it does well — and where it still has room to improve.
Pros
- Free & Easy Access
No signup required for basic use, making it highly accessible for first-time users and casual browsing. - AI Slides: A Unique Feature
The built-in AI Slides tool sets it apart from other chatbots by allowing automated presentation generation from simple prompts. - Multilingual Capability
Strong support for both English and Chinese, making it ideal for bilingual users and international audiences. - Fast Token Speed
Conversations feel quick and responsive, thanks to the optimization of the underlying GLM-4.5 model.
Cons
- Limited English Creativity
While it handles English well, its outputs may feel slightly less nuanced or expressive compared to GPT-4 or Claude in creative tasks. - Chinese UI Elements
Even in the English version, some interface elements may appear in Chinese, which could be confusing for non-Chinese users. - Fewer Integrations
Lacks the plugin, extension, or app ecosystem that platforms like ChatGPT or Claude are beginning to offer.
Use Cases of Chat.z.ai
Chat.z.ai is not just another chatbot — it’s a versatile AI platform with practical applications across different industries and user groups. Thanks to its chat assistant, AI Slides feature, and GLM-powered reasoning, it serves a wide range of purposes:
1. Content Writers
Writers can use Chat.z.ai for:
- Idea generation (blogs, articles, scripts)
- Rewriting or summarizing text
- Multilingual content drafting (English & Chinese)
It offers a quick way to brainstorm or polish drafts without switching between multiple tools.
2. Students & Teachers
- Students can generate presentation slides, summaries, or explanations of difficult topics.
- Teachers can use AI Slides to prepare lessons, quizzes, or teaching outlines in seconds.
This makes it a valuable tool for classroom productivity and study assistance.
3. Business Professionals
Professionals across marketing, sales, and HR can benefit by:
- Creating client-ready presentations quickly
- Writing reports, meeting notes, or product descriptions
- Drafting emails and proposals with speed and clarity
4. Developers (via API Access)
Developers can integrate GLM-4.5 via API for:
- Embedding chatbots in apps or websites
- Building productivity tools or custom AI agents
- Language processing in both English and Chinese environments
The open nature of GLM gives developers flexibility to build scalable AI-powered solutions.
Future Vision of Z.ai
Zhipu AI, the company behind Chat.z.ai, is preparing to become a major player in the global AI race. Here’s what’s ahead:
1. IPO Plans
- Zhipu AI has entered pre-IPO counseling and is expected to go public by late 2025.
- Potential stock listings in Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Hong Kong.
- Estimated valuation: $3–5 billion USD.
2. Ecosystem Expansion
- Expanding globally via Alibaba Cloud partnerships.
- New development and deployment centers in Singapore, UAE, UK, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
- Offering “sovereign AI agents” for regional and government institutions.
3. Open-Source Roadmap
- Released GLM-Z1-Air and GLM-4-Air-0414 under MIT License in April 2025.
- Models offer over 200 tokens/sec speed and efficient costs.
- 2025 declared as “The Year of Open AI” with foundational models and reasoning engines.
4. Strategic Competition with OpenAI
- OpenAI named Zhipu AI as a top Chinese competitor.
- Competing via affordable, open, and localized AI models.
- Gaining traction in public sector and emerging markets.
Conclusion: Should You Use Chat.z.ai?
Chat.z.ai is a powerful and accessible tool in the AI chatbot ecosystem — especially for users looking for a free, fast, and feature-rich platform. But is it the right fit for you?
Who is it perfect for?
- Students and teachers: Need quick presentations or idea summaries? The AI Slides feature is a game-changer.
- Content creators & professionals: Ideal for brainstorming, writing assistance, and multilingual output.
- Developers & tech users: With API access and GLM models, it offers advanced capabilities for coding and integration.
- Bilingual or Chinese-speaking users: Native support for English and Chinese with strong performance in both.
Looking for alternatives?
If you want more plugin support or stronger creative capabilities in English, you might also explore:
- ChatGPT (OpenAI) – Better creativity and integrations
- Claude (Anthropic) – Great for deep reasoning and long-form text
- Grok (xAI) – Suitable for X (Twitter)-based experiences
Final Recommendation
Chat.z.ai is absolutely worth trying — especially since it’s free, doesn’t require login, and offers unique features like AI Slides. If you’re curious about the future of open-source, multilingual AI tools, this is one of the best starting points.
FAQs
What is Chat.z.ai?
Chat.z.ai is a free AI chatbot platform developed by Zhipu AI (Z.ai), powered by the GLM-4.5 language model. It supports English and Chinese and offers tools like AI Slides.
Who created Chat.z.ai?
Chat.z.ai was developed by Zhipu AI, a Chinese AI company established in 2019.
Is Chat.z.ai free to use?
Yes, Chat.z.ai offers free access without login for basic features, including AI chatting and slide generation.
Do I need to sign up to use Chat.z.ai?
No signup is required for basic usage. However, some advanced features may require login.
Does Chat.z.ai support English?
Yes, Chat.z.ai supports both English and Chinese, though its English performance may not be as creative as ChatGPT.
What is the GLM model?
GLM stands for General Language Model, developed by Zhipu AI. The latest version, GLM-4.5, powers Chat.z.ai.
How does Chat.z.ai compare with ChatGPT?
Chat.z.ai is free, supports slide generation, and is based on an open-source model. ChatGPT offers stronger English fluency and more integrations.
Can Chat.z.ai generate PowerPoint slides?
Yes, using its AI Slides feature, you can generate presentations directly from prompts.
How do I create slides using Chat.z.ai?
Type a prompt like “Make a slide deck on climate change”, and the AI will generate slides which you can export as PPT.
Is Chat.z.ai available globally?
Yes, you can access Chat.z.ai from most countries via its website.
What makes Chat.z.ai different from Claude or Grok?
Unlike Claude and Grok, Chat.z.ai offers free slide generation, an open-source model base (GLM), and multilingual support.
Can I use Chat.z.ai for coding help?
Yes, but its coding support is moderate. For advanced code generation, ChatGPT or Claude may perform better.
Is Chat.z.ai good for students?
Yes, students can use it to generate slide decks, get explanations, or brainstorm ideas quickly.
Can I use Chat.z.ai on mobile?
Yes, the Chat.z.ai website is mobile-friendly and accessible via browser.
Is Chat.z.ai safe to use?
Chat.z.ai complies with Chinese data laws and does not require login for basic use, enhancing privacy.
Does it store user data?
There is limited information on data storage, but enterprise users get isolated data environments.
Can I use Chat.z.ai for business purposes?
Yes, professionals can use it for content creation, presentations, and light data analysis.
Is Chat.z.ai open-source?
Zhipu AI’s GLM models are open-source, which adds transparency and flexibility for developers.
How fast is the response time on Chat.z.ai?
Chat.z.ai is relatively fast, especially when using Chinese. English prompts may take slightly longer.
Can teachers use Chat.z.ai for lesson plans?
Yes, teachers can use the AI Slides tool to create quick presentations for their classes.
Is there an API for Chat.z.ai?
Yes, Zhipu AI offers API access for developers to integrate GLM into apps and tools.
What is the GLM-4.5 model?
GLM-4.5 is Zhipu AI’s latest large language model, offering improved performance in logic, math, and coding.
Is Chat.z.ai better than ChatGPT?
It depends. For free multilingual access and slide generation, Chat.z.ai shines. For creativity and integrations, ChatGPT may be better.
Can Chat.z.ai summarize articles?
Yes, you can paste long content and ask for summaries, but quality may vary.
Is there a character limit in prompts?
Chat.z.ai supports long-context reasoning, though the exact token limit is not publicly stated.
Can I use Chat.z.ai for writing essays or blogs?
Yes, but for more creative or nuanced English writing, ChatGPT might offer better output.
Are there any browser extensions for Chat.z.ai?
Currently, there are no major browser extensions or plugins like those offered by ChatGPT.
Is Chat.z.ai good for non-tech users?
Yes, it has a simple interface and no login requirement, making it easy for anyone to use.
Does it support voice or image input?
As of now, Chat.z.ai focuses on text input. Multimodal input may be added in future versions.
Can I use Chat.z.ai for free forever?
The free tier is expected to remain, though premium features may be introduced later.
What are the limitations of Chat.z.ai?
Limited creativity in English, fewer third-party integrations, and a UI that may feel too Chinese-centric for some users.
How does it handle math or logic tasks?
GLM-4.5 performs well on logic and math, similar to Claude and GPT-4.
Does Chat.z.ai support team or enterprise plans?
Yes, Zhipu AI offers enterprise support with enhanced security and data isolation.
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