Choose Elephas if you want a native Mac app with system-wide AI access, writing assistance everywhere, and automatic integration with your productivity apps.
Choose ChatGPT Projects if you want Custom GPTs, DALL-E image generation, or prefer staying within OpenAI's comprehensive ecosystem.
ChatGPT Projects is OpenAI's answer to organized AI workspaces, letting Plus subscribers create project folders with custom instructions and uploaded files. Elephas takes a different approach as a native Mac app that brings AI assistance system-wide—accessible from any application via keyboard shortcut.
What is Elephas?
Elephas is a personal AI writing assistant built for macOS. It creates a "Super Brain" from your documents across multiple apps and lets you access AI from anywhere on your Mac. The key differentiator is seamless integration with your workflow.
Key characteristics:
Native Mac app with ⌘+Space system-wide access
Integrates with Notion, Obsidian, Apple Notes, web pages
AI writing assistance in any text field
Multiple AI model support (GPT-4, Claude, local models)
Source citations from your documents
What is ChatGPT Projects?
ChatGPT Projects is a feature within ChatGPT (Plus subscription required) that lets you organize conversations into project folders. Each project can have custom instructions that persist and files you upload for context.
Key characteristics:
Web and mobile app access
Project folders with custom instructions
Integration with Custom GPTs ecosystem
DALL-E image generation included
Code interpreter and advanced data analysis
Requires ChatGPT Plus ($20/month)
Feature Comparison
Feature
Elephas
ChatGPT Projects
Platform
Native Mac App
Web + Mobile Apps
System-Wide Access
✓
✗
Custom GPTs
✗
✓
Image Generation
✗
✓ DALL-E
App Integrations
Notion, Obsidian, etc.
Manual upload
Code Interpreter
✗
✓
Multiple AI Models
✓ GPT-4, Claude, local
OpenAI only
The Ecosystem Difference
ChatGPT Projects gives you access to OpenAI's entire ecosystem—Custom GPTs, DALL-E, code interpreter, and web browsing. If you need these capabilities, ChatGPT is the only option.
System-Wide vs. Tab-Based
Elephas fundamentally changes how you interact with AI by making it available everywhere. No switching to browser tabs—just invoke from wherever you are. This reduces friction dramatically for users who need quick AI assistance while working.
Pricing Comparison
Elephas
$9.99/month
✓ All features included
✓ Use your own API keys
→ $99 lifetime option available
ChatGPT Projects
$20/month (Plus)
✓ Full OpenAI ecosystem
✓ DALL-E included
→ Team plan available
Who Should Use Each Tool?
Choose Elephas If You...
Use a Mac as your primary computer
Want AI assistance available system-wide
Need writing help across different applications
Use Notion, Obsidian, or Apple Notes
Want flexibility with multiple AI providers
Prefer a more affordable option
Choose ChatGPT Projects If You...
Need Custom GPTs for specialized tasks
Want DALL-E image generation
Need code interpreter/data analysis
Work across multiple devices/platforms
Already have ChatGPT Plus subscription
Want the full OpenAI ecosystem
🧠 Before You Decide: Consider This Complement
While ChatGPT Projects optimize how you launch apps, there's a gap neither fills: managing the knowledge you accumulate across all your tools.
Elephas takes a different approach — instead of launching apps, it creates an AI-powered "Super Brain" from your documents. Every answer cites YOUR files, not internet guesses. It's the perfect complement to whichever launcher you choose.
⚡
System-Wide Access
⌘+Space from any app to query your knowledge base.
📎
Cites Your Sources
Every answer links to the actual document. No hallucinations.
🔗
Syncs Your Apps
Connects to Notion, Obsidian, Apple Notes automatically.
Best for:Knowledge workers managing multiple projectsUsers who want AI that knows their context
Best for daily workflow. System-wide access. Native Mac experience. More affordable.
WINNER FOR ECOSYSTEM
ChatGPT Projects
Best for OpenAI ecosystem. Custom GPTs. Image generation. Code interpreter.
For Mac-centric users focused on daily productivity, Elephas is the clear winner. The system-wide access means AI is always one shortcut away, and the price is significantly lower.
For users who need OpenAI's full ecosystem, ChatGPT Projects is irreplaceable. Custom GPTs, DALL-E, and code interpreter are unique capabilities you can't get elsewhere.
Many power users combine both—using Elephas for quick, daily AI tasks and ChatGPT for specialized work requiring Custom GPTs or image generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elephas better than ChatGPT Projects?
For Mac users wanting system-wide AI access, Elephas is better. ChatGPT Projects excels if you need Custom GPTs, DALL-E image generation, or prefer the OpenAI ecosystem.
Can ChatGPT Projects access my documents?
Yes, you can upload files to ChatGPT Projects. However, Elephas integrates directly with Notion, Obsidian, and other apps—no manual uploading required.
Does Elephas support GPT-4?
Yes! Elephas supports multiple AI models including GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, Claude, and even local models. You can use your own API keys for maximum flexibility.
Can I use both together?
Absolutely! Many users use Elephas for quick daily tasks and ChatGPT Projects for specialized work requiring Custom GPTs or DALL-E. They complement each other well.
