You may remember Claude with separate Chat and Cowork options. Anthropic is gradually bringing both interfaces together. In accounts on the new Claude experience, you can start a larger task in the same conversation. Some accounts still show separate Chat and Cowork options for now. Choosing an alternative now depends less on the Cowork name and more on the work you need to do.
For research, documents, and spreadsheets, first check what Claude can already do on your account. Another app is most useful when you need a different model provider, want to run local models, or work on software projects. Anthropic's overview of the unified Claude experience explains why options can still look different across accounts.
Choose based on your workflow
Before subscribing or sharing files, answer three questions:
- Where should the task run? A cloud task can continue while your device is closed. Access to local files or apps may require Claude Desktop to stay open. Other tools handle access differently in desktop and cloud modes.
- Which interface do you want? A terminal and code repository fit development tools. A graphical desktop app may feel easier to start with, but permissions and data flows still need review.
- Who processes the inputs? Prompts and possibly selected file contents go to the model provider. A local model can change that data path, but it does not automatically mean the entire app runs locally.
Claude may already cover the task
Anthropic describes the new Claude experience as one conversation for both questions and larger tasks. On supported accounts, Claude can research, work with supplied files, and create documents, presentations, or spreadsheets. The rollout is not identical for every account, and plan and workspace settings can affect availability.
Cloud tasks can keep running after you close Claude. If a task needs files or apps on your computer, Claude Desktop must stay open. Anthropic says new Cowork tasks on Pro and Max plans have run in the cloud since October 6, 2026. Existing local tasks that started on desktop before that date remain separate. Its current guide to web, desktop, and mobile describes the differences.
Alternatives for different needs
Claude Code for development
Claude Code is Anthropic's environment for software development. It fits when you work in a repository and want to review changes in a terminal, editor, or Claude Desktop. It is another Claude interface with a development focus, not an independent provider or a direct replacement for every office task.
ChatGPT Work for research and finished files
ChatGPT Work is OpenAI’s more direct alternative for longer research, analysis, and finished outputs such as documents, spreadsheets, presentations, or reports. OpenAI offers Work on the web and mobile to eligible plans. Access in the desktop app depends on your plan and workspace. Connected Google Workspace files and Excel also have their own requirements, so check availability and connected apps in your account.
Codex for software projects with OpenAI
Codex is the development environment in the ChatGPT desktop app. OpenAI describes it as a tool for writing and reviewing code, running tests, and working with repositories. OpenAI's current comparison also supports using Codex for research, documents, and presentations. Its interface shows more technical details, such as file changes and shell commands. Work is the intended starting point when your main goal is a finished office file.
Factory for development across desktop and team workflows
Factory Desktop is aimed at software teams that want agents to create and review changes and other work products. Factory lists documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and code diffs as previews in the app, and describes connections to developer services. Check permissions and plan availability with the provider before connecting team data.
OpenWork for a desktop app with provider choice
OpenWork describes an open-source desktop app for macOS, Windows, and Linux. According to the provider, it can work with cloud and local model providers. OpenWork says files stay on your device in desktop mode and prompts go directly to the selected model provider. This is a provider statement, not an independent audit of your installation. Cloud features and model providers have their own data flows.
OpenCode for developers who want to configure providers
OpenCode is a development tool that its documentation says supports more than 75 model providers and local models. You connect a provider and select a model for your project. This gives you choice, but also means you need to manage credentials, endpoints, and configuration carefully. Selecting a local model alone says nothing about telemetry or other network connections made by the rest of the software.
How to decide
- For multi-step office tasks with Claude, check whether your account has the unified Claude experience and what file access the task needs.
- For software development with Claude, compare Claude Code with the repository and editor workflow you want.
- For longer research, analysis, and finished office files with OpenAI, check ChatGPT Work, your plan availability, and any required connections.
- For software development with OpenAI, check Codex and its features on your account and workspace.
- For a desktop app with model-provider choice, look at OpenWork and compare its desktop and cloud features.
- For configurable development workflows, OpenCode documents many cloud providers and local models, with more setup required.
Start with one concrete task and non-confidential sample files. Check which files the app reads, whether content goes to a cloud provider, and what confirmation it asks for before making changes. Product names alone cannot answer those questions.
Sources
- Anthropic: Chat and Cowork are becoming one Claude experience
- Anthropic: Cowork on web, desktop, and mobile
- OpenAI: Documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with ChatGPT Work
- OpenAI: ChatGPT Work and Codex
- OpenAI: Codex app
- Factory: Desktop
- OpenWork: Product and desktop data handling
- OpenCode: Providers and models
